Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Flashcards
7 cards from real Anatomy Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Upper Gastrointestinal Tract flashcards as text
Which layer of the esophageal wall is responsible for peristaltic contractions in the upper third?
Answer: Skeletal muscle
The upper third of the esophagus contains skeletal muscle that enables voluntary initiation of swallowing.
What is the anatomical term for the junction between the esophagus and the stomach?
Answer: Gastroesophageal junction
The gastroesophageal junction (cardia) is where the esophagus meets the stomach and is the site of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Which arterial branch primarily supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach?
Answer: Left gastric artery
The left gastric artery, a branch of the celiac trunk, is the primary supply to the lesser curvature of the stomach.
The duodenum is divided into four parts; which part crosses the vertebral column?
Answer: Third (horizontal) part
The third (horizontal) part of the duodenum crosses the midline at the level of L3, passing anterior to the aorta and IVC.
Which structure passes through the hepatoduodenal ligament alongside the portal vein and hepatic artery?
Answer: Common bile duct
The hepatoduodenal ligament (free edge of the lesser omentum) contains the portal vein, hepatic artery proper, and common bile duct — together called the portal triad.
What type of epithelium lines the body of the esophagus?
Answer: Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
The esophagus is lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, which resists the abrasion of food boluses.
The angle of His (esophagogastric angle) contributes to which functional mechanism?
Answer: Prevention of gastroesophageal reflux
The acute angle of His between the esophagus and fundus acts as a flap-valve mechanism that helps prevent reflux of gastric contents.