Foregut: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:32, 18 February 2025

Anatomical region of the digestive system

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.

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.

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

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.

Blood Supply

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.

Clinical Significance

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

Imaging

File:Upper GI series.jpg

An upper GI series showing the stomach and duodenum.

Imaging techniques such as endoscopy, barium swallow, and CT scan are commonly used to diagnose and evaluate conditions affecting the foregut.

Related pages

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-'''Foregut''' is the anterior part of the embryonic alimentary canal or gut in vertebrates, including humans. It develops into the upper part of the digestive system, specifically the [[esophagus]], [[stomach]], and the initial portion of the [[duodenum]] (up to the opening of the bile duct), as well as into the respiratory tract. The foregut is a vital component in the early development of the digestive and respiratory systems and is essential for the proper formation of the associated organs.
+{{Short description|Anatomical region of the digestive system}}
+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]].
 ==Development==
-During embryogenesis, the human digestive tract is initially divided into three parts: the foregut, [[midgut]], and [[hindgut]]. The foregut begins at the buccopharyngeal membrane and extends to the midgut, which starts at the entrance of the bile duct into the duodenum. The division of the embryonic gut into these segments is crucial for the proper development of the digestive system.
+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]].
+===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.
-The development of the foregut is regulated by various genetic and molecular signals that ensure the proper formation of the organs that arise from it. These include the esophagus, which develops into a muscular tube connecting the throat with the stomach; the stomach, which becomes a sac-like organ involved in digestion; and the proximal part of the duodenum, which plays a key role in the further digestion of food.
+===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.
-Additionally, the foregut gives rise to the respiratory tract, including the [[larynx]], [[trachea]], and [[lungs]], through a process known as bronchopulmonary foregut development. This process is characterized by the budding and branching of the lung buds from the ventral wall of the foregut.
+===Duodenum===
+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]].
+==Blood Supply==
+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.
 ==Clinical Significance==
-Abnormalities in the development of the foregut can lead to various congenital conditions, such as [[esophageal atresia]], [[tracheoesophageal fistula]], and [[congenital diaphragmatic hernia]]. These conditions can affect breathing, digestion, and overall health, requiring medical intervention shortly after birth.
+Disorders of the foregut can lead to various medical conditions. Some common foregut-related conditions include:
-==Associated Structures==
+* [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD)
-The foregut also gives rise to several other important structures, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and the thyroid gland. These organs develop from the endodermal lining of the foregut through a series of complex differentiation and morphogenetic processes.
+* [[Peptic ulcer disease]]
+* [[Esophageal cancer]]
+* [[Stomach cancer]]
-==Treatment and Management==
+==Imaging==
-Management of foregut-related congenital conditions often involves surgical intervention to correct anatomical abnormalities. The specific approach depends on the nature and severity of the condition. Advances in prenatal diagnosis and surgical techniques have significantly improved the prognosis for affected individuals.
+[[File:Upper GI series.jpg|thumb|right|An upper GI series showing the stomach and duodenum.]]
+Imaging techniques such as [[endoscopy]], [[barium swallow]], and [[CT scan]] are commonly used to diagnose and evaluate conditions affecting the foregut.
-==See Also==
+==Related pages==
-* [[Gastrointestinal tract]]
+* [[Midgut]]
+* [[Hindgut]]
+* [[Digestive system]]
 * [[Embryology]]
-* [[Congenital disorder]]
+[[Category:Digestive system]]
 [[Category:Embryology]]
-[[Category:Digestive system]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}
-= Foregut =
-<gallery>
-File:Foregut_Gray27.png|Foregut Gray27
-File:Digestive_system_showing_bile_duct.svg|Digestive system showing bile duct
-</gallery>