Introduction To Gastrointestinal

Physiology Physiolo

Dr. Nusrat Tariq (M.Phill., Ph.D Scholar)

Associate Professor
Department of physiology

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 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lecture you should be able to:
1- Describe the structure of Gastrointestinal tract.
2. Elaborate various functions of GIT.
3. Enlist anatomical Types of GIT glands.
3. Explain general principles of GIT Secretions.
Gastrointestinal physiology:

A branch of human physiology that addresses

the physical function of the gastrointestinal
(GI) system.

Dr. Alzoghaibi 4
 .

Gastrointestinal system:
1-The GIT— a series of hollow organs:
Mouth
Esophagus
stomach
small intestine
large intestine— rectum and anus.
2- Solid accessory organs:
Liver
Pancreas
Gallbladder
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1.Ingestion - getting food into the GI tract (eating)
2.Propulsion - moving food along the tract by swallowing and peristalsis (wave-like
motion)
Primary Functions of Digestive System
3.Mechanical Digestion - the physical grinding and churning of foodstuffs to
breakdown and expose to enzymes and the surface of the GI tract
4.Chemical Digestion - breakdown of larger molecules into absorbable parts by
enzymatic action
5.Absorption - transport of digested molecules, vitamins, minerals, water, into blood
6. Excretion - elimination of unused foodstuff, heavy metals, toxins,
alkaloids.(feces).
7. Helps Erythropoises by secreting intrinsic factor needed for Vitamin B12
absorption
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.

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Dr. Alzoghaibi 9
Typical cross section of the Gut
The Musculature of the Digestive
Tract

• Two Main Muscle Layers:

 Longitudinal muscle layer
 Circular muscle layer
 Oblique muscle layer (stomach only)

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 The Musculature of the Digestive Tract
Longitudinal Muscle:
 Contraction shortens the segment of the intestine and expands the
lumen
 Innervated by ENS, mainly by excitatory motor neuron
 Ca influx from out side is important.
Circular muscle:
 Thicker and more powerful than longitudinal.
 Contraction reduces the diameter of the lumen and increases its length .
 Innervated by ENS, both excitatory and inhibitory motor neurons.
 More gap junctions than in longitudinal muscle.
 Intracellular release of Ca is more important

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 SMOOTH MUSCLE OF G.I.T

1.Unitary type,visceral or syncytial

smooth muscle.
2.Multiunit type smooth muscle.

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 SMOOTH MUSCLE OF G.I.T

Unitary type,visceral or syncytial smooth

muscle.
Contract spontaneously in response to
stretch in the absence of neural or hormonal
influence (such as in stomach and intestine)
Cells are electrically coupled via gap
junctions so each muscle layer functions as a
syncytium.
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 SMOOTH MUSCLE OF G.I.T
Multiunit type smooth muscle.
Contract in response to neural input but
not to stretch (such as in esophagus &
gall bladder).
Composed of discrete independently
working smooth muscle fibers ,each of
which is innervated by single nerve
ending.
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 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF
ALIMENTARY TRACT SECRETION
Dr.Nusrat Tariq (M.Phill., Ph.D Scholar)
Associate Professor
Department of physiology
 Types of Alimentary Tract Glands
1-single-cell mucous glands/mucous cells /goblet
cells:
Secrete mucus
2-Pits: Invaginations of the epithelium into the
submucosa.
Example: crypts of Lieberkühn in small intestine
3-Deep tubular glands:
Mostly in the stomach and upper duodenum
4- Complex glands:
Example: the salivary glands, pancreas, and liver
 BASIC MECHANISMS OF STIMULATION
OF THE GIT GLANDS
• Contact of Food with the Epithelium Stimulates
Secretion—Function of Enteric Nervous Stimuli
• Autonomic Stimulation of Secretion:
 Parasympathetic Stimulation Increases the GIT
Glandular Secretion Rate.
Sympathetic Stimulation Has a Dual Effect on the
Alimentary Tract Glandular Secretion Rate
Sympathetic stimulation reduces the secretion due
to vasoconstriction.
• Regulation of Glandular Secretion by Hormones
 BASIC MECHANISM OF SECRETION
BY GLANDULAR CELLS
• Secretion of Organic Substances.
• Water and Electrolyte Secretion.
• Hormonal and nervous stimulation cause
secretory effects.