Fundamentals: Bowel Elimination

Question 1

Mouth problems with GI tract and age

Answer 1

The teeth masticate food, breaking it down to swallow, and saliva is produced to dilute and soften the food for easier swallowing

Question 2

Esophagus problems with GI tract and age

Answer 2

The bolus of food travels down and is pushed along by peristalsis, which propels the food through the length of the GI tract

Question 3

Stomach problems with GI tract and age

Answer 3

The stomach stores swallowed food and liquid; mixing of food, liquid and digestive juices and empties its contents into the small intestine; produces HCL, mucus, pepsin, and intrinsic factor, which is essential for absorption of vitamin B12

Question 4

Small intestines problems with GI tract and age

Answer 4

Segmentation and peristaltic movement facilitate both digestion and absorption; chime mixes with digestive juices

Question 5

large intestines problems with GI tract and age

Answer 5

The lower GI tract (colon) is divided into the cecum, colon, and rectum. It is the primary organ of elimination

Question 6

liver problems with GI tract and age

Answer 6

structural and microscopic change occur; the color of the liver changes from a lighter to darker brown and its size and blood flow decrease.