Structure + Fnc of Upper GI Flashcards
In the stomach, food is churned in the presence of digestive juices to generate a semi-fluid mass of partially digested food called chyme which leaves the stomach via the_____ and enters the duodenum
pylorus
Chyme leaves the stomach via the pylorus and enters the duodenum where it encounters
pancreatic digestive enzymes and bile from the liver
is completed in the small intestine, and digestive products are absorbed.
Digestion
The liquid residue enters the _____ where water is absorbed. As water is absorbed, the residue becomes solid generating fecal material that is collected in the rectum.
large intestine
• Initially _______ muscle action in the oral cavity and upper 1/3rd of the esophagus moves food into the alimentary canal.
voluntary
_______muscle action (peristalsis) takes over after the upper 1/3 of the esophagus to propel the food and products of digestion through the remainder of the GI tract.
Involuntary
• Four tunics define separate functional layers in the GI system:
• Mucosa • Submucosa • Muscularis externa • Adventitia / Serosa
The mucosa consists of three distinct tissue layers.
epithelium lamina propria muscularis mucosae
major site of mucosal function, varies in type depending upon function; stratified squamous or simple columnar
epithelium (part of mucosa)
loose connective tissue that supports the epithelium, which is rich in lymphatic and blood capillaries and contains lymphocytes and plasma cells
Lamina propria (part of mucosa)
- thin layer of smooth muscle required for local movements of the mucosa and folding of the mucosa
Muscularis mucosae (MM)
Layer of loose collagenous and adipose tissue that supports the mucosa. Contains large blood vessels and lymphatic vessels
Submucosa
What is present in the submucosa?
Mucous-secreting glands present in SM of esophagus and duodenum Nervous tissue; submucosal (Meissner’s) plexis (PG, parasympathetic ganglia) Control muscularis mucosae movement, blood flow and gland secreation
mixes luminal contents and propels contents along GI tract
Muscularis externa
Muscularis externa (ME) surrounds the submucosa with a thick layer of smooth muscle except in the
esophagus and anal sphincter, which also contain skeletal muscle
How is the muscularis externa arranged?
as an inner circular layer and outer longitudinal layer; responsible for peristalsis.
What kind of nervous tissue resides in the muscularis externa?
Myenteric (Auerbach’s) plexus resides between the muscle layers, and it controls peristalsis.
What protects the GI tract?
adventitia/serosa; outermost covering of GI tract
– loose connective tissue layer surrounding the GI tract located outside of the peritoneal cavity.
Adventitia
simple squamous epithelium (mesothelium) along with connective tissue covers the GI tract within the peritoneal cavity
Serosa
What is the purpose of the epithelial component in the adventitia/serosa?
secretes serous fluid to lubricate the interface between the visceral and parietal peritoneum allowing movement of the GI tract organs
Enteric nervous system - “the second brain” is composed of _______ neurons and is a division of the ______ system but can operate independent of the brain and spinal cord
~ 100 x 10 to the 6th neurons autonomic nervous system
What can regulate the enteric NS besides the brain and sp cd?
hormones secreted by enteroendocrine cells
Enteric neurons mediate their action through the standard repertoire of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators found in the brain including
acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.



