The human gastrointestinal tract

The human gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is an organ system responsible for consuming and digesting foodstuffs, absorbing nutrients, and expelling waste.

The tract is commonly defined as the stomach and intestine, and is divided into the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts. However, by the broadest definition, the GI tract includes all structures between the mouth and the anus. On the other hand, thedigestive system is a broader term that includes other structures, including the digestive organs and their accessories. The tract may also be divided into foregut, midgut, and hindgut, reflecting the embryological origin of each segment.

The whole digestive tract is about nine metres long.

The GI tract releases hormones to help regulate the digestive process. These hormones, including gastrin, secretin, cholecystokinin, and ghrelin, are mediated through either intracrine or autocrine mechanisms, indicating that the cells releasing these hormones are conserved structures throughout evolution.

The upper gastrointestinal tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The exact demarcation between the upper and lower tracts is the suspensory ligament of the duodenum.

The lower gastrointestinal tract includes most of the small intestine and all of the large intestine. In human anatomy, the intestine (or bowel, hose or gut) is the segment of the gastrointestinal tract extending from the pyloric sphincter of the stomach to the anus and, in humans and other mammals, consists of two segments, the small intestine and the large intestine. In humans, the small intestine is further subdivided into the duodenum, jejunum and ileum while the large intestine is subdivided into the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

accessories foregut midgut hindgut esophagus stomach duodenum intestine duodenum jejunum ileum cecum colon rectum

допоміжні органи передня кишка середня кишка задня кишка стравохід шлунок дванадцятипала кишка кишківник дванадцятипала кишка тонка кишка повздовжня кишка сліпа кишка ободова кишка пряма кишка

General gi disorders

The following are general disorders of the gastrointestinal tract:

D iarrhea — an increase in the frequency of bowel movements or looseness of stool.

Constipation — the difficult passage of stools (bowel movements) or the infrequent (less than three times a week) or incomplete passage of stools, usually caused by inadequate fiber in the diet or a disruption of regular activities or diet.

Gas (flatulence) — the production of excess stomach or intestinal gas may have many causes, such as an inappropriate diet or various diseases.

Heartburn — an uncomfortable feeling of burning and warmth occurring in waves rising up behind the breastbone toward the neck. It is usually due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the rise of stomach acid back up into the esophagus.

Hemorrhoids — swollen blood vessels that line the anal opening caused by excess pressure, such as straining during a bowel movement, persistent diarrhea or pregnancy.

Internal hemorrhoids are normal structures that cushion the lower rectum. When internal hemorrhoids fall into the anus (as a result of straining), they can become irritated and bleed.

External hemorrhoids are veins that lie under the skin outside of the anus. These veins can burst and a blood clot can form, causing a painful condition.

Motility disorders — motility refers to the contractions of the muscles in the digestive tract that enable food to progress from the mouth to the anus. People who suffer from heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea may have a motility disorder.

Gastritis — inflammation of the lining of the stomach (may be acute or chronic). It can have many causes, including prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, H. pylori infection or alcohol abuse. Symptoms include abdominal pain, belching, bloating, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of fullness or burning. Endoscopy is used to view the stomach lining to check for inflammation and possibly remove a tissue sample for testing.

Ulcer — an open sore on the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or duodenum (duodenal ulcer). Peptic ulcers occur in areas that come in contact with digestive juices from the stomach.

Stomach tumors — tumors (benign or malignant) that form in the lining of the stomach. Symptoms may include bleeding, obstruction and weight loss.

Varicose veins — varicose veins are blood vessels that bulge and twist due to a defect in the valves. Varicose veins may be present in the esophagus or stomach as a result of liver disease or blood clots in the portal vein system. Large varicose veins in the esophagus or stomach can rupture and bleed.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

gastrointestinal tract diarrhea bowel movement constipation passage of stools fiber flatulence breastbone gastroesophageal reflux disease excess pressure straining rectum motility contractions nausea vomiting abdominal pain inflammation of the lining of the stomach belching bloating duodenum over-the-counter digestive juices to rupture to bleed

шлунково-кишковий тракт діарея дефекація запор проходження стільця клітковина метеоризм грудина гастроезофагеальна рефлюксна хвороба надлишковий тиск напруга пряма кишка рухливість скорочення нудота блювота біль у животі запалення слизової оболонки шлунка відрижка спучування дванадцятипала кишка продаваний в роздріб травні соки розриватися кровоточити

Use each word only once to complete the sentences:

a) dehydration; b) saliva; c) gastrorrhagia; d) anus, e) mouth, f)chyme

1. Diarrhea often causes a loss of water, which is called ______

2. Partly digested food in the stomach is called _________

3. Food in the mouth is softened by _________

4. A bleeding from the blood vessels of the stomach lining is called _________

5. Alimentary canal begins at the ______ and ends at the _________

Review

1. Identify three main organs of digestion.

2. Describe three common ailments of the digestive system.

Translate the English proverbs and give Ukrainian equivalents

1. “The belly is not filled with fair words”

2. “A close mouth catches no flies”

3. “Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow you die”

4. “The tongue ever turns to the aching tooth”

5. “Adam’s ale (water) is the best brew”

6. “Eating and scratching wants but a beginning”

Learn these words combinations. Make up sentences to show you understand the meaning

to be fed up to the teeth – бути ситим по горло

to bite off more than one can chew – справа не під силу

to have something to bite on – є з чого почати