The Gut-Brain Connection: How Gastroenterology Influences Emotions
image credits : Goodwill Hospital & Maternity Home
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. It involves the study, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus, as well as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
The Anatomy of the Digestive System
The digestive system is a network of organs that help you digest and absorb nutrition from your food. The system includes two tracts: gastrointestinal and biliary tract.
Organs in the Gastrointestinal Tract:
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mouth - initiates digestion through saliva, which breaks down food as you chew. The tongue then moves the food to the throat for swallowing.
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esophagus - transports food from the mouth to the stomach
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stomach - mixes food with digestive acids and enzymes, breaking it down into a more digestible form.
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small intestine - Breaks down food using enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver. Food changes from semi-solid to liquid.
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large intestine - Processes waste by removing water, forming stool, and storing it until it's ready to be excreted.
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anus - Allows for the controlled release of stool
Organs in the Biliary Tract:
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liver - Processes nutrients absorbed from the small intestine and produces bile to help digest fats.
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gallbladder - Stores and concentrates bile from the liver, then releases it into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion.
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pancreas - Produces digestive enzymes that break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the small intestine. It also makes insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels by helping to metabolize sugar.
image credits : Children's Wisconsin
image credits : Nurse Labs