Digestive System

Question 1

purpose and function of gastrointestinal system

Answer 1

Break down food – mechanically & chemically.
Prepare food for absorption into the body.
Eliminate waste from the body.

Question 2

where does digestion take place

Answer 2

digestive tract proper, or the alimentary or GI tract.

Question 3

how is good moved

Answer 3

Food is moved along the tract by wave-like contractions, called peristalsis.

Question 4

alimentary canal

Answer 4

This is the physical pathway of food through the digestive tract.
Includes the following organs:        
Mouth
Pharynx
Esophagus
Stomach
Small and Large Intestines
Rectum
Anus

Question 5

accessory organs

Answer 5

Each these structures secrete substances which aid in the chemical breakdown of food.
Includes the following organs:
Salivary Glands
Gall Bladder
Liver
Pancreas

Question 6

Peptic Ulcer disease

Answer 6

• Develops in parts of the GI tract exposed to hydrochloric acid and pepsin.
• These digestive products can destroy the mucous membranes of the stomach and duodenum.
• Leads to erosion of lining; ulcer formation, and eventually perforation in the wall lining.
• Cause: Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
• Tx: Antibiotics and antacids; lifestyle changes.

Question 7

GERD

Answer 7

• Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disorder
• Characterized by: Acid reflux into the esophagus; inflammatory changes to the lining of the esophagus; heartburn, sour taste in mouth.
• Tx: Antacids; surgery.

Question 8

Ulcerative Colitis

Answer 8

• Chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum.
• Characterized by: Profuse, watery diarrhea containing blood, mucus and pus.
• Tx: NAIDs; pain meds; diet control; surgery.

Question 9

Hernia

Answer 9

• A protrusion of any organ, tissue, or structure through the wall of the cavity to which it is normally contained.
• Tx: Medication; surgery.

Question 10

Hemorrhoids

Answer 10

• Enlarged veins in the mucous membrane of the anal canal.
• May bleed, hurt or itch.
• May occur internally or externally.
• Causes: Pregnancy; obesity; low fibre diet; chronic constipation; abdominal pressure.
• Tx: High fibre diet; plenty of water and juice; decrease pressure on abdomen; stool softeners; analgesic ointments.

Question 11

Hepatitis

Answer 11

• Most common forms are: Hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
• Hep A is transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water.
• Hep B is transmitted through blood transfusions or sexual contact.
• Symptoms: Jaundice; flu-like symptoms; fatigue; fever.

Question 12

Diverticulosis

Answer 12

• Condition in which small, blister-like pockets (diverticula) develop in the inner lining of the large intestine.
• Only cause problems when inflamed.
• S&S: Pain; extreme constipation or diarrhea; fever; abdominal swelling; may cause blood in stool.
• Tx: Bed rest, antibiotics, soft diet, surgery.

Question 13

cancer

Answer 13

• Many types of GI cancers: Stomach; adenocarcinoma; esophageal; hepatocellular; pancreatic; colorectal.

Question 14

anorexia

Answer 14

• Lack or loss of appetite, resulting in an inability to eat.
• Not to be confused with anorexia nervosa - a psychogenic eating disorder relating to the all-consuming desire to be thin.

Question 15

chrohn disease

Answer 15

• Chronic inflammation, usually of the ileum, but can occur anywhere in the intestinal tract.
• Characterized by: Inflammation of the mucosa; pain; cramping; fever; diarrhea; weight loss.
• Tx: Diet and lifestyle changes, medications to control symptoms

Question 16

cachexia

Answer 16

• General lack of nutrition and wasting occurring in the course of a chronic disease or emotional disturbance.

Question 17

ascites

Answer 17

• Accumulation of serous fluid in the abdomen.

* Associated with: High BP; liver disease; cancer; heart failure.

Question 18

cholelithiasis

Answer 18

• Presence or formation of gallstones in the gallbladder or common bile duct.

Question 19

colic

Answer 19

• Spasm in any hollow soft organ, especially the colon.

* Causes pain.

Question 20

halitosis

Answer 20

• “Bad” breath.

Question 21

melena

Answer 21

• Passage of dark-coloured, tarry stools, due to the presence of blood altered by intestinal juices.

Question 22

irritable bowel syndrome

Answer 22

• Aka: Spastic colon.
• Complex of symptoms marked by abdominal pain and altered bowel function (constipation, diarrhea, or alternating both) for which no organic cause can be determined.
• May be caused by: Stress; anxiety; food allergies.

Question 23

dyspepsia

Answer 23

• Aka: indigestion.

Question 24

gastroparesis

Answer 24

• Paralysis of the stomach
• Muscles of the stomach fail to function properly leading to improper emptying of the stomach
• Leads to: Feeling of fullness after a few bites, digestion problems, malnutrition disorders, blood sugar imbalances, nausea & vomiting, weight loss, fatigue
• No cure – medications can be used to push food along; severe cases require surgery
• May be due to: Damage to vagus nerve, virus, stomach surgery, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, hypothyroidism, idiopathic causes

Question 25

celiac disease

Answer 25

• Digestive disorder due to the inability to tolerate and digest gluten
• Consuming gluten leads to an immune reaction in their small intestines, damaging the inner surface of the small intestine; leads to an inability to absorb certain nutrients.
• Symptoms: Abdominal pain and diarrhea, malnutrition; vitamin deficiencies that deprive your brain, peripheral nervous system, bones, liver and other organs of vital nourishment.
• No treatment can cure celiac disease.
• Effectively managed diet changes.