Applied Anatomy, Physiology & Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract
(GIT)
Applied Anatomy & Physiology of GIT
Overview: Mouth & Pharynx: ingestion, mastication, swallowing. Esophagus: peristalsis, LES prevents
reflux. Stomach: reservoir, secretes HCl, pepsin, intrinsic factor. Small intestine: digestion, absorption.
Large intestine: water absorption, feces formation. Accessory organs: liver (bile), pancreas (enzymes,
insulin), gallbladder (stores bile).
Oral Cavity Disorders
Aphthous Ulceration: Painful recurrent ulcers. Causes: stress, nutritional deficiency, autoimmune.
Symptoms: painful ulcers with erythematous halo. Treatment: topical anesthetics, corticosteroids.
Stomatitis: Inflammation of oral mucosa. Causes: infection, chemotherapy, poor hygiene. Symptoms:
burning, ulcers, swelling. Treatment: antiseptic mouthwash, antifungals, supportive care.
Parotitis: Inflammation of parotid gland. Causes: viral (mumps), bacterial, obstruction. Symptoms:
painful swelling near jaw, fever. Treatment: hydration, antibiotics, supportive.
Esophageal Disorders
Achalasia Cardia: Failure of LES relaxation. Symptoms: dysphagia, regurgitation, weight loss.
Investigations: barium swallow (bird-beak), manometry. Treatment: balloon dilatation, Heller’s myotomy.
Hiatus Hernia: Herniation of stomach through diaphragm. Symptoms: heartburn, regurgitation.
Investigations: barium swallow, endoscopy. Treatment: lifestyle modifications, PPIs, surgery.
GERD & Esophagitis: Acid reflux due to incompetent LES. Symptoms: heartburn, nocturnal cough.
Complications: Barrett’s esophagus, stricture. Treatment: PPIs, lifestyle modification, fundoplication.
Gastric Disorders
Gastritis: Acute: NSAIDs, alcohol, stress → epigastric pain, hematemesis. Chronic: H. pylori,
autoimmune → atrophy, pernicious anemia. Treatment: PPIs, eradicate H. pylori.
Peptic Ulcers: Causes: H. pylori, NSAIDs. Symptoms: epigastric pain (duodenal relieved by food,
gastric worsened). Investigations: endoscopy, urea breath test. Treatment: PPIs, H. pylori eradication.
Gastric Carcinoma: Types: intestinal, diffuse. Risk factors: H. pylori, smoking, salted foods.
Symptoms: weight loss, early satiety. Investigations: endoscopy + biopsy. Treatment: gastrectomy,
chemo.
Intestinal Disorders
Malabsorption Syndrome: Causes: coeliac disease, lactose intolerance. Symptoms: diarrhea,
steatorrhea, weight loss. Investigations: D-xylose test, biopsy. Treatment: gluten-free/lactose-free diet.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Functional disorder. Symptoms: abdominal pain, altered bowel habits.
Treatment: dietary fiber, antispasmodics, SSRIs.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Ulcerative colitis: continuous mucosal inflammation from rectum.
Crohn’s disease: transmural, skip lesions. Symptoms: bloody diarrhea, pain. Treatment: 5-ASA,
steroids, immunosuppressants.
Abdominal Tuberculosis: Affects ileocecal region. Symptoms: chronic pain, fever, obstruction.
Treatment: anti-TB therapy.
Neoplasia of the Bowel: Types: adenocarcinoma, carcinoid. Symptoms: altered bowel habits, anemia.
Investigations: colonoscopy + biopsy. Treatment: surgery, chemo.
Colorectal & Anorectal Disorders
Anorectal Disorders: Includes hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, abscesses. Symptoms: bleeding, pain.
Treatment: conservative or surgical.
Diverticulitis: Inflammation of diverticula, usually sigmoid colon. Symptoms: LLQ pain, fever.
Complications: abscess, perforation. Treatment: antibiotics, surgery if recurrent.
