Anatomy and patho

• Quadrants

  • RUQ: liver, gallbladder
  • LUQ: stomach, pancreas, spleen
  • lower quadrants: intestines
• Ingestion and propulsion of food involves the mouth, pharynx and esophagus
• Appetite is controlled by hypothalamus through:

  • hypo/hyperglycemia
  • empty or full stomach
  • decrease/increase of body tempreature
  • brain input = hormones, sight, smell taste
• Digestion: physical and chemical breakdown of food into absorbable substances through movement and enzymes secretion
• Absorption: transfer of the end product of digestion across the intestinal wall and into the circulation
• Mouth function:

  • mechanical process of mastication
  • chemical process of saliva
• Stomach function:

  • reservoir
  • gastric secretions
  • formation of chyme
• Small intestine function:

  • digestion: secretion of enzymes
  • absorption: occurs through the vili
• Elimination occurs in the large intestines
• Large intestine function

  • absorption of water and electrolytes
  • peristalsis and formation of feces
  • reservoir of fecal mass until defecation
  • secretion of mucus/lubricate and protect mucosa
  • microorganisms
• Liver function

  • metabolic function
  • bile production, storage and excretion
  • removal of bacteria and toxins + breakdown of WBC, RBC and Hb
• Biliary tract function

  • gallbladder and duct system
  • main storage of bile until release in duodenum
• Pancreas

  • exocrine function contributes to digestion
  • endocrine function: insulin and other hormones
• Hydrochloric acid maintains the stomach pH of 1-4. It is secreted by the parietal cells when stimulated by food, caffeine, chocolate and alcohol.
• Hyperproduction of HCL is possible with large fatty meals, excessive amounts of alcohol or emotional stress