Constipation And Diarrhea

Question 1

How much undigested dietary residue passes into the colon?

Answer 1

1L/day

Question 2

What is the colon’s function?

Answer 2

Convert liquid effluent into semi-solid feces prior to it arriving in the rectum

Question 3

Average daily output of stool

Answer 3

200g; 60-80% is water

Question 4

Physiological processes invovled in solidying poop

Answer 4

Absorb fluid and electrolytes
Peristaltic contractions
Control of complex enteric nervous system
Defecation

Question 5

If the ability to resist the defecatory urge is over-utilized, chronic rectal distention, reduced afferent signals, lax tone and chronic constipation may result.

Answer 5

Yeah nothing to say about this, just writing it. Self induced constipation

Question 6

Absorption of fluid and electrolytes. What happens?

Answer 6

Sodium and chloride actively transport primarily in ascending and transverse colon; not much in descending colon.
Water is passively reabsorbed with these electrolytes

Question 7

Peristaltic contractions

Answer 7

Facilitate mixing, desication, passage

Question 8

What is essential when evaluating constipation or diarrhea?

Answer 8

Detailed drug history

Question 9

Defecation

Answer 9

Defecatory reflex initiated by distention of rectum
Sigmoidal and rectal contractions
Relaxation of internal and external anal sphincters
Voluntary increased intra-abdominal pressure