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Blood in Henry’s Diaper

When Gastric Mucosa Is in the Wrong Place

By Sheri L. Boyce

Blood in Henry’s Diaper


 

Abstract

In this directed case study, a six-month-old infant, “Henry,” is brought to the ER with significant gastrointestinal bleeding. An emergency physician relies on the appearance of Henry’s stool, bowel sounds, and various imaging techniques to reach a diagnosis of Meckel’s diverticulum. Students draw on their knowledge of gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology to explain Henry’s clinical signs and explore how ectopic gastric mucosa can trigger severe hemorrhage. Designed for a two-semester anatomy and physiology (A&P) course taken by nursing, nutrition, athletic training, pre-occupational therapy, and other health-related majors in their first or second year, the case could also be adapted for advanced high school A&P students.

   

Date Posted

09/08/2025

Overview

Objectives

  • Locate the division between the upper and lower GI tract.
  • Explain the different appearance of blood in the stool in upper vs. lower GI bleeding.
  • Relate peristalsis and the enteric nervous system to bowel sounds and GI histology.
  • Describe the anatomy of the mesentery and how torsion affects blood flow in the small intestine and the hepatic portal system.
  • Review secretory cell function in gastric mucosa.
  • Explain the role of histamine in gastric acid secretion.
  • Understand why acid does not typically erode stomach mucosa.
  • Explain why acid erosion is less common in the duodenum than the jejunum or ileum.

Keywords

GI bleed; Meckel’s diverticulum; GI tract; peristalsis; acid; gastric mucosa; histamine; small intestine

  

Subject Headings

Anatomy
Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed, Discussion

 

 

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