Viscera (heart, lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract)
Duodenum
Duodenum
- Origin
- C-shaped loop beginning at the pylorus (L1) wrapping around the head of the pancreas; divided into four parts (superior, descending, horizontal, ascending)
- Insertion
- Ends at the duodenojejunal flexure (L2 level) anchored by the ligament of Treitz, transitioning into the jejunum
- Function
- Neutralizes gastric chyme, receives bile and pancreatic enzymes via the major duodenal papilla (ampulla of Vater) for nutrient breakdown, and absorbs iron and calcium
- Innervation
- Celiac and superior mesenteric plexuses; parasympathetic vagal fibers
- Movement & chain
- Segmental mixing and propulsive peristalsis
- Palpation
- Deep epigastric and right upper quadrant palpation
- Clinical
- Duodenal ulcer (most common in the duodenal bulb; pain relieved by food), superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome causing duodenal obstruction, periampullary tumors presenting with painless jaundice.
- Segmental innervation
- T8-T10 spinal levels
- In clinical practice
- Pre- and post-ERCP nursing care, monitoring for post-procedural pancreatitis, administration of acid-suppressive therapy
- Region in the model
- Viscera (heart, lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract)