Large Intestine

Where does the large intestine extend to and from?

Ileocecal junction to the anus

How long is the large intestine?

1.5 meters

What is the primary function of the LI?

convert liquid contents of ileum into semisolid feces by absorbing water

What is the primary vitamin abosrbed in the LI?

Vitamin K (blood clotting)

What are the three parts of the large intestine?

Cecum, appendix, and colon

What is the blind pouch below the ileocecal junction?

Cecum

Where does the cecum lie?

Within the right illiac fossa

What is the narrow muscular tube which contains lymphoid tissue in its walls?

Appendix

T/F: the position of the appendix is variable.

True

What are the top two most common positions of the appendix?

1. Retrocecal

2. Pelvic

What is the most common intra-abdominal inflammatory condition in the world?

Appendicitis

Where does appendicitis pain typically localize to?

Right lower quadrant

Which parts of the colon are retroperitoneal?

Asending and descending colon

What parts of the colon lie within the peritoneal cavity and are attached to the posterior body wall by the transverse and sigmoid mesocolon?

Transverse and sigmoid colon

T/F: The appendix and cecum are retroperitoneal.

False - intraperitoneal

What are the three narrow longitudinal bands of muscle seen most prominently in the cecum and acending colon?

Taeniae coli

What are the sacculations or outpouchings of the colon?

Houstra of colon

What are the small masses of fat which are covered with visceral peritoneum, and which extend from the colon?

Omental appendices

What are the terminal portions of the large intestine?

Rectum and anal canal

What is the condition with herniations of the mucosa of the colon through the muscular layer, without inflammation?

Diverticulosis

T/F: Diverticulosis is caused by inflammation.

False - no inflammation!

Where does diverticulosis occur most commonly?

Sigmoid colon

If the diverticulum becomes inflammed, what is the condition called?

Diverticulitis

What is the term for severe inflammation and ulceration of the rectum and lower colon?

Ulcerative colitis

How does the bowel appear radiographically with ulcerative colitis?

Constricted - tear drop deformity

What is another name for spastic colon?

Irritable bowel syndrome

T/F: IBS involves recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea with no inflammation or deterioration in health.

True

What are the 12-15 arteries which branch and anastomose within the mesentery to form a series of arcades?

Jejunal and ileal arteries

What artery supplies the ascending colon?

Right colic artery

What artery supplies the transverse colon?

Middle colic artery

What is the anastomotic channel which runs from the cecum to the sigmoid colon?

Marginal artery

T/F: All branches of the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries empty into the marginal artery.

True

What are the straight terminal branches from the marginal artery to the large intestine?

Vasa recta

What is a complete occlusion of an intestinal vessel by lipid plaque?

Bowel infarction

What is the fatality rate of a transmural bowel infarction?

95%

What is the innervation of the left third of the transverse colon to upper part of anal canal?

Autonomic fibers from inferior mesenteric plexus and hypogastric plexus (lowest part)