creation date: 2026-08-01 16:23
tags: Anatomy & Physiology


Gastrointestinal Tract

Background

Anatomy

Organs

The retroperitoneal organs are summarized by the mnemonic SADPUCKER:

  • Suprarenal glands
  • Aorta and IVC
  • Duodenum
  • Pancreas
  • Ureters
  • Colon (ascending and descending)
  • Kidneys
  • Esophagus
  • Rectum

Mesentery

The ventral mesentery disappears after embryonic development except for:

  • Falciform ligament (middle of anterior liver) - stabilizes the liver
  • Lesser omentum (stomach and liver)

Histology

The GI tract is made up of the:

  • Mucosa
    • Epithelium
    • Lamina propria
    • Muscularis mucosae
  • Submucosa
    • Mucularis externa (inner is circular, outer is longitudinal)
  • Serous / adventitia
    • Visceral peritoneum (not for adventitia)

Physiology

Digestion

Absorption

References

Tools / Guidelines

Additional Reading