PH - WEEK 15 - Abdominal Cavity and GI Tract

A collection of flashcards summarizing key concepts related to the abdominal cavity and gastrointestinal tract for exam preparation.

What is the superior boundary of the abdominal cavity?

The diaphragm.

What forms the inferior boundary of the abdominal cavity?

The pelvic inlet.

What structures form the lateral boundaries of the abdominal cavity?

Inferior ribs, L1–L5 vertebrae, and abdominal muscles.

What are the two layers of superficial fascia in the abdominal wall?

Camper’s fascia (fatty) and Scarpa’s fascia (membranous).

Name the three main abdominal muscle layers.

External oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis.

What layer lines the abdominal cavity wall?

The parietal peritoneum.

Name two GI organs in the abdominal cavity.

Stomach and intestines.

What endocrine/digestive organs are found in the abdominal cavity?

Liver, gallbladder, pancreas.

Which organ in the abdominal cavity is part of the immune system?

The spleen.

What is the peritoneum?

A serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering many organs.

What is the difference between parietal and visceral peritoneum?

Parietal lines cavity walls; visceral covers the organs.

What is the function of peritoneal fluid?

Lubrication, immune defense, and allowing organ movement.

What is ascites?

Accumulation of peritoneal fluid in the abdominal cavity.

What defines an intraperitoneal organ?

It is almost entirely enclosed by visceral peritoneum.

Give an example of an intraperitoneal organ.

The stomach.

What defines a retroperitoneal organ?

It is located behind the peritoneum.

What is the SAD PUCKER mnemonic used for?

To remember the retroperitoneal organs.

List the retroperitoneal organs (SAD PUCKER).

Suprarenal glands, Aorta/IVC, Duodenum (2nd & 3rd parts), Pancreas (except tail), Ureters, Colon (ascending/descending), Kidneys, Esophagus, Rectum.

What is a mesentery?

A double layer of peritoneum anchoring organs to the posterior wall.

What does the small intestine mesentery do?

Suspends most of the small intestine.

What is the transverse mesocolon?

A mesentery that connects the transverse colon to the posterior wall.

What is the greater omentum?

A large fold of peritoneum hanging from the stomach over the intestines.

What is the lesser omentum?

A fold of peritoneum connecting the liver and stomach.

What are the hepatogastric and gastrocolic ligaments?

Hepatogastric: liver to stomach; Gastrocolic: stomach to duodenum.

What is the greater sac of the peritoneal cavity?

The main compartment, extending from diaphragm to pelvic cavity.

Where is the lesser sac (omental bursa) located?

Behind the stomach and lesser omentum.

What divides the greater sac?

Into supracolic and infracolic compartments.

What is the rectovesical pouch?

A space between the bladder and rectum in males.

What are the two female peritoneal pouches?

Vesico-uterine (bladder–uterus) and recto-uterine (uterus–rectum).

Name the main parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, anus.

Name the accessory digestive organs.

Teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas.

What is the main function of the GI tract?

Digestion and absorption of nutrients.

What are the four main histological layers of the GI tract?

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa.

What are the three components of the mucosa layer?

Epithelium, lamina propria, muscularis mucosae.

What is found in the submucosa?

Connective tissue, glands, and the enteric nervous system.

What muscles make up the muscularis externa?

Circular and longitudinal smooth muscle layers.

What is the function of the serosa layer?

Secretes fluid to reduce friction; it is the outermost layer.

Which of the following is a retroperitoneal organ? Kidneys, Stomach or Liver

Kidney

What describes the function of the mesenteries in the human body?

They suspend and support the organs within the abdominal cavity and provide a pathway for blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.

The peritoneal cavity:

Contains serous fluid that reduces friction between organs

The epiploic (omental) foramen allows communication between:

The greater and lesser sacs of the peritoneal cavity

Which histological layer of the GI tract contains Meissner’s plexus (submucosal plexus)?

submucosa

True or False: The visceral peritoneum is also known as the serosa layer of the organs in the GI tract (stomach and intestine)

True

Which of the following best describes the muscularis externa of the small intestine?

Inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layers

What is the greater omenta attached to?

greater curvature of the stomach

Which of these is the superior delimitation of the abdominal cavity: Diaphragm, Liver, or sternum?

Diaphragm

True or False: Retroperitoneal organs are those which are completely covered by visceral peritoneum

False