GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
Presented by,
Divya S. Pawar
• Introduction to Gastrointestinal
tract
The human digestive system has two main parts: the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and
accessory organs like the salivary glands, liver, gall bladder, and pancreas.
The GIT is a long tube that runs from the mouth to the anus and is divided into upper and
lower parts by a muscle in the small intestine.
The accessory organs are not part of this tube but help in digestion by releasing juices and
enzymes. These substances break down the food into smaller parts so the body can absorb
the nutrients easily.
Detailed View of Gastrointestinal system/alimentary canal
Structure and Layers of the GIT
◦ The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a muscular hollow tube about 10 feet long,
starting from the mouth and ending at the anus. It includes the esophagus,
stomach, small and large intestines. Food moves through this tract for digestion,
absorption, and removal of waste.
◦ The GIT wall has four main layers (from outer to inner):
◦ 1. Serosa – The outermost protective layer, made of connective tissue and a thin
layer of flat cells (mesothelium).
◦ 2. Muscularis externa – Helps in movement and mixing of food.
It includes:
Outer longitudinal muscle
Inner circular muscle (forms sphincters)
Myenteric plexus (nerve network)In some parts, an inner oblique muscle is also
present.
◦ 3. Submucosa – A thick, blood-rich layer with connective tissue, glands, lymph tissue, and
nerves (submucosal plexus).
◦ 4. Mucosa – The innermost layer, with:
◦ Epithelium (lining cells)
◦ Lamina propria (support tissue)
◦ Muscularis mucosa (thin muscle layer)This layer has folds to increase surface area and contains
goblet cells that produce mucus.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF STOMACH
The stomach has four major regions: the cardia, fundus, body, and
pylorus.
◦ The Stomach
◦ The stomach is a J-shaped organ located between the esophagus and duodenum. It
mainly helps in the storage and digestion of food and is made up of smooth muscles
that work involuntarily.
◦ The stomach is divided into four main parts:Cardia:
◦ The first part, connected to the esophagus through the cardiac orifice. Food enters the
stomach from here.
◦ Fundus: A dome-shaped upper part that serves as a temporary storage area for food.
◦ Corpus (Body): The largest middle section where most digestion happens; it connects
the fundus to the pyloric region.
◦ Pyloric Region: The last part of the stomach. It pushes food into the duodenum (first
part of small intestine) through the pyloric sphincter, which controls the opening.
Structure and Function of the Stomach Wall
◦ Like other parts of the GIT, the stomach has four layers and acts as a storage and digestive
organ.
◦ The innermost layer (mucosa) has folds called gastric folds, lined with simple columnar cells.
◦ It contains gastric pits that lead to gastric glands, which are covered by a protective mucus
layer.
Structural organisation of the stomach (b) A gastric gland
Gastric Glands – Secretory Cells
1. Mucous cells – secrete mucus to protect the stomach lining.
2. Chief cells – secrete pepsin, which digests proteins.
3. Parietal cells – secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl), which activates pepsin and kills
harmful microbes.
4. Gastric juice is mostly water (99%), with HCl, pepsin, mucus, lipase, and
electrolytes in small amounts.
5. The juice is highly acidic (pH 1.5–3.5) and helps in digestion and killing bacteria.
6. The food turns into a semi-liquid called chyme, which moves to the small intestine
for further digestion
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE GIT
Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases can affect the digestive tract directly (like reflux esophagitis or
peptic ulcer) or be part of a wider body disorder (like inflammatory bowel disease). They can
also result from nutrient deficiencies, such as malabsorption due to lack of vitamins.
1. Peptic Ulcer –
Caused mainly by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
It creates sores in the inner lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or small intestine (duodenal
ulcers).
Common symptoms: Burning feeling in the stomach and stomach pain.
Triggers: Stress and spicy foods can make symptoms worse.
Relief: Antacids and certain foods can help reduce discomfort.
2. Sprue-
A disease that causes poor nutrient absorption due to damage in the small intestine
Causes: Infections, folic acid deficiency, or poor intestinal movement
Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, tiredness, weight loss, and malnutrition
3. Celiac Disease (Gluten-sensitive enteropathy) -
A hereditary autoimmune disorder Triggered by eating gluten (found in wheat, barley, etc.)
Damages the small intestine, reducing nutrient absorption
Symptoms: Diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, anemia Children may suffer growth problems
Treatment: Follow a gluten-free diet.
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease -
(IBD)Includes Crohn’s Disease (any part of GIT) & Ulcerative Colitis (colon and rectum)
Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in stools, fatigue, weight loss
Causes: Faulty immune system and sometimes genetic
Management: High fiber diet, hydration, stress control, proper medication
5. Regurgitation-
Return of undigested food with gastric juices to the mouth
Causes a sour taste and a feeling of food rising in chest
Normal in babies but in adults, it's due to acid reflux (GERD), medication, smoking, or eating
disorder
Common in pregnancy
Prevention: Eat slowly, chew well, avoid smoking and reflux-triggering foods, stay active
6. Diarrhea -
Frequent loose stools due to poor fluid absorption in intestine
Common in children under 5 years
Causes: Infections from dirty food/water, poor hygiene
Symptoms: Stomach pain, cramps, watery stools
Treatment: ORS, fluids, zinc supplements, and hygiene maintenance
7. Constipation-
Hard or infrequent stools, difficult or painful to pass
Common in older adults and pregnant women
Causes: Low fiber diet, less water, sedentary lifestyle, medication side effectsCan lead to
hemorrhoids or fissures
Treatment: More fiber, fluids, exercise, and if needed, laxatives with doctor’s advice
thx
