Module 10 - Control and Disorders of Gastrointestinal Function Flashcards
Functions of the GI System
Process food substances—dismantle & reassemble food
Produce enzymes and hormones for digestion
Absorb the products of digestion—nutrients, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and water
Store and synthesize vitamins
Provide an environment for microorganisms to synthesize nutrients, such as vitamin K
Collect and eliminate wastes
Digestion and absorption requires what two things
an intact and healthy GI epithelial lining that can resist the effects of its own digestive secretions
the presence of enzymes for the digestion and absorption of nutrients
Digestion and Absorption involves…
the movement of materials through the GI tract at a rate that facilitates absorption
Dumping
movement through the GI tract that is too fast to allow digestion and absorption
What are the sections of the digestive system
Upper part
middle portion
lower segment
fourth part - accessory organs
What does the upper part of the digestive system consist of and what does it do?
the mouth, esophagus and stomach
they act as an INTAKE source and receptacle through which food passes and in which INITIAL DIGESTIVE processes take place
What does the middle portion of the digestive system consist of and what does it do?
the small intestine: duodenum, jejunum, ileum
Most digestion and absorption processes occur here in the small intestine
What does the lower segment of the digestive system consist of and what does it do?
The cecum. colon, and rectum
Serves as a storage channel for the efficient elimination of waste and the large intestine allows for some fluid reabsorption
What is the fourth part of the digestive system and what does it do?
It is the accessory organs like the salivary gland, liver, and pancreas
They produce digestive enzymes that help dismantle food and regulate the use and storage of nutrients
What are the important anatomical portions of the mouth
Lips
Cheeks
Palate
Tongue
Teeth (Mastication)
Salivary Glands (Lubrication)
Muscles
Maxillary Bones
Saliva contains the enzyme ___ (___) that aids in digestion of ___
amylase (ptylain); starches
Esophagus
collapsible muscular tube (a transportation tube)
about 10 inches long
carries food from the pharynx to the stomach
What are the sections of the stomach?
the cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus
The Cardia
The portion of the stomach directly connected and closest to the esophagus
contains the cardiac opening
The Pyloris
The area at the bottom of the stomach closest to the duodenum of the small intestine
has the pyloric sphincter
Stomach Body and Fundus
the body is the largest mid portion while the fundus is the top portion above the level of the cardia or on the same level
Cardiac Opening
An opening into the stomach - not really a sphincter since stomach contents can get back out
opens and closes in the cardia
prevents reflux back into the esophagus
What is the pH of the esophagus compared to the stomach
esophagus pH of 8
stomach pH of 1-2
Pyloric Sphincter
sphincter near the end of the stomach leading to the duodenum
regulates the rate of stomach emptying into the small intestine
What does the stomach have that the esophagus does not which allows regeneration and protection from stomach acid
prostaglandins
Barret’s Esophagus
a condition of cellular change in the esophagus from stomach content reflux
What protects the stomach from enzymes and acids?
Gastric Mucosal Protection consisting of water soluble mucus and water insoluble mucus
Water Soluble Mucus
A gastric mucosal protection
It is washed from the mucosal surface and mixes with luminal contents
Its viscid nature makes it a lubricant to prevent MECHANICAL damage to the stomachs mucosal surface
Water Insoluble Mucus
A gastric mucosal protection
forms a thin and stable gel that adheres to the gastric mucosa surface
It gives protection from the proteolytic actions of pepsin
Forms an unstirred layer that traps bicarbonate thus forming an interface between the luminal contents of the stomach and its mucosal surface
What gastric mucosal protection form is more stable?
Insoluble
Small intestine
Duodenum –> Jejunum –> Ileum –> Cecum –> Colon (not part)
It is the major area of absorption of nutrients that is occurring
Duodenum
first part of the small intestine
contains the openings of the bile and pancreatic ducts
Jejeunum
second part of the small intestine
about 8 feet long
Ileum
the third part of the small intestine
about 12 feet long
terminates at the cecum
If there is a J tube or ileostomy bringing waste directly out of the small intestine, what would that look like and why?
It would be much more watery and loose since the large intestine is the one absorbing most of the water
Because of this the feces is more full of nutrients that are unabsorbed, electrolytes, and water that we need to monitor for with imbalances
Cecum
area where the small and large intestine meet
What quadrant is the cecum/where the small and large intestine meet?
Right Lower Quadrant
What is the GI wall structure like?
Inner Mucosal Layer
Submucosal Layer
Muscularis Layer with Circular and Longitudinal Muscle Layers
Outer serosal layer/Peritoneum
Inner Mucosal Layer
part of GI wall
cells produce mucus here that lubricates and protects the INNER surface of the alimentary canal
Submucosal Layer
part of GI wall
consists of connective tissues to keep GI sections where they belong
contains blood vessels, nerves, and structures responsible for secreting digestive enzymes
Muscularis Layer
part of GI wall
has a circular and longitudinal muscle layer
facilitates movement of the contents of the GI tract (peristalsis)
Outer Serosal Layer/Peritoneum
loosely attached layer to the outer wall of the intestine (the peritoneal layer attaching to abdomen wall)
Mucus is a ___ and ___
lubricator and protector
What is the layers of the GI tract from outermost to innermost?
Peritoneum –> longitudinal muscle –> circular muscle –> submucosal layer –> inner mucosal layer/mucous membrane –> lumen of the gut
Peritoneum
serous membrane lining the abdomen and the abdominal organs
Parietal Peritoneum
The serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity
Lines the walls of the abdomen
Visceral Peritoneum
serous membrane that forms the mesentery (folds of the visceral peritoneum) which supports the intestines and blood supply
covers the abdominal organs
Peritoneal Fluids
several mL of fluid that moisten the surface of the peritoneal layers
The membranes are able to then glide smoothly over each other as the intestinal tract changes shape during digestion
Paracentesis
If someone has low plasma proteins, low oncotic pressure, or ascites/fluid build up from something like liver disease we can use a needle to remove some fluid
Where are the female reproductive parts located
in the peritoneal area
Where are the kidneys located
retroperitoneal (behind)
Disgestion
Process by which food is broken down mechanically and chemically in the GI to convert into an absorbable form
chewing + enzymes
What are some processes of digestion
hydrolysis
enzyme cleavage
fat emulsification
Absorption
uptake of water, FAs, monosaccharides, amino acids, vitamins and minerals from the lumen of the gut into the capillary networks and lacteals (lymph capillaries) of the villi
reusing the broken down parts
Absorption occurs primarily in the …
small intestine
Where does carbohydrate digestion start?
Digestions of starch begins in the mouth with amylase
Brush Border Enzymes
enzymes in the small intestine that convert disaccharides to monosaccharides
What breaks down fats?
gastric and pancreatic lipase
Bile Salts act as …
a carrier system
When does protein break down begin
in the stomach with the action of pepsin - it will then further break down via pancreatic enzymes
Pepsin is the reason what is important?
the mucosal protection of the layers of the stomach
What are some GI secretions that are important
Salivary (1200 mL)
Gastric (2000 mL)
Pancreatic (1200 mL)
Biliary (700 mL)
Intestinal (2000 mL)
total =7100 mL
What functions does saliva provide?
protection and lubrication and a mucus coating of food
antimicrobial action via lysozyme
initiation of digestion of starches via ptyalin and amylase
Mucus Secreting Cells are located…
throughout the stomach
Oxyntic (Gastric) Glands
located in the body and fundus of the stomach
These include parietal cells and chief cells
Parietal Cells
gastric cells that secrete HCl and intrinsic factor
Chief Cells
gastric cells that release pepsinogen for protein digestion
Pyloric Glands
glands found in the antrum that secrete mucus, some pepsinogen and gastrin in the stomach
Bile Salts
biliary product
it can emulsify and help in the absorption of fats and fat soluble vitamins
Fat Soluble Vitamisn
ADEK
Brunner’s Glands
intestinal glands
located where the stomach empties and secretes large amounts of alkaline mucus
protects the duodenum from acidic chyme and digestive enzymes
Crypts of Lieberkuhn
intestinal gland
secrete serous alkaline fluids
Peptidases
surface enzymes that aid in absorption in the small intestine
split amino acids
Disaccharidases
surface enzymes that aid in absorption in the small intestine
split sugars
Enzymes used in the digestion of carbohydrates
lactase
sucrase
amylase
maltase
alpha dextranase
The end product of the enzymes that convert carbohydrates via digestion is…
glucose (and maybe some other stuff)
Pancreatic Enzymes that break down proteins in the Small Intestine
Trypsin
Chymotrypsin
Carboxypeptidase
Elastase
The end product of the enzymes in the small intestine that convert proteins via digestion is…
always amino acids (maybe some other byproduct)
3 Levels of Control of Secretory Functions
Local
Humoral
Neural Influences
Local Control of Secretory functions
pH
Osmolality
Chyme
They act as stimuli for neural and humoral mechanisms
Neural Influences of Secretory Functions
Mediated with the ANS
Increased with parasympathetic stimulation
Inhibited with sympathetic activity
___ nervous system causes more digestion
parasympathetic
___ nervous system causes less digestion
Sympathetic
Autonomic Neural Control: Sympathetic
Controlled via spinal nerves
Inhibits smooth muscle contractions
Vasoconstriction occurs
The last two are why SNS stops digestion
Autonomic Neural control: Parasympathetic
Controlled via the vagus and pelvis nerves
Promotes smooth muscle contraction
Vasodilation occurs
Leads to secretion of enzymes like pepsin
What receptors and neurotransmitter help with PNS and peristaltic activity
muscarinic receptors and acetylcholine (helps increase peristalsis and vasodilation in the GI system)
What does the enteric/intrinsic system do for neural control of the GI system
it controls motility of GI smooth muscles and secretion of blood flow via stretch of the wall
Auerback’s (Mesenteric Plexus)
Enteric/Intrinsic
Located in the muscular layer and primarily controls motility of GI smooth muscle
Meissner’s (Submucosal Plexus)
enteric/intrinsic
located in the submucosa and primarily controls secretion and blood flow to GI region
Gastrointestinal Movements
Tonic Movements
Rhythmic Movements
Tonic Movements
continuous movements that last for minutes or even hours in the GI system
contractions occur AT SPHINCTERS
Rhythmic Movements
intermittent contractions responsible for mixing and moving food along the digestive tract
What kind of GI movements are peristaltic movements?
RHYTHMIC (propulsive) movements
Important GI Hormones
Cholecystokinin
Secretin
Gastrin
Cholecystokinin
stimulates contraction of the gall bladder (helps move bile)
Stimulates secretion of pancreatic enzymes
slows gastric emptying
Secretin
stimulates secretion of bicarbonate containing solution by pancreas and liver
Gastrin
stimulates secretion of gastric acid and pepsinogen
increases gastric blood flow
stimulates gastric smooth muscle contraction
stimulates growth of gastric, small intestine, and colon mucosa
Food must be ___ ___ and absorbed
broken down
What forms must carbohydrates be in for absorption
Monosaccharides (single sugars)
ex: Fructose - facilitated diffusion (no energy need)
ex: Glucose and galactose - Na dependent carrier system that requires ATP
What forms must fats be in for absorption
formation of MICELLES (action of bile salts) and transported to villi for absorption
Where does the absorption of fat primarily occur
in the upper jejunum
What are MCT and LCT and why is MCT better absorbed
they are middle and long chain triglycerides and it is easier to absorb the middle chain like coconut oil due to size
Water can follow ___ or ___
glucose or sodium
How big must proteins be for absorption?
1,2, or 3 amino acids long
How are proteins transported in absorption
by facilitated diffusion and ATP dependent sodium linked processes (no energy and energy)
Water in absorption is linked to absorption of osmotically active particles like…
glucose and sodium
Large Intestine
about 5 feet long
absorbs water and eliminates wastes
Manufactures vitamins including B vitamins and vitamin K
Pernicious Anemia
a megaloblastic macrocytic anemia
occurs without intrinsic factor from parietal cells
can be autoimmune
there is a neurologic deficit without B12 that takes time to manifest
Large intestine only secretes ___
mucus
What are the areas of the large intestine
Ascending Colon (right lower quadrant)
Transverse
Descending
Sigmoid
Rectum
Rectum
part of the large intestine
has valves and an internal and external sphincter
Ileocecal valve
valve in the rectum/large intestine that prevents contents of the large intestine from entering the ileum
Anal Sphincters
guard the anal canal
internal and external
we cannot see the internal but we can see the external
Internal Anal Sphincter
several CM long circular thickening of smooth muscle that lies inside the anus
cannot be viewed by use outside
External Anal Sphincter
composed of striated voluntary muscle surrounding the internal sphincter
Controlled by nerve fibers in the pudendal nerve (part of the somatic NS under voluntary control)
The largest gland in the body weight 3-4 pounds is the ___
liver
Kupffer’s Cells
tissue macrophages in the liver
remove bacteria in the portal venous blood
The liver is a ___
detoxifier
The liver will remove excess…
glucose and AA from portal blood
The liver synthesizes…
glucose, amino acids, and fats
The liver aids in the digestion of…
carbohydrates, proteins, and fat
The liver can do what 2 things to blood
store and filter it (200-400 mL of blood)
High First Pass
Metabolism
If a drug passes through the liver it will go from an active form to inactive
This may be why we do drugs IM IV or SQ
What, other than blood, can the liver store?
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Iron
The liver secretes ___ the emulsify fats (500-1000 mL a day!)
Bile
What about the liver delays pernicious anemia
the fact it stores vitamin B12 there
The liver and gallbladder share …
common ducts
Hepatic means
liver
Renal means
kidney
What duct comes directly off the liver
Hepatic Duct
what duct comes directly off the gallbladder
the cystic duct
The hepatic duct and cystic duct merge into the…
common bile duct
The common bile duct and pancreatic duct merge into the …
ampulla of vater and sphincter of oddi
Where does the sphincter of oddi open up to
the duodenum
Location of a ___ determines what organ will be affected
block (ex: if the cystic duct is blocked only the gallbladder is effected)
The sphincter of oddi prevents..
reflux of intestinal contents into the common bile duct and pancreatic duct
What are not included in the secretions in the pancreatic duct?
insulin and glucagon
these go directly into the blood
Gallbladdar
stores and concentrates biles
can contract to force bile into the duodenum during fat digestion
How does the presence of fatty materials stimulate the release of bile
presence of fatty materials in duodenum stimulates cholecystokinin to release which leads to gall bladder contraction and relaxation of the sphincter of oddi
Exocrine
secreted into a duct
Endocrine
secreted into the blood
The pancreas as an exocrine gland does what
secretes sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the acidity of the stomach contents as they enter the duodenum
What is in pancreatic exocrine juices
pancreatic juices contain enzymes for digesting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
The pancreas as an endocrine gland does what
Insulin secretion
Insulin secretion is produced by
the islets of langerhans cells in the pancreas
Insulin is secreted…
into the blood stream
Insulin is important for ___ metabolism
carbohydrate
Risk Factors for GI Disorders
Family Hx
Chronic laxative, alcohol, tobacco use
Chronic high stress levels
Allergic reactions to food or meds
Long term GI conditions like ulcerative colitis may predispose someone to colorectal cancer
Previous abdominal surgery or trauma leading to adhesions
Neuro disorders impairing movement, particularly with chewing or swallowing
Cardiac, respiratory, and endocrine disorders can lead to constipation
DM may predispose someone to oral candida infections
How does nicotine cause GI disorders
it stimulate muscarinic receptors and can lead to consipation
Adhesions
like scar tissue forming between the mucosa of the GI tract and wall of the abdomen leading to pleura or bowel pieces sticking together
What to look for on an abdominal assessment (in order)
Inspect - skin color, abnormalities, contour, tautness, distension
Auscultate - bowel sounds
Percuss - air or solids
Palpate - tenderness