Gastrointestinal System Pathophysiology

Study Notes

The main function of the gastrointestinal system is breaking down nutrients and absorbing them into the body. This happens through mechanical processes (like grinding) and digestive juices.
The system has hormone-producing glands and nerve plexuses (Auerbach and Meissner) that function under the autonomic nervous system.
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system decreases motor and secretory functions. Parasympathetic activation increases these functions.
Digestive insufficiency is a violation of digestion and absorption, divided into general (total) and selective (partial) deficiencies. A general deficiency impacts all nutrients, while a selective deficiency affects individual nutrients.
Digestive disorders are classified by anatomical location (oral cavity, stomach, intestines), course (acute or chronic), etiology (congenital or acquired), and pathophysiological principles (motor, secretory, absorption, and other functions).

Various etiological factors influence digestive system diseases:
- Alimentary Factors: Dry, rough, hot, cold, or poor quality food.
- Physical Factors: Ionizing radiation.
- Chemical Factors: Salts of heavy metals and poisons.
- Biological Factors: Causative agents of typhoid fever, dysentery, helminth infections, Helicobacter pylori.
- Mental Factors: Negative emotions and stress.
- Social Factors: Bad habits.
- Congenital Anomalies: Of the digestive tract.
- Tumors and Endocrinopathies: Postoperative conditions.
Other factors include:
- Pathology in various systems (blood circulation, liver, kidneys, endocrine glands).
- Changes in substances like hormones, prostaglandins, peptides, and biogenic amines.
- Neurogenic influences (sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous systems).
- Other factors like reactivity, gender, age, and hereditary predisposition.