Anatomical References of the Digestive Tube

Tracto Digestivo Alto

The fundus of the stomach should be inspected using the J maneuver (retroflexion) during endoscopy, as recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology 1
The body and antrum of the stomach are examined in anterograde view, and the incisura angularis is visualized in retroflexion, according to the American Gastroenterological Association 2
The ligamento de Treitz (duodenojejunal junction) marks the distal limit of the upper digestive tract, and its abnormal position indicates intestinal malrotation, as stated by the American College of Radiology 3, 4, 5, 6

The middle digestive tract is defined as the segment between the ligamento de Treitz and the ileocecal valve, representing approximately 5-10% of gastrointestinal bleeding events, according to the Radiological Society of North America 7
The ligamento de Treitz marks the beginning of the jejunum and the proximal limit of the middle small intestine, as indicated by the American College of Radiology 3, 7, 6
The ileocecal valve marks the transition between the terminal ileum and the cecum, defining the distal limit, as stated by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation 8, 7
The length of the small intestine is critical in surgery; short bowel syndrome increases dramatically when less than 100 cm remains with jejunostomy/ileostomy, or less than 50 cm with preserved colon, according to the European Society of Coloproctology 8

The lower digestive tract extends from the ileocecal valve through the colon to the anus, representing 15-30% of gastrointestinal bleeding events, as reported by the Radiological Society of North America 7
The ileocecal valve marks the beginning of the colon and the proximal limit of the lower digestive tract, as indicated by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation 8, 7
The cecum is the first portion of the colon, normally located in the right iliac fossa, as stated by the American College of Radiology 3
The rectosigmoid junction marks the transition between the sigmoid colon and the rectum, as indicated by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation 8
The dentate line marks the distal limit of the rectum and the transition to the anal canal, as stated by the European Society of Coloproctology 8