
What is the lower GI tract?
What is the lower GI tract? The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the last part of the digestive tract. The lower GI tract consists of the large intestine and the anus. The large intestine absorbs water and changes the waste products of the digestive process from liquid into formed stool. The large intestine includes
What are the two main sections of the GI tract?
The GI tract is divided into two main sections: the upper GI tract and the lower GI tract. The upper GI tract is generally considered to be the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and finally the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
What is a lower GI series?
A lower GI series is a procedure in which a doctor uses x-rays and a chalky liquid called barium to view your large intestine. The barium will make your large intestine more visible on an x-ray. ... a double-contrast or air-contrast lower GI series, which uses both barium and air for a clearer view of your large intestine.
What is the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract in humans?
Gastrointestinal Tract Anatomy The gastrointestinal tract in humans begins at the mouth, continuing through the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The GI tract is about 9 meters in length. There are many supporting organs, such as the liver, which helps by secreting enzymes that are necessary for the digestion of food.

What is the difference between upper GI and lower GI?
An “upper GI test” examines your esophagus, stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). A “lower GI test” examines the lower part of your small intestine (ileum) and your large intestine, including your colon and rectum.
What is included in the GI tract?
The organs that food and liquids travel through when they are swallowed, digested, absorbed, and leave the body as feces. These organs include the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.
What are the 4 basic layers of the GI tract?
Four-layered (mucosa, submucosa, muscularis mucosa, and serosa) organization of the digestive tract.
What is the lower GI tract called?
Nevertheless, the GI tract is conventionally divided into upper (mouth to ileum) and lower (cecum to anus).
Is liver upper or lower GI?
The Lower GI The gallbladder, pancreas, and liver are essential organs in this section. The vitamins and minerals found in food are broken down in the small intestine's lower region. The colon processes and stores waste products transported to the rectum and expelled through your anus.
Which of the following is not part of the GI tract?
The spleen is not part of the digestive system, however, is connected to the blood vessels of both the stomach and the pancreas.
What is the correct order for the layers of the GI tract wall?
The GI tract contains four layers: the innermost layer is the mucosa, underneath this is the submucosa, followed by the muscularis propria and finally, the outermost layer - the adventitia.
Which layers make up the mucosa of a GI tract organ?
The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract. It is made up of three layers: the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. The mucosa surrounds the lumen, or open space within the digestive tube.
What stomach cells produce mucus?
The goblet cell of the gastrointestinal tract is specialized in producing and secreting mucus. As MUC2 mucin is the major structural molecule of the intestinal mucus, the assembly of this large and complex molecule is a major task for the goblet cell (64;65).
Is colon upper or lower GI?
For the purposes of endoscopy, the upper GI tract includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD] or upper GI endoscopy UGIE), and the lower GI tract includes the anus, rectum, colon, and cecum (anoproctosigmoidocolonoscopy or lower GI endoscopy).
Where does lower GI tract start and end?
The lower GI tract runs from the small intestine to the large intestine (colon) to the anus.
Is a lower GI the same as a colonoscopy?
A lower GI endoscopy, also referred to as a colonoscopy, is a procedure used to examine a person's large intestine (colon). There is more than one type of lower GI endoscopy, including colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Where is the GI tract?
The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus. The hollow organs that make up the GI tract are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder are the solid organs of the digestive system.
Which are GI tract organs quizlet?
GI tract organs - mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Accessory digestive organs - teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
How many functions does the GI tract have?
There are three main functions of the gastrointestinal tract, including transportation, digestion, and absorption of food. The mucosal integrity of the gastrointestinal tract and the functioning of its accessory organs are vital in maintaining the health of your patient.
Is colon part of the GI tract?
The colon is also known as the large bowel or large intestine. It is an organ that is part of the digestive system (also called the digestive tract) in the human body.
Lower GI Tract Anatomy
What is the GI tract? The lower gastrointestinal tract or lower GI is a part of the digestive system composed of most of the small intestine, the large intestine, and the anus. These organs aid in chemical digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Digestion in the Lower GI Tract
The small intestine is an organ in the GI tract between the stomach and the large intestine. In adults, its length ranges from 4.6 to 6.9 m, while its width varies between 2.5 to 3.0 cm. It has three sections: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Despite being the shortest section, most chemical digestion occurs in the duodenum.
Absorption in the Lower GI Tract
Most nutrient absorption in the lower GI tract occurs in the small intestine. The moist inner lining of the small intestine is wrinkled and covered by finger-like projections called villi.
What is the function of the large intestine?
The primary function of the large intestine in all three species is to dehydrate and store fecal material. Extensive reabsorption of water and salt occurs in the right/proximal colon and continues throughout.
What tumor is in the small and large intestine?
Carcinoid Tumor of the Small and Large Intestine 360
What is the right colon?
The right colon is composed of the appendix, cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon to the midline. The left colon begins at the midline transverse colon and includes the descending and sigmoid colon and rectum. The outer longitudinal layer of the tunica muscularis proximal to the rectum forms three distinct longitudinal bands called taenia ...
What is the anatomical division of the human colon?
The anatomic division of the human large intestine (right and left colon) is based on configuration and location. Rodent and human large intestines are similar in mural structure, including the mucosa, submucosa, and inner circular and outer longitudinal tunica muscularis and serosa.
Where does the ileum enter the cecum?
The ileum enters the cecum, a large J-shaped blind sac, at the ileocecal junction. The proximal colon exits at the cecocolic junction near the ileocecal junction. Fecal pellets are formed by consolidation and dehydration in the mid and distal colon.
Is the ascending colon retroperitoneal?
The cecum, ascending colon, and descending colon are partly retroperitoneal and partly invested with peritoneal mesothelium, except for the distal third of the rectum which is surrounded by adventitia, fascia, and fat. Source: © Elsevier, Inc. www.netterimages.com.
Can angiography be used to identify small bowel polyps?
When endoscopic techniques have failed to identify the source of bleeding, angiography may be considered in older children suspected of having arteriovenous malformations. In patients with small bowel polyps as the source of bleeding, air contrast small bowel follow-through may be helpful to identify the polyps. The identification of these lesions allows for a successful operative intervention with resection of the segment of arteriovenous malformation or small bowel polyp.
Like a snowstorm in East Tennessee
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder in which both diarrhea and constipation can be symptoms. Others include bloating, cramping, gas and mucus in the stool.
Colon Cancer Screening
As mentioned above, diarrhea and constipation can both be symptoms in colon cancer. Colon cancer screening is critical for anyone over the age of 50 and should be considered earlier if you have any high risk factors. To learn more about colon cancer screening please click here
What Does the Upper GI Tract Do?
The upper GI tract digests your food and prepares it for processing and utilizing nutrients throughout the body. Problems with the upper GI tract can manifest symptoms like burping, problems swallowing, heartburn, acid reflux, upset stomach, or abdominal pain.
What is the upper vs lower GI tract?
Lower GI Tract: What Are They? The path food takes in the body, in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, starts with the mouth and ends with the anus (rectum). The GI tract is divided into two main sections: the upper GI tract and the lower GI tract.
What causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss?
Crohn’s disease is one of several inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). This condition can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and unexplained fevers.
How does food travel through the colon?
While food travels through the colon, the water and salts are absorbed. Once the nutrients are removed from the food, the remaining materials become stool – which moves into the rectum to be expelled from the body as waste. The lower GI tract can be examined in several ways, including via a colonoscopy. As with an endoscopy, the patient is placed ...
Why does my chest hurt when I get a GI ache?
This often manifests itself as a burning pain in the middle of the chest. It is caused by acid going back up the esophagus.
Can you have a colonoscopy of the lower GI tract?
The lower GI tract can be examined in several ways, including via a colonoscopy. As with an endoscopy, the patient is placed under anesthesia for a colonoscopy.
Which part of the small intestine is the first to digest food?
We've already talked about the first part, the duodenum, which is the very first section of small intestine where the pancreas, liver, and gall bladder add their digestive enzymes, water, and bicarbonate to the digesting food. Following the duodenum are the jejunum and then the ileum.
Which part of the digestive system is responsible for the last part of food digestion?
The lower gastrointestinal tract is the part of the digestive system that is responsible for the last part of food digestion and the expulsion of waste from the body. In this lesson, we'll look at each part of the system and what functions each serves in the process of digestion.
What happens when food enters the duodenum?
As soon as the liquefied food and gastric juice enters the duodenum, the acid and partially digested food stimulates the pancreas to secrete bicarbonate, water, and many different digestive enzymes, which flow into the duodenum to mix with the gastric juice.
How does food get digested?
Digesting food is moved through the small intestine by a process called peristalsis, which is the slow, rhythmic contraction of the smooth muscle in the intestinal wall. Peristalsis moves digested food through the small intestine, where most of the nutrients and water are absorbed, before it enters the large intestine.
What happens when bicarbonate is mixed with gastric juice?
So when the bicarbonate secreted by the pancreas mixes with the gastric juice, it neutralizes the acid. Meanwhile, digestive enzymes are secreted from the liver and pancreas as zymogens, which, you may remember, are inactive precursors of enzymes that require a change to be activated.
Which section of the body is specialized for the absorption of monosaccharides, amino acids, monog?
Following the duodenum are the jejunum and then the ileum. These sections are specialized for the absorption of monosaccharides, amino acids, monoglycerides, fatty acids, and water. The epithelium is structured into large folds that increase surface area and absorption.
Where does food enter the digestive system?
We know that liquefied food and gastric juice is released by the pyloric sphincter a little at a time from the stomach into the duodenum, which is the first section of small intestine where digesting food enters from the stomach .
What are the symptoms of a lower GI?
If you have any of the following symptoms after a lower GI series, seek medical care right away: bloody bowel movements or bleeding from your anus. fever. inability to pass gas. severe constipation. severe pain in your abdomen.
What is the difference between a lower GI series and a double GI series?
a double-contrast or air-contrast lower GI series, which uses both barium and air for a clearer view of your large intestine.
How do I prepare for a lower GI series?
To prepare for a lower GI series, you will need to talk with your doctor, change your diet, and clean out your bowel.
How long before GI surgery should I drink?
In most cases, you may drink or eat the following: 1 to 3 days before a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series. Your doctor will tell you how long before the procedure you should have nothing by mouth. A health care professional will ask you to follow the directions for a bowel prep before the procedure.
What happens if you have a double contrast GI?
If you are having a double-contrast lower GI series, the radiologist will inject air through the tube to inflate the large intestine. During the procedure, you may have some discomfort and feel the urge to have a bowel movement.
What is a double-contrast lower GI series?
a double-contrast or air-contrast lower GI series, which uses both barium and air for a clearer view of your large intestine.
Where does barium drain?
Most of the barium will drain through the tube. You will push out the remaining barium into a bedpan or nearby toilet. A health care professional may give you an enema to flush out the rest of the barium. gastrointestinal (GI) series at a hospital or an outpatient center.
How long is the gastrointestinal tract?
The GI tract is about 9 meters in length. There are many supporting organs, such as the liver, which helps by secreting enzymes that are necessary for the digestion of food.
Which organs help with digestion?
There are many supporting organs, such as the liver, which helps by secreting enzymes that are necessary for the digestion of food. The human GI tract can be divided into two halves, namely: Upper GI tract. Lower GI tract.
What causes a gastrointestinal infection?
Gastrointestinal Tract Infection. Gastrointestinal infection can be caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, gastroenteritis. These might infect both, the stomach and the small intestine.
Which organ stores food and mixes it with enzymes and other digestive fluids?
Stomach. This is where most of the digestion takes place. The stomach is a J-shaped bag-like organ that stores the food temporarily, breaks it down, mixes and churns it with enzymes and other digestive fluids and finally, passes it along to the small intestine.
Where does the absorption of nutrients take place?
The small intestine is a coiled thin tube, about 6 meters in length, where most of the absorption of nutrients takes place. Food is mixed with enzymes from the liver and the pancreas in the small intestine.
What is the function of the pharynx?
It protects the food from entering the trachea and lungs.
What is the lower GI tract?from niddk.nih.gov
The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the last part of the digestive tract. The lower GI tract consists of the large intestine and the anus.
What are the limitations of Lower GI Tract Radiography?from radiologyinfo.org
A barium enema is usually not appropriate for someone who is in extreme abdominal pain or who has had a recent colonic biopsy. If perforation of the colon is suspected, the enema should be performed with a water-soluble contrast solution.
How do I prepare for a lower GI series?from niddk.nih.gov
To prepare for a lower GI series, you will need to talk with your doctor, change your diet, and clean out your bowel.
How Are Small Intestine Problems Diagnosed?from verywellhealth.com
When problems in the small intestine start, the signs and symptoms might not seem related to digestion. In some cases, it might take time and a healthcare provider who is good at diagnosing to get to the heart of the matter.
How common is diverticulitis?from my.clevelandclinic.org
Diverticular disease is very common and occurs in 10% of people over age 40 and in 50% of people over age 60 in Western cultures. It is often caused by too little roughage (fiber) in the diet. Diverticulosis can sometimes develop/progress into diverticulitis
What are the complications of diverticulitis?from my.clevelandclinic.org
Complications of diverticular disease happen in about 10% of people with outpouchings. They include infection or inflammation (diverticulitis), bleeding and obstruction. Treatment of diverticulitis includes treating the constipation and sometimes antibiotics if really severe.
What happens if you have a double contrast GI?from niddk.nih.gov
If you are having a double-contrast lower GI series, the radiologist will inject air through the tube to inflate the large intestine. During the procedure, you may have some discomfort and feel the urge to have a bowel movement.
