GI_and_Hepatology_Lecture__1___1_

What is the primary function of the GI tract?

Ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination of food and waste.

What are the two main parts of the GI tract?

Upper GI (mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum) and Lower GI (small and large intestine, colon).

What is hepatoportal circulation?

The blood flow from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver via the portal vein.

What are the three types of diarrhea?

Osmotic, secretory, and motility-related diarrhea.

What is a common symptom of upper GI bleeding?

Hematemesis, which can be bright red or coffee-ground in appearance.

What condition is characterized by inflammation of the diverticula?

Diverticulitis.

What is a peptic ulcer?

A break in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.

What are the risk factors for developing gastric ulcers?

Age 50-70, no family history, stress, and H. pylori infection.

What distinguishes Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis?

Crohn's disease affects the entire intestinal wall and has skip lesions, while ulcerative colitis affects only the mucosal layer of the colon.

What is the main characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Abdominal pain and altered bowel habits without structural causes.

What are the signs and symptoms of appendicitis?

Epigastric pain that migrates to the RLQ, rebound tenderness, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

What does ascites refer to?

Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Which liver disease is associated with alcoholic consumption?

Alcoholic liver disease.

What is jaundice?

Yellow/green skin pigmentation caused by hyperbilirubinemia.

What characterizes portal hypertension?

High blood pressure in the portal venous system.

What are the common causes of acute liver injury?

Tylenol overdose, acute on chronic liver failure, and viral hepatitis.

What tool is used to measure pancreatic enzyme levels?

Amylase and lipase.

What are the potential consequences of prolonged diarrhea?

Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, metabolic acidosis, and weight loss.

What leads to hepatic encephalopathy?

Increased neurotoxins in circulation, particularly ammonia.

What are the clinical manifestations of chronic liver failure (cirrhosis)?

Jaundice, portal hypertension, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy.

What is the definition of diverticulosis?

Saclike outpouching of the mucosal layer of the colon.

What is the common diagnostic test for hepatitis B infection?

HbsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) testing.

What are the main causes of chronic pancreatitis?

Alcoholism, obstructive biliary disease, and genetic factors.

What is the treatment plan for diverticulitis?

Increasing dietary fiber and potentially using antibiotics.

What is the role of Kupffer cells in the liver?

They act as macrophages to remove toxins, bacteria, and metabolic waste products.

What pathology causes the symptoms of pyloric stenosis?

Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the pyloric sphincter.

What is an early sign of hepatic encephalopathy?

Change in level of consciousness.

How does chronic liver disease affect the production of clotting factors?

It leads to coagulopathy due to decreased synthesis.

What complications can arise from portal hypertension?

Varices, splenomegaly, and hepatopulmonary syndrome.

What is a common cause of neonatal jaundice?

ABO or Rh incompatibility or delayed meconium passage.

What is the typical manifestation of colorectal cancer?

Blood in stool, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits.

What is the relationship between body fat and gallstones?

Obesity increases the risk of developing gallstones.

What are encapsulated bacteria and their relevance in the GI tract?

Certain bacteria can translocate into the bloodstream, leading to infections.

What are the structural changes in the GI tract as people age?

Decreased motility, altered mucosal barrier, and changes in gut flora.

What is the importance of measuring ALT and AST in liver function tests?

They help indicate liver injury and inflammation.

In what phase does jaundice typically occur in hepatitis?

Icteric phase.

What implies a poor prognosis in chronic liver disease?

The development of ascites and persistent hepatic encephalopathy.

What is the primary means of surgical treatment for appendicitis?

Appendectomy.

What is the characteristic of motility-related diarrhea?

Increased bowel motility leading to decreased absorption.

What are the risk factors for developing alcoholic hepatitis?

Duration and amount of alcohol consumption, along with malnutrition.