Digestive

System
Submitted by:

CAIMOSO, TRICIA ANN D.

QUIAMBAO, ALIYAH LOURDES D.

BS PSYCHOLOGY 3-3

Submitted to:

PROF. JACQUILINE TYCHUACO

 Digestive System

The digestive system is responsible for bringing food into the body and breaking it down to
useable components. It starts at the mouth, where we ingest our food and use our saliva, teeth
and tongue to bite and mash it. The food then travels through the esophagus into the stomach,
where strong acids break it down even further. During the last two stages of digestion,
nutrients and water are absorbed through the small intestine and the large intestine,
respectively. Any remaining waste products are stored in the rectum and eliminated through
the anus.

Digestion

Digestion is the complex process of turning the food you eat into nutrients, which the body uses
for energy, growth and cell repair needed to survive. The digestion process also involves
creating waste to be eliminated.

Functions:

 Achieves physical and chemical breakdown of food.

 Absorbs nutrients.
 Eliminates solid wastes.

Components:

Organs of gastrointestinal tract, a long tube that includes the mouth, pharynx (throat),
esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and anus; also includes accessory organs that
assist in digestive processes, such as the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Mouth- The mouth is the entry point for food, but the digestive system often gets ready
before the first piece of food even enters our mouth. Saliva is released by the salivary glands
into our oral cavity when we smell food. Once the food enters the mouth, chewing
(mastication) breaks food into smaller particles that can be more easily attacked by the
enzymes in saliva. Our teeth can perform a cutting as well as grinding function to accomplish
this task. The tongue assists in mixing the food with the saliva and then the tongue and roof of
the mouth (soft palate) help move the food along to the pharynx and esophagus.

Pharynx and Esophagus- The pharynx (throat) is the transition area from the mouth to
the esophagus. From the pharynx there are two paths that the food bolus can take; 1) the
wrong path, which is down the windpipe into the lungs, or 2) the correct path into the
esophagus and then the stomach. The act of swallowing is a complex process that closes the
windpipe (to protect our lungs) and moves food into the esophagus. This process is mostly
automatic (reflex) but it is also partially under our direct control.
Once it enters the esophagus, food is moved down the esophagus and into our stomach. The
esophagus is a muscular tube that contracts in a synchronized fashion (peristalsis) to move food
down towards the stomach. While the muscles behind the food product contract, the muscles
ahead of the food relax, causing the forward propulsion of the food. Peristalsis is the main
mechanism by which food moves through our digestive system.

Once the food approaches the stomach, a muscular valve (the lower esophageal sphincter)
relaxes and lets the food pass into the stomach. This sphincter has the important function of
closing the stomach so no food or stomach acid reenters the esophagus (and therefore avoiding
heartburn or regurgitation).

Stomach and Small Intestine- From glands that line the stomach, acid and enzymes are
secreted that continue the breakdown process of the food. The stomach muscles further mix
the food. At the end of this process, the food you placed in your mouth has been transformed
to a thick creamy fluid called chyme.

This thick fluid is then pushed into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). With the
help of enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver, further breakdown of the food
occurs in the small intestine.

The small intestine has three segments. The first segment is the duodenum where further
breakdown of the food takes place. The next two parts of the small intestine (jejunum and
ileum) are mostly responsible for the absorption of nutrients from the processed food into the
bloodstream through the walls of the intestine.

After the small intestine, the leftover waste leaves the upper gastrointestinal tract (upper GI
tract) which is made up of everything above the large intestine, and moves into the large
intestine or colon (the beginning of the lower GI tract).

Colon, Rectum and Anus- The role of the lower GI tract is to solidify the waste product
(by absorbing water), store the waste product until it can be evacuated (going to the bathroom)
and help with the evacuation process.

The large intestine (colon) has four parts:

1. ascending colon,
2. transverse colon,
3. descending colon and
4. sigmoid colon.

All together the colon is approximately 7 feet long and connects to the rectum. Here as in most
other parts of the GI system, the waste product is moved along by peristalsis. As the waste
product passes through the colon, water is absorbed and stool is formed.
The stool from the colon is stored in the rectum. The anal sphincter provides the control over
releasing stool or holding it. Once stool arrives in the rectum, a feedback to the brain makes the
person aware of the need for a bowel movement. Voluntary control over the anal sphincter lets
us hold the stool until we go to the toilet.

Three accessory digestive organs (pancreas, liver, gallbladder)

Three other organs are instrumental in the digestive process.

1. Pancreas: Although the pancreas is mostly known for its blood sugar regulatory function
with the production of insulin (as part of the endocrine system -- he insulin goesdirectly
from the gland into the bloodstream), it is the main producer of digestive enzymes as
part of the exocrine system (the enzymes produced by the gland pass through a duct
into the intestines). These enzymes are released into the duodenum and help with the
digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates..
2. Liver: The liver produces bile for fat digestion and elimination. In addition, nutrients are
stored in the liver, and toxins and chemicals are filtered by liver.
3. Gallbladder: Bile is stored and released from the gallbladder. When fatty food enters
the duodenum, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile.
Diseases:

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

When stomach acid backs up into your esophagus — a condition called acid reflux —
you may feel a burning pain in the middle of your chest. It often occurs after meals or at night.
While it’s common for people to experience acid reflux and heartburn once in a while, having
symptoms that affect your daily life or occur at least twice each week could be a sign of GERD, a
chronic digestive disease. If you experience persistent heartburn, bad breath, tooth erosion,
nausea, pain in your chest or upper part of your abdomen, or have trouble swallowing or
breathing, it is best to see a doctor.

Most people find relief by avoiding the foods and beverages that trigger their symptoms
and/or by taking over-the-counter antacids or other medications that reduce stomach acid
production and inflammation of the esophagus. But some cases of GERD require stronger
treatment, such as medication or surgery.

2. Gallstones

Gallstones are hard deposits that form in your gallbladder — a small, pear-shaped sack
that stores and secretes bile for digestion. Gallstones can form when there’s too much
cholesterol or waste in your bile, or if your gallbladder doesn’t empty properly.

When gallstones block the ducts leading from your gallbladder to your intestines, they
can cause sharp pain in your upper-right abdomen. Medications sometimes dissolve gallstones,
but if that doesn’t work, the next step is surgery to remove the gallbladder.

3. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a serious sensitivity to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye,
and barley. Eat gluten, and your immune system goes on the attack: It damages your villi, the
finger-like protrusions in your small intestines that help you absorb nutrients from the foods
you eat. Symptoms of celiac disease in children include abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea,
constipation, vomiting, and weight loss. Symptoms in adults can also include anemia, fatigue,
bone loss, depression, and seizures.

Yet some people may not have any symptoms. The only treatment for celiac disease is
to completely avoid eating gluten. Common alternatives to gluten include brown rice, quinoa,
lentils, soy flour, corn flour, and amaranth.
4. Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is part of a group of digestive conditions called inflammatory bowel

disease (IBD). Crohn’s most commonly affects the terminal ileum, which connects the end of
the small bowel and the beginning of the colon, but it can affect any part of the digestive tract.

Doctors aren't sure what causes the disease, but it's thought that genetics and family
history may play a part. The most common Crohn's symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea,
rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fever. Crohn's treatment consists of lifestyle changes, such as
exercise and a healthy diet, as well as over-the-counter antidiarrhetics and prescription anti-
inflammatory medication.

5. Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes sores in the
colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea, sometimes bloody that are very similar
to those of Crohn's, but the part of the digestive tract affected is solely the large intestine, also
known as the colon.

If your immune system mistakes food or other materials for invaders, sores or ulcers
develop in the colon’s lining. If you experience frequent and urgent bowel movements, pain
with diarrhea, blood in your stool, or abdominal cramps, visit your doctor.

Medication can suppress the inflammation, and eliminating foods that cause discomfort
may help as well. In severe cases, treatment for ulcerative colitis may involve surgery to remove
the colon.

6. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another common digestive condition. It is a stomach

pain or discomfort at least three times a month for several months.

Signs of IBS can vary widely: You can be constipated or have diarrhea, or have hard, dry
stools on one day and loose watery stools on another. Bloating is also a symptom of IBS.

What causes IBS isn’t known, but treatment of symptoms centers largely on diet, such
as eating low-fat, high-fiber meals or avoiding common trigger foods (dairy products, alcohol,
caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and foods that produce gas).

Friendly bacteria, such as the probiotics found in live yogurt, may also help you feel
better. Stress can trigger IBS symptoms, so some people find cognitive-behavioral therapy or
low-dose antidepressants to be useful treatments, as well.
7. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are an inflammation of the blood vessels at the end of your digestive tract.
They can be painful and itchy. Causes include chronic constipation, diarrhea, straining during
bowel movements, and a lack of fiber in your diet.

Bright red blood in the toilet bowl when you move your bowels could be a sign of
hemorrhoids, which is a very common condition. Treat hemorrhoids by eating more fiber,
drinking more water, and exercising. Over-the-counter creams and suppositories may provide
temporary relief of hemorrhoid symptoms. See your doctor if at-home treatments don’t help;
sometimes a hemorrhoidectomy is needed to remove hemorrhoids surgically.

8. Diverticulitis

Small pouches called diverticula can form anywhere there are weak spots in the lining of
your digestive system, but they are most commonly found in the colon.

If you have diverticula but no symptoms, the condition is called diverticulosis, which is
quite common among older adults and rarely causes problems. But if the pouches become
inflamed, it’s called diverticulitis. Symptoms include fever and abdominal pain. Obesity is a
major risk factor for diverticulitis.

Mild diverticulitis is treated with antibiotics and a clear liquid diet so your colon can
heal. A low-fiber diet could be the cause of diverticulitis, so your doctor may direct you to eat a
diet high in fiber — whole grains, legumes, vegetables — as part of your treatment.

If you have severe attacks that recur frequently, you may need surgery to remove the
diseased part of your colon.

9. Cholera

Cholera is an acute infection of the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio
cholerae and characterized by extreme diarrhea with rapid and severe depletion of body fluids
and salts.

Cholera is an intestinal disease that is the archetype of waterborne illnesses. It spreads

by the fecal-oral route: infection spreads through a population when feces containing the
bacterium contaminate water that is then ingested by individuals. Transmission of the disease
can also occur with food that has been irrigated, washed, or cooked with contaminated water.
Foods that have the greatest potential to transmit the disease include shellfish and seafoods,
especially if eaten raw; fruits and vegetables grown in soil that has been either fertilized with
human excrement (night soil) or irrigated with raw sewage; and foods packed in contaminated
ice.

Cholera is marked by the sudden onset of profuse, watery diarrhea, typically after an
incubation period of 12 to 28 hours. The fluid stools, commonly referred to as “rice water”
stools, often contain flecks of mucus. The diarrhea is frequently accompanied by vomiting, and
the patient rapidly becomes dehydrated. The patient is very thirsty and has a dry tongue. The
blood pressure falls, the pulse becomes faint, and muscular cramps may become severe. The
patient’s eyes become hollow and sunken, and the skin becomes wrinkled, giving the hands the
appearance of “washerwoman’s hands.” Children may also experience fever, lethargy, and
seizures as a result of the extreme dehydration. The disease ordinarily runs its course in two to
seven days.

The rapid loss of fluid from the bowel can, if untreated, lead to death—sometimes
within hours—in more than 50 percent of those stricken. However, with proper modern
treatment, mortality can essentially be prevented, with rates kept to less than 1 percent of
those requiring therapy. This treatment consists largely of replacing lost fluid and salts with the
oral or intravenous administration of an alkaline solution of sodium chloride. For oral
rehydration the solution is made by using oral rehydration salts (ORS)—a measured mixture of
glucose, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and trisodium citrate. The mixture can be
prepackaged and administered by nonmedical personnel, allowing cholera to be treated even
under the most adverse conditions. ORS can generally be used to treat all but the most severely
dehydrated patients, who require intravenous rehydration.

10. Appendicitis

Appendecitis is an inflammation of the appendix, the closed-end tube attached to the

cecum, the first region of the large intestine. While some cases are mild and may resolve on
their own, most require the removal of the inflamed appendix through abdominal surgery
(usually via laparotomy or laparoscopy), often leaving a small scar or scars. If untreated, there is
a high risk of peritonitis, in which the inflamed appendix bursts; shock and death can result.

Those who suffer an attack of appendicitis usually feel pain all over the abdomen or
sometimes in the upper abdomen around the area of the navel. The pain is usually not very
severe initially. For a period of one to six hours after the first pain sensation, the abdominal
pain becomes restricted to the lower right side, and it becomes sharper. There may also be
nausea and vomiting, with patients often developing a fever, although this sometimes happens
some hours, or even a day, later.

The basic method for treating appendicitis is for a surgeon to completely remove the
appendix in a minor operation called an appendectomy. The operation, conducted under
anesthesia, often is completed quickly. Problems arise if the diagnosis of acute appendicitis is
not made straightaway. It is possible for doctors to wait for a while—often as long as 34
hours—so that a more definitive diagnosis can be made. During that time it is important for the
patient to remain in the hospital in case of medical emergencies or when the need for surgical
intervention arises.

11. Anal Fissure

Anal fissures are tiny, oval-shaped tears in the lining of the very end of your digestive
tract called your anus. The symptoms are similar to those of hemorrhoids, such as bleeding and
pain after moving your bowels. Straining and hard bowel movements can cause fissures, but so
can soft stools and diarrhea.

A high-fiber diet that makes your stool well formed and bulky is often the best
treatment for this common digestive condition. Medications to relax the anal sphincter
muscles, as well as topical anesthetics and sitz baths, can relieve pain; however, chronic fissures
may require surgery of the anal sphincter muscle.

Sources:

https://www.medicinenet.com/the_digestion_process_organs_and_functions/article.htm

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-system#1

https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/common-digestive-conditions-from-top-
bottom/

https://www.britannica.com/topic-browse/Health-and-Medicine/Diseases-and-
Disorders/Digestive-System-Diseases