Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Flashcards

Which structure guards the outlet of the stomach, regulating chyme entry into the duodenum?

Answer: Pyloric sphincter

The pyloric sphincter is a thickening of circular smooth muscle at the gastroduodenal junction that controls the rate of gastric emptying.

The left gastric vein (coronary vein) drains into which vessel?

Answer: Portal vein

The left gastric vein drains directly into the portal vein and is clinically important because it communicates with esophageal veins — a site of portosystemic anastomosis.

Which of the following correctly describes the position of the stomach's cardia?

Answer: Left of the midline at T11

The cardia (gastroesophageal junction) lies to the left of the midline at the level of T11, just below the esophageal hiatus.

Brunner's glands, which secrete alkaline mucus to protect against acid chyme, are located in which layer of the duodenum?

Answer: Submucosa

Brunner's glands are submucosal glands found predominantly in the first and second parts of the duodenum, distinguishing it histologically from the jejunum.

The celiac trunk arises from the abdominal aorta at which vertebral level?

Answer: L1

The celiac trunk arises from the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta at the level of L1 and immediately branches into the left gastric, splenic, and common hepatic arteries.

Which plexus of Auerbach regulates the muscular contractions of the GI wall?

Answer: Myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus

The myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus lies between the inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layers and primarily controls GI motility.

Intrinsic factor, essential for vitamin B12 absorption, is secreted by which gastric cell type?

Answer: Parietal cells

Parietal cells secrete both HCl and intrinsic factor; intrinsic factor binds B12 in the stomach and the complex is absorbed in the terminal ileum.