BMS 460 Lecture Notes - Constipation, Caffeine, Aspirin
26 Apr 2014
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Document Summary
Overview of major gi diseases: a few facts. The function depends on normal development and differentiation of the gi tract. E. g. , megacolon or hirschsprung disease in which autonomic smooth muscle ganglia do not develop; aganglionic segment contracts but cannot relax. Gi tract is open-ended and thus readily accessible to pathogens and carcinogens. Intestinal mucosa is an interface and a barrier between the internal and external milieu that is maintained actively (requires energy) and should be kept intact. The gi tract is a tube that can dilate or become obstructed. Obstruction may be anatomical or functional resulting in dilation of the lumen proximal to obstruction. Gi diseases may disturb one or more of the basic functions of gi tract. The gi tract is an important source of biologically active substances. Each portion produces unique enzymes, hormones, and immunoglobulins. Abundant blood flow and superficial location of blood vessels in the mucosa make gi tract prone for hemorrhage or ischemia.
