Gastrointestinal Physiology

SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

The Role of GIT

Provides the body with water, electrolytes and
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nutrients Requires:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Movement of food Break down of food to absorbable materials Digestion of food by different juices Absorption of digestive materials Neural control

The Musculature of the Digestive Tract

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Two main muscle layers: Longitudinal muscle layer

Circular muscle layer
Oblique muscle layer (stomach only)

The Musculature of the Digestive Tract

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Longitudinal Muscle:

Contraction shortens the segment of the intestine

and expands the lumen

Innervated by ENS, mainly by excitatory motor

neuron
Ca influx from out side is important

The Musculature of the Digestive Tract

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Circular muscle:
Thicker and more powerful than longitudinal Contraction reduces the diameter of the lumen and

increases its length Innervated by ENS, both excitatory and inhibitory motor neurons More gap junctions than in longitudinal muscle Intracellular release of Ca is more important

CONTROL OF DIGESTIVE FUNCTIONS BY NERVOUS SYSTEM

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Autonomic nervous system (ANS) is

divided into
- Parasympathetic - Sympathetic - ENS

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM Parasympathetic Division

Vagal Nuclei Sacral Spinal Cord

Sympathetic Division
Central Nervous System

excitatory
Pelvic Nerves

Vagus Nerves

Preganglionic fibers

inhibitory Sympathetic
Ganglia

Postganglionic fibers Enteric nervous system

Myenteric plexus

Submucosal plexus

Smooth muscle

Secretory cells

Endocrine cells

Blood Vessels

CONTROL OF DIGESTIVE FUNCTIONS BY NERVOUS SYSTEM 12

Parasympathetic Nerves:
Located in brain stem & sacral region
Projection to the G.I. are preganglionic efferents Vagus & pelvic nerves Vagus nerves synapse with neurons of ENS in

esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, gall bladder & pancreas Pelvic nerves synapse with ENS in large intestine Neurotransmitter is Ach

CONTROL OF DIGESTIVE FUNCTIONS BY NERVOUS SYSTEM 13

Sympathetic nerves:
Located in thoracic & lumbar regions Neurotransmitter is NE NE increases sphincter tension Inactivate the motility

CONTROL OF DIGESTIVE FUNCTIONS BY NERVOUS SYSTEM 14

Enteric Nervous System (minibrain)

Has as many neurons as spinal cord

Located close to the effector systems such as:

- Musculature - Glands - Blood vessels (from esophagus to the anus) Consists of ganglia & fibers projecting to the effector systems

CONTROL OF DIGESTIVE FUNCTIONS BY NERVOUS SYSTEM 15

Enteric Nervous System (minibrain)
Composes of two plexuses:

1- myenteric plexus: excitatory or inhibitory (outer plexus) - increases intensity of rhythm of contraction - increases tone - increases rhythm rate - increases velocity of conduction of excitatory waves 2- Submucous plexus (inner plexus)

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Acinar cells of Salivary Glands

Classified as either: Serous cells: produce a thin watery secretion Mucous cells: produce a more viscous secretion

Salivary gland secretory unit12

Composed of terminal acini Intercalated, striated and excretory ducts Myoepithelial cells

Major glands/Secretions
Major SG are paired structures and include the

parotid, submandibular and sublingual

Parotid: serous

Submandibular: mucous & serous

Sublingual: mucous

SALIVARY GLAND HISTOLOGY 1- serous secretory units 2-intercalated excretory duct 3-striated excretory duct

Salivary Function12
Aid in mastication, deglutination Salivary lysozyme, IgA and other antibacterial

substances protect against caries and oral cavity infections Saliva also aids in speech

Saliva Physiology
Physiologic control of the SG is almost entirely by the

autonomic nervous system; parasympathetic effects predominate. If parasympathetic innervation is interrupted, glandular atrophy occurs. Normal saliva is 99.5% water Normal daily production is 1-1.5L

MASTICATION
To lubricate food to chop food into smaller pieces

CHEWING REFLEX Bolus of food in mouth-->mastication inhibited--> stretch reflex of jaw muscles --> rebound contraction

CHEWING REFLEX
Food in mouth

Voluntary contraction of jaw muscles

Reflex contraction of jaw muscles

Activation of mechanoreceptors in gums, hard palate, tongue Reflex inhibition of muscles holding jaw closed Relaxation of jaw Reduction of pressure on mechanoreceptors

ORAL

PHARYNGEAL

ESOPHAGEAL

PHASES OF SWALLOWING