Gastrointestinal Tract

Gastrointestinal Tract Definition

“Gastrointestinal tract is an organ system in humans and other animals that take in food, digest it, absorb nutrients and expel it out in the form of feces.”

Gastrointestinal Tract Diagram

The gastrointestinal diagram given below represents the different parts of the tract that include the oral cavity, oesophagus, stomach, intestines and the anus.

Gastrointestinal Tract Anatomy

The gastrointestinal tract in humans begins at the mouth, continuing through the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The GI tract is about 9 meters in length.

There are many supporting organs, such as the liver, which helps by secreting enzymes that are necessary for the digestion of food.

The human GI tract can be divided into two halves, namely:

• Upper GI tract
• Lower GI tract

Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

The upper GI consists of the following organs:

Mouth

It includes the teeth, tongue, and buccal mucous membranes containing the ends of the salivary glands that continue with the soft palate, floor of the mouth, and underside of the tongue. Mouth functions by chewing the food, constantly by the muscular action of the tongue, cheeks, teeth through the lower jaw and upper jaw.

Pharynx

The pharynx is enclosed in the neck and throat which functions as part of both the digestive system and the respiratory system. It protects the food from entering the trachea and lungs.

Oesophagus

A muscular tube-like structure that functions by carrying food to the stomach. Once the chewed food reaches the oesophagus from the mouth, the action of swallowing becomes involuntary and is controlled by the oesophagus.

Stomach

This is where most of the digestion takes place. The stomach is a J-shaped bag-like organ that stores the food temporarily, breaks it down, mixes and churns it with enzymes and other digestive fluids and finally, passes it along to the small intestine.

Lower Gastrointestinal Tract

The lower GI consists of the following organs:

Small Intestine

The small intestine is a coiled thin tube, about 6 meters in length, where most of the absorption of nutrients takes place. Food is mixed with enzymes from the liver and the pancreas in the small intestine. The surfaces of the small intestine functions by absorbing the nutrients from the food into the bloodstream, which carries them to the rest of the body.

Large Intestine

The large intestine, also known as the Colon, is a thick tubular organ wrapped around the small intestine. Its primary function is to process the waste products and absorb any remaining nutrient and water back into the system. The remaining waste is then sent to the rectum and discharged from the body as stool.

Also Read: Human Digestive System

Gastrointestinal Tract Infection

Gastrointestinal infection can be caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, gastroenteritis. These might infect both, the stomach and the small intestine.

The microorganisms that can cause these infections include adenovirus, campylobacter, E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, etc.

Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases

Few of the gastrointestinal tract diseases include:

Constipation

Constipation refers to infrequent or incomplete bowel movement. This is caused due to inadequate fibres in the diet.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This is a condition in which the colon muscle contracts more often than in normal people. It causes bloating, abdominal pains and cramps, diarrhoea, etc.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer begins in the large intestine and affects older people. It begins as small, non-cancerous clumps. These clumps gradually convert to cancer. It can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Haemorrhoids

These are swollen blood vessels that line the opening of the anus. They are caused by excess pressure due to the strenuous movement of bowel.

Also Read: Alimentary Canal

For more information on the gastrointestinal tract, its definition, diseases and infections, keep visiting BYJU’S website or download BYJU’S app for further reference.