GIT Flashcards
2 types of inflammatory bowel disease
Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Structure and purpose of the mucosal layer
Mucosal layer present to ensure lubrication and fecal movement.
Under this layer are the epithelial cells which are arranged in the brick and motor arrangement (cells held together by proteins) to ensure cell adhesion. Some of these structures are impermeable to water.
This means that water can be absorbed through transcellular transport or paracellular transport.
Locations and segments in GIT effected by UC and CD
UC - Mucosa of the colon and rectum (not transmural)
CD - Any part from mouth to anus and involves transmural lesions
Pathophysiology of UC
- Unknown factor changed the viscosity and chemical composition of mucosal layer allowing bacteria to enter
- Changing the mucosal layer will expose dendrites. They will come in contact with bacterial becoming activated which leads to cascade resulting in destruction of mucosal cell, resident macrophages are also activated.
- This leads to activation of pro inflammatory chemicals. Proinflammatory chemical will increase blood flow and recruit WBCs as well as further activating dendritic and macrophage cells.
- T cell activation will causes further activation of other inflammatory mediators which will increase permeability for antigens.
- This will further increase the already in place response
- This is where the relapsing condition comes in as the body will run out of leucocytes and the diarrhoea will stop until more are required.
UC key features
- No skip lesions and limited to mucosa (can sometimes go through wall)
- Primary problem is the epithelia barrier is effected.
- Sometimes will effected rectum
- Hyperaemic walls of colon (increased BF - red)
- Sever cases can cause ulcers which way lead to blood in stool
- Necrosis → fibrosis that may obstruct colon
Clinical outcome for UC
- Remissions and exacerbation due to leucocyte recruitment
- Water diarrhoea (damage to epithelia lining will limit water reabsorption)
- Mucosal destruction leads to constipation due to decreased lubrication
Risk factors for CD
Family history, tobacco use, Jewish as well as CARD15 and NOD2 gene mutation are all risk factors
Pathophysiology of CD
- Begins in submucosa (UC begins in mucosal layer)
- Neutrophil infiltration
- Has skip lesions (happen anywhere)
- Cobble stoning of the GIT
Clinical outcomes of CD
- Irritable bowel, even small meals will cause pain due to holding large amounts of water
- Can get blood and mucus with diarrhoea
- Main issue is inability to absorb molecules
- Diarrhoea occurs due to decrease absorption, increased bacteria, overuse of medications for pain and bile
- Anal fissure and abscess can be very painful as they are close to cutaneous nerves
Does CD have systemic factors
Spread through the body, unlike UC
- Eyes
- Kidneys
- Mouth
- Liver
- Joints
- Circulation
Risk factors for UC
Risk factors include family history, Jewish and Caucasians
Nicotine may prevent
Purpose of saliva in mouth
alkaline environment to ensure enzyme activity
What does amylase do in the mouth
hydrolyses starch and glycogen to smaller poly-saccharides and maltose (carb digestion)
Pepsin, amylase and mucus in the stomach
Pepsin is present which hydrolyses proteins
Limited carb digestion as amylase is not longer active at low pH. Will recommence in duodenum once pH is increased.
Mucus present to neutralise the acid. If there is an imbalance between mucus and acid then stomach ulcers can form.
What are MMCs
migrating myoelectric contraction. Weak repetitive peristaltic waves that move a short distance.
Migrating myoelectric complexes start when there is an anticipation of food.
Starts in stomach and will go down, eventually reaching LI which will move fecal matter to make room.