Gba Flashcards
What is the gastrointestinal (GI) tract?
A long, flexible tube extending from the mouth to the anus, responsible for digestion.
What is gut microbiota?
All microorganisms residing in the GI tract, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
What do gut microbiota produce, store, and release?
Neurotransmitters & neuromodulators.
What is the microbiome?
The collective term for all microbiota and their environment within the GI tract.
What characterizes a healthy microbiome?
Rich microbiota diversity and symbiosis.
What is microbiota diversity?
A high number of different species within the microbiome.
How does microbiota diversity change with age?
Microbiota diversity tends to decrease with age.
What is dysbiosis?
An imbalanced microbiome characterized by an excess of ‘bad’ bacteria and a deficiency of ‘good’ bacteria.
List factors influencing dysbiosis.
- Diet
- Stress levels
- Age
- Genetics
- Physical activity levels
- Medication
What is the Enteric Nervous System (ENS)?
A subdivision of the autonomic nervous system consisting of a network of nerves in the GI tract.
What is the vagus nerve known for?
The longest cranial nerve, acting as a crucial communication pathway between the gut and the brain.
What does the gut-brain axis describe?
The complex bidirectional communication network between the gut microbiota, the enteric nervous system (ENS), and the central nervous system (CNS).
What pathways are involved in the gut-brain axis?
- Neural
- Hormonal
- Immunological
What are germ-free animal studies?
Studies involving animals raised in sterile environments without any microorganisms in their gut.
What do researchers compare in germ-free animal studies?
Behaviors and psychological processes in germ-free animals with non-germ-free animals.
What significant changes have been observed in germ-free mice?
- Anxiety-like behavior
- Poorer memory function
- Increased secretion of stress hormones
- Less social engagement
True or False: Findings from germ-free animal studies can be easily generalized to humans.
False.
How does stress influence the gut microbiota?
Stress can negatively impact the diversity and composition of an individual’s gut microbiota.
What is the relationship between gut microbiota and stress?
Having an unhealthy gut microbiota is linked to higher stress levels.
What can explain digestive discomfort during stress?
The gut-brain connection.
What emerging research focuses on individuals with gut-related diseases?
The experiences of anxiety, depression, and other cognitive and/or emotional problems.
Is there a link between gut-related diseases and mental illness?
Yes, experiencing a gut-related disease may increase the likelihood of experiencing a mental illness.
How do compounds in foods affect the body?
They are converted into neuromodulators and hormones.
What can influence the production of key neurochemicals?
Specific nutrients and dietary patterns.
