Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. CHAPTER 15 DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Structure and Function The structure of the digestive system consists of the organs that comprise the alimentary canal, or digestive tract The functions of the digestive system are: – To break down food to a form that can be used by body cells – The digestive process, which includes transporting food and wastes, physical and chemical breakdown, absorption of digested food, and final elimination of wastes
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Organs of the Digestive Process Mouth Pharynx Esophagus Stomach Small intestine Large intestine Peritoneum
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Accessory Organs of the Digestive System Accessory organs that aid in the process of food breakdown – Pancreas – Liver – Gallbladder
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Assessment Techniques Radiography Endoscopy Gastric analysis Fecal analysis Palpation Auscultation
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Disorders of the Digestive System Alactasia –Also called “lactose intolerance.” Not enough of the enzyme lactase is produced. The unabsorbed lactose ferments in the intestines leading to gas, cramps, and diarrhea. Appendicitis –Inflammation of the appendix Cholecystitis –Inflammation of the gallbladder
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Disorders of the Digestive System (continued) Cirrhosis –A chronic degenerative condition of the liver accompanied by the formation of scar tissue Colon cancer –An abnormal growth in the large intestine Constipation –The inability to defecate Crohn’s disease –Inflammation and ulceration, usually affecting the ileum and colon, or both
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Disorders of the Digestive System (continued) Diarrhea –The passage of frequent and watery stools Diverticulitis –The weakening of the colon wall, leading to formation of a pouch causing infection or abscesses if fecal material trapped Food poisoning –Illnesses transmitted by food
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Disorders of the Digestive System (continued) Gastritis –Inflammation of the stomach lining Gastroesophageal reflux disease –Frequent heartburn or chest pain, bitter taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, frequent hoarseness or coughing Halitosis –Or bad breath, is caused by anaerobic bacteria
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Disorders of the Digestive System (continued) Heartburn –A painful burning sensation in the esophagus caused by the backflow of acidic chyme from the stomach Hemorrhoid –A painful dilated vein in the lower rectum or anus Hepatitis –A viral infection of the liver
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Disorders of the Digestive System (continued) Mumps –A highly contagious viral infection of the parotid glands Pancreatitis –A mild acute or chronic condition resulting from gallbladder stone blockage, disease, injury, or alcoholism Peritonitis –An inflammation of the abdominal cavity caused by bacteria
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Disorders of the Digestive System (continued) Phenylketonuria –Inherited disease that can lead to mental retardation if untreated Pyloric stenosis –A birth defect in which a constricted pyloric sphincter does not allow food to pass easily into the small intestine
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Disorders of the Digestive System (continued) Tay-Sachs –A recessive genetic disorder in which fat cells accumulate in the body and cause damage to normal cells Ulcer –An open sore on the lining of the digestive tract
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Issues and Innovations Food-borne illness – Salmonella bacteria – Escherichia coli – Sulfite-sensitive people Eating disorders – Bulimia and anorexia nervosa Designer foods –Biotechnologically engineered food