The gastrointestinal tract includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. It also includes the salivary glands, gallbladder, biliary tract, pancreas and liver, which produce enzymes that help digest food and fluids in the body. This system is also called the digestive system. The branch of gastroenterology examines the disorders and diseases that occur in this system. Gastroenterology specialists are also called gastroenterologists.
Different types of disorders and diseases that may occur in the organs in this system, also known asthe digestive system, can cause major problems in people as long as they are left untreated. The treatment of these disorders, which can play a preventive role in the daily life of patients, should not be postponed. This system, which plays an active role in the digestion of the body, has certain tasks.
What are the Tasks of the Gastrointestinal System?
First of all, its task is to perform digestion. It manages and supports the body's digestion. Problems that may occur in the digestive system can negatively affect daily life. The tasks of the system are as follows;
- Chewing and swallowing: Food is divided into small pieces and reaches the esophagus through the mouth.
- Digestion: It is the breakdown of the food here through enzymes until it is absorbable.
- Absorption: The passage of absorbable proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins into the small intestine.
- Excretion: The storage of hard-to-absorb and non-absorbable waste and its excretion through the anal canal.
- Digestive System: It consists of the totality of organs from the mouth to the anus, to which the tubular structure in the form of the anal canal is related.
In addition, the pancreas secretes enzymes into the small intestine for digestion, and can also secrete many hormones including insulin and glucagon.
What are Gastrointestinal System Diseases?
There are many types of diseases in this system, whose main task is related to digestion. The disorders and types of diseases related to this system are as follows:
- Indigestion Problems (Dyspepsia)
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids)
- Reflux Disease
- Liver Diseases
- Pancreatic Diseases
- Gastritis (Heartburn)
- Ulcer
What is the Structure of the Gastrointestinal System?
The structure of the system consists of 4 basic layers. The wall structure is in the form of mucosa, submucosa, muscularis propria, serosa, which is tube-shaped and from the inside to the outside. This structure provides mixing and propulsion of food. The wall structure of the system varies according to the functions of the organs.
How Are Diseases Occurring in the System Treated?
Organs in the digestive system may experience functional disorders due to some conditions. Although it is possible to treat these diseases, problems that the person may experience are prevented when diagnosed early. Diseases can cause major problems when the patient postpones treatment as a result of complaints and does not go to the doctor. The patient should go to the doctor without wasting time when complaints occur.
Healthy nutrition and adequate water intake are among the important factors in preventing the formation of these diseases. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases that may occur, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, such as surgical methods such as looking at the inside of the organs and visualizing them makes a great contribution to the treatment process. In some cases, treatment is possible with medication, while surgical intervention may be required in serious cases.
