Question

describe the anatomy of the upper gastrointestinal tract (from esophagus to the duodenum?

Answer 1

Upper gastrointestinal tract consists of mouth, pharynx, Esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Here we will discuss about Esophagus, stomach and duodenum.

Esophagus: It is the muscular tube connecting the throat with stomach. It is about 8 inches long and lined by mucosa. It runs behind trachea and heart and Infront of spine. It crosses the diaphragm before entering into the stomach.

Upper esophageal sphincter ( UES) is a bundle of muscles at the top of esophagus. They are used for sending food and secretions down the windpipe and used under the voluntary control. Lower esophageal sphincter ( LES) is a bundle of muscles at the lower end of esophagus where it meets the stomach. It is not under voluntary control and closed preventing the acid and stomach contents going back from stomach.

Stomach: It is a muscular J shaped organ, in the upper part of the abdomen. It is important for digestive system.

It is divided into 5 regions.

Cardia is the first part of the stomach below the esophagus.

Fundus is the rounded area lying left of the cardia and below the diaphragm.

Body is the largest and main part , where food is mixed and starts to break down.

Antrum is the lower part, holds the broken down food until it is released into small intestine.

Pylorus is the last part of the stomach that connects to the small intestine.

Duodenum: It is the first section of small intestine and the principle site of iron absorption. It is the smallest part of small intestine preceding jejunum and ileum. It is a hollow jointed tube of 10 to 15 inches long, connecting the stomach to jejunum. It begins with duodenal bulb and ends at the suspensory muscle of duodenum. There are 4 parts of duodenum.