Foregut: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:18, 21 February 2025

The anterior part of the alimentary canal in vertebrates

Diagram of a human embryo, showing the foregut.

The foregut is the anterior part of the alimentary canal in vertebrates, from the mouth to the duodenum. It is one of the three primary divisions of the gut, the others being the midgut and hindgut.

Development[edit]

The foregut develops from the endoderm of the embryo. During the early stages of embryonic development, the foregut forms as a result of the folding of the embryo, which creates a tube-like structure. This tube will eventually differentiate into various organs and structures.

Anatomy[edit]

The foregut includes several important structures:

The esophagus, which is a muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.
The stomach, which is a hollow organ that aids in digestion by secreting gastric juices.
The duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach.
The liver, which is a large organ that processes nutrients and detoxifies harmful substances.
The gallbladder, which stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver.
The pancreas, which produces enzymes that aid in digestion and hormones such as insulin.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the foregut is to initiate the process of digestion. It is responsible for the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food, beginning in the mouth and continuing in the stomach. The foregut also plays a role in the absorption of nutrients and the regulation of digestive processes.

Clinical significance[edit]

Disorders of the foregut can lead to various medical conditions. Some common foregut-related disorders include:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (esophagus).
Peptic ulcer disease, which involves the development of sores in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine.
Pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas.

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|Anatomical region of the digestive system}}
+{{Short description|The anterior part of the alimentary canal in vertebrates}}
+{{Anatomy}}
-The '''foregut''' is the anterior part of the [[alimentary canal]] in the [[embryo]], from which the [[pharynx]], [[esophagus]], [[stomach]], and the proximal part of the [[duodenum]] develop. It is one of the three primary divisions of the [[gut tube]], the others being the [[midgut]] and [[hindgut]].
+[[File:Gray27.png|thumb|right|Diagram of a human embryo, showing the foregut.]]
+The '''foregut''' is the anterior part of the [[alimentary canal]] in [[vertebrates]], from the [[mouth]] to the [[duodenum]]. It is one of the three primary divisions of the [[gut]], the others being the [[midgut]] and [[hindgut]].
 ==Development==
-The foregut develops from the [[endoderm]] of the [[embryo]] and is initially a simple tube. As the embryo grows, the foregut undergoes significant differentiation and specialization to form the upper parts of the [[digestive system]].
+The foregut develops from the [[endoderm]] of the [[embryo]]. During the early stages of embryonic development, the foregut forms as a result of the folding of the embryo, which creates a tube-like structure. This tube will eventually differentiate into various organs and structures.
-===Pharynx===
-The pharynx is the most cranial part of the foregut and is involved in both the respiratory and digestive systems. It connects the nasal and oral cavities to the [[larynx]] and [[esophagus]].
-===Esophagus===
-The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It is responsible for transporting food and liquids to the stomach through peristaltic movements.
-===Stomach===
-The stomach is a hollow organ that plays a key role in digestion. It secretes [[gastric acid]] and enzymes to break down food, and its muscular walls help in mixing and churning the food.
-===Duodenum===
+==Anatomy==
-The duodenum is the first part of the [[small intestine]] and is where the foregut transitions into the midgut. It receives partially digested food from the stomach and continues the digestive process with the help of [[bile]] and [[pancreatic juice]].
+The foregut includes several important structures:
-==Blood Supply==
+* The [[esophagus]], which is a muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.
-The foregut is primarily supplied by the [[celiac trunk]], a major branch of the [[abdominal aorta]]. The celiac trunk gives rise to several arteries, including the [[left gastric artery]], [[splenic artery]], and [[common hepatic artery]], which supply blood to the stomach, spleen, liver, and other organs derived from the foregut.
+* The [[stomach]], which is a hollow organ that aids in digestion by secreting gastric juices.
+* The [[duodenum]], which is the first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach.
+* The [[liver]], which is a large organ that processes nutrients and detoxifies harmful substances.
+* The [[gallbladder]], which stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver.
+* The [[pancreas]], which produces enzymes that aid in digestion and hormones such as insulin.
-==Clinical Significance==
+==Function==
-Disorders of the foregut can lead to various medical conditions. Some common foregut-related conditions include:
+The primary function of the foregut is to initiate the process of digestion. It is responsible for the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food, beginning in the mouth and continuing in the stomach. The foregut also plays a role in the absorption of nutrients and the regulation of digestive processes.
-* [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD)
+==Clinical significance==
-* [[Peptic ulcer disease]]
+Disorders of the foregut can lead to various medical conditions. Some common foregut-related disorders include:
-* [[Esophageal cancer]]
-* [[Stomach cancer]]
-==Imaging==
+* [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (esophagus).
-[[File:Upper GI series.jpg|thumb|right|An upper GI series showing the stomach and duodenum.]]
+* [[Peptic ulcer disease]], which involves the development of sores in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine.
-Imaging techniques such as [[endoscopy]], [[barium swallow]], and [[CT scan]] are commonly used to diagnose and evaluate conditions affecting the foregut.
+* [[Pancreatitis]], which is inflammation of the pancreas.
 ==Related pages==