Midgut

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(′mid′gət)

(embryology) The middle portion of the digestive tube in vertebrate embryos. Also known as mesenteron.
(invertebrate zoology) The mesodermal intermediate part of an invertebrate intestine.


Midgut
Illu small intestine.jpg
The midgut and hindgut.
Latin mesenteron
Carnegie stage 10
Precursor Mesenchyme
Code TE E5.4.7.0.0.0.2

The midgut is the portion of the embryo from which most of the intestines develop. After it bends around the superior mesenteric artery, it is called the "midgut loop". It comprises the portion of the alimentary canal from the end of the foregut at the opening of the bile duct to the hindgut, about two-thirds of the way through the transverse colon.

Contents

Structures in the adult midgut

Vascular, lymphatics and innervation

Arterial supply to the midgut is from the superior mesenteric artery, an unpaired branch of the aorta. Venous drainage is to the portal venous system. Lymph from the midgut drains to prevertebral superior mesenteric nodes located at the origin of the superior mesenteric artery from the aorta. Portal drainage carries all non-lipid nutrients from digestion to the liver for processing and detoxification, while lymphatic drainage carries fatty chyle to the cisterna chyli. Autonomic innervation of the midgut is from the superior mesenteric plexus.

Clinical notes

  • Malrotation of the midgut during development can lead to volvulus.
  • Pain in the midgut is referred to the umbilical region (around the umbilicus (belly button)).

See also

External links


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