Gastrointestinal Anatomy Quiz

The first part of the small intestine, a short and wide C-shaped segment connected to the stomach.

The middle part of the small intestine, with longer villi and thinner walls, responsible for most nutrient absorption.

The final part of the small intestine, connecting to the large intestine, responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes.

The first part of the large intestine, resembling a pouch, where the small intestine meets the large intestine.

A small, finger-like projection extending from the cecum, often mistaken for an early sign of appendicitis.

The longest part of the large intestine, divided into four sections (ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid), responsible for water absorption and waste compaction.

The final straight section of the large intestine, storing waste before elimination.

The terminal part of the digestive tract, opening to the outside where waste exits the body.

Small pouches formed by the inner circular muscle layer of the colon, giving it a segmented appearance.

Small, fatty projections on the outer surface of the large intestine.

Three distinct bands of longitudinal smooth muscle running along the large intestine.

The first part of the large intestine, connected to the ascending colon.

The junction between the ileum (small intestine) and the cecum (large intestine).

A blind intestinal diverticulum containing masses of lymphoid tissue.

The fixed part of the GI tract that follows the sacrococcygeal curve, forming several flexures.

The terminal part of the GI tract, connecting the rectum to the outside of the body.

The small intestine is located within the abdominal cavity and is attached to the posterior wall by a double-fold of peritoneum called the mesentery proper.

The mesentery proper serves as a pathway for blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics to reach the small intestine.

Circular folds, also known as plicae circulares, are prominent in the jejunum, become less prominent in the proximal ileum, and are absent in the distal ileum. These folds increase the surface area of the small intestine for better absorption.

The jejunum is characterized by having the largest area for secretion and absorption compared to other segments of the small intestine.

Villi are finger-like projections of the mucosa in the small intestine. Their epithelial lining is composed of simple columnar cells, including enterocytes and goblet cells.

Microvilli are microscopic projections on the apical surface of enterocytes. They further increase the surface area of the small intestine for efficient nutrient absorption.

Crypts of Lieberkühn, or intestinal glands, are invaginations of the mucosa. They are lined with Paneth cells, which are antimicrobial cells that contribute to innate immunity.

Brunner glands (BG) are compound tubular mucous glands found in the duodenum. They secrete alkaline mucus that neutralizes the acidic chyme from the stomach, helping to protect the duodenum.

The region of the intestine where the vasculature and nerves lie outside of the intestinal wall, found below the pectinate line.

The region of the intestine where the vasculature and nerves lie inside the intestinal wall, found above the pectinate line.

The main artery supplying the small and large intestine, branching into various arteries supplying specific segments of the intestine.

Arterial connection between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), providing collateral blood flow in case of blockage.

The most common area of colonic ischemia due to poor collateral blood supply.

Connections between the portal vein and systemic venous system, allowing blood to bypass the liver in cases of portal hypertension.

The part of the autonomic nervous system that stimulates digestion by increasing motility, secretion, and relaxing sphincters.

The part of the autonomic nervous system that inhibits digestion by decreasing motility, reducing secretions, and contracting sphincters.

A state where the gastrointestinal tract is not functioning as intended, leading to conditions like GERD, Pyloric Stenosis, Biliary reflux, Fecal Incontinence, or Constipation.

The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) generally inhibits gastrointestinal secretions and motor activity, causing contraction of sphincters and blood vessels in the gut.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) typically activates digestive processes, stimulating gastrointestinal secretion and motor activity.

A circular muscle that controls the flow of material between different segments of the digestive tract.

GI sphincters help regulate the flow, segmentation, and timing of digestive processes, ensuring that each section of the gut has optimal conditions for digestion and absorption.

GI sphincters prevent reflux, protecting the digestive tract from damage.

GI sphincters are essential for continence and the voluntary control of defecation.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.