Vascular Supply of the Abdomen

The rectum and anal canal are the most terminal parts of the lower GI tract/large intestine that form a functional unit and control defecation. Fecal incontinence can occur if this function is disturbed. Fecal continence is maintained by several important anatomic structures including rectal folds, anal valves, the sling-like puborectalis muscle, and internal and external anal sphincters. Peristaltic waves within the rectal muscularis, involuntary relaxation of the internal anal sphincter (controlled by the ANS), and voluntary relaxation of the external anal sphincter (controlled by the cerebral cortex) are essential for defecation to occur. The rich plexus of veins surrounding the anal canal can develop into hemorrhoids if dilated.

The stomach is a muscular sac in the upper left portion of the abdomen that plays a critical role in digestion. The stomach develops from the foregut and connects the esophagus with the duodenum. Structurally, the stomach is C-shaped and forms a greater and lesser curvature and is divided grossly into regions: the cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus. On a microscopic level, the stomach wall has several layers, including a mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. The stomach is filled with glands that secrete a variety of substances involved in the digestive process. The arterial supply to the stomach is primarily from vessels originating from the celiac trunk.

The small intestine is the longest part of the GI tract, extending from the pyloric orifice of the stomach to the ileocecal junction. The small intestine is the major organ responsible for chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients. The small intestine is divided into 3 segments: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. Like the entire GI tract, the walls of the small intestine have several layers: an inner absorptive mucosal layer (which is made up of an epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosa) and submucosal, muscular, and serosal layers. The arterial supply to the small intestine is via branches of the superior mesenteric artery, and veins drain into the hepatic portal system. The small intestine is innervated by the ANS.

The esophagus is a muscular tube-shaped organ of around 25 centimeters in length that connects the pharynx to the stomach. The organ extends from approximately the 6th cervical vertebra to the 11th thoracic vertebra and can be divided grossly into 3 parts: the cervical part, the thoracic part, and the abdominal part. The wall of the esophagus is made up of 4 primary layers: mucosa (lined with squamous epithelium), submucosa, a thicker muscularis layer, and an outer layer of connective tissue. The esophagus also has a sphincter at each end, which allows it to help control the passage of food into the stomach.

The large intestines constitute the last portion of the digestive system. The large intestine consists of the cecum, appendix, colon (with ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid segments), rectum, and anal canal. The primary function of the colon is to remove water and compact the stool prior to expulsion from the body via the rectum and anal canal. The colon also contains many mucus-secreting glands to lubricate the stool passing through it. The colon receives its blood supply from colic branches of the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, which form an important anastomosis along the transverse colon. The colon is regulated by the ANS and receives both sympathetic (inhibitory) and parasympathetic (stimulatory) input.

The liver is the largest gland in the human body. The liver is found in the superior right quadrant of the abdomen and weighs approximately 1.5 kilograms. Its main functions are detoxification, metabolism (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, hormones), nutrient storage (e.g., iron and vitamins), synthesis of coagulation factors, formation of bile, filtration, and storage of blood. The liver can be divided into 4 lobes or 8 segments. Microscopically, it is divided into hepatic lobules. Its main neurovascular bundle is found within the transverse fissure of the liver, also called the porta hepatis.