Clinical Aspects of Digestion

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which biochemical test is often used to diagnose defective absorption of dietary fat?

  • Iron (Fe+2) and Ferritin
  • Serum albumin
  • Xylose absorption rate
  • Faecal fat estimation (correct)

What condition may bacterial growth in the small intestine cause?

  • Enhanced protein absorption
  • Increased plasma cholesterol levels
  • Functional deficiency of bile secretion (correct)
  • Decreased plasma glucose levels

In the case of biliary obstruction, what is the likely result for faecal fat estimation?

  • Not indicated
  • Normal
  • Decreased
  • Increased (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a common test used to diagnose defective intestinal absorption?

<p>Electrocardiogram (ECG) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Excessive losses into the intestinal lumen can cause a marked reduction in which protein?

<p>Albumin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the xylose absorption result in chronic pancreatitis?

<p>Normal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is responsible for hydrolyzing lactose in the small intestine?

<p>Lactase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a rise in blood glucose of less than 1.1 mmol/L in the lactose intolerance test?

<p>Indicates lactose intolerance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What measurement is indicative of excessive fermentation of undigested lactose in the large intestine?

<p>High level of H2 in breath (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which disease is associated with a defect in the transport mechanism for cystine?

<p>Cystinuria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key symptom of protein-losing enteropathy?

<p>Large amounts of nitrogen compounds being excreted (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acid absorption issue is specifically seen in Hartnup disease?

<p>Reduced tryptophan absorption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cells in the stomach secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl)?

<p>Parietal cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone acts as a potent stimulator of gastric juice production?

<p>Gastrin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of the pentagastrin test?

<p>To examine the level of HCl in the stomach (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hyperacidity in the stomach is most commonly found in which condition?

<p>Duodenal ulcer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of food acts as a physiological stimulant for the release of gastrin hormone?

<p>Proteins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does an abnormally high level of gastric acid (HCl) above the normal range indicate?

<p>Impaired gastric emptying due to pyloric stenosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by no response to administration of pentagastrin?

<p>Pernicious anemia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What volume of resting gastric juice is considered normal?

<p>Less than 50 ml (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for enhancing the secretion of bicarbonate (HCO3) from the pancreas?

<p>Secretin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In chronic pancreatitis, what would you expect the faecal fat estimation and xylose absorption rate to be?

<p>↑ faecal fat, N xylose absorption (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone enhances the release of insulin and inhibits gastric secretion?

<p>Gastrin inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is characterized by an increase in faecal fat estimation and a normal xylose absorption rate, but vitamin B12 absorption is not indicated?

<p>Biliary obstruction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of motilin in gastrointestinal function?

<p>Stimulates GI motility (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the gastrointestinal tract is cholecystokinin primarily active?

<p>Duodenum and jejunum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which test can be used to evaluate the efficiency of the small intestine by monitoring fat excretion?

<p>Faecal fat estimation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function evaluated by the Schilling test?

<p>Absorption of vitamin B12 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical cause of intestinal malabsorption?

<p>Hydronephrosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which test involves measuring plasma vitamin A levels before and after its administration?

<p>Vitamin A absorption test (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of biliary disease on digestion?

<p>Fat malabsorption (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of malabsorption, which organ's dysfunction can lead to deficiencies in digestive enzymes for proteins, fats, and carbohydrates?

<p>Pancreas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the digestive system is NOT involved in the direct breakup and lubrication of food?

<p>Esophagus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does gastric HCl play in the stomach?

<p>Inhibits salivary amylase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is responsible for digesting polysaccharides in the mouth?

<p>Salivary glands (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of mucin protein in the mouth?

<p>Protecting mouth from abrasion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the small intestine is the first to receive chyme from the stomach?

<p>Duodenum (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is inhibited by gastric HCl in the stomach?

<p>Salivary amylase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the plasma gastrin level?

<p>The rate of gastrin secretion by the pyloric antrum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which condition is the plasma gastrin level significantly reduced?

<p>Gastritis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which syndrome is characterized by severe peptic ulceration and excessive HCl production?

<p>Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What induces the secretion of pancreatic juice?

<p>Presence of acid in the duodenum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones stimulate the secretion of bicarbonate (HCO3) from the pancreas?

<p>Secretin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is NOT found in pancreatic juice?

<p>Pepsin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary components of pancreatic juice?

<p>Electrolytes and digestive enzymes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome due to excessive HCl production?

<p>Malabsorption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary cause of chronic pancreatitis?

<p>Alcohol intake (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme's stool test has shown promise as a diagnostic tool for chronic pancreatitis?

<p>Elastase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Carcinoma of the pancreas often results in which of the following?

<p>Obstruction in the bile duct (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tumor marker is most sensitive for the detection of pancreatic carcinoma?

<p>CA-19-9 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the digestive system is most involved in absorption?

<p>Small intestine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The xylose absorption test measures the ability of the small intestine to absorb which type of molecules?

<p>Monosaccharides (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a healthy subject, what percentage of the standard dose of xylose is excreted in urine over 5 hours?

<p>40% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can lead to low xylose excretion?

<p>Bacterial growth in the small intestine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major clinical risk associated with acute pancreatitis?

<p>Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme's activity is usually increased more than five times in acute pancreatitis?

<p>α-amylase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a specific confirmatory test for the occurrence of acute pancreatitis?

<p>Increased urinary α-amylase activity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following increased enzymes can indicate the presence of gall stones causing acute pancreatitis?

<p>ALT and AST (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following measures is essential in managing acute pancreatitis?

<p>Maintaining fluid electrolytes balance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of C-reactive protein measurement in the management of acute pancreatitis?

<p>To monitor the progression of the case (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In acute pancreatitis, what is the probable cause of methaemalalbumunemia?

<p>Oxidation of hemoglobin heme groups (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended method to ensure nutrition in a patient with acute pancreatitis?

<p>Intravenous feeding (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards are hidden until you start studying

Study Notes

Clinical Aspects of Digestion

Diseases of the Intestinal Mucosa

  • May affect digestion or transport of dietary constituents
  • Can cause functional deficiency of bile secretion, interfering with vitamin B12 and fat absorption

Bacterial Growth in Small Intestine

  • Causes functional deficiency of bile secretion and interferes with vitamin B12 and fat absorption

Excessive Losses into the Intestinal Lumen

  • Includes gastrointestinal diseases causing water, electrolyte, and protein loss, leading to a marked reduction in plasma albumin

Clinical Tests for Intestinal Malabsorption

  • Serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase, cell blood count (RBC, WBC, MCV), iron (Fe+2) and ferritin, vitamin B12, faecal fat estimation, xylose absorption rate, calcium, phosphate, folic acid, and prothrombin time (PT)

Results of Biochemical Investigation for Causes of Defective Intestinal Malabsorption

  • Chronic pancreatitis: increased faecal fat estimation, normal xylose absorption rate
  • Pancreatic carcinoma: increased faecal fat estimation, normal xylose absorption rate
  • Biliary obstruction: increased faecal fat estimation, not indicated for xylose absorption rate

Gastrointestinal Hormones

  • Gastrin: stimulates gastric secretion, produced in the stomach
  • Cholecystokinin: stimulates pancreatic secretion, produced in the duodenum and jejunum
  • Secretin: stimulates HCO3 secretion from the pancreas, produced in the duodenum and jejunum
  • Pancreatic polypeptide: inhibits pancreatic secretion, produced in the duodenum and jejunum
  • Gastrin inhibitory polypeptide (GIP): enhances insulin release and inhibits gastric secretion, produced in the duodenum and jejunum
  • Vasoactive intestinal poly peptide (VIP): acts as a neurotransmitter, regulates GI motility and secretion, produced in the GI tract
  • Motilin: stimulates GI motility, produced in the duodenum and jejunum

Disaccharide Absorption Test (Lactose Intolerance Test)

  • Used to investigate impaired disaccharide absorption
  • Measures blood glucose levels after lactose ingestion
  • Normal result: blood glucose level increases by at least 1.1 mmol/L
  • Lactose intolerance: blood glucose level increase is less than 1.1 mmol/L

Test of H2 Breath

  • Measures H2 levels in breath to diagnose lactose deficiency
  • Undigested lactose is fermented by bacteria in the colon, producing high H2 levels

The Stomach

  • Gastric juice contains HCl, intrinsic factor, pepsin, and mucus
  • HCl and intrinsic factor are secreted by parietal cells
  • Pepsin is secreted by zymogen cells
  • Mucus is secreted by cells of the pyloric antrum
  • Gastric juice production is stimulated by gastrin and food

The Gastric Function Tests

  • Pentagastrin test: measures HCl response to pentagastrin injection
  • Used to examine gastric acid secretion
  • Resting gastric juice is normally small in volume and low in acid content
  • Increased gastric acid secretion can indicate impaired gastric emptying due to pyloric stenosis
  • Achlorhydria: low volume of secreted HCl, no response to pentagastrin
  • Hyperacidity: increased output of HCl, found in cases of duodenal ulcer

Tests of Fat Absorption

  • Faecal fat estimation: measures fat excretion in feces
  • Used to diagnose malabsorption due to small intestine defects
  • Vitamin A absorption test: measures plasma vitamin A levels after vitamin A administration
  • Not commonly used as a general test for small intestine function

Test of Ileum Function (Schilling Test)

  • Measures vitamin B12 absorption
  • Used to diagnose pernicious anemia and ileum function defects
  • Defect in ileum absorption function leads to low vitamin B12 excretion in urine

Causes of Intestinal Malabsorption

  • Pancreatic diseases: lead to malabsorption of large molecules due to pancreatic enzyme deficiencies
  • Biliary disease: deficiency of bile secretion can result in fat malabsorption

Plasma Gastrin

  • Indicates rate of gastrin secretion by pyloric antrum
  • Normally reduced in fasting state and increased in presence of food
  • Hyperacidity: reduced plasma gastrin, found in duodenal ulcer cases
  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: high plasma gastrin levels due to hyperplasia or neoplasia of gastrin-producing cells
  • Gastritis: reduced plasma gastrin due to destruction of gastrin-producing cells

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

  • Characterized by severe peptic ulceration and excessive HCl production
  • High secretion of gastric juice, containing more than 100mmol/L HCl
  • Plasma gastrin levels are significantly high
  • Malabsorption and diarrhea are also present

The Pancreas

  • Secreting pancreatic juice containing electrolytes and digestive enzymes
  • Secretion induced by nervous stimuli and hormones secretin and cholecystokinin
  • Chronic pancreatitis: characterized by inability to secrete digestive enzymes, leading to malabsorption
  • Testing elastase enzyme in stool is a promising diagnostic test for chronic pancreatitis

Carcinoma of the Pancreas

  • Difficult to diagnose, often results from metastasis, causing bile duct obstruction
  • Detection of tumor marker CA-19-9 is very sensitive in this case

The Small Intestine

  • Site of digestion and absorption, including duodenum, jejunum, and ileum
  • Important for absorption process

Tests of Carbohydrate Absorption

  • Measurement of carbohydrate metabolites (glucose): assesses intestinal absorption efficiency
  • Xylose absorption test: measures xylose excretion in urine to test small intestine absorption
  • Normal result: more than 2mg xylose excretion in 5-hour urine collection
  • Impaired absorption: reduced xylose excretion, often observed in small intestine diseases

Pancreatic Disorders

  • Acute pancreatitis: characterized by tissue necrosis, high risk of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and renal failure
  • Diagnosis: increased α-amylase, lipase, and trypsin levels, presence of methaemalalbumunemia
  • Management: intravenous feeding, fluid and electrolyte balance, prophylactic antibiotics, and monitoring C-reactive protein levels

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser