Alimentary + Hepatic Conditions Flashcards
What is the alimentary system and what is its function?
The alimentary system refers to the organs and tissues of the
body that are involved in digestion and the extraction of nutrients,
absorption of energy and also the expulsion of waste
What organs and anatomical structures comprise the alimentary system?
Mouth
Pharynx
Oesophagus
Stomach
Liver
Gallbladder
Pancreas
Small intestine
Large intestine
Rectum
Anus
Name 4 common conditions of the pancreas
Acute pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatic cancer
Diabetes
What is acute pancreatitis and what are its symptoms?
Defined as swelling and pain from the pancreas with a sudden onset
Gradual or sudden pain in upper abdomen
Mild at first but worse after eating
Pain becomes severe and constant
Patients require hospitalisation for fluids and monitoring
What are the main triggers of acute pancreatitis?
Alcohol abuse and gallstones
What is chronic pancreatitis and what are some of it’s symptoms?
Chronic inflammation of the pancreas, impairs the ability of the pancreas to produce hormones and the bodies ability to digest food
Symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Weight loss
Diarrhoea
Oily fatty stools
What is thought to contribute to the development of chronic pancreatitis?
Heavy alcohol use
Autoimmune conditions
Genetic conditions
Family history
Blocked pancreatic duct or common bile duc
What is pancreatic cancer?
Abnormal cell growth in the pancreas
Can occur anywhere in the pancreas:
Head of pancreas (60-70% of cases)
Body of pancreas
Tail of pancrea
What is a luminal disease in relation to the digestive tract?
The digestive system is essentially a hollow tube which starts at the
mouth and goes all the way through the body to the rectum.
The inside of this tube is the “lumen”
Disorders affecting the inside of this tube are luminal disorders.
Name some common luminal disorders
Oesophageal inflammation linked to acid reflux
Peptic ulceration
Infection
Uncommon but serious - Cancer of oesophagus, stomach or colon
What is the prevalence of peptic ulceration?
4% of the population - 2% stomach + 2% duodenal
Incidence increases with age
What are the 2 major causes of peptic ulceration?
Helicobacter pylori infection - a bacteria that can be found in the lining of the stomach (40% of UK’s population may host this bacteria)
NSAID use
How do NSAIDs damage the GI system?
The mechanisms are not fully understood.
NSAIDs, in part, cause topical injury to the mucosa.
NSAIDs also cause platelet inhibition which may be linked to bleeding
Additional systemic effects of NSAIDs also play a role which is why
enteric coated NSAIDs have not been successful in preventing GI
damage.
What can be used to diagnose peptic ulceration?
Endoscopy - a scope (fibre optic camera attached to a long tube) inserted into the mouth to examine the upper GI system
Colonoscopy- a scope inserted into the anus to examine the lower GI system
Define Crohn’s disease
A chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines,
especially the colon and ileum, associated with ulcers and fistulae.
What is Coeliac disease
A disease in which the small intestine is
hypersensitive to gluten, leading to difficulty in digesting food
Define IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A common and chronic disorder that
affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping,
abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea or constipation, or both.
What are some common hepatic diseases?
Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Alcoholic Liver Disease
Liver Cancer
Name some common symptoms of hepatic disease
Jaundice
Abdominal pain or swelling
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Dark urine
Pale stools
Itching
Unexplained weight loss
What are the main podiatric implications of hepatic disease?
Oral antimycotic therapies such as terbinafine (lamisil), used in the treatment of onychomycosis can cause damage to the liver
So caution is advised when treating patients with hepatic insufficiency for mycotic infections
What is peristalsis?
Peristalsis is a series of wave-like muscle contractions that moves food to
different processing stations in the digestive tract. The process of peristalsis
begins in the oesophagus when a bolus of food is swallowed
How does the stomach physically and chemically break down food?
The movement of the stomach helps to break down food but is also aided by
acid from the stomach lining and various digestive enzymes.
What two organs are connected by the cardio-oesophageal sphincter?
Oesophagus + Stomach
What two organs are connected by the pyloric sphincter?
Stomach + Small intestine
What are the three regions of the small intestine?
Ordered from closest to the stomach - furthest from the stomach
Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum
What is the major function of the large intestine?
To absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter and transmit
the useless waste material from the body
What are the divisions of the large intestine?
Caecum
Asending colon
Transverse colon
Descending colon
Sigmoid colon
Rectum
Where is bile produced and stored?
Produced in the liver
Stored in the gallbladder
What is the function of bile?
Bile contains bile acids, which are critical for digestion and absorption of fats
and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. Many waste products,
including bilirubin, are eliminated from the body by secretion into bile and
elimination in feces
