Duodenum
The bleed is upper if it arises above the ligament of Treitz (oesophagus, stomach, duodenum).
What our notes say
- The bleed is upper if it arises above the ligament of Treitz (oesophagus, stomach, duodenum). (Upper gastrointestinal bleeding)
- Upper GI endoscopy is performed with biopsies taken of the duodenum, and on microscopic examination show absence of villi, increased surface intraepithelial lymphocytes, and hyperplastic appearing crypts. (Gastrointestinal and liver — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- On upper GI endoscopy, there are no esophageal or gastric lesions, but there are broad, flattened villi in the duodenum. (Gastrointestinal and liver — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Gastric emptying is the process by which the stomach empties its contents (chyme) into the duodenum through the pyloric sphincter. (END YEAR PP1 & PP2 2025 Physiology: MCQs for Medical School Exams)
- It is tightly regulated to ensure the duodenum receives chyme at a rate it can process. (END YEAR PP1 & PP2 2025 Physiology: MCQs for Medical School Exams)
- Ferrous iron is more soluble and absorbed more efficiently than ferric (Fe³⁺) in the duodenum/proximal jejunum. (Hematopathology MCQs & Essays: MBChB Exam Revision Guide)
Study material on Duodenum
- Comprehensive Guide to Nutrient Digestion and Absorption
- MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY II ESsays
- LECTURE 7: GI tract Hormones
- Secretions of the Small Intestine and Their Control
- Parasitic Protozoa
- END YEAR PP1 & PP2 2025 Physiology: MCQs for Medical School Exams
- GIT Physiology Exam Questions
- Medical Physiology Pp2 Year 2
- Gastrointestinal and liver
- Master First-Year Anatomy: Must-Know Essays & Key Concepts
- Abdomen and Pelvis Anatomy MCQs
- Weekly Year 2: GIT Physiology Exam - April 3, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Year 2: GIT Physiology Exam - April 17, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Year 2: GIT Physiology Exam - April 10, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Year 2: GIT Physiology Exam - March 27, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Year 2: GIT Physiology Exam - March 13, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
Images
Practice questions on Duodenum
Brunner’s glands in the duodenum primarily secrete:
- A. digestive enzymes.
- B. hydrochloric acid.
- C. alkaline mucus.
- D. intrinsic factor.
Answer: C. Brunner’s glands are located in the submucosa of the duodenum and secrete a thick, alkaline mucus. This mucus helps to neutralize the acidic chyme entering from the stomach and protect the duodenal mucosa from acid erosion. Digestive enzymes are primarily pancreatic or brush border; HCl and intrinsic factor are gastric secretions.
**With regard to the duodenum, which is NOT true?**
- the duodenal cap has plicae circulares which are often evident on x-ray
- the third part may be compressed by the superior mesenteric artery
- the second part lies at level of 2nd lumbar vertebra in cadavers
- the duodenal cap lies upon bile duct, hepatic artery and portal vein
- the accessory pancreatic duct opens into it proximal to the ampulla of Vater
Answer: A. ** The duodenal cap (first part of duodenum) is characteristically smooth and lacks plicae circulares. --- ---
**With regard to the duodenum:**
- it is wholly retro-peritoneal
- it lies wholly inferior to gallbladder
- the third part overlies the superior mesenteric vessels
- the second part projects slightly behind the right renal hilus
- the head of pancreas is wholly contained within its c-shaped loop
Answer: E. ** Part of the pancreatic head and the uncinate process extend beyond the duodenal C-loop. --- ---
**The first part of the duodenum:**
- lies at the level of L2 in the supine body
- is approximately 10cm long in the adult
- partially overlies the right crus of the diaphragm and psoas muscle
- is entirely retroperitoneal
- receives the common opening of the bile duct on its posteromedial wall
Answer: C. ** The first part of the duodenum lies at L1 and is related posteriorly to the right crus and psoas. --- ---
**The relations of the THIRD part of the duodenum include:**
- the hilum of the right kidney
- the attachment of the transverse mesocolon
- the inferior pole of the right kidney
- the superior mesenteric vein
- the portal vein
Answer: D. ** The third part of the duodenum is crossed anteriorly by the superior mesenteric vessels. --- ---
With regard to the duodenum, which is NOT true?
- It is the first and shortest part of the small intestine.
- It receives bile from the liver and pancreatic juice from the pancreas.
- Its entire length is retroperitoneal.
- The major duodenal papilla is the site where the common bile duct and main pancreatic duct enter.
Answer: C. While the majority of the duodenum is retroperitoneal, the first part (duodenal bulb) is intraperitoneal.