ANATOMY HISTOLOGY PRACTICAL OF

THE HINDGUT

Lecturer: Prof Kasonde Bowa

Position: Professor
Course: BMHA121
Delivery: Semester 1 Practical 2
Topic: Gastrointestinal Anatomy(The Hindgut )
Subseries: 1

Practical Outline

1.Objectives
2.Practical
3.Questions
4.Report

1.0Learning Objectives

1.Knowledge- To demonstrate the key Microscopic Anatomy features of the Hindgut mainly
fo the key structures namely the Appendix,the Colon, the Rectum and the Anus.

2.Skills- to describe and identify key parts of the hindgut and demonstrate their key
microanatomical features.

3.Attitudes- to demonstrate commitment ,punctuality, discipline and hard work in this

practical exercise
Practical

Introduction

The Hindgut is the third part of the Gastrointestinal tract(GIT).It starts at the transverse
colon 2/3 of the way from the hepatic flexure(the where the ascending colon becomes the
transverse colon) or the Liver bend of the colon. It consists of the 1/3 of the transverse colon,
the descending colon, the sigmoid colon , the rectum and the anus. The function of the
hindgut is the absorption of fluid and electrolytes. It also stores and periodically expels
stool( the process of stool expulsion is called defecation) .It is rich in bacteria which help in
the digestive process. The blood supply is from the inferior mesenteric artery a branch of the
Aorta at L3.

This Practical

This practical focuses on the Hindgut and its organs. In this practical you will work on the
Histology of the Appendix, the Colon, the Rectum and the Anus. The function of the Hindgut
is the processing and disposal of waste material. This is reflected in the microscopic
appearance of the Hindgut. The digestive and absorptive function of the epithelium declines
as one moves from the Midgut to the Hindgut. The waste material also becomes harder and
contains more toxic materials. Given this the epithelium losses it glands as well as the Villi
which improve absorption. There is an increase in the lymph follicle volume in the
submucosa. You will follow the epithelium as it undergoes these changes. There you will
note that the Epithelium becomes smaller in width, it contains much more mucous producing
goblet cells. In addition by the end at the Anus it changes from Columnar Epithelium to
Stratified Squamous Epithelium. You will see the inner circular smooth muscle and the otter
longitudinal smooth muscle which is responsible to propel the waste out. In each of the 4
layers of the Hindgut gut you will see the changes that distinguish it from the midgut.

Special features
You should look out for the crypt of Libeurkuhn which become more shallow and have only
goblets cells in their wall.You will also see that unlike the Small bowel a large portion of the
Colon has a lining of Adventita rather than Serosa.The serosa is a single layer of simple
squamous epithelium, while adventita is a wide layer of connective tissue.

Before you start revise the key anatomy features found in the last practical.

Activity 1 Examine the Histology of the Hindgut

Listen to the demo posted. Identify the the appendix(including its blood supply the
appendicular artery), ileocaecal junction, the Rectum and the Anus.

a. Identify the miscroscopic features of the Appendix and Ileocaecal junction

b. Explain why Appendix has so much submucosal lymph follicles
c. Expalin why the Colon losses its villi and why it has so many goblet cells
d. Recognize the Ano rectal junction and explain the function in relation to the microscopic
changes

Revise the key elements of your practical. By doing the following

a. Identify the Appendix, the ileocaecal junction and the Colon
b. Identify the Anal rectal junction

Collect the lab demo on this from the whats app group site.Use additional materials to
do the report and upload it on MOODLE.