Digestive Health

Appendix I: Glossary

Oct 9, 2017 · · Digestive Health
Achalasia: A disorder in which the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax and open wide enough to allow food to enter the stomach. Anal fissure: A small tear in the lining of the anal canal. Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening allergic reaction in which breathing becomes difficult, blood pressure drops, and the … Read More

12. Conclusion

Oct 9, 2017 · · Digestive Health
As you have read here, your digestive system works around the clock to ensure that your body receives the nutrients it needs to function at its best. The various parts work together as a team, so it is understandable that problems develop when one team member fails to function as … Read More

11. Rerouting the Digestive System

Oct 9, 2017 · · Digestive Health
As you have learned, our digestive system exists to extract the nutrients we need from food. In the modern world, where food is abundant and choices abound, eating too much is common. When we eat more than we need, our body stores the extra calories as fat. Fat isn’t all … Read More

9. Diseases and Disorders of the Colon

Oct 9, 2017 · · Digestive Health
The large intestine is about six feet long. It is here that water, some nutrients, and electrolytes are absorbed from partly digested food. The remaining solid waste then moves from the colon into the rectum as stool. Constipation Many people believe they are constipated if they don’t have a bowel … Read More

8. Diseases and Disorders of the Small Intestine

Oct 9, 2017 · · Digestive Health
The small intestine—which is about 22 feet long—is where nutrients are broken down into sugar, amino acids, and fatty acids before they enter the bloodstream. Lactose Intolerance During normal digestion, the small intestine breaks down lactose (the predominant sugar found in milk) into glucose, a form that can be absorbed … Read More

6. Disorders of the Gallbladder

Oct 6, 2017 · · Digestive Health
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped pouch that sits next to the liver and aids in the process of digestion. The liver produces a fluid called bile, which is a combination of water, bile acid, cholesterol, bilirubin, and lecithin. Bile helps digest fats in the small intestine. Once the bile … Read More

5. Diseases and Disorders of the Liver

Oct 6, 2017 · · Digestive Health
The liver, which is located in the upper-right side of the abdomen, is the largest organ in the body and one of the most important. The liver processes everything you put in your mouth, including food, drink, and medications. It converts nutrients to products the body can use, stores these … Read More

4. Diseases and Disorders of the Stomach

Oct 6, 2017 · · Digestive Health
The stomach is situated on the upper left side of the abdomen, and its size varies between individuals depending on their size, build, and gender. The stomach is where food is mixed with gastric acid and enzymes, and predigested. The walls of the stomach comprise layers of mucous membrane, connective … Read More

3. Diseases and Disorders of the Esophagus

Oct 6, 2017 · · Digestive Health
The simple act of swallowing is the mechanical process that propels chewed food from the mouth into the esophagus (see Box 3-1, The Swallowing Process). In preparation for swallowing, the tongue moves the chewed food to the back of the throat. This triggers the swallowing reflex, and muscles contract to … Read More

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