Question

a)_Discuss the small intestine and include one usual abnormal finding

Answer 1

Small intestine is the longest part of Gastrointestinal tract measuring of 5 - 6 metre long in adults. The first 22 cm is the duodenum, the next 2 metres is the Jejunum and the remainder is Ileum. Plicae circulares is the circular fold of mucous membrane lining the entire inner wall of small intestine. They are the permanent ridges that donot lose their elasticity when distended.

Intestinal villi are the finger like projections seen in microscopic examination. They increase the surface area of intestine to increase the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Each villus has It's projections known as microvilli which inturn is covered by brush border. All these circular folds, villi and microvilli generally increase the surface area by about 600 times efficiently creating a interface for kmdigestion and absorption.

One of the usual abnormal finding here is the Obstruction. Obstruction is of partial or complete and mechanical or Functional. Mechanical due to adhesions due to surgery, tumor, inflammation, volvulus, intussusception. Functional due to loss of propulsive ability by bowel due to surgery or in association with peritonitis, spinal fractures, Hypokalemia. Clinical features associated are vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte depletion and gas distention in intestine.

Therapeutic strategies include by removing the mechanical obstruction, supportive therapy, electrolyte replacement and decompression of the bowel with tubes.