Gastrointestinal Tract Anatomy and Function

Study Notes

The gastrointestinal tract, also known as the alimentary canal, is a tube that runs through the body and is responsible for digesting food and absorbing nutrients.
It starts in the oral cavity and ends at the anus.
The gastrointestinal tract is lined with many layers of muscles, including circular and longitudinal muscles.
The muscles contract in a coordinated fashion using peristalsis to move the contents of the tract along.
The gastrointestinal tract contains a large number of bacteria that help in the digestive process.
The gastrointestinal tract is divided into the small intestine and the large intestine.
The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs. It has a large surface area due to circular folds and finger-like projections called villi.
The large intestine is primarily responsible for water and salt resorption, as well as the formation of feces.
The large intestine consists of the cecum, colon, and rectum.
The colon is divided into the ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon.
The rectum stores feces until it is ready to be expelled through the anus.
The gastrointestinal tract is controlled by the enteric nervous system, which is often referred to as the "gut brain."
The gastrointestinal tract has its own blood supply, which is derived from the aorta and its branches, the Celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and inferior mesenteric artery.
The Celiac trunk supplies blood to the foregut, which includes the esophagus and stomach.
The superior mesenteric artery supplies blood to the midgut, which includes the small intestine and ascending colon.
The inferior mesenteric artery supplies blood to the hindgut, which includes the transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and upper part of the rectum.

Description

Test your knowledge of the anatomy and function of the gastrointestinal tract, also known as the alimentary canal. Learn about the different parts of the tract, its role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and the enteric nervous system.