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29: Introduction to the Digestive System

  • Page ID
    90343
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    • 29.0: Introduction
      This page discusses the importance of the digestive system in breaking down food into nutrients necessary for energy, growth, and repair. It highlights the often-overlooked complexity of its functions and outlines the anatomy, processes, and common conditions that may affect its efficiency.
    • 29.1: Introduction to the Gastrointestinal System and Oral Cavity
      This page focuses on the gastrointestinal system's structure and functions, underscoring its significance in nutrition and hydration through processes like ingestion, digestion, and waste elimination. It discusses the impact of age and intestinal transit time on the GI system's efficiency, detailing the oral cavity's role in digestion, including teeth, tongue, and salivary glands.
    • 29.2: Introduction to the Esophagus and Stomach
      This page discusses the anatomy and function of the esophagus and stomach. It describes the esophagus as a 10-inch muscular tube that transports food, highlighting common disorders like GERD. The stomach's four parts are involved in digestion, regulated by sphincters and influenced by neural and hormonal factors. Key processes include the production of hydrochloric acid and mucus, essential for digestion and preventing gastritis. Management of dysfunction may require medication.
    • 29.3: Introduction to the Small and Large Intestines
      This page discusses the structure and function of the small and large intestines, emphasizing the small intestine's role in nutrient absorption (90-95%) and the involvement of digestive enzymes and bile acids in nutrient breakdown. It also covers common health issues related to these organs and provides a clinical tip for assessing gastrointestinal health through questions about diet, supplements, oral health, appetite changes, and bowel movements.
    • 29.4: Chapter Summary
      This page provides an overview of the gastrointestinal (GI) system, focusing on its essential functions in nutrition and health, including ingestion, digestion, absorption, and metabolism. It highlights the importance of proper GI structure function and addresses potential dysfunctions that can cause GI issues. The chapter also emphasizes the role of medications in sustaining a healthy GI system and meeting nutritional requirements.
    • 29.5: Key Terms
      This page provides foundational knowledge of the digestive system, defining essential terms like absorption, digestion, and metabolism. It explains the roles of key enzymes, bile, and hydrochloric acid, and describes important anatomical structures, including the alimentary canal. The page also discusses conditions such as gastritis and GERD, emphasizing the importance of maintaining digestive health.
    • 29.6: Review Questions
      This page discusses nursing scenarios in gastrointestinal health, focusing on client assessments. It covers dietary restrictions for biliary duct inflammation, recognizing complications like bleeding in gastritis, and assessing swallowing difficulties due to salivary gland damage. Post-surgery education and nutrient absorption issues, particularly vitamin K, are emphasized.


    This page titled 29: Introduction to the Digestive System is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by OpenStax.

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