Gastrointestinal Tract Anatomy
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the digestive tract or alimentary canal, is a long, continuous tube that runs from the mouth to the anus. The length of the GI tract is around 9 metre. It contains all the major organs of the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, and intestines. The GI tract can be subdivided into two halves by the suspensory muscle of the duodenum. The divsion is as follows:
- Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
- Lower Gastrointestinal Tract
Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes the mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
Mouth
The mouth, also known as the oral cavity is an oval-shaped cavity inside the skull that allows food and air to enter the body. It is surrounded by lips and includes structures like vestibule, gums, teeth, hard and soft palate, tongue, and salivary glands. Saliva, containing enzymes like amylase, begins the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates.
Also Read: Mouth and Buccal Cavity
Pharynx
The pharynx, also known as the throat, is a muscular passageway that connects the mouth and nose to the oesophagus and larynx. It serves both the respiratory and digestive systems. The pharynx permits the passage of swallowed solids and liquids into the esophagus, and conducts air to and from the trachea during respiration.
Also Read: Difference Between Pharynx And Larynx
Oesophagus
The oesophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The upper part of the oesophagus is located behind the windpipe. When we swallow, the walls of the oesophagus contract and relaxes. Th food move down to the stomachs through the movement known as peristalsis.
Stomach
The stomach is a muscular organ, located between the oesophagus and the small intestine. It is the most dilated part of the digestive system. The stomach is a J-shaped bag-like organ and is divided into four main regions: the cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus. The stomach secretes gastric juices for the chemical digestion of food and break it down into chyme.
Also Read: Gastric Gland
Lower Gastrointestinal Tract
The lower GI consists of the following organs:
Small Intestine
The small intestine is a long, narrow tube that extends from the stomach to the large intestine. It is the longest part of the digestive system, measuring about 22 feet long on average. It has three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The small intestine is the primary site for the absorption of nutrients from digested food.
Large Intestine
The large intestine or colon, is the last part of the digestive system. It’s a long tube that continues from the small intestine and extends to the anus. It includes the colon, rectum, and anus. The function of the large intestine is to process indigestible food and turn it into stool. It also absorbs water and stores waste material in the rectum as feces. When you poop, the large intestine passes the stool from your body.
Gastrointestinal Tract – Diagram, Anatomy, & Disorders
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a long, twisting tube made up of hollow organs that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. It comprises organs such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Food taken in through the mouth undergoes the process of digestion in the stomach, absorption of nutrients and energy in the small intestine, and the waste stored in the large intestine is expelled at the anus as feces.
In this article, we will study in detail the definition of the gastrointestinal tract, its anatomy, digestive mechanism, functions of the GI tract, infection, and disorders that occur in the GI tract.
Table of Content
- Gastrointestinal Tract Definition
- What is the Gastrointestinal Tract?
- Gastrointestinal Tract Anatomy
- Digestive Process
- Gastrointestinal Tract Functions
- Gastrointestinal Tract Infection
- Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases