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Digestive System
The digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal system, is responsible for the physical and chemical breakdown of food Breakdown is necessary so food can be taken into bloodstream and used by body cells and tissues System consists of alimentary canal and accessory organs
Food Breakdown
Ingestion
Taking of food into the body
Peristalsis
Physical movement along the tract
Digestion
Mechanical and chemical breakdown of food
Absorption
Passage of food from digestive tract into body
Defecation
Elimination of indigestible substances from body
Alimentary Canal
A long, muscular tube that begins at the mouth and includes the mouth (oral cavity), pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus Accessory Organs Accessory organs are the salivary glands, tongue, teeth, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
They produce a liquid called saliva Saliva lubricates mouth during speech and chewing and moistens food so it can be swallowed easily Also contains enzyme called salivary amylase Salivary amylase begins chemical breakdown of complex carbohydrates, or starches, into sugars that can be taken into the body
Pyloric sphincter
Circular muscle between stomach and small intestine Keeps food in stomach until food is ready to enter intestine Food usually remains in stomach approx. 1-4 hours
Accessory Organs
The liver
Largest gland in the body Located under diaphragm; in RUQ of abdomen Secretes bile
Used to emulsify fats and Makes fats water soluble necessary for absorption
Stores Fe and certain vitamins Produces heparin, which prevents clotting of blood Produces proteins such as fibrinogen and prothrombin Produces cholesterol Detoxifies substances such as alcohol and pesticides, and destroys bacteria taken into blood from intestine
Accessory Organs
The gallbladder
Small, muscular sac located under liver and attached to it by connective tissue Stores and concentrates bile, received from liver When bile is needed to emulsify fats in digestive tract, the gallbladder contracts and pushes bile through common bile duct into duodenum
Accessory Organs
The pancreas
A glandular organ located behind stomach Produces pancreatic juices containing enzymes to digest food Juices enter duodenum through pancreatic duct Enzymes in juices break down sugars, proteins, and fats Produces insulin, secreted into bloodstream Regulates metabolism (or burning) of carbohydrates to convert glucose (blood sugar) into energy
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Appendicitis
Acute inflammation of appendix Usually resulting from obstruction and infection
Symptoms include
Generalized abd pain, later localizes at RLQ Nausea and vomiting Mild fever Elevated white blood count
Treatment
Appendectomy If appendix ruptures, infectious material will spill into peritoneal cavity causing peritonitis, a serious condition
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder When gallstones form from crystallized cholesterol, bile salts, and bile pigments, the condition is known as cholelithiasis
Treatment
Low-fat diet Lithotripsy (low shock waves used to shatter gallstones) Cholecystectomy If gallstone blocks bile ducts, gallbladder can rupture and cause peritonitis
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Cirrhosis
Chronic destruction of liver cells accompanied by formation of fibrous connective and scar tissue
Causes include
Hepatitis, bile duct disease, chemical toxins, and malnutrition associated with alcoholism
Treatment
Directed toward preventing further damage to liver Alcohol avoidance, proper nutrition, vitamin supplements, rest, infection prevention, and appropriate exercise are encouraged
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Constipation
When fecal material remains in colon too long, causing excessive reabsorption of water Feces, or stool, becomes hard, dry, and difficult to eliminate
Causes include
Poor bowel habits, chronic laxative use leading to a lazy bowel, diet low in fiber, and certain digestive diseases
Treatment
Usually corrected by a high fiber diet Adequate fluids Exercise Although laxatives are sometimes used to stimulate defecation, frequent laxative use may be habit froming and lead to chronic constipation
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Diarrhea
Condition characterized by frequent watery stools Can be extremely dangerous in infants and children because of the excessive fluid loss
Causes include
Infection, stress, diet, irritated colon, toxic substances
Treatment
Directed toward eliminating cause Providing adequate fluid intake Modifying diet
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Diverticulitis
Inflammation of the diverticula, pouches (or sacs) that form in the intestine as the mucosal lining pushes through the surrounding muscle
Causes include
Fecal matter and bacteria becoming trapped in the diverticula Can result in abscess or rupture leading to peritonitis
Treatment
Antibiotics, stool-softening medications, pain medications, and surgery to remove the affected section of the colon (in severe cases)
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Gastroenteritis
An inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the stomach and intestinal tract
Causes include
Food poisoning, infection, and toxins
Symptoms include
Abd cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and diarrhea
Treatment
Usual methods are rest and increased fluid intake Severe cases: antibiotics, IV fluids, and medications to slow peristalsis may be used
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Hemorrhoids
Painful, dilated or varicose veins of the rectum and/or anus
Causes include
Straining to defecate, constipation, pressure during pregnancy, insufficient fluid intake, laxative abuse, and prolonged sitting or standing
Symptoms include
Pain, itching, and bleeding
Treatment
High-fiber diet; increased fluid intake; stool softeners; sitz baths or warm, moist compresses; and, in some cases, a hemorrhoidectomy
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Hepatitis
A viral inflammation of the liver
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Symptoms of hepatitis include
Fever, Anorexia (lack of appetite), Nausea, Vomiting, Fatigue, Dark-colored urine, Claycolored stool, Enlarged liver, and Jaundice
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Hernia
Or rupture, occurs when an internal organ pushes through a weakened area or natural opening in a body wall
Hiatal Hernia
When the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity through the opening for the esophagus
Inguinal Hernia
When a section of the small intestine protrudes through the inguinal rings of the lower abdominal wall
Symptoms include
Heartburn, stomach distention, chest pain, and difficult swallowing
Treatment
A bland diet, small frequent meals, staying upright after eating, and surgical repair If hernia cannot be reduced (pushed back in place) a herniorrhaphy is performed
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas Pancreatic enzymes begin to digest pancreas itself becomes necrotic, inflamed, and edematous; If damage extends to blood vessels in pancreas, hemorrhage and shock occur
Causes
May be caused by excessive alcohol consumption or blockage of pancreatic ducts by gallstones Many cases are idiopathic, or of unknown cause
Symptoms include
Severe abd pain that radiates to back, nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, and jaundice if swelling blocks the common bile duct
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the abdominal peritoneal cavity Usually occurs when a rupture in the intestine allows the intestine contents to enter the peritoneal cavity A ruptured appendix or gallbladder can cause this condition
Symptoms include
Abd pain and distention, fever, nausea and vomiting
Treatment includes
Antibiotics Surgical repair of damaged intestine (if necessary)
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Ulcer An open sore on the lining of the digestive tract Peptic ulcers include gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers Causes Major cause is bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), that burrows into stomach membranes, allowing stomach acids and digestive juices to create an ulcer Symptoms include Burning pain, indigestion, hematemesis, and melena (dark, tarry stool) Usual treatment methods are Antacids, a bland diet, decreased stress, and avoidance of irritants such as alcohol, fried foods, tobacco and caffeine If H. pylori bacteria are present, treatment with antibiotics and PeptoBismol usually cures the condition Severe cases, surgery is performed to remove the affected area
Diseases/Abnormal Conditions
Ulcerative colitis Severe inflammation of colon accompanied by formation of ulcers & abscesses Thought to be caused by stress, food allergy, or autoimmune reaction Main symptom is diarrhea containing blood, pus, and mucous Other symptoms include wt. loss, weakness, abd pain, anemia, and anorexia Periods of remission and exacerbation are common Treatment Directed toward controlling inflammation, reducing stress, maintaining proper nutrition, and avoiding substances that aggravate condition In some cases, surgical removal of the affected colon and creation of a colostomy is necessary
Artificial open in colon allows fecal material to be excreted through abd