THE GUT BRAIN AXIS Flashcards
Gut (also known as
the gastrointestinal
tract) (1)
-the long flexible tube from mouth to anus that is the passageway
involved in digestion
Gut microbiota (1)
-refers to all of the microorganisms that live in the gut
Gut microbiome (1)
-refers to all of the genes of the microorganisms that live in the gut.
how can the health of the gut change
(2)
-The health of the gut can change based on the types and amounts of microorganisms present in the gut.
-eg. the presence of some types of “good” bacteria can result in good gut health, whilst the presence of other types of “bad” bacteria can result in poor gut health.
a gut microbiota imbalance (1)
-meaning there is not enough ‘good’ bacteria and too much ‘bad’ bacteria, it is called gut microbiota dysbiosis
a gut microbiota balance (1)
-when the gut microbiota is balanced, it is called gut microbiota symbiosis.
two words to describe the composition of the gut, and which one is considered better for gut health.
(3)
-diverse, meaning there are many different kinds of microorganisms
present
-Not diverse, meaning there are few kinds of microorganisms present.
-diverse gut microbiota results in better gut health.
Some of the factors influencing the types and amounts of microorganisms in the gut include:
-type of diet
-levels of stress
-age
-genetics
-levels of physical activity
-medication.
Gut-brain axis
the bidirectional connection between the gut and the brain through
the enteric and central nervous systems
Enteric nervous system
-the network of nerves in the gut and is a subdivision of the autonomic nervous
system
Central nervous system
-comprising the brain and
spinal cord
Vagus nerve
-the longest cranial nerve that connects the gut and the brain, enabling them to
communicate
The composition of gut microbiota can impact psychological processes and behaviour
.
