Gastrointestinal System

©1996 University of Kansas Medical Center

Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology

Learn the "Geography" of the GI Tract...

Esophagus

• Stratified Squamous Epithelium
• Upper Third (skeletal muscle in muscularis externa)
• Middle Third (skeletal and smooth muscle)
• Lower Third (smooth muscle)

Stomach

• No Goblet Cells
• "Feathery" Fundus (glands>pits)
• "Pudgy" Pylorus (pits>glands)

Duodenum

• Villi and crypts
• Goblet Cells
• Submucosal Glands (Brunner's)

Jejunum / Ileum

• Villi and crypts
• Goblet Cells
• No Submucosal Glands

Colon

• Crypts only (no villi)
• Numerous Goblet Cells

Gall Bladder

• No Goblet Cells
• May appear villus-like, but no crypts distinguishes from intestines.
• Simple Columnar Epithelium