GI Physiology Flashcards
Monogastric Species
Dogs, Cats, Pigs (spiral colon)
Ingesta Travel through Ruminants
large rumen on L side –> reticulum –> omasum –> abomasum (functional stomach)
Rumen Function
Motility controlled by medullary gastric center in brain
Ruminations 1-3/min
Depression, pain, fear, pyrexia, endotoxemia, hypocalcemia, rumen tympany – reduction in motility
Rumen pH changes DT saliva, plasma, rumen
Salivary glands
* Parasympathetic: serous volumes from parotid
* Sympathetic: mucous
Gas Production in Sheep
5L/hr
Gas Production in Cattle
30L/hr
UES
cricopharyngeal, pharyngeal constrictor m
Supplied by vagus N
Normally closed to avoid entrainment of air
LES
not anatomically defined structure, functionally defined
increased intraluminal pressure 15-25mmHg
Numerous NTs, hormones involved in control
Esophageal M composition - dogs
striated m
Esophageal M composition - other species
Horse, cow, pig, primates: prox 2/3 striated, distal 1/3 SmM
Camelids
3 compartments = C1 (glandular), C2, C3 (true stomach)
Structure of GIT
o Mucosa
o Submucosa
o Muscularis muscle – inner circular layer, outer longitudinal layer
o Serosa – thin membrane, secretory cells – produce/secrete serous fluid
Enteric NS
- Extrinsic components
- Intrinsic = myenteric, submucosal plexuses (SMP)
Myenteric Plexus
btw circular, longitudinal m layers – controls intestinal motility
Submucosal Plexus
btw submucosa, inner circular m layers – coordinates motion of luminal epithelium
SMP Preganglionic Neurons and Fibers
Preganglionic PSNS neurons: long fibers that synapse with ganglia of myenteric or SMP neurons within GIT
Preganglionic SMP fibers synapse with ganglia just outside GIT
NT: release ACh
SMP Postganglionic Neurons, Fibers
o Postganglionic SMP neurons travel into GIT, synapse with intrinsic plexuses, directly onto R in intestine
Utilize ACh, substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide, neuropeptide Y, gastrin-releasing peptide
NT: release NE
Extrinsic ENS
PSHS innervation to upper, lower GIT via Vagus (upper), pelvic (lower) N; SNS via SC segments T1-L3
Swallowing Reflex
Swallowing center in medulla, pons – phases mediated by vagus N
Oral, pharyngeal, esophageal phases
Pharyngeal innervation: recurrent and laryngeal N (cricopharyngeal m), pharyngeal branch of vagus N/glossopharyngeal m (mucosa)
Two Patterns of Muscular Activity with GIT
- Migrating Motor Complexes (MMCs)
- Digestive pattern when food enters stomach
Migrating Motor Complexes
–Fasting conditions
–Dogs, humans
–Interstitial cells of Cajal, located within myenteric plexuses, specialized PM cells that create, maintain MMCs
MMC MOA
- ‘Slow waves’ of depolarization, spread via gap junctions btw SmM cells over large sections of intestine
- Remain below depolarization threshold for propulsive ctx
- Housekeeping: move residual fluid, mucus, bacteria, cellular debris aborally (away from mouth) during interdigestive period
Cats and MMCs
migrating spike complex, weaker than MMC
Digestive pattern when food enters stomach
Electrical activity increases as food enters stomach – initiation of digestive pattern
Sphincters, secretions of intestine in path of bolus relax to allow entry
Ingesta mixed, moved along GIT via circular (mixing), longitudinal (movement) muscles with feedback inhibition
* Longer, more thorough contact for digestion
Effect of Nervous System on GI Motility
o SNS: inhibitory
o PSNS: excitatory – ACh, SP = contraction, VIP/NO = relaxation
Changes in GIT Assoc with Pregnancy
Circulating progesterone
Decreased gastric pH: affects Tmax, Cmax of PO drugs
GI motility decreased
LES tone decreased
Cranial displacement of stomach by gravid uterus
Increased risk of regurgitation, aspiration
Effects of Ax on GIT Function
o Changes in saliva production
o Nausea, vomiting, regurgitation
o Ileus, constipation - tympany, POI
o GER
o Reduced secretion of digestive fluids
o Aerophagia (assoc with panting)
o Diabetic patients: gastroparesis, delayed gastric emptying secondary to autonomic neuropathy
o Stress of dz, hospitalization: predisposed to GI dysfunction, esp gastric ulceration, diarrhea
Most significant perianesthetic GIT complication?
pulmonary aspiration, esophagitis following vomiting, regurg, GER
o Aspiration = pneumonitis, pneumonia, severe hypoxemia
o Esophagitis = stricture of esophageal lumen persistent vomiting, regurg, dysphagia, WL, debilitation
Which NT stimulate vomiting?
Serotonin (5HT, 5HT3), histamine, ACh, dopamine, neurokinin 1 (NK-1), substance P
Other Stimulations for vomiting
cerebral cortex (anxiety, anticipation), vestibular apparatus (motion sickness), local damage to/distension of GIT via release of serotonin or stimulation of vagal afferent neurons
CRTZ
Area of brainstem in area postrema
- When stimulated, send signals to vomiting center via D2 receptors 5-HT3 receptors primarily but also ACh, Opioids, and Substance P