Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 4 views

    Gastrointestinal System

    Uploaded by

    fdbp42kfs6

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Gastrointestinal System

    Uploaded by

    fdbp42kfs6
    4 views3 pages

    Original Title

    gastrointestinal system

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    4 views3 pages

    Gastrointestinal System

    Uploaded by

    fdbp42kfs6

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 3

    Physiology, Gastrointestinal

    Ifeanyichukwu Ogobuiro; Justin Gonzales; Karlie R. Shumway; Faiz Tuma.


    Author Information and Affiliations

    Last Update: April 8, 2023.

    Go to:

    Introduction
    The gastrointestinal (GI) system comprises the GI tract and accessory
    organs. The GI tract consists of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus,
    stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anal canal. The accessory
    organs include the teeth, tongue, and glandular organs such as salivary
    glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. The main functions of the GI
    system include ingestion and digestion of food, nutrient absorption,
    secretion of water and enzymes, and excretion of waste products.
    Go to:

    Issues of Concern
    The GI system is complex, and the amount of material that could be
    covered is substantial. Therefore, this article serves as an overview of GI
    tract physiology, with reference links diving deeper into complex topics.
    Go to:

    Cellular Level
    There are four histologic layers of the GI tract. From the lumen outward:
    Mucosa
    The mucosa consists of a single layer of epithelium, which is highly folded
    to increase its surface area for absorption. The mucosa contains
    invaginations, which form tubular exocrine glands that secrete mucus,
    electrolytes, water, and digestive enzymes. It also houses endocrine
    glands, which release Gi hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK). The
    lamina propria, a connective tissue layer, supports the epithelium.
    Submucosa
    The submucosa, a connective tissue layer, houses blood and lymphatic
    vessels that support the GI tract. The submucosal (Meissner) plexus is
    found in this layer.
    Muscularis Externa
    The muscularis externa comprises two major smooth muscle layers: an
    inner circular and an outer longitudinal muscular layer. Between these two
    layers is where the myenteric (Auerbach) plexus is found. The coordinated
    contraction of the muscular layers via the myenteric plexus controls
    peristalsis. Of note, the stomach contains a third muscular layer, the inner
    oblique, which assists in churning the stomach contents.
    Serosa and A dventitia
    The serosa is a smooth membrane comprising a thin layer of connective
    tissue and a thin layer of cells that secrete serous fluid to lubricate internal
    structures. This lubricating fluid aids in reducing friction during
    movement. The serosa covers intraperitoneal organs, while the adventitia
    covers retroperitoneal organs and functions to hold structures together
    instead of reducing friction between them.
    Go to:

    Development
    The digestive tube begins to form during the third week of gestation.
    During this time, gastrulation occurs, and three germ layers (ectoderm,
    mesoderm, and endoderm) are formed.
    The endoderm forms the epithelial lining of the GI tract, gallbladder,
    pancreas, and liver. The mesoderm gives rise to the connective tissue and
    smooth muscle of the gut tube wall. The ectoderm separates into the
    surface ectoderm, neural tube, and neural crest. The neural crest forms the
    peripheral nervous system, including the enteric nervous system (ENS);
    the ENS contains the neurons of the GI tract.[1]
    Go to:

    Function
    The function of the digestive system is to digest and absorb food and then
    excrete the waste products with the help of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas,
    small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. Each of these organs plays a
    specific role in the digestive system.

    You might also like