Alimentary Intro

Question 1

What are the functions of the alimentary system?

Answer 1

• ingestion/mastication
• digestion
• absorption
• excretion

Question 2

Where is the majority of water absorbed?

Answer 2

small intestine (jejunum)
- but the small intestine has many functions while water absorption is one of the main functions of the large intestine
- if the small intestine is damaged, the large intestine will compensate

Question 3

Difference btwn small & large intestinal diarrhea?

Answer 3

• substantially more water content in small intestinal diarrhea while only slightly more than normal in large intestinal D+

Question 4

What is bacteremia?

Answer 4

• bacteria in the blood but no disease

Question 5

what is septicemia?

Answer 5

bacteria in the blood & disease is present

Question 6

What is endotoxemia?

Answer 6

• presence of endotoxins (LPS from Gram (-) bacteria) in the blood, so negative on culture but positive for disease

Question 7

What is enterotoxemia?

Answer 7

• no positive culture from blood, but disease can be present
• entero means the toxin originates in the intestines

Question 8

What are potential malfunctions of the GI system?

Answer 8

• anorexia
• alterations in quantity & quality of feces: D+ (INCREASED FREQUENCY &/OR VOLUME OF DISCHARGED SEMISOLID OR FLUID FECES); constipation (decrease/absence of defecation)
• v+
• weight loss
• dehydration & electrolyte imbalances
• hypoproteinemia & anemia
• septicemia, endotoxemia, enterotoxemia, toxemia

Question 9

How can we investigate the GI system in a live animal?

Answer 9

• fecal analysis
• GIT can be viewed & sampled throughout in the live animal

Question 10

What is the most important point to keep in mind when examining the alimentary system?

Answer 10

Normal mucosal & serosal surfaces should be smooth & shiny
- although there may be normal papillae, folds, ridges
- animals should be thoroughly examined when smooth & shiny is not the case

Question 11

What else should you keep in mind when examining the alimentary system?

Answer 11

• quality (watery, mucous, hematochezia, melena) & quantity of the feces
• clinical signs (regurgitation, V+ & D+) are often early indicators of alimentary disfunction
• anatomical location & attachment of the organs
• knowledge of the pathogens that affect different spp & age grps & cause various clinicopathological syndromes

Question 12

Which alimentary defenses mediate resistance to disease?

Answer 12

1. barriers:
   - biological (resident microbiological flora & fauna)
   - chemical (gastric pH, bile acids, enzymes
   - physical/mechanical (epithelial & mucus barrier, peristalsis, v+, sloughing of epithelium
2. innate immunity: cellular (macrophages, neutrophils), humoral (defensins/cryptidins, lysozyme, lactoferrin)
3. acquired immunity: cellular (lymphocytes), humoral (antibodies)

Question 13

What is the largest endocrine system in the body?

Answer 13

GIT
- contains 25% of lymphoid tissues (more than spleen)

Question 14

How does GIT rank in size?

Answer 14

2nd largest surface in the body after endothelium