2010-09-29
10:15 at HCI J 574

The mechanism of gut loops morphogenesis

Thierry Savin

Polymer Physics, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich

The small intestine has a remarkably complex morphology. It exhibits a distinguished coiled shape, with a succession of loops and twists. The latter allow for the long transit times required for digestion and nutrients absorption that characterize its function. Given this peculiar configuration, understanding development and morphogenesis of the gut appears to be a challenging, yet important task. I will show how we explain the formation and shape of gut loops by using a simple mechanical model, based on the differential growth between the gut tube and the mesentery (the membrane tissue that holds the intestine in place).