How does the human digestive tract work? Anatomy of the digestive tract

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) contains organs responsible for the mechanical and chemical processing of food. The unique structure of the gastrointestinal tract and the coordinated functioning of all its departments allow the body to extract useful components from food, absorb the necessary substances into the lymph and blood, and remove the remains through the anus.

How is the digestive system

It has a complex structure. Each organ in a healthy body functions in a certain sequence, without any failures, which guarantees high-quality food processing and good health person. This is due to the characteristic structure of the elements and the functions performed.

The digestive system is represented by the following organs:

• salivary glands;
• liver;
• gallbladder;
• pancreas;
• stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

The salivary glands are located in the oral cavity. Their structure allows you to produce a certain amount of secretion necessary for the normal formation of the food bolus and its further movement. The liver is a kind of filter, it helps to release useful substances and eliminate toxins from the body. The gallbladder produces bile, which is directly involved in the process of digestion. The stomach is responsible for processing the incoming food and its further movement to the intestines. The pancreas secretes special enzymes involved in the process of splitting.

Each of the presented elements of the digestive structure performs its specific work and is responsible for the normal movement, splitting and processing of incoming products. Without normal functioning digestive system is difficult to imagine human life.

General functions of the gastrointestinal tract and its departments

The role of each section of the gastrointestinal structure is important. Violation in the performance of one of the organs affects the entire process of digestion. Its failures, in turn, worsen the general well-being of a person.

Functions of the gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal tract is divided into eight main parts with a unique structure. The passage of food is carried out in the following departments.

1. Oral cavity.
2. Throat.
3. Esophagus.
4. Stomach.
5. Small intestine.
6. Large intestine.
7. Rectum.
8. Anal opening.

All organs of the gastrointestinal tract are hollow. Consistently connecting with each other, they form a single digestive canal.

Functions of the ZhTK organs

Oral cavity and pharynx

Consider the organs of the gastrointestinal tract in detail. The highest and starting point of the gastrointestinal tract is the mouth. Its structure is represented by lips, hard and soft palate, tongue and cheeks. Oral cavity is responsible for the production of the required amount of saliva, which will mix the food mechanically and move it freely to the pharynx and esophagus. The oral cavity, due to its structure, is in close contact with the pharynx through the isthmus of the pharynx. Its inner part is covered with a mucous membrane, the surface of which is dotted with multiple ducts of the salivary glands. The soft palate is distinguished by the muscles involved in the process of swallowing.

The tongue is a mobile organ based on muscle tissue. Its leading tasks are chewing food, the process of swallowing and sucking. The tongue is characterized by the following sections: body, apex, root and back. Its upper part is represented by a mucous membrane dotted with nerve endings. Collectively, these receptors are responsible for recognizing the taste of food. The tip of the tongue determines the sweet taste, the root - bitter, the middle and lateral parts - sour. The upper part of the tongue adjoins the gum through a special bridle. Salivary glands are located on its surface.

The pharynx is represented by a 15 cm long tube that connects the oral cavity with the esophagus. It consists of three main sections: nasopharynx, oropharynx and larynx. Due to its structure, it is responsible for the process of swallowing and the further movement of food.

Esophagus and stomach

This section is the main transport route of food from the mouth to the stomach. This is a soft elastic tube, the length of which is 25 cm. A distinctive feature of the esophagus is the ability to stretch and adapt to the size of the passing food bolus. The organ then contracts and returns to its original position.

Thanks to careful chewing and a sufficient amount of saliva, the food bolus quickly moves from the esophagus to the stomach. The time of movement of food does not exceed 7 seconds. The structure of the lower end of the organ is represented by a sphincter, or constrictor. It "closes" after swallowing food, thereby preventing the acidic contents of the stomach from refluxing back into the esophagus.

The stomach is located in the upper part of the peritoneum. Its volume is 500 ml. Under the influence of excessive food intake, the stomach is able to stretch. In the normal state, the volume increases to one liter. This is an important organ of the gastrointestinal tract, which takes all the food coming from the pharynx. The special structure of the stomach allows it to produce gastric juice and additional components that are actively involved in the processing of products.

It is noteworthy that all food comes in a weak alkaline environment, and after a short period of time it adapts to an acidic one. This is due to the acidic environment of the stomach itself and its unique structure. The organ contains many enzymes, including gelatinase, amylase, and lipase. They are responsible for the breakdown of collagen, gelatin and oil tributarins.

It takes about two hours for food to break down in the stomach.

Small and large intestine

Suction useful substances carried out exclusively here, in this part of the gastrointestinal tract. The small intestine is responsible for the main process of digestion. It is represented by several departments: duodenum, jejunum and ileum. All parts are in sequence. The special structure allows you to freely move the remnants of food further along the digestive tract.

Sections of the intestine

The anatomy of the large gastrointestinal tract is complex. It contains: cecum, colon, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. They are responsible for the absorption of liquid and useful components. The main function is the formation of fecal masses from the remnants of incoming food, which is provided for by the structure of the organ.

Rectum and anus

The length of this intestine is 18 cm. It is a complex closing apparatus. Its structure: the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm and the sphincter of the anus. Above this part of the gastrointestinal tract is an ampoule, it contains feces, under the weight of which the walls of the department expand. This process gives the urge to void. In the absence of pathologies and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the ampoule should be empty. Under the influence of provoking factors, namely unhealthy diet, it is constantly clogged, which provokes poisoning with poisons and toxins. With proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, feces are regularly excreted from the body through the anus.

Violations in the work of the human gastrointestinal tract lead to improper processing of food and poisoning with toxins. A moderate rhythm of life and proper nutrition will help normalize the functioning of all departments.

Human life depends on the energy that enters the body from the gastrointestinal tract. This is the most important system, consisting of many departments and hollow organs, and violations of its work lead to serious health problems. How is the human gastrointestinal tract arranged, and what are the features of its activity?

The gastrointestinal tract performs many functions that are associated with the absorption and digestion of food, as well as with the removal of its residues to the outside.

These include:

• grinding food, moving it through the initial sections of the system, moving it through the esophageal tube to other sections;
• production of substances necessary for normal digestion (saliva, acids, bile);
• transportation of nutrients that are formed as a result of the breakdown of food products into the circulatory system;
• removal from the body of toxins, chemical compounds and slags that enter the body along with food, medications, etc.

In addition, some sections of the gastrointestinal tract (in particular, the stomach and intestines) are involved in protecting the body from pathogens - they secrete special substances that destroy bacteria and microbes, and also serve as a source of beneficial bacteria.

It takes about 24-48 hours from the moment of eating food to the removal of undigested residues, and during this time it manages to overcome 6-10 meters of the path, depending on the age of the person and characteristic features his body. Each of the departments in this case performs its function, and at the same time they closely interact with each other, which ensures the normal operation of the system.

The main sections of the gastrointestinal tract

The most important parts for the digestion of food are the oral cavity, esophagus, gastric cavity and intestines. In addition, a certain role in these processes is played by the liver, pancreas and other organs that produce special substances and enzymes that help break down food.

Oral cavity

All processes that occur in the gastrointestinal tract originate in the oral cavity. After entering the mouth, it is chewed, and the nerve processes that are present on the mucous membrane transmit signals to the brain, due to which a person distinguishes between the taste and temperature of food, and the salivary glands begin to function intensively. Most of the taste buds (papillae) are localized on the tongue: the papillae at the tip recognize the sweet taste, the root receptors perceive the bitter taste, and the central and lateral parts perceive the acid. Food mixes with saliva and partially splits, after which a food bolus is formed.

At the end of the process of lump formation, the muscles of the pharynx begin to move, as a result of which it enters the esophagus. The pharynx is a hollow movable organ consisting of connective tissue and muscles. Its structure not only promotes the promotion of food, but also prevents it from entering the respiratory tract.

A soft elastic cavity of an elongated shape, the length of which is about 25 cm. It connects the pharynx with the stomach and passes through the cervical, thoracic and partially through the abdominal region. The walls of the esophagus are able to stretch and contract, which ensures the unhindered pushing of the food bolus through the tube. To facilitate this process, it is important to chew food well - thanks to this, it acquires a semi-liquid consistency and quickly enters the stomach. Liquid mass passes the esophagus in about 0.5-1.5 seconds, and solid food takes about 6-7 seconds.

The stomach is one of the main organs of the gastrointestinal tract, which is intended for the digestion of food lumps that have fallen into it. It looks like a slightly elongated cavity, the length is 20-25 cm, and the capacity is about 3 liters. The stomach is located below the diaphragm in the epigastric part of the abdomen, and the output section is soldered to the duodenum. Directly at the point where the stomach enters the intestines, there is a muscular ring called the sphincter, which contracts when transporting food from one organ to another, preventing it from entering the stomach cavity.

The peculiarity of the structure of the stomach is the lack of stable fixation (it is attached only to the esophagus and duodenum), due to which its volume and shape can change depending on the amount of food eaten, the condition of the muscles, nearby organs and other factors.

In the tissues of the stomach there are special glands that produce a special liquid - gastric juice. It contains hydrochloric acid and a substance called pepsin. They are responsible for processing and breaking down food that comes from the esophagus to the organ. In the gastric cavity, the processes of digestion of food products are not carried out as actively as in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract - food is mixed into a homogeneous mass, and due to the action of enzymes, it is transformed into a semi-liquid lump, which is called chyme.

After the end of all the processes of fermentation and grinding of food, the chyme is pushed into the pylorus, and from there it enters the intestinal region. In the part of the stomach where the pylorus is located, there are several glands that produce bioactive substances - some of them stimulate the motor activity of the stomach, others affect fermentation, that is, activate or reduce it.

Intestines

The intestine is the largest part of the digestive system, and at the same time one of the largest organs of the human body. Its length can reach from 4 to 8 meters, depending on the age and individual characteristics of the human body. It is located in the abdominal region, and performs several functions at once: the final digestion of food, the absorption of nutrients and the removal of undigested residues.

The organ consists of several types of intestines, each of which performs a specific function. For normal digestion, it is necessary that all sections and parts of the intestine interact with each other, so there are no partitions between them.

For the absorption of substances necessary for the body, which occurs in the intestines, the villi lining their inner surface are responsible - they break down vitamins, process fats and carbohydrates. In addition, the intestine plays an important role in normal function immune system. Beneficial bacteria live there, which destroy foreign microorganisms, as well as fungal spores. In the intestines of a healthy person, the number of beneficial bacteria is greater than fungal spores, but if they malfunction, they begin to multiply, which leads to various diseases.

The intestine is divided into two parts - thin and thick section. There is no clear division of the organ into parts, but there are still some anatomical differences between them. The diameter of the intestines of the thick section averages 4-9 cm, and the small intestine - from 2 to 4 cm, the first one has pink shade, and the second is light grey. The musculature of the thin section is smooth and longitudinal, while in the thick section it has protrusions and furrows. In addition, there are some functional differences between them - in the small intestine, beneficial substances are absorbed that are obligatory for the body, and in the large intestine, feces are formed and accumulated, as well as the breakdown of fat-soluble vitamins.

The small intestine is the longest part of the organ that runs from the stomach to the large intestine. It performs several functions - in particular, it is responsible for the processes of splitting dietary fiber, the production of a number of enzymes and hormones, the absorption of nutrients, and consists of three parts: the duodenum, jejunum and ileum.

The structure of each of them, in turn, includes smooth muscle, connective and epithelial tissues, located in several layers. The inner surface is lined with villi, which contribute to the absorption of trace elements.

Department of the intestine	Structural features	Functions
	The length of this section is about 30 cm (12 fingers, which in ancient times were called fingers). Located between the gallbladder and pancreas. In this department there is an extensive network of blood supply, as well as endocrine glands.	Regulates the amount of food that enters the intestines from the gastric cavity, lowers the level of acidity
	Located in the upper part of the small intestine. The intestine got its name due to the fact that when dead bodies are opened, it always turns out to be empty. Contains the largest number of villi, which are involved in the absorption of vitamins and trace elements from food	Provides absorption of nutrients from incoming food
	It is located in the lower part of the small intestine, has a fairly large size, a dense network of blood supply and a dense membrane.	Responsible for peristalsis and muscle contractions, produces a substance called neurotensin, which is responsible for appetite and the drinking reflex

Colon

The large intestine is the last section of the gastrointestinal tract, its length is about 2 meters, and its diameter is from 4 to 10 cm. The final processes of digestion and breakdown of food, absorption of fluid and the formation of feces take place in it. It envelops the food bolus with mucus and moves it towards the rectum, where they are accumulated and brought out. The structure of the large intestine is similar to the structure of the small intestine (tissues arranged in several layers), and it includes the caecum, colon, sigmoid and rectum.

Department of the intestine	Structural features	Functions
	The first section of the large intestine, which is a cavity closed on one side, similar to a bag. At the point of attachment of the small intestine to the blind there is a narrow process - the appendix	Provides local intestinal immunity, responds to inflammatory processes. The appendix produces beneficial microorganisms that help protect the body from diseases.
	The main segment of the large intestine is 1.5 m long. It consists of several sections: ascending, transverse colon and descending	Breaks down fiber, pectin fibers and fat-soluble vitamins. Promotes the formation of dense feces
	It is located between the descending part of the colon and reaches the right hypochondrium. Reaches 70 cm in length, diameter - about 4 cm	Takes part in the processes of digestion, absorbs moisture and delivers it to all body systems, breaks down nutrients that come with food

The human gastrointestinal tract is a vital system with a complex structure that performs the functions of digestion and breakdown of food, as well as the absorption of nutrients. In other words, it is in the intestines that the food we eat is transformed into the energy necessary for life. The activity of the gastrointestinal tract is closely related to the work of other organs and systems, therefore, a violation of the work of any of its departments can lead to malfunctions of the whole organism. Nauseous and stomach ache

The structure of a person and his gastrointestinal tract

Video - Anatomy of the digestive system

Obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract - what is it? Obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a syndrome characterized by a violation of the movement of intestinal contents due to a mechanical obstruction or functional dysmotility.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract)

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are becoming more and more common. Active way of life modern man often does not leave time for the quiet consumption of healthy food. Fast food snacking has reached the level of a significant problem.

Stress and ecology, regular use of antibiotics followed by dysbacteriosis complete what was started by malnutrition, and as a result, a person begins to get sick: the organs cannot withstand the harsh attack of adverse factors.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract significantly rejuvenated. Gastritis has become a mass phenomenon even in primary and secondary school, a significant part of children suffer from dysbacteriosis different ages. As a result, such serious diseases of the digestive tract as colitis of various origins develop, problems with the pancreas begin, which leads to a predisposition to diabetes mellitus.

That is why diseases of the gastrointestinal tract should be detected and treated in time before they begin to take a chronic form.

Symptoms and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Knowing the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, and you can think about treatment. The symptoms are quite rich, paying attention to its features, you can not only confidently contact doctors, but also take care of more proper nutrition, mode and other therapeutic and preventive measures.

Symptoms of housing diseases include:

The “top” of the abdomen is occupied by the epigastric region and hypochondria (right and left, respectively). This is a kind of arc, the pain on which is characteristic of colitis, an inflammatory process in the lower esophagus, fundic gastritis, dilation of the stomach and initial stage food poisoning.

If vomiting also joins this symptom, then it is appropriate to assume that this is an ulcer, but it is difficult to determine in the stomach or in the duodenum. In addition, it is also characteristic of intestinal obstruction.

In the right hypochondrium is the liver and, located under it, the gallbladder. Severe pain and colic usually come from them. A similar feeling on the left is inherent in gastritis (especially in tandem with nausea and its consequences), acute pancreatitis and other digestive diseases.

The middle of the abdomen is reserved for mesogastrium. In the navel area, the concentration of pain is associated with impaired intestinal functions. This may be inflammation of the small intestine, enteritis, Crohn's disease, etc.

At the same level, only on the right, pain is assigned to hepatitis, and on the left - to ulcerative colitis, inflammation of polyps and problems with the colon.

Hypogastrium, he is the lowest "level" of the abdomen. Pain in his area rarely indicates diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. More often it comes from the bladder or genitals. But on the right is appendicitis, it can make itself felt in this place, as well as intestinal infections with diseases of the caecum. The left iliac space contains the sigmoid colon, which can become inflamed and painful. It is also appropriate to assume dysentery.

1. Symptoms of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract help to make the correct diagnosis.
2. During the initial examination, palpation and listening to the patient, percussion (tapping) are performed.
3. The history of the disease itself is not enough. Having established, according to the patient, the symptoms of housing and communal services, treatment does not begin without various kinds laboratory and instrumental studies (probing, pH-metry, gastrography and manometry). At the same time, it is important not only to determine the disease, but also its root cause, since only its elimination can completely restore the health of the patient.
4. Radiation diagnostics - ultrasound, X-ray, scintigraphy, is used by a doctor to clarify the diagnosis.

The treatment itself, depending on the result, can be conservative or surgical. With the conservative treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, drug treatment is provided, the appointment of various diets, physiotherapy exercises, homeopathic methods can be used.

Sometimes the disease requires surgery. In such cases, the patient is prepared for surgery by restricting food and drink, and if necessary, enemas are given. After an operable intervention, a recovery course is carried out, the main methods of which are the use of antiseptics and antibiotics and strict adherence to prescribed diets.

Features of the treatment of certain diseases of the housing and communal services

Separately, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, their symptoms and treatment are singled out, since such diseases are neglected and require a long-term serious approach from the doctor and the patient himself.

Common among patients are:

• Chronic colitis and enterocolitis.
• Chronic cholecystitis.
• Chronic pancreatitis.
• Chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer.

Infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract require the attention of a gastroenterologist, an infectious disease specialist. In addition, they very often proceed similarly to other, non-infectious diseases.

Common triggers are:

1. Bacteria:

• Typhoid fever.
• Salmonella.
• Cholera.
• Bacterial toxin - botulism.
• Staphylococcus.

Viruses:

• Rotavirus.
• Enterovirus.

The treatment of such diseases is not only the task of destroying the infection, but also the elimination of dehydration of the body, and later a long work to restore the natural microflora.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in children are characterized by an acute course and severe tolerability. They are usually accompanied by severe weakness, rapid dehydration, high fever, and extreme nervousness.

Often the disease is accompanied by blurred symptoms. According to statistics, the incidence is characterized by bursts of two age peaks, which depend on age and occur at 5-6 years old, 10-11 years old, and are explained by the physiological and social distinctive features of age.

Can hurt:

Diet for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Diet in diseases of the housing and communal services is almost crucial during the recovery period and important during treatment.

Its violations can provoke a relapse of the violation.

1. No. 1. Diet for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with exacerbation of peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis and recovery from acute gastritis. Allows you to normalize the activity of the stomach, its peristalsis, protecting the mucous membranes and providing normal nutrition for the body.
2. The food includes yesterday's bread (white), soups with heavily boiled cereals seasoned with butter or a mixture of milk and eggs. Meat, fish must be obtained in a ground form - they will do steam cutlets, meatballs, it is possible to bake with vegetables. Boil or bake vegetables, use non-acidic dairy products fat-free. Drink lightly brewed tea, juices, cocoa, rose hips.
3. No. 1a) for the same diseases is indicated for the first four days of treatment. A sparing diet for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract allows you to quickly heal ulcers, resist inflammatory processes, and is indicated if you have to comply with bed rest. All food is consumed grated, liquid or gruel, pre-boiled or steamed. There are temperature restrictions: + 60-15 degrees. Feeding process according to the crushed principle, the last feed is warm milk. Fermented milk products, vegetables are excluded, but cereals, eggs and meat without fat are suitable. Berries as part of decoctions, juices, jelly or jellies.
4. No. 2b) with the subsidence of the course of peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis with high acidity. Less strict than #1a), it allows non-acid grated cottage cheese, white breadcrumbs, thinly sliced, grated vegetables.
5. No. 2 is indicated for chronic colitis, enterocolitis and gastritis with high acidity. In addition, with concomitant diseases of the pancreas, biliary tract and liver. Temperature-limiting products are excluded; fried products are suitable if a hard crust has not formed after such processing. Yesterday's bread, inedible pastries, meat and fish are not fatty, vegetables and fruits are ripe even at the end of the heat treatment.
6. No. 3 is designed to improve bowel activity in its chronic problems. Food is fractional, 5-6 times daily. In the morning on an empty stomach 1 tbsp. l. honey with a glass of water. For the evening, dried fruits, kefir. Any bread, but yesterday's baking. Food will heal by boiling or steaming, vegetables are allowed raw. Weak tea, instant coffee, all other drinks are allowed, except for alcoholic and sweet waters.
7. No. 4 - a diet for diseases of the housing and communal services, with diarrhea. The task is to reduce the number of inflammatory processes, to reduce the development of fermentation and putrefaction in the organs of the housing and communal services. For this purpose, chemical and physical components that can affect the mucous membrane are limited: grated, boiled or steamed food, white bread, can be slightly dried. Meat and fish of low-fat varieties, passed through a meat grinder several times. Soups and broths, non-acidic cottage cheese, immediately after cooking. Eggs can occasionally be soft-boiled. Cereals - buckwheat, rice, oatmeal. Drink decoctions of quince, dogwood, bird cherry, tea and black coffee.
8. No. 4b) is prescribed after exacerbation of chronic intestinal diseases, improvement of acute diseases. Recipes for dietary nutrition for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in such cases include minced meat and fish without fat, fermented milk (without strong acid) products, rice, buckwheat, oatmeal in a well-boiled version. From vegetables, potatoes, pumpkin, zucchini, carrots and cauliflower. Drinks according to the diet option number 1. All food is boiled or cooked in a double boiler, grated or chopped.
9. No. 4c) - a diet for diseases of the housing and communal services, the purpose of which is to ensure sufficient nutrition of the body with incomplete functioning of the intestinal tract. It is used for recovery after acute intestinal diseases and a period of remission after an exacerbation of chronic diseases. Eat food in 5-6 sittings. Yesterday's bread can be dried fresh, but a small amount of dry cookies is allowed. Baking without muffin, no more than a couple of uses per week. Soups, meat with a minimum amount of fat, are allowed not only chopped, but also a whole piece. All dairy products with a limited amount of fat, mild cheeses. Oatmeal, rice, buckwheat groats are well boiled. Raw fruits - apples, pears, watermelon, oranges and grapes, peeled. Vegetables on diet No. 4b). Drink diluted juices in half with cooled boiling water, milk is added to the usual drinks, but not cream.
10. Dietary table No. 5 for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is intended during the recovery period after an exacerbation in chronic cholecystitis and hepatitis, recovery after acute cholecystitis and hepatitis, stones in gallbladder and cirrhosis of the liver. Recipes for such diseases of the gastrointestinal tract include food from a double boiler, boiled, stewed and baked. Only high-fiber foods and tough meats are ground. Nasty pastries with various savory and not spicy fillings. Soups with milk, vegetables, cereals, pasta. Baked meat is allowed without a crust. The dairy group is represented by low-fat cottage cheese and milk. Raw vegetables and fruits are allowed, as long as they are not acidic. The patient prefers sweet dishes, then sweeteners are used instead of part of the sugar. Diet drinks No. 4c).

Prevention of gastrointestinal diseases

It is much easier and painless to avoid the disease instead of treating it. Prevention of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract includes the elementary rules of a healthy lifestyle:

Prevention of gastrointestinal diseases in children follows the same rules, but more attention is paid to the diet and the quality of the dishes prepared. In addition to fried foods, children are limited to the consumption of spicy, too hot or cold foods, sour and sweet.

It is very important to teach children to always wash their hands before eating, not to eat unwashed vegetables and fruits, to spend money on school breakfasts in the canteen, and not on hot dogs. In addition, categorically exclude products that contain harmful dyes and preservatives, sweet water, unnatural seasonings.

Exercise therapy for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

During the rehabilitation period for diseases of the housing and communal services, physiotherapy exercises (LCF) and herbal medicine are widely used. Exercise therapy for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract helps to improve blood circulation, restore motor functionality, strengthen the muscles of the press and improve the body in general.

Indications for exercise are diseases:

• Chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers
• Colitis and enterocolitis
• Splanchnoptosis
• Diaphragm hernia
• Biliary dyskinesia.

Exercises consist of tilts in different directions, turns, work of the press and legs. In particular, the legs work in the prone position for extension, flexion, crossing, lifting, breeding.

With colitis with a tendency to constipation, there are many relaxation exercises, in the case of intestinal atony - with a greater load and the use of power complexes.

A prerequisite for performing exercises is the state of 2 hours after eating. In addition, calm walking on level ground, swimming and bathing are recommended. Loads are carefully dosed, raised gradually. For some diseases, a special massage is prescribed, capturing certain areas.

Separately, exercise therapy for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract uses breathing exercises that help not only restore the body as a whole, but also organize proper blood circulation in all problem areas of the human body.

In order to get advice or join a therapeutic gymnastics group, you need to contact a physiotherapist, a specialist in the recovery of patients after diseases of the housing and communal services, or a coach in therapeutic gymnastics.

If the patient is going to use any complex on their own, it is necessary to first get a consultation from a specialist who will take into account not only the general diagnosis of the patient. But also his current state.

Herbal medicine for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is indicated, since the patient's body is usually weakened, and freely selected fees can quickly fill human organs with nutrients without damaging the painful areas of the housing and communal services.

Various infusions, decoctions and juices will help you quickly get rid of beriberi, anemia, they are instantly absorbed and at the same time additionally treat diseases, acting gently and accurately.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract respond well enough to treatment, and even the most difficult problems can often be cured. This is possible only if the patient and the doctor actively cooperate, the patient strictly follows the doctor's recommendations and fulfills all prescriptions even after the disappearance of unpleasant symptoms.

Diets and LCF can only be a good help in recovery, and not an opportunity for self-treatment.

Symptoms of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and diseases leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. This page contains a summary of complete information For a specific symptom, go to the rubric or use the site search.

Heartburn

Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation along the esophagus, starting from the xiphoid process, spreading upward. It is associated with the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. The appearance of heartburn contributes to the increased sensitivity of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, increased activity of the cardiac section of the stomach, as well as spasm of the pylorus - the section connecting the stomach and duodenum 12.

More often, heartburn appears against the background of increased acidity of gastric juice, but it can also be with hypochlorhydria (lack of hydrochloric acid). Heartburn necessarily accompanies reflux esophagitis, often with stomach ulcers. Sometimes heartburn occurs with cholecystitis, against the background of pregnancy. Intolerance to certain foods can also be manifested by heartburn.

Flatulence

Flatulence - bloating of the intestines, accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. It appears when gases accumulate in the lumen of the small or large intestine.

Normally, gases from the intestines are absorbed through the intestinal wall and then excreted through the lungs, some of the gases are excreted through the rectum. With inflammation of the intestinal wall and venous stasis, an accumulation of gases occurs. Therefore, flatulence is an early manifestation of portal hypertension syndrome.

With insufficient activity of enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fermentation processes in the intestine are intensified. Flatulence after drinking milk is characteristic of lactase deficiency. Bloating after eating vegetables (potatoes, cabbage) is a sign of indigestion in the initial section of the large intestine.

Intestinal stenosis (for example, a tumor) is manifested by flatulence in a certain area, which disappears after rumbling in the intestines. Bloating in the left side of the abdomen is characteristic of megacolon. That symptom is usually pronounced in irritable bowel syndrome.

Sometimes flatulence is psychogenic in nature or is associated with excessive swallowing of air (aerophagy).

Nausea

Nausea is an unpleasant feeling in the epigastric region, chest, oral cavity, accompanied by salivation, often weakness and a decrease in blood pressure. Nausea is associated with the excitation of the vomiting center. Nausea in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is a reflex and is associated with irritation of receptors in the walls of the stomach, bile ducts.

Nausea can have a variety of causes. In particular, it is a symptom of diseases of the digestive system, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, stomach cancer, hepatitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis.

Vomit

Vomiting is a complex reflex process that leads to the removal of gastric contents through the mouth. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, vomiting has the same causes as nausea. Nausea and vomiting are non-specific symptoms that occur with many other diseases. Vomiting is dangerous with the possibility of developing gastric bleeding. In addition, with frequent vomiting, dehydration of the body and electrolyte imbalance and acid-base balance occur. As a result, the activity of internal organs is disrupted.

Belching

Belching is the passage of gases from the stomach and esophagus through the mouth. It occurs when the diaphragm contracts. Belching with air happens with aerophagia - swallowing air. It can appear in healthy individuals when overeating or after drinking carbonated drinks.

Frequent belching can be a symptom of insufficiency of the cardia - the upper part of the stomach. It appears with a hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm, inflection of the stomach, pyloric stenosis.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a violation of swallowing at the level of the oral cavity, pharynx or esophagus, accompanied by a feeling of stopping the food bolus, sometimes accompanied by pain. Most often, dysphagia is a sign of diseases of the esophagus. It can be a manifestation of organic lesions (ulcers, tumors, consequences of a burn of the esophagus, zzophagitis, achalasia of the cardia, foreign bodies of the esophagus). In other cases, dysphagia is associated with external compression of the esophagus with tumors of the mediastinum, enlargement of the thyroid gland, and aortic aneurysm.

Bitterness in the mouth

Bitterness in the mouth is one of the signs of hepatic dyspepsia. Its appearance is associated with a violation of the movement (motor) of the gallbladder, biliary tract, duodenum, stomach, esophagus. Most often, bitterness in the mouth is a symptom of cholecystitis, pancreatitis, tumors of the hepatobiliary zone. It is also found in gastritis and peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

Smell from the mouth

Bad breath can be the result of oral pathology (halitosis).

It can be a symptom of indigestion in diseases of the stomach, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, diverticulum of the esophagus or stomach. The smell may be sour or resemble hydrogen sulfide.

The smell of bitterness occurs with diseases of the gallbladder. The smell of feces from the mouth usually indicates a serious pathology, for example, intestinal obstruction.

Pathological impurities in the feces

Pathological impurities in the feces are substances that are normally found in it in small quantities or are absent at all. This is blood, mucus, the remains of undigested food.

The remains of undigested food in the feces are usually the result of inflammatory diseases of the small intestine (enteritis). They are accompanied by an increase in the amount of feces, its liquefaction, and an increase in defecation.

The admixture of blood and mucus is characteristic of diseases of the colon and rectum, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis. Also, an admixture of blood and mucus can be a symptom of a tumor of the large intestine. Bright unchanged blood appears with anal fissures and hemorrhoids.

Pain in the abdomen

Pain in the abdomen can accompany any disease of the digestive system. If the source of pain is hollow organs (stomach, intestines), it may be due to spasm of smooth muscles or stretching of the walls of the organ in violation of blood flow and inflammatory diseases. With damage to a non-hollow organ (liver, pancreas), pain is associated primarily with stretching of the capsule of this organ with an increase in its size.

The main diseases of the digestive system, in which there is pain in the abdomen:

• diseases of the stomach (gastritis, pyloric stenosis, peptic ulcer, tumor);
• diseases of the duodenum (peptic ulcer, tumor, megaduodenum);
• intestinal diseases (appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, enteritis, colitis, tumors, diverticula);
• diseases of the liver and pancreas (pancreatitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, tumors of these organs).

Constipation

Constipation is a rare difficult bowel movement, often accompanied by excessive stool hardness, pain, and flatulence. You can talk about constipation with bowel movements less than 3 times a week. Constipation is associated with a violation of the motility of the colon with a disorder of the regulation of the activity of the intestine. Another mechanism of constipation is a violation of the act of defecation in the pathology of the rectum.

Constipation types:

• alimentary (associated with the use of predominantly protein foods, individual foods);
• neurogenic (in organic diseases nervous system);
• hypodynamic;
• inflammatory (with colitis);
• proctogenic (for diseases of the rectum);
• mechanical (intestinal tumors, anomalies in the development of the intestine);
• toxic;
• medication;
• endocrine.

Constipation in children is organic and functional. Organic is associated with anatomical disorders in the structure of the intestine and manifests itself from birth. Organic constipation may occur as a result of bowel operations.

Functional constipation is quite common. Its criteria are not well defined. It is believed that a child's stool may not be daily, but at the same time it should not be accompanied by discomfort during defecation, impurities in the feces, a change in its shape, and developmental disorders of the child. Physiological constipation can occur when the nutrition of a nursing mother changes, there is a lack of water in the child's diet, or improper introduction of complementary foods. It can be the result of diseases such as rickets, hypothyroidism, food allergies, anemia, and helminthic invasion. In older children, constipation may occur when the child deliberately suppresses the act of defecation, for example, during a stay in kindergarten.

Rumbling in the stomach

Rumbling in the abdomen can occur in a healthy hungry person, as well as after overeating or drinking carbonated drinks.

This phenomenon can be a symptom of diseases associated with impaired motility of the stomach and intestines, as well as with excessive gas formation in the intestinal lumen. Rumbling appears with gastritis, peptic ulcer, enteritis and colitis. It may indicate an overgrowth of pathogenic intestinal flora in dysbacteriosis or be a manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea (diarrhea) - frequent bowel movements, accompanied by an increase in the volume of feces and their liquefaction. Its occurrence is associated with an accelerated passage of feces through the intestines and a slowdown in the absorption of fluid from it. The most common cause of diarrhea is intestinal inflammation of a viral or bacterial nature (enteritis, colitis).

Diarrhea can occur with digestive disorders (pancreatitis, cholestasis). Sometimes diarrhea is a consequence of taking certain medications. It may be associated with a disorder in the neurohumoral regulation of intestinal activity.

Chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of almost all bowel diseases.

Diarrhea in children is most often the result of an intestinal infection of a viral or bacterial nature. It can also be a symptom of lactase deficiency or a food allergy. In some cases, diarrhea appears with biliary dyskinesia in a child, as well as against the background of stressful situations (for example, teething).

Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin, conjunctiva and sclera of the eyes and other tissues. It can be a sign of many diseases. In many cases, jaundice occurs with liver disease, accompanied by a violation of its function (hepatitis, cirrhosis). Other causes of jaundice may be violations of the outflow of bile through the biliary tract with cholangitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, tumors of the hepatobiliary zone.

Often jaundice is accompanied by severe itching, weakness, dysfunction of the central nervous system. Some forms of jaundice are accompanied by discoloration of the stool and darkening of the urine. Hemolytic jaundice is also distinguished, associated with blood pathology, and not with damage to the digestive organs.

Skin itching

Itchy skin can be a symptom of various blood, kidney, liver, endocrine diseases, and many other conditions. Generalized pruritus often accompanies liver disease, in particular, primary biliary cirrhosis. It is a symptom of liver failure. Skin itching appears with cancer of the head of the pancreas and other conditions that cause obstructive jaundice (cholelithiasis, cholangitis).

hiccup

The appearance of hiccups is associated with irritation of the diaphragm and its sharp reflex contraction. Hiccups are most often not a symptom of diseases of the digestive system. It occurs with pericarditis, pleurisy, ascites, peritonitis. Hiccups can be one of the symptoms of diaphragmatic hernia and intestinal obstruction.

Language changes

In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by neurotrophic disorders or leading to the development of intoxication, a plaque appears on the tongue. Usually it is white or grayish, rarely yellow. Plaque on the tongue occurs with gastritis, peptic ulcer, stomach tumors, enterocolitis and many other diseases.

Swelling of the tongue is more common in intestinal diseases with impaired water-salt metabolism, primarily in enteritis and colitis.

Changes in some diseases appearance tongue due to changes in the papillary apparatus. So, with gastritis, peptic ulcer, accompanied by high acidity, hyperplastic glossitis is formed with an increase and growth of the papillae of the tongue. With gastritis and peptic ulcer, as well as with diseases of the small intestine and biliary tract, atrophic glossitis can form, in which atrophy of the papillae occurs, and the tongue acquires a “lacquered” appearance.

In diseases of the digestive system, ulcerative and desquamative lesions of the tongue and oral cavity, changes in taste sensitivity, paresthesia (burning, tingling in the tongue) may appear.

Increase in body temperature

Fever accompanies infectious diseases gastrointestinal tract, especially intestinal infections. It can be a symptom of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. An increase in body temperature is noted in acute surgical pathology (appendicitis, peritonitis). It can accompany acute inflammatory processes in other departments (acute cholecystitis).

Tenesmus

Tenesmus - painful urge to defecate, which is accompanied by the release of a minimum amount of feces. They appear with infectious colitis (for example, with dysentery), ulcerative colitis, sigmoiditis, proctitis, tumors of the sigmoid and rectum. Tenesmus occurs with hemorrhoids and anal fissures. In children, they can be a symptom of trichuriasis.

Tenesmus is often accompanied by erosions, fissures, itching in the anus, and prolapse of the rectal mucosa.

Salivation disorders

Increased salivation is most often not a symptom of damage to the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes it can accompany stomatitis or helminthic invasion.

Mental disorders

With a long, severe course of diseases of the digestive system, patients may develop disorders mental state. Most often they are manifested by increased fatigue, tearfulness, emotional lability. Sometimes there are vegetative-vascular disorders in the form of hypertensive crises, fainting. Prolonged headaches and radicular pains, polyneuritis phenomena are not uncommon.

Such disorders may appear in patients with peptic ulcer, achalasia of the cardia, hypochlorhydria, colitis and gastritis.

Allocate forms of mental disorders, manifested by a change eating behavior- anorexia and bulimia. At the same time, malnutrition is a consequence of mental illness.

Weight loss

Weight loss appears with swallowing disorders, for example, with a narrowing or swelling of the esophagus.

Indigestion is also accompanied by weight loss. It may be due to a violation of digestion in gastritis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver. In addition, indigestion can be caused by a decrease in the absorption of nutrients in celiac disease, enteritis and colitis of various etiologies.

Tumors of the gastrointestinal tract cause metabolic disorders and intoxication, which also leads to weight loss.

Weight loss occurs when mental disorder like anorexia nervosa. Worm infestations lead to a decrease in body weight.

Itching of the anus

Itching of the anus is a symptom of many diseases of the rectum, such as proctosigmoiditis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, anorectal fistulas. The occurrence of itching in children is most often due to helminthic invasions, in particular, pinworms, roundworms or Giardia.

Itching in the anus can appear in any condition accompanied by diarrhea and a violation of the normal intestinal microflora.

Itching in the anus can be a symptom of many other diseases that are not related to the digestive system.

Anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract is a complex of organs that ensure the vital activity of the body. The scheme of the structure of the gastrointestinal tract is the human organs sequentially located, and depicted as cavities. The hollow spaces are interconnected and form a single channel for accepting, changing the qualitative structure, and removing food. The length of the entire channel is about 8.5 - 10 meters. Each hollow (empty from the inside) organ is surrounded by shells (walls) that are identical to each other in structure.

The walls of the gastrointestinal tract

Shells of hollow channels have the following structure:

1. From the inside, the walls of the gastrointestinal tract are lined with epithelium - a layer of mucosal cells that are in direct contact with food. The mucosa performs three tasks:

• protection from damage (physical or toxic effects);
• enzymatic breakdown of nutrients, vitamins, minerals (parietal digestion, carried out in the small intestine);
• the transfer of fluid into the blood (absorption).

1. After the mucous membrane is the submucosal layer, consisting of connective tissue. The tissue itself does not have a functional component, it contains numerous venous, lymphoid and nerve clusters.
2. The muscular membrane, which follows, has an uneven thickness in different areas of the gastrointestinal tract. It is endowed with the function of moving food through the digestive tube.
3. The outer layer of the walls is represented by the peritoneum (or serous membrane), which protects the organs from external damage.

Major organs of the gastrointestinal tract

The anatomy of the human gastrointestinal tract is an integration of the digestive tract and glands that synthesize the digestive secret.

The departments of the gastrointestinal tract include the following organs:

• The initial site is the oral fissure (oral cavity).
• Muscular tube in the form of a cylinder (pharynx).
• Muscular canal that connects the stomach sac and the pharynx (esophagus).
• Hollow food processing tank (stomach).
• A thin tube about 5 meters long (small intestine). Consists of the initial section (duodenum), middle (jejunum), and lower (ileum).
• The lower (final) part of the gastrointestinal tract (large intestine). It consists of: the initial sac-like department or the caecum with the process of the appendix, the colon system (ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid) and the final department - the rectum.

All parts of the gastrointestinal tract are endowed with certain functions that make up the whole process of digestion, which is the initial one in a complex metabolic mechanism.

Oral cavity

The primary gastrointestinal tract includes:

• musculoskeletal organ (lips);
• mucous membrane lining the cavity (gums);
• two rows of bone formations (teeth);
• mobile muscular organ with a fold going to the gums (tongue);
• a pharynx bounded by a hard and soft palate;
• salivary glands.

Functional purposes of the department:

• mechanical grinding, chemical processing and differentiation of food taste;
• formation of sounds;
• breath;
• protection from pathogens.

The tongue and soft palate are involved in the process of swallowing.

Pharynx

It has the shape of a funnel, localized in front of the 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae. By structure, it consists of the upper, middle and lower parts (nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx, respectively).

Connects the oral cavity with the muscular canal of the esophagus. Takes part in the processes:

• breathing;
• speech formation;
• reflex contraction and relaxation of muscles to promote food (swallowing);

The pharynx is equipped with a mechanism of protection against external negative factors.

Esophagus

A flattened muscular canal up to 30 cm in length, consisting of the cervical, thoracic and abdominal parts, ending in a cardiac valve (sphincter). The valve closes off the stomach to prevent backflow of food and acid (into the esophagus). The main task of the body is to move food towards the stomach for its further processing (digestion).

Stomach

The scheme of the stomach includes four main zones, divided among themselves conditionally:

• Cardiac (supracardial and subcardial) zone. It is located at the junction of the stomach and esophagus, equipped with a closing sphincter (valve).
• Upper section or vault. It is placed on the left side under the diaphragm. It is supplied with glands that synthesize gastric juice.
• Organ body. It is localized below the arch, has the largest volume of all organs of the gastrointestinal tract, is intended for temporary storage of food coming from the muscle canal, and its splitting.
• The pylorus or pyloric zone. It is located at the bottom of the system, connecting the stomach and intestines through the pyloric (outlet) valve.

• hydrochloric (HCl) acid;
• enzymes (pepsin, gastrixin, chymosin);
• protein (mucin);
• enzyme with bactericidal properties (lysozyme);
• mineral salts and water.

Functionally, the stomach is designed to store and process food, absorb liquids and salts.

Digestion of food occurs under the action of gastric juice and muscle contractions of the body. When the stomach is empty, juice production stops. The resulting semi-solid substance (chyme) is sent to the duodenum with the help of the vagus (vagus nerve).

Small intestine

It performs the main work on food processing (abdominal and parietal digestion), acid neutralization, as well as the function of absorption (absorption) of useful substances to deliver them to the bloodstream.

Consists of three zones:

• Duodenum. Responsible for the work of the output pulp (its timely and regular reduction). It is supplied with gastric, pancreatic, intestinal juice and bile. The alkaline secret is synthesized by glands located in the walls of the organ. Under the influence of these liquids, the process of digestion of chyme occurs.
• T small intestine. Smooth muscle organ involved in the digestive process. Without clear boundaries, it passes into the next zone - the ileum.
• Ileum. Anatomically covered by the peritoneum on all sides, takes an active part in the breakdown of nutrients and other substances. It ends with the ileocecal sphincter that separates the large and small intestines.

The process of breaking down food is completed in the small intestine.

Colon

The lower zone of the gastrointestinal tract, endowed with the function of absorbing fluid, and the formation of excrement. The organ does not secrete juice, it produces a mucous substance for the excrement-forming process.

Divided into several zones:

• Cecum. It is equipped with a process that does not play a big role in the body - the appendix.
• The colon system consists of four organic zones (ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid) that are not involved in the process of food processing. The functional purpose is the absorption of nutrients, the activation of the movement of processed products, the formation, maturation and excretion of excrement.
• Rectum. The final zone of the digestive tract. Designed for the accumulation of fecal formations. The structure has a strong muscular valve (anal sphincter). The main function is the dynamic release of the intestine from accumulated excrement through the anus.

The complex structure of the human gastrointestinal tract requires careful attention. Malfunctions in the work of one of the organs inevitably lead to disturbances in the work of the entire digestive system.