2. Human Digestive System Breaks down and processes food content for use within the body. Made up of many different organs. Uses two types of digestion: Mechanical Digestion Chemical Digestion Absorbs nutrients from food into bloodstream Eliminates unused food as solid waste.
3. Organs of the Digestive System Oral Cavity Pharynx Esophagus Stomach Duodenum Small Intestine Large Intestine (Colon) Cecum Appendix Rectum Anus Parotid Salivary Gland Teeth Tongue Sublingual Salivary Gland Submandibular Salivary Gland Liver Gallbladder Pancreas Gastrointestinal Tract (Digestive Organs) Accessory Digestive Organs
4. Digestive Complications Digestive complications may occur As a result; during life By genetics; or both Gastroenterologist can perform medical procedures to resolve complications of the digestive system. Four are explained next.
5. Colonoscopy Endoscopic procedure where a colonoscope is passed through the anus to examine upper portions of the colon. Polyps & small growth can be removed during this procedure. Polyposis is a pathology in which a colonoscopy can resolve.
6. Hernioplasty (her-nee-oh-PLAS-tee) Therapeutic procedure which results in the surgical repair of a hernia. Also known as herniorrhaphy. Hiatal hernia is a type of hernia that can be repaired by hernioplasty.
7. Choledocholithotripsy (koh-led-oh-koh-LITH-oh-trip-see) Therapeutic procedure that crushes gallstones in the common bile duct. Cholelithiasis, or presence of gallstones; may or may not cause symptoms such as cholecystalgia. Either case can be resolved by choledocholithotripsy.
8. Anastomosis (an-nas-toh-MOH-sis) Surgical procedure to create a connection between two organs or vessels. For example, to join together two section of the intestine after a section has been removed. Volvulus is a condition that can be treated by anastomosis.