The Gastrointestinal Tract

Overview

The gastrointestinal tract processes food from ingestion to excretion and occupies much of the abdominal cavity. This section introduces the structure and organisation of its main components, highlighting their roles in digestion and absorption.

Key Structures

Topics cover the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, appendix, caecum, colon, rectum and anal canal, with emphasis on anatomical relationships, vascular supply and functional adaptations.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

Understanding GI anatomy is vital for evaluating abdominal pain, obstruction, inflammatory disease and gastrointestinal bleeding. It supports interpretation of imaging and planning of endoscopic or surgical interventions.

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Posterior view of the oesophagus highlighting thoracic vasculature.

The Oesophagus

Diagram illustrating the parts of the stomach.

The Stomach

An anatomical diagram showing the divisions of the small intestine: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

The Small Intestine

Illustration of the cecum, showing its blind end inferiorly and connection to the ascending colon superiorly.

The Cecum

The Appendix

The Colon

Diagram of the superior rectal artery, illustrating its anatomical position and supply to the upper rectum.

The Rectum

Illustration of the internal and external anal sphincters in the anal canal.

The Anal Canal

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Diagram illustrating the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve, highlighting its origin at the distal wrist and its innervation of the lateral palm skin.
Encyclopaedia

Palmar Cutaneous Branch of the Median Nerve

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Illustration of the superficial muscles of the back, highlighting their anatomical positions.
Encyclopaedia

Levator Scapulae

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Diagram illustrating the circumflex scapular artery passing through the triangular space into the posterior scapular region.
Anatomical Areas

The Triangular Space

by Dr Oliver Jones