Gastrointestinal Anatomy

Fakhrurrazy

Fig. 3.2 Organs and Systems

Digestive System
Alimentary canal- mouth to anus
Functions
Movement Secretion Digestion Absorption Elimination Nutrient production (by bacteria)

Phases of Digestion: Overview

Figure 21-11: Overview of functions in different regions of the digestive system

Processes of the Digestive System

Ingestion Motility: mixing & propelling Digestion: enzymatic hydrolysis Secretion: enzymes, water, mucus, buffers, etc. Absorption: water soluble vs. fat soluble Excretion

Figure 21-1: Processes of the digestive system

How is hydrolysis different from energy metabolism?

Digestive Anatomy
Describe the 4-layer basic plan in the wall of the Alimentary Canal.

Figure 21-2a: ANATOMY SUMMARY: The Digestive System

Digestive Anatomy: Histological

Mucus neck cells Parietal cells Chief cells G-cells

Compare histology in the stomach to that of the small intestine (next slide). How are the anatomical differences related to functional differences in these organs?

Pg. 677 Parietal cells secrete H+ What keeps the body from becoming too basic as a result?

Histology of the Stomach

Digestive Anatomy: Histological

Where is the basolateral border on this cell?

Figure 21-2e: ANATOMY SUMMARY: The Digestive System

Fig. 3.8

Digestion and the Mouth

Cooking Mastication Saliva
Tongue

Enzymes to help breakdown simple sugars Mucus to lubricate the food for easier swallowing Lysozyme to kill bacteria Taste receptors (Flavor is enhanced with the olfactory cells) Enzymes to help breakdown fatty acids

Epiglottis

The Swallowing Process

Functions of the Sphincters

Cardiac or lower esophageal sphincter
Prevents reflux of stomach content to cause heartburn and ulcers

Pyloric sphincter
Controls the amount of stomach content into the small intestine

Sphincter of Oddi
Controls the amount of bile into the small intestine

Ileocecal sphincter
Prevents large intestine content (bacteria) back up into the small intestine

The Stomach
Lower esophageal sphincter and pyloric sphincter Capacity of ~4 cups Secretion of hydrochloric acid and enzymes
Destroys ingested proteins

Holds food for 2-4 hours Results in the formation of chyme Mucus layer prevents autodigestion Secretion of the intrinsic factor

Physiology of the Stomach

What stimulates acid production?

Stimulated by Animation of acid production Gastrin Stomach distention Histamine Thoughts of food (nerve input) Food itself Prevents autodigestion Stop secretion when pH is ~2 Thick mucus layer

Stomach Acid
Destroys activity of protein Converts pepsinogen to pepsin Partially digests dietary protein Assists in calcium absorption

The Small Intestine

The Small Intestine

Duodenum ~10 inches in length Primary site of digestion Jejunum ~4 feet in length Some digestion Ileum ~5 feet in length Little digestion

Movement Along the Intestine

Peristalsis
A ring of contraction propelling material along the GI tract

Segmentation
A back-and-forth action that breaks apart food

Mass movement
Peristaltic wave that contracts over a large area of the large intestine to help eliminate waste

Movement

Motility: Smooth Muscle Contractions

Tonic contractions
(esp. sphincters)

Phasic contractions
Slow wave potentials
How does this differ from SA node function? Peristalsis (move products) Segmentation (mixing)
Figure 21-4: Contractions in the GI tract

Digestive Secretions: (7 L / day from tissues into lumen)

Salivary glands, pancreas, liver, stomach, intestine Water Enzymes Mucus Ions: H+, Na+, HCO3-, etc. Hormones
Figure 21-5: Daily mass balance in the digestive system

Digestive Enzymes
Enzymes speed up chemical reactions Enzymes lower the amount of energy needed for the action to proceed Each enzyme acts on specific substance Enzyme release and activation are controlled by nerves and hormones Enzymes are only released when needed

Physiology of the Small Intestine

The wall is folded Villi projections are located on the folds Absorptive cells (enterocytes) are located on the villi Microvilli is located on the villi Glycocalyx is located on the microvilli Increases intestinal surface area 600 x

The Small Intestine

Intestinal Mucosa
Absorptive cells Produced in crypts Migration and maturation from the crypts to the tips of the villi Degradation of cells at the tips of the villi by digestive enzymes Newly formed cells constantly migrate to replace dying ones (< 6 days) High turnover causes the cells to deteriorate during nutrient deficiency

In the Small Intestine

Bile acid from the liver via the gallbladder Bicarbonate ions from the pancreas Muscle contractions to mix the food with digestive juices Food remains 3-10 hours in the small intestine ~95% of digestion takes place here

Site of Absorption

Types of Absorption
Passive
Intestinal wall is permeable to the nutrient Going from higher to lower concentration No energy expended
A carrier shuttles substances into the absorptive cells Going from higher to lower concentration No energy expended Uses a carrier and ATP Phagocytosis and pinocytosis

Facilitated

Active

Endocytosis

Types of Absorption

Enterohepatic Circulation
Bile circulation Liver gallbladdersmall intestine portal vein liver ~98% of bile is recycled

The Large Intestine

Little digestion occurs Indigestible food stuff Absorption of 85-90% of the water, some minerals, vitamins Formation of feces for elimination

A Summary
ORGAN FUNCTIONS

Mouth Esophagus Stomach

Chewing Digestion of starch Passage way Food Storage Acid kills bacteria Some protein digestion Final digestion Absorption Absorption of water, minerals Elimination Production of bile Store and release bile Enzymes and bicarbonate

Small Intestine Large Intestine Anus Liver Gallbladder Pancreas

GI Problems

Ulcers
Helicobacter pylori Heavy use of aspirin Excessive acid production in the stomach Symptoms
Pain 2 hours after eating

Treatment
Antibiotics Antacid

Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux disease Gnawing pain in the upper chest Acid from the stomach to the esophagus Treatment
Smaller meals Less fatty meals Stop smoking Do not lie down after eating Avoid offending foods

Constipation
Slows movement of fecal matter Increases fluid reabsorption; hardening of the feces Causes:
Results from ignoring normal urge Antacids, calcium and iron supplements

Treatment
Plenty of dietary fiber and fluids Laxatives

Hemorrhoids
Swollen veins of the rectum and anus Causes:
Added stress and pressure to the vessels

Treatment
Check with physician Warm compresses to reduce pain Adequate fiber and fluid

Irritable Bowl Syndrome

Visible abdominal distension Crohns disease No cure Eliminate specific foods