The Gastrointestinal System (GI System)
The gastrointestinal (GI) system, the digestive system, consists of long hollow organs that are joined together forming a twisted tube from the mouth to the anus. Other organs are included that help the digestive process absorb and break down food. Organs in the digestive system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. Each organ contains mucus. Whether it is to the breaking down of food or the absorption process, each organ has a different, important task. The digestive process beings in the mouth where the food is broken down. It then enters the esophagus where it is broken down again until it reaches the stomach. Once in the stomach, the food is surrounded by an abundance of stomach acids which continue the breaking down process. The stomach passes the remaining food, which is now called chyme, to the small intestine. The small intestine breaks down the chyme and send the nutrients from in into the blood stream for proper use. The remnants of the food is sent to the large intestine where the liquids are excreted and passed through the body. Once the left over food leaves the large intestine, it enters the rectum where it is stored until it is ready to be excreted through the anus.
Diseases
Chrohn's DiseaseChron's Disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes pain and frequent diarrhea. There is no cure. Treatment, diet, and lifestyle help reduce symptoms.
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DiverticulitisDiverticulitis occurs when one or more diverticula becomes infected. This infected diverticula becomes inflamed. It can form anywhere in the digestive system. It results in abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and I change in bowel habits.
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CirrhosisCirrhosis is the scarring of the liver caused by hepatitis, and chronic alcohol abuse. Cirrhosis occurs in response to the damage of the liver over several years. This damage cannot be undone. If it is diagnosed early enough, further damage could cease.
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Gastroesophogeal Reflux DiseaseGastroesophogeal disease, GERD, occurs when the stomach acid or even bile flows back into the esophagus. While the acid rises, it causes irritation to the esophagus which causes GERD.
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CholelithiasisCholelithiasis (gallstones) are hardened deposits of digestive fluids that form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder holds digestive fluid called bile that is released into the small intestine. Gallstones sizes can very from a grain of sand to as big as a golf ball. It is possible to develop more than one gallstone. They are very common in the US. Gallstones usually require surgery to be removed.
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Celiac DiseaseCeliac Disease damages the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients process. People with this disease typically cannot tolerate gluten/wheat products. The disease destroys the lining in the small intestine. When this occurs a person becomes very malnourished.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)IBS affects the colon. It causes cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and gas pains. IBS is uncomfortable but it does not cause permanent damage to the colon. IBS can be controlled by changing bad diet habits and reducing stress.
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Ulcerative ColitisColitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It affects the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. Symptoms determine the kind of colitis a patient has. If the inflammation is in the rectum and lower end of the colon, the name is known as Proctosigmioditis. Inflammation contained strictly to the area closest to the anus is known as Ulcerative Colitis.
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Pinworm InfectionPinworm infection, the most common type of intestinal worm infection in the US, is when a female pinworm is ingested (typically in small children) and lays eggs in the intestines. The eggs hatch close to the opening of the anus. Symptoms are very mild but include restless nights, pain around the anus, and anal itching. Eggs can be spread easily, child to child.
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Anal FissureAn anal fissure is a small tear in the tissue that lines around the anus. It can occur at any age, though it is most common in infants. It occurs when the patient is or has passed large and hard stool. It causes pain, bleeding, and random spams within the anal sphincter. Typically, anal fissures heal themselves.
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