Structure and function of gastrointestinal tract? Common diseases

Structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract

The main organs that make up the digestive system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Supporting these organs throughout their function are the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. Each of these organs perform specific functions as follows:

Mouth

The mouth is where digestion starts. Before you even start chewing, your salivary glands are already working when you see or smell food. When you chew, your teeth break the food into smaller pieces, which makes it easier to digest.

Saliva mixes with the food to begin breaking it down into smaller particles that the body can use. When you swallow, your tongue helps push the food down into the throat and into the esophagus.

Esophagus

The esophagus is a long tube located just below the throat that carries food down to the stomach. It moves food using muscle contractions called peristalsis, while also preventing food from coming back up with the help of a muscle valve.

Stomach

The stomach is like a pouch with many muscles. When food enters from the esophagus, the stomach releases acid and enzymes to mix with the food and break down proteins and nutrients. After the food is processed, it moves on to the small intestine.

Small intestine

The small intestine is about 6 meters long, and it’s where the food continues to be broken down. Enzymes from the liver bile and pancreas help with this process. The small intestine mixes food with digestive juices and moves it along through muscle contractions.

The food is broken down in the duodenum, and the nutrients are absorbed in the jejunum and ileum, before entering the bloodstream.

Pancreas

The pancreas is located behind the stomach on the upper left side of your abdomen, near other organs like the small intestine, liver, and spleen. It’s about 15-25 cm long and has two main jobs, which are making hormones and producing digestive juices.

The pancreas produces important enzymes to help with digestion, including:

• Trypsin and chymotrypsin (break down proteins).
• Amylase (breaks down carbohydrates).
• Lipase (breaks down fats).

When food enters the stomach, the pancreas releases these enzymes into the small intestine to help break down the food. The pancreas also makes insulin and glucagon, hormones that control blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar is too high, the pancreas releases insulin. If your blood sugar is too low, it releases glucagon.

Gallbladder

The gallbladder, playing an important role in breaking down food, is a small, pouch-like organ next to the liver. It is about 80-100 mm long. Its job is to store and release bile into the small intestine, where it helps digest fats.

Liver

The liver is a large organ that helps with digestion by making proteins, storing sugar, and removing toxins from the body. It’s like a chemical factory that controls many important processes in your body.

Large intestine

After digestion and absorption are complete, any leftover waste that the body can’t use moves into the large intestine in liquid form. The large intestine then absorbs water, turning the waste into solid stool. This process usually takes about 36 hours.

Stool mainly consists of food particles and helpful bacteria. These bacteria have several important jobs, like producing vitamins, breaking down waste, and protecting the body from harmful germs.

Rectu

The rectum is about 20 cm long and connects the large intestine to the anus. It receives the stool from the large intestine and can either hold it or push it out when it’s time. When the rectum gets full, a natural pooping reflex happens.

When the anal sphincter relaxes, the rectum contracts to push the stool out. If it’s not the right time, the anal sphincter tightens, and the rectum holds the stool until you’re ready.

Anus

The anus is the last part of the digestive system. It is made of muscles that control when stool is released. When you go to the bathroom, the anus produces mucus to help the stool move easily out of your body.

Common issues with the gastrointestinal system

Diarrhea, constipation, or heartburn are common issues of the gastrointestinal system and usually aren’t serious. However, if these gastrointestinal symptoms happen often, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. These could be signs of digestive problems or more serious health conditions that need attention.

Some common digestive issues typically include:

• Constipation: Hard, dry stools, trouble passing stool, pain during bowel movements, and less frequent bowel movements.
• Diarrhea: Loose or watery stools, often caused by bacteria.
• Heartburn: A burning feeling in the chest that may spread to the neck and throat. This GI upset often happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
• Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins inside or outside the anus and rectum, which can cause pain, discomfort, and bleeding.
• Gastroenteritis: An infection in the stomach and small intestine, usually caused by a virus. Among the types of digestive infections, it typically lasts less than a week.
• Peptic ulcers: Sores that form in the stomach or small intestine. They are often caused by bacteria (H. pylori) or overuse of painkillers like ibuprofen.
• Gallstones: Hard, crystal-like deposits that form in the gallbladder (a small organ under the liver).
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A condition where the muscles in the large intestine don’t work properly, causing gastric distress like bloating and stomach pain.
• Lactose intolerance: Some people can’t digest lactose, a sugar found in milk, leading to stomach pain and bloating when they eat dairy.
• Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the colon’s small pouches.
• Cancer: Cancers affecting the digestive organs, like the stomach, esophagus, colon, pancreas, or liver.
• Crohn’s disease: A long-term gastrointestinal condition that causes the digestive tract’s inflammation.

How to keep gastrointestinal tract healthy

You can prevent digestive problems by following these simple and effective methods:

• Drink water regularly: Staying hydrated helps food move smoothly through the digestive system. Dehydration is a common cause of constipation.
• Increase fiber intake: Fiber plays an essential role to keep a digestion healthy. It ensures regular bowel movements. It’s beneficial to include both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet for optimal digestive health.
• Maintain a balanced diet: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains over processed grains, and limit processed foods. Opt for poultry instead of red meats and reduce your intake of sugar and processed meats.
• Add probiotics to your diet: Probiotics are good bacteria that help protect your gut. If you’ve taken antibiotics, it’s important to take probiotics afterward since antibiotics can kill both good and bad bacteria in your gut.
• Eat slowly and mindfully: Taking your time to eat and chewing your food well helps your body digest food properly and absorb nutrients better.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps food move through the digestive system more easily.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking: Alcohol increases stomach acid, which can lead to heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers. Smoking also doubles the risk of acid reflux.
• Manage stress: Stress can contribute to constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Managing stress can help reduce these risks.

The gastrointestinal tract undeniably plays a crucial role in the body. It breaks down food into nutrients, giving the body the energy it needs to grow, repair cells, and develop.

Therefore, we must take an active role in protecting our digestive health by following a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, as well as having regular check-ups to detect any potential issues and take suitable gastrointestinal therapy.

Top-rated hospital for gastrointestinal treatment

Many healthcare centers now offer advanced gastroscopy services, and one of the most trusted places for this is Hanoi French Hospital (HFH). The hospital is known for its skilled team of doctors, both from Vietnam and abroad, and its state-of-the-art equipment.

The Gastroenterology & Hepatology Department at Hanoi French Hospital is staffed with top specialists.

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Duat: With over 37 years of experience, Dr. Duat specializes in treating digestive diseases, liver conditions, and bile duct disorders, such as fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. He also performs diagnostic endoscopy for stomach, duodenum, and colon problems, as well as removing polyps from these areas.
• Dr. Nguyen Thi Cam Tu: Dr. Tu is an expert in treating liver and pancreatic diseases, as well as gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. She also performs endoscopies of the stomach and colon, both with and without sedation, and helps with early diagnosis of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancers.
• Dr. Akiko Tomonari: A specialist in endoscopy for the stomach and colon, Dr. Tomonari performs advanced procedures like radiofrequency ablation (RFA), liver imaging, and ultrasound-guided needle procedures. She also uses techniques such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), submucosal dissection (ESD), and variceal ligation (EVL) to treat gastrointestinal cancers and liver-related issues.

Hanoi French Hospital uses the latest endoscopy technology and minimally invasive methods for diagnosing and treating digestive diseases.

What sets HFH apart from many others is that its endoscopy procedures are done in a dedicated operating room with general anesthesia, ensuring the patient’s comfort. After the procedure, most patients stay in a recovery room for a few hours before being discharged the same day.

If you’re interested in advanced gastroscopy, you can reach out to Hanoi French Hospital at hotline 024.3574.1111 for more information.

In conclusion, a healthy gastrointestinal system is vital for your well-being. By understanding its function and common diseases, you can take steps to protect your digestive health. Regular check-ups and a balanced lifestyle are key to preventing digestive problems.