digestive and integumentery, health science 1

Another name for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract

Alimentary canal

Type of muscle that makes up the organs of the GI tract

Smooth muscle

Membrane lining the abdominal cavity

Peritoneum (peritoneal membrane)

Three segments of the small intestine in order

Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum

Three pairs of salivary glands

Parotid, sublingual, and submandibular glands

Organ located on the inferior surface of the liver

Gallbladder

Bolus

Partially digested food mixed with saliva

Chyme

A semi-liquid mass of partially digested food leaving the stomach

Peristalsis

Rhythmic, wave-like smooth muscle contractions that move food through the GI tract

Mastication

The mechanical process of chewing

Rugae

Mucous-coated folds lining the stomach

Defecation

The elimination of feces from the digestive tract (bowel movement)

Three major functions of the digestive system

Digestion, absorption, and elimination

Physical digestion vs. chemical digestion

Physical digestion mechanically breaks down food into smaller pieces, whereas chemical digestion uses enzymes to break chemical bonds.

Enzyme in saliva that begins carbohydrate digestion

Salivary amylase

Primary organ site where nutrients are absorbed

Small intestine

Two major functions of the large intestine

Water absorption and the elimination of waste

Storage molecule into which the liver converts blood glucose

Glycogen

Substance stored and concentrated by the gallbladder

Bile

Digestive substance secreted by the pancreas into the duodenum

Digestive enzymes

Causes of cholecystitis

Cholelithiasis (gallstones), bile duct drainage issues, tumors, or infection

Common symptoms of cholecystitis

Severe right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, bloating, nausea, and fever

Treatments for cholecystitis

Antibiotics, cholecystectomy, and pain or anti-inflammatory medications

Primary cause of cholelithiasis (gallstones)

Excess cholesterol and other substances in bile (exact cause is unknown)

Symptoms associated with cholelithiasis

Symptoms resembling cholecystitis, especially right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain following high-fat meals

Treatments for cholelithiasis

Low-fat diet, increased hydration, stone removal surgery, or cholecystectomy

Common causes of cirrhosis

Excessive alcohol consumption, other underlying liver diseases, acetaminophen (Tylenol) abuse, or viral hepatitis

Symptoms of cirrhosis

Fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, and jaundice

Treatments for cirrhosis

Reducing alcohol consumption, treating the underlying disease, or liver transplantation

General causative agent of hepatitis

Viral infection

Transmission route for Hepatitis B and C

Exposure to infected blood and bodily fluids

Transmission route for Hepatitis A

Ingestion of contaminated food or water (fecal-oral route)

Symptoms common to Hepatitis A, B, and C

Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice

Treatments for Hepatitis A

Rest and adequate hydration

Treatments for Hepatitis B and C

Antiviral medications, and liver transplantation in severe cases

Causes of constipation

Nutritional deficiencies, stress, pregnancy, cancer, and depression

Common treatments for constipation

Healthy diet, exercise, adequate water intake, laxatives, and stool softeners

Primary cause of gastroenteritis

Usually a viral infection

Symptoms of gastroenteritis

Vomiting and diarrhea, with the potential risk of dehydration

Treatments for gastroenteritis

Hydration, anti-diarrheal medication, and a bland diet

Underlying physiological cause of GERD

Regurgitation of stomach acid and contents into the esophagus due to incomplete constriction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

Common symptoms of GERD

Heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing

Treatments for GERD

Antacids, avoiding trigger foods, smoking cessation, and avoiding lying down after eating

Hiatal hernia (definition and symptoms)

A condition where the upper stomach bulges through the diaphragmatic hiatus; symptoms are similar to GERD.

Treatments for a hiatal hernia

Eating small meals, avoiding trigger foods/alcohol/smoking, weight loss, medications, or surgical repair

Physiological cause of symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Uncontrolled muscle contractions in the intestinal wall (exact cause unknown)

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Abdominal cramping, pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation

Treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Medications to reduce smooth muscle spasms and dietary avoidance of trigger foods

Characteristic symptom of peptic ulcers

Burning left upper quadrant (LUQ) abdominal pain occurring between meals and in the early morning

Primary and secondary causes of peptic ulcers

Primary cause: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria; other causes include stress and frequent ibuprofen use.

Treatments for peptic ulcers

H2 blockers, antacids, dietary modifications, and antibiotics if caused by bacterial infection