Gross Anatomy of Colon, Stomach, Liver, Duodenum, and Pancreas

What is the primary function of the colon in the digestive system?

Which organ is responsible for controlling the emptying of food into the small intestine?

Which organ is considered the largest internal organ in the human body?

What is the shape of the duodenum that connects the stomach to the rest of the small intestine?

Which organ is responsible for mixing and starting the digestion of food?

What is the main role of the pancreas in the digestive system?

The duodenum is the first part of the ______

The duodenum extends from the c-shaped curve of the ______ to the hilum of the spleen

The duodenum consists of three parts - superior, vertical, and ______

The duodenum is lined by simple columnar epithelial cells called ______ cells

Several ducts extend throughout the duodenum, emptying the contents of the ______ into the small intestine

The pancreas is a glandular organ located behind the ______ and in front of the spine

The pancreas serves both exocrine and ______ functions

The exocrine pancreas makes up about 98% of the pancreatic tissue and is composed mainly of serous acinar glands, also known as ______ acini

The secretory units of the exocrine pancreas produce digestive enzymes for the ______ intestine

The duodenum has a rich blood supply and is innervated by the ______ ganglion

Gross Anatomy of the Colon, Stomach, Liver, Duodenum, and Pancreas

In the human body, the colon, stomach, liver, duodenum, and pancreas play integral roles in the digestive system. Let's explore their respective gross anatomies and their connections within this complex system:

Colon

The colon, also known as the large intestine, is a 5-6 ft inverted U-shaped section of the gastrointestinal tract. It is responsible for processing waste by extracting water and electrolytes while forming stool. The colon can be further broken down into several sections: the ecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon.

Stomach

The stomach, located in the upper left side of the abdomen, is a J-shaped organ responsible for mixing and starting the digestion of food. Its emptying is controlled by the pylorus, a ring of smooth muscle that relaxes and contracts to allow food to pass out of the stomach.

Liver

The liver, the largest internal organ in the body, performs numerous vital functions, including metabolism, detoxification, and bile production. It releases bile into the small intestine, contributing to the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats.

Duodenum

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, connecting the stomach to the remaining small intestine. It measures approximately 25 cm in length and is shaped like a C or a horseshoe. The duodenum receives bile from the liver via the common bile duct and pancreatic enzymes from the pancreas via the main pancreatic duct, both entering the duodenum at the hepatopancreatic ampulla.

Pancreas

The pancreas is located in the upper back of the abdomen behind the stomach and is partially enclosed by the duodenum. It serves two primary functions: the exocrine function, producing digestive enzymes that are released into the small intestine via the main pancreatic duct, and the endocrine function, releasing hormones into the bloodstream.

Each of these organs works together to form the intricate structure and function of the digestive system.

Explore the gross anatomies of the colon, stomach, liver, duodenum, and pancreas in the human digestive system. Learn about the functions and structures of these vital organs, as well as their connections within the digestive process.