All gastrointestinal organs. What is gastrointestinal tract

It also includes glands that produce secretions necessary for the full course of the digestion process.

The gastrointestinal tract is a very long (up to 10 m) tube, which is twisted in many places in the form of loops. It begins with the opening of the mouth and ends anus. The parts that make up the gastrointestinal tract smoothly pass into each other. These are the stomach, oral cavity, esophagus, pharynx, small intestine, colon and rectum.

The process of breaking down food and changing it chemically begins in the mouth. It is here that it is soaked in saliva and chewed.

Next, the crushed food enters the pharynx - an irregularly shaped tube that narrows downward and is slightly flattened at the end of the front part. By the way, the process of breathing occurs with the help of the pharynx, and therefore it also belongs to the respiratory system.

A swallowed bolus of food enters the esophagus - a narrow, more than twenty-centimeter tube. It connects the stomach and pharynx. Peristalsis of the esophagus helps the food bolus move on. As a result of active muscle contraction, within five seconds it ends up in the stomach - the wide part of the digestive canal. In an adult, this organ has a volume of 1.5 liters to 2.5 liters, and in men it is larger than in women. An empty stomach is not stretched; it is in a state of contraction. A bolus of food that gets into its upper part pushes the walls of the organ apart and moves towards the lower part with peristaltic, translational movements. During this transition, it is soaked, which is secreted by the glands of the stomach even before eating (reflexively) and from direct contact with it. Each new portion pushes the previous one further. The bolus of food remains in the stomach for three to ten hours, this time is enough for it to become saturated with the juice secreted by the glands of this organ.

Then, through the sphincter, which periodically opens, it enters what is the longest section of the digestive canal - up to six meters. It consists of the jejunum, duodenum and ileum. Here the processing of the food bolus with enzymes ends, nutrients are absorbed, and proteins, carbohydrates and fats are broken down. Thanks to the movements of the muscles of the small intestine, it is mixed and advanced.

The remaining substances and water continue to be absorbed in the colon. Masses of feces are formed in it, which enter and exit through the anal canal. It contains a plexus of veins, in the area of ​​which such a common tract as hemorrhoids occurs.

In general, the causes of diseases of the digestive system are very diverse. Their distribution is directly dependent on social conditions, from the place of residence, from the patient’s age, his gender, from the dietary habits that have developed historically.

One of the main reasons is the modern rhythm of life. It has been noticed that city residents are more likely to suffer from intestinal problems. Also, those people whose professions are associated with emotional stress are more susceptible to them.

The second factor influencing the development of diseases in which the gastrointestinal tract suffers is a violation of the diet and quality of nutrition.

In addition, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract is provoked by helminthiases and infectious diseases (hepatitis, dysentery, foodborne diseases).

Whatever the cause, adequate treatment should be carried out by a medical professional. Since self-medication often leads not to an improvement in the situation, but to its aggravation. After a long period of use medicines(including homemade ones) without medical supervision, acute inflammation of the stomach or colon can become chronic. There is a high risk of development or damage to the digestive tract by fungi (for example, after long-term use of antibiotics).

The abbreviation of the gastrointestinal tract organs covers the complex system of organs of the gastrointestinal tract, including the digestive system. This extremely important system provides not only the basic functions of digestion, but also the breakdown of foods into useful substances carried through the lymph and blood, and into substances for excretion from the body. The gastrointestinal tract complex includes all those organs through which food travels, starting from oral cavity and ending with the anus. To imagine the entire system as a whole, it is enough to imagine the entire path of the product being consumed. In the beginning, of course, it is the oral cavity where food enters. Then it moves along the pharynx measuring 10-12 centimeters and enters the most important organ - the esophagus, which ends with the stomach, which accounts for the main process of digestion. It is for this reason that it accounts for most of the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, gastritis, cancer, and so on. After the stomach, food enters the intestinal tract - these are the duodenum, ileum, jejunum, cecum, colon and rectum.

When considering the gastrointestinal tract, we must not forget about the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and salivary glands, since they are also actively involved in the digestion process, but, nevertheless, they are not directly related to the gastrointestinal tract.

While studying the gastrointestinal tract in its pathological conditions, attention is also paid to diseases of the oral cavity, such as stomatitis, caries and even gingivitis. Problems in the mouth can also change the body's microflora and affect the normal eating experience. At the same time, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are significantly increasing. So, in this section you can familiarize yourself with the following popular questions:

• structure of the gastrointestinal tract, normal sizes and lining surfaces of organs
• including the colon, small intestine and rectum. What varieties, departments and parts are there?
• important diseases in the digestive system of the oral cavity, including stomatitis. As well as the prevention of lesions
• pharynx, its normal anatomical dimensions and abnormal lesions: pharyngitis, inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids, differences between catarrhal and follicular tonsillitis
• esophagus - its role in the body. Developmental anomalies. Esophagitis. Why does the esophagus account for a significant portion of injuries of various origins?
• stomach. All types of stomach lesions, gastritis, ulcers
• gastrointestinal infections, symptoms and treatment
• diagnosing lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. Colonoscopy, endoscopy, x-ray, examination, ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract
• intestine - the separate study of the rectum, large and small, with many parts and branches. Diseases related exclusively to the intestinal tract: appendicitis, colitis, enteritis, duodenitis, formations such as polyps and carcinomas
• diseases of a delicate nature: anal fissures, hemorrhoids, paraproctitis
• process of digestion and breakdown using enzymes
• peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract
• palpation and its special place in diagnosing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
• treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, therapy and radical methods
• fermentation - as the basis of digestion, its functions and basic mechanisms
• hormonal support as a competitor to enzymes for the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
• what is microflora, why is it so important to maintain and restore it after taking antibiotics, what are the dangers of infections of the gastrointestinal tract, the difference between natural intestinal bacteria and third-party bacteria - why the vital activity of some should be supported, while others should be stopped

Human life activity depends on the energy that enters the body from the gastrointestinal tract. This is an important system, consisting of many departments and hollow organs, and disruptions in its functioning lead to serious health problems. How does the human gastrointestinal tract work, and what are the features of its activity?

The gastrointestinal tract performs many functions that are associated with the absorption and digestion of food, as well as the removal of its remains to the outside.

These include:

• grinding food, moving it through the initial sections of the system, moving it along the esophageal tube to other sections;
• production of substances necessary for normal digestion (saliva, acids, bile);
• transportation of useful substances that are formed as a result of the breakdown of foods into the circulatory system;
• removal from the body of toxins, chemical compounds and waste that enter the body along with food, medications, etc.

In addition, some parts of the gastrointestinal tract (in particular, the stomach and intestines) take part in protecting the body from pathogens - they secrete special substances that destroy bacteria and microbes, and also serve as a source of beneficial bacteria.

From the moment of eating food until the undigested remains are removed, about 24-48 hours pass, and during this time it manages to cover 6-10 meters of the path, depending on the age of the person and the characteristic features of his body. Each of the departments in this case performs its own function, and at the same time they closely interact with each other, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the system.

Main sections of the gastrointestinal tract

The most important sections for digesting food include the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines. In addition, the liver, pancreas and other organs play a certain role in these processes, producing special substances and enzymes that promote the breakdown of food.

Oral cavity

All processes that occur in the gastrointestinal tract originate in the oral cavity. After entering the mouth, it is chewed, and the nerve processes that are present on the mucous membrane transmit signals to the brain, thanks to which a person distinguishes the taste and temperature of food, and the salivary glands begin to function intensively. Most of the taste buds (papillae) are located on the tongue: sweet taste is recognized by the papillae at the tip, bitter taste is perceived by the root receptors, and acidity is detected by the central and lateral parts. The food mixes with saliva and is partially broken down, after which a food bolus is formed.

At the end of the process of forming a lump, the muscles of the pharynx begin to move, as a result of which it enters the esophagus. The pharynx is a hollow, movable organ consisting of connective tissue and muscles. Its structure not only promotes the movement of food, but also prevents it from entering the respiratory tract.

A soft elastic cavity of an elongated shape, the length of which is about 25 cm. It connects the pharynx with the stomach and passes through the cervical, thoracic and partly through the abdominal region. The walls of the esophagus are able to stretch and contract, which ensures that the bolus of food moves through the tube without hindrance. To facilitate this process, it is important to chew food well - thanks to this, it acquires a semi-liquid consistency and quickly enters the stomach. Liquid mass passes the esophagus in about 0.5-1.5 seconds, and solid food takes about 6-7 seconds.

The stomach is one of the main organs of the gastrointestinal tract, which is intended for digesting food lumps that enter it. It looks like a slightly elongated cavity, the length is 20-25 cm, and the capacity is about 3 liters. The stomach is located below the diaphragm in the epigastric part of the abdomen, and the outlet is fused to the duodenum. Directly at the point where the stomach meets the intestines, there is a ring of muscle called the sphincter, which contracts when transporting food from one organ to another, preventing it from flowing back into the stomach cavity.

The peculiarity of the structure of the stomach is the absence of stable fixation (it is attached only to the esophagus and duodenum), due to which its volume and shape can change depending on the amount of food eaten, the condition of the muscles, nearby organs and other factors.

In the tissues of the stomach there are special glands that produce a special liquid - gastric juice. It contains hydrochloric acid and a substance called pepsin. They are responsible for processing and breaking down food that comes from the esophagus into the organ. In the gastric cavity, the processes of digestion of food products are not carried out as actively as in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract - food is mixed in homogeneous mass, and due to the action of enzymes they are transformed into a semi-liquid lump, which is called chyme.

After all the processes of fermentation and grinding of food are completed, the chyme is pushed into the pylorus, and from there it enters the intestinal area. In the part of the stomach where the pylorus is located, there are several glands that produce bioactive substances - some of them stimulate the motor activity of the stomach, others influence fermentation, that is, they activate or reduce it.

Intestines

The intestine is the largest part of the digestive system, and at the same time one of the largest organs human body. Its length can reach from 4 to 8 meters, depending on the age and individual characteristics of the human body. It is located in the abdominal region and performs several functions at once: final digestion of food, absorption nutrients and removal of undigested residues.

The organ consists of several types of intestines, each of them performing a special function. For normal digestion, all sections and parts of the intestine need to interact with each other, so there are no partitions between them.

The absorption of substances necessary for the body, which occurs in the intestines, is carried out by the villi that cover their inner surface - they break down vitamins, process fats and carbohydrates. In addition, the gut plays an important role in the normal function of the immune system. Beneficial bacteria live there, which destroy foreign microorganisms, as well as fungal spores. In the intestines of a healthy person, the number of beneficial bacteria is greater than fungal spores, but if there are malfunctions, they begin to multiply, which leads to various diseases.

The intestine is divided into two parts - the thin and thick sections. There is no clear division of the organ into parts, but there are still some anatomical differences between them. The diameter of the intestines of the large section is on average 4-9 cm, and the small intestine is from 2 to 4 cm, the first has a pink tint, and the second is light gray. The muscles of the thin section are smooth and longitudinal, while in the thick section they have protrusions and grooves. In addition, there are some functional differences between them - in the small intestine, essential nutrients for the body are absorbed, while in the large intestine, feces are formed and accumulated, as well as the breakdown of fat-soluble vitamins.

The small intestine is the longest section of the organ that runs from the stomach to the large intestine. It performs several functions - in particular, it is responsible for the processes of breakdown of dietary fiber, the production of a number of enzymes and hormones, the absorption of nutrients, and consists of three parts: the duodenum, jejunum and ileum.

The structure of each of them, in turn, includes smooth muscle, connective and epithelial tissues, located in several layers. The inner surface is lined with villi, which facilitate the absorption of microelements.

Colon

The large intestine is the last section of the gastrointestinal tract, its length is about 2 meters, and its diameter is from 4 to 10 cm. The final processes of digestion and breakdown of food, absorption of liquid and formation of feces take place in it. It envelops the food bolus with mucus and moves it towards the rectum, where they accumulate and are removed. The structure of the large intestine is similar to the structure of the small intestine (tissues arranged in several layers), and it includes the cecum, colon, sigmoid and rectum.

The human gastrointestinal tract is a vital system with a complex structure that performs the functions of digesting and breaking down food, as well as absorbing nutrients. In other words, it is in the intestines that the food we eat is transformed into the energy necessary for life. The activity of the gastrointestinal tract is closely related to the work of other organs and systems, so disruption of the functioning of any of its departments can lead to malfunctions in the functioning of the entire body. Nausea and stomach ache

The structure of a person and his gastrointestinal tract

Video - Anatomy of the digestive system

According to statistics, approximately every third person suffers from ailments of the digestive canal. The reasons are unhealthy food, regular stress and a sedentary lifestyle. To detect the disease in a timely manner, you need to know the symptoms of pathologies.

The gastrointestinal tract is responsible for the absorption of protein and carbohydrate compounds, vitamins and minerals. These substances are considered a source of energy, and therefore are responsible for the formation of new cellular structures.

The digestive system performs several functions at once.

1. Motor-mechanical. Breaks down food, is responsible for its movement and removal from the body.
2. Secretory. Responsible for the production of enzyme and bile components. These substances are needed for proper and complete digestion of food.
3. Suction. Helps absorb water and essential nutrients.

The digestive system consists of several sections:

• oral cavity;
• pharynx;
• esophagus;
• stomach;
• small and large intestine;
• rectum.

Each of these areas differs in its functionality.

Under the influence of unfavorable factors, disruptions in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract occur. This process leads to the development of diseases.

Causes of intestinal disease

Gastrointestinal diseases develop for several reasons, such as:

The list of provoking factors is quite long. Children, women during pregnancy, and the elderly can suffer from pathological conditions.

Symptomatic picture

Many people know how gastrointestinal diseases manifest themselves. But the main problem is that they have similar symptoms, so it will be difficult to make a diagnosis on your own.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal tract disease are characterized by:

• painful sensations. This symptom is considered common. Occurs with gastric ulcers, intestinal and hepatic colic. They are distinguished by an aching or cramping character, radiating to any part of the abdomen;
• belching. If a symptom manifests itself repeatedly, then it is customary to talk about functional indigestion, decreased sphincter tone. When belching appears with the smell of rotten eggs, there is retention of a bolus of food in the stomach;
• heartburn. The patient may feel a burning sensation in the lower abdomen of the esophagus. This sign does not depend on the level of acidity;
• nausea and vomiting. Often, such symptoms occur with chronic damage to the intestinal tract. Constant moderate nausea indicates low acidity. If the patient experiences frequent vomiting, this indicates an ulcerative lesion or cancer;
• bloating and the formation of a large amount of gas. They develop after consuming products that contain coarse fiber. Flatulence can occur with secretory pancreatic insufficiency, dysbacteriosis or intestinal obstruction.

There are other symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as:

• discomfort, bursting feelings and heaviness in the stomach for a long time;
• bitter taste in the mouth, loss of appetite, aversion to meat dishes;
• unpleasant odor from the mouth, the formation of a whitish coating on the tongue;
• increased salivation or constant thirst;
• prolonged bowel dysfunction with alternating diarrhea and constipation;
• the occurrence of blood clots and impurities from the rectum;
• sudden weight loss;
• development of anemia: weakness, paleness, dizziness.

Most signs do not pose a threat to the patient's life. But they adversely affect human performance and quality of life. If you ignore the symptoms, the disease becomes chronic.

Classification of gastrointestinal diseases

Gastrointestinal problems have two forms of origin:

• infectious;
• non-infectious.

Based on the location of the pathology, diseases of the following areas are divided:

• stomach;
• esophagus;
• small and large intestine;
• biliary tract;
• liver.

Also, gastrointestinal diseases can be acquired, hereditary or congenital.

They also separate downstream. Acute diseases are of bacterial origin and develop as a result of poisoning, allergic reactions or viral damage.

Chronic diseases occur due to untimely and incorrectly selected treatment. This group includes gastritis, colitis, cholecystitis, long-term consumption of low-quality products. Chronic pathologies rarely occur in isolation.

List of common gastrointestinal diseases

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract affect different parts. Doctors highlight a whole list of common pathologies.

1. Various types of gastritis.

   Diagnosed in every third patient. Characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa. The main cause of the pathological process is the activation of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Provoking factors include consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking, stressful situations, and poor nutrition.

2. Colitis.

   The disease of the gastrointestinal tract is inflammatory in nature. Localized in the small intestine. The cause of the pathology is considered to be bacterial infections. The development of the disease can be provoked by pathogenic microbes in the form of staphylococci, Escherichia coli, Proteus, and streptococci.

   Nonspecific ulcerative colitis affects the intestinal canal and leads to the formation of ulcers. In the absence of timely treatment, the patient develops complications in the form of internal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, malignant formations.

3. Viral hepatitis.

   Group gastrointestinal diseases which are infectious in nature. They are dangerous to the life of a sick person. Characterized by liver damage by viruses.

4. Cirrhosis of the liver.

   Chronic type of liver disease. Considered dangerous. If left untreated, it leads to death.

Ulcerative lesions of the stomach and small intestine.

The cause of the disease is chronic gastritis, prolonged activity of Helicobacter pylori. When the organs of the digestive system are damaged, there is a violation of the integrity of tissue structures. Gradually, erosions and ulcers form.

If left untreated, it leads to the development of complications that are life-threatening.

5. Dysbacteriosis.
   It is not an independent disease. Characterized by changes in microflora in the intestines. The cause is long-term use of antibiotics, poor diet, and poisoning. Accompanied by stool disturbances in the form of diarrhea or constipation. It is enough to follow a diet, consume fermented milk products and preparations with probiotics.
6. Cholecystitis.
   The disease is inflammatory in nature. The gallbladder is affected. The main symptoms include pain on the right side, bitterness in the mouth, nausea, disruption of bowel movements, and dyspeptic disorders.
7. Pancreatitis.
   An inflammatory process that occurs in the pancreas. The pathology is characterized by impaired enzyme production. This phenomenon leads to the manifestation of pain on the left side. Nausea and vomiting are also observed.
8. Haemorrhoids.
   This type of disease is usually understood as an increase in hemorrhoids. The cause of this problem is a sedentary lifestyle, carrying heavy objects, difficult childbirth, and intra-abdominal pressure. The nodes can be located both inside the rectum and in the anal area. Treatable in the initial stages conservative methods. In advanced cases, surgery is performed.
9. Appendicitis.
   An acute inflammatory process that leads to damage to the vermiform appendix of the cecum. Most often it manifests itself as severe pain on the right side. It all starts from the navel area, then gradually the discomfort moves to the lower abdomen. The patient has a fever, nausea and repeated vomiting. In such cases, urgent surgical intervention is required.

Each disease requires careful diagnosis and properly selected treatment. Therefore, at the first symptoms of pathology, you need to urgently seek help from a specialist.

Diseases of the digestive tract in children

Problems with the stomach and intestines can occur at any age. Increasingly, diseases of internal organs are being diagnosed in children. This is influenced by several factors such as:

• bad environment;
• unbalanced diet;
• hereditary predisposition;
• availability bad habits at the mother's.

Confectionery and flour products with a high content of preservatives and dyes cause enormous harm to a small organism. The likelihood of developing allergic reactions and nervousness increases.

According to statistics, intestinal diseases are diagnosed in children aged 5-6 and 9-11 years.

There are several pathological conditions in the form of:

• constipation or diarrhea;
• gastritis in chronic or acute form;
• gastroenteritis;
• chronic duodenitis;
• enterocolitis;
• ulcerative lesions of the stomach or intestines;
• cholecystitis;
• pancreatitis;
• lesions of the biliary tract;
• hepatitis in acute and chronic form.

An important role in the manifestation of diseases is played by the insufficient ability of the child’s body to respond to infections, since the child’s body is very weak. The formation of immunity is affected by proper feeding in the first months of a baby’s life.

Best way to feed babies breast milk. Infants who are bottle-fed are more likely to suffer from various infections. The cause of the disorder is considered to be irregular feeding or overfeeding, earlier introduction of complementary foods, and failure to comply with hygiene measures.

IN separate category include acute intestinal diseases such as dysentery and salmonellosis. The main signs include dyspepsia, dehydration, and intoxication. This condition is life-threatening for the child and requires urgent hospitalization of children in a hospital.

Treatment is prescribed only by a gastroenterologist based on the patient’s age and severity of the disease.

Diagnostic measures

To make a correct diagnosis, you need to undergo an examination. There are two types of diagnostics.

Physical examination

First, the doctor asks the patient about the presence of existing complaints and takes an anamnesis.

After this it does:

• palpation. This method involves palpating the internal organs through the abdominal wall. The technique is based on tactile senses and allows you to use your fingers to determine the location of organs, their shape, mobility and pain;
• auscultation. The doctor listens to the organs using a phonendoscope or stethoscope;
• percussion. This technique allows, by tapping various parts of the body, to identify the physical condition and topography of the gastric and intestinal organs.

Instrumental research

The main problem of many diseases is a violation of the secretion of gastric juice and the motor activity of parts of the digestive canal. Therefore, to begin with, the acidity of the stomach contents is diagnosed using intragastric, daily and endoscopic pH measurements.

To determine the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract, the doctor uses manometry and gastrography. Endoscopic techniques are used to determine the condition of the mucous membrane from the inside.

If there is a need to examine the entire organ, then they resort to fluoroscopy, laparoscopy, magnetic and computed tomography. When these methods are contraindicated, ultrasound examination is prescribed.

Laboratory methods are also used. Blood, urine and feces are collected for analysis. To determine the malignancy of the process, tissue is collected for histology using a biopsy.

Treatment of any pathological process involves the use of appropriate medications:

• antispasmodics;
• antibiotics;
• sorbents;
• choleretic drugs;
• antacids.

An important point is strict adherence to the diet and drinking regime, performing special physical exercises and giving up bad habits. The sooner the patient seeks help from a doctor, the more effective the therapy will be.