Umeaza Basha

822

4/7/2023

Science

Digestive System

Purpose: How is the Digestive System in the fetal pig similar and different from the

Digestive system in the human body?

What is the digestive system?

The digestive system is

made up of the gastrointestinal

(GI) tract and the liver, pancreas,

and gallbladder. The GI tract is a

series of hollow organs that are connected from the mouth to the

anus. The organs that make up the GI tract, in the order that they

are connected, include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and

anus. Along with the explanation of each component will be the explanation of comparisons

made between the fetal pig and the human brain of each component.
What does the digestive system do?

The digestive system is uniquely constructed to do its job of turning food into the

nutrients and energy needed to survive. And when it’s done with that, it handily packages

solid waste, or stool, for disposal when having a bowel movement.

Why is digestion important?

Digestion is important because the body needs nutrients from the food eaten and the

liquids drank to stay healthy and function properly. Nutrients include carbohydrates,

proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. The digestive system breaks down and absorbs

nutrients from the food and liquids consumed to use for important things like energy, growth,

and repairing cells.

What organs make up the digestive system?

The main organs that make up the digestive system (for the system to function) are the

mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Helping them

along the way are the pancreas, gall bladder, and liver.
 Mouth

The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract. Digestion starts before even taking a

bite. The salivary glands get active as soon as the food is seen the aroma of the food is

smelled. After starting on eating, the food that is more easily digested

is the one that will be chewed first. The saliva mixes with the food to

begin to break it down into a form the body can absorb and use. When

swallowing, the tongue passes the food into the throat and the

esophagus. When compared to the fetal pig, the mouth of a fetal pig has the same function as

the mouth of a human. The difference is the structure and appearance of the fetal pig’s mouth

compared to the one of a human as shown above.

The mouth is involved in several essential bodily functions:

- Breathing.

- Chewing.

- Digesting foods and drinks.

- Drinking.

- Swallowing.

- Talking.

- Tasting.

What are the parts of the mouth?

The boundaries of the mouth hold food in place for chewing and allow it to form

sounds and words:

 - Cheeks.

- Lips.

- Palate.

The palate is the roof of the mouth, which separates the mouth from the nasal cavity, or

nose area. It’s made of bone and muscle.

Inside the mouth are the:

Gums: the gums are tissue that anchors the teeth in place.

Oral mucosa (mucous membranes): The oral mucosa is a lining all over the inside of

the mouth.

Salivary glands: Three pairs of salivary glands make saliva (spit).

Sensory receptors: Sensory receptors located throughout the mouth help sense the

temperature and texture of foods and drinks.

Taste buds: These cells help sense flavors and tastes (sweet, salty, sour, and bitter).

Teeth: the mouth has 32 teeth that crush and tear food for swallowing and digestion.

Tongue: the tongue is a strong muscle that contains taste buds. It moves food around

the mouth and helps speak.

Uvula: This piece of flesh hanging in the back of the palate helps move food from the

mouth into the throat.

 Esophagus

What is the esophagus?

The esophagus is the hollow, muscular tube that passes food and liquid from the throat to the
stomach. It functions as part of the digestive system.
What does the esophagus do?

The primary function of the esophagus is to carry food and liquid from the mouth to the

stomach. When swallowing, food and liquid first move from the mouth to the throat

(pharynx). A small muscular flap called the epiglottis closes to prevent food and liquid from

going down the “wrong pipe” — the windpipe (trachea). Another small flap called the uvula

helps prevent liquid from passing upward into the nasal cavity.

How does the esophagus work?

The esophagus receives food from the mouth when the swallow. The epiglottis is a small flap
that folds over the windpipe as the swallow to prevent the from choking (when food goes
into the windpipe). A series of muscular contractions within the esophagus called
peristalsis delivers food to the stomach.
But first, a ring-like muscle at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal

sphincter has to relax to let the food in. The sphincter then contracts and prevents the

contents of the stomach from flowing back into the

esophagus.

In the fetal pig, the esophagus sometimes known as

the gullet is an organ in vertebrates that consists of a

muscular tube through which food passes from the

pharynx to the stomach. Food is passed through the

esophagus by using the process of peristalsis.

 At the opening of the upper esophagus, there’s a ring-shaped muscle called the upper

esophageal sphincter. The upper esophageal sphincter senses when food or liquid is coming

toward it. When it gets the signal, the sphincter relaxes or opens so that food can enter the

esophagus. When there’s no food or liquid in sight, it stays closed.

Once inside the esophagus, waves of muscular contractions (peristalsis) push the food

downward. The food passes through the diaphragm and reaches the lower esophagus.

At the opening of the lower esophagus, there’s another ring-shaped muscle called the

lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Like the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), it senses

when food and liquid are coming. It relaxes and lets the food pass through to the stomach.

When no food or liquid is coming its way, it usually stays shut to prevent stomach acid and

digestive juices from getting into the esophagus.

Where is the esophagus located?

The esophagus is located in the center of the chest in an area called the mediastinum. It

lies behind the windpipe (trachea) and in front of the spine.

 Stomach

The stomach is a hollow organ, or "container," that holds

food while it is being mixed with stomach enzymes. These

enzymes continue the process of breaking down food

into a usable form. Cells in the lining of the stomach

secrete strong acids and powerful enzymes that are

responsible for the breakdown process. When the contents of the stomach are

processed enough, they’re released into the small intestine. The stomach is the

same in comparison to that of a fetal pig’s just the size is the only difference. The

image shown on the left displays the stomach of a fetal pig and on the right is

displayed the stomach of a human. The size difference is how larger the stomach of a human

is than a stomach of a fetal pig.

Small intestine

What is the small intestine?

The small intestine is part of the digestive system. It makes up part of the long pathway that
food takes through the body, called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When food leaves the
stomach, it enters the small intestine, also called the small bowel. The small bowel
connects to the large bowel, also called the large intestine or colon. The intestines are
responsible for breaking food down, absorbing its nutrients, and solidifying the waste.
The small intestine is the longest part of the GI tract, and it is where most of the digestion
takes place.
 What are the different parts of the small intestine?

The small intestine has a beginning section, a middle section, and an end section. Although
there is no real separation between the parts, they do have slightly different
characteristics and roles to play.

Made up of three segments — the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum — the small intestine

is a 22-foot-long muscular tube that breaks down food using enzymes released by the

pancreas and bile from the liver. Peristalsis also works in this organ, moving food through

and mixing it with digestive juices from the pancreas and liver.

The duodenum is the first segment of the small intestine. It’s largely responsible for the

continuous breaking-down process. The jejunum and ileum lower in the intestine are mainly

responsible for the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.

Duodenum

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine that the stomach feeds into. It’s a

short, descending chute (about 10 inches long) that curves around the pancreas in a “C”

shape before connecting to the rest of the coiled intestines.

Jejunum

The remaining small intestine lays in many coils inside the lower abdominal cavity. Its

middle section, called the jejunum, makes up a little less than half of this remaining length.

The jejunum is characterized by many blood vessels, which give it a deep red color.
 Ileum

The ileum is the last and longest section of the small intestine. Here the walls of the

small intestine begin to thin and narrow, and the blood supply is reduced. Food spends the

most time in the ileum, where the most water and nutrients are absorbed.

What does the small intestine do?

The small intestine is where most of the long process of digestion takes place:

- Systematically breaks food down.

- Absorbs nutrients.

- Extracts water.

- Moves food along the gastrointestinal tract.

The process can take up to five hours.

How do the different parts of the small intestine work?

Duodenum

To help break food down, the small intestine receives digestive juices from other organs

in the digestive system, including the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Ducts from these

organs feed into the duodenum. Hormone glands in the lining of the duodenum signal these

organs to release their chemicals when food is present.

Jejunum

After chemical digestion in the duodenum, food moves into the jejunum, where the

muscle work of digestion picks up. Nerves in the intestinal walls trigger its muscles to churn
food back and forth (segmentation), mixing it with digestive juices. Other muscle movements

(peristalsis) keep the food moving gradually forward.

Mucosa

The walls of the small intestine is lined with dense mucosa with many glands that both

secrete and absorb. In the jejunum and the ileum, the mucosa secretes small amounts of

digestive enzymes and lubricates mucus while absorbing nutrients from the food. Each

section is designed to absorb different nutrients, as well as water.

The thick mucosa has so many folds and projections that its surface area is about 100

times as broad as the surface area of the skin. This is why 95% of the carbohydrates and

protein consumed are absorbed in the small intestine. It also absorbs about 90% of the water

that it receives during digestion. The rest will be absorbed in the large intestine.

Ileum

In the ileum, segmentation slows down and peristalsis takes over, moving food waste

gradually toward the large intestine. The ileocecal valve separates the ileum from the large

intestine. Nerves and hormones signal the valve to open to let food pass through and close to

keep bacteria out. Special immune cells line the ileum to protect against bacteria.

Where is the small intestine located?

The small intestine is coiled inside the lower abdominal cavity beneath the stomach.

The large intestine surrounds it, framing the edges of the abdominal cavity.
 What does the small intestine look like?

It looks like a long, pink, or red tube with many folds. It’s about the width of the pointer

finger. It’s the width that makes it “smaller” than the large intestine, not the length.

How long is the small intestine?

The small intestine is by far the longest section of the gastrointestinal tract, about 22

feet long. The lining also has a vast surface area that’s scrunched into folds and peaks. If the

lining were to be stretched out, it would cover a tennis court.

What is the small intestine made of?

The tube is lined with many layers of tissues and muscles. The tissues contain nerves,

blood vessels, immune cells, and lymphatic glands.

Contents of the small intestine start semi-solid and end in a liquid

form after passing through the organ. Water, bile,

enzymes, and mucus contribute to the change in

consistency. Once the nutrients have been

absorbed and the leftover-food residue liquid has

passed through the small intestine, it then moves

on to the large intestine (colon). The function of

the intestines of a human is also the same

compared to the fetal pig’s and so are the liver, gallbladder, large intestine (colon), and

appendix. The only difference is the size and structure they are in. The image of the fetal

pig’s intestines is on the right while the human’s intestines are on the left.

Pancreas

What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is an organ in the back of the abdomen (belly). The pancreas is an organ

and a gland. Glands are organs that produce and release substances in the body. The pancreas

secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum that break down protein, fats, and

carbohydrates. The pancreas also makes insulin, passing it directly into the bloodstream.

Insulin is the chief hormone in the body for metabolizing sugar.

The pancreas performs two main functions:

- Exocrine function: Produces substances (enzymes) that help with digestion.

- Endocrine function: Sends out hormones that control the amount of sugar in the

bloodstream.

What is the exocrine system?

The exocrine system consists of glands that make substances that travel

through a duct (tube). Besides the pancreas, the exocrine system

includes

- Lacrimal glands (tear glands).

 - Mammary glands.

- Mucous membranes.

- Prostate.

- Salivary glands.

- Sebaceous (oil) glands.

- Sweat glands.

What is the endocrine system?

The endocrine system consists of glands that release hormones into the blood. These

glands control many of the body’s functions.

Besides the pancreas, the endocrine system includes the:

- Adrenal glands.

- Hypothalamus.

- Ovaries and testes.

- Parathyroid and thyroid gland.

- Pineal gland.

- Pituitary gland.

- Thymus.

The thymus is found in the same areas in pigs as in humans. However, it is much larger than

most expect. This is not a difference between pigs from other mammals. All mammals have a

large (enormous) thymus gland during the fetal stage. It gradually shrinks, relative to the rest of

the body, throughout life.

 What does the pancreas do?

An exocrine gland runs the length of the pancreas. It produces enzymes that help to

break down food (digestion). The pancreas releases the following enzymes:

Lipase: Which works with bile (a fluid produced by the liver) to break down fats.

Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates for energy.

Protease: Breaks down proteins.

When food enters the stomach:

The pancreas releases the pancreatic enzymes into small ducts (tubes) that flow into the

main pancreatic duct.

- The main pancreatic duct connects with the bile duct. This duct transports bile

from the liver to the gallbladder.

- From the gallbladder, the bile travels to part of the small intestine called the

duodenum.

- Both the bile and the pancreatic enzymes enter the duodenum to break down food.

How does the pancreas affect blood sugar?

The endocrine glands in the pancreas release hormones that control blood sugar

(glucose). These hormones are:

- Insulin: Which reduces high blood sugar levels.

- Glucagon: Increases low blood sugar levels.

 The body needs balanced blood sugar to help the kidneys, liver, and brain. The heart

and circulatory system and nervous system also need balanced levels of insulin and glucagon

to function.

Where is the pancreas?

The pancreas sits behind the stomach and in front of the spine. The gallbladder, liver,

and spleen surround the pancreas.

The right side of the body contains the head of the pancreas. This narrow organ lies

along the first segment of the small intestine, called the duodenum. The left side of the body

houses the tail of the pancreas.

What are the parts of the pancreas?

The pancreas anatomy includes:

- Head: The wider part of the pancreas that sits in the curve of the duodenum.

- Neck: The short part of the pancreas extending from the head.

- Body: The middle part of the pancreas between the head and neck, which extends

upward.

- Tail: The thinnest part of the pancreas, located near the spleen.
 Liver

What is the liver?

The human liver is an organ and gland in the human body. It’s spongy, wedge-shaped,
reddish-brown in color, and about the size of a football. The size varies based on height
and weight. The liver is an essential organ, performing hundreds of functions necessary to
sustain life. It's also a gland because it makes proteins and hormones that other parts of
the body need. The liver has many functions, but its main job within the digestive system
is to process the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine. Bile from the liver secreted
into the small intestine also plays an important role in digesting fat and some vitamins.

The liver is the body's chemical "factory." It takes the raw materials absorbed by the

intestine and makes all the various chemicals the body needs to function. The liver also

detoxifies potentially harmful chemicals. It breaks down and secretes many drugs that can be

toxic to the body.

Weighing, on average, about three pounds in an adult, the liver is the largest internal

organ. Under normal conditions, the liver is located

on the right side of the body, under the ribs.

What does the liver do?

The liver has hundreds of jobs. Some of the

most vital are:

- Cleans toxins (harmful substances) out of the blood.

- Gets rid of old red blood cells.

- Makes bile, a fluid that helps the body digest (break down) food.
 - Metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats so the body can use them.

- Produces substances to help blood clot.

- Regulates the amount of blood in the body.

- Stores glycogen (an energy source) and vitamins to be used by the body later.

What are the parts of the liver?

The liver has two main parts: the larger right lobe and the smaller left lobe. But the liver

consists of four lobes: the larger right lobe and left lobe, and the smaller caudate lobe and

quadrate lobe. The left and right lobes are divided by the falciform ligament, which connects

the liver to the abdominal wall. The liver’s lobes can be further divided into eight segments,

which are made up of thousands of lobules (small lobes). Each of these lobules has a duct

flowing toward the common hepatic duct, which drains bile from the liver.

The following are some of the most important individual parts of the liver:

- Common Hepatic Duct: A tube that carries bile out of the liver. It is formed from

the intersection of the right and left hepatic ducts.

- Falciform Ligament: A thin, fibrous ligament that separates the two lobes of the

liver and connects it to the abdominal wall.

- Glisson’s Capsule: A layer of loose connective tissue that surrounds the liver and

its related arteries and ducts.

- Hepatic Artery: The main blood vessel that supplies the liver with oxygenated

blood.
 - Hepatic Portal Vein: The blood vessel that carries blood from the gastrointestinal

tract, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen to the liver.

- Lobes: The anatomical sections of the liver.

- Lobules: Microscopic building blocks of the liver.

- Peritoneum: A membrane covering the liver that forms the exterior.

The lobes contain many blood vessels. Blood travels through the liver. The liver filters

(cleans) the blood, removing toxins and waste that eventually leave the body through urine

and feces. The lobes also contain thousands of lobules (small lobes). These lobules connect

with many bile ducts, tubes that transport bile from the liver to

the small intestine. In comparison with the fetal pig, the human

liver has four lobes: right, left, caudate, and quadrate whereas the

fetal pig liver has five lobes: right lateral, right center, left

central, left lateral, and caudate.

The right shows the fetal pig’s liver.

Gallbladder

What is the gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that stores

and releases bile. Bile is the fluid the liver produces that helps
digest fats in the food eaten. The gallbladder stores and
concentrates bile from the liver, and then releases it into the
duodenum in the small intestine to help absorb and digest fats.
 Where is the gallbladder located?

The gallbladder is located in the upper right part of the abdomen (belly). It sits just
under the liver.

What is the function of the gallbladder?

Its main function is to store bile. Bile helps the digestive system break down fats. Bile
is a mixture of main cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile salts.

How does the gallbladder help other organs?

The gallbladder is connected to other parts of the digestive system through a series of
bile ducts called the biliary tract. The biliary tract (sometimes called
the biliary system or biliary tree) is a pipe-like system that carries bile
from the liver to the small intestine.

What does the gallbladder do?

Before they start eating, the gallbladder is full of bile. When

eating is started, the gallbladder receives signals to contract and
squeeze the stored bile through the biliary tract. The bile eventually
finds its way to the largest bile duct, the common bile duct. Bile passes through the common
bile duct into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, where it mixes with food
waiting to be digested. After eating, the gallbladder is empty and resembles a deflated
balloon, waiting to be filled up again.

Large Intestine (Colon)

What is the large intestine?

The large intestine is the last part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the long, tube-like
pathway where food travels through the digestive system. It follows from the small intestine
and ends at the anal canal, where food waste leaves the body. The large intestine also called
the large bowel, is where food waste is formed into feces, stored, and finally excreted. It
includes the colon, rectum, and anus. Sometimes “colon” is also used to describe the entire
large intestine.

What are the different parts of the large intestine?

The large intestine is one long tube, but slightly different things happen in different
parts of it. Its three parts are the colon, the rectum, and the anus. The colon can also be
divided into parts. The entry point, about six inches long, is called the cecum. The rest of the
colon is divided into segments: the ascending colon (traveling up), the transverse colon
(traveling across to the left), the descending colon (traveling down), and the sigmoid colon
(headed back across to the right).

Because there is no real division between the parts, people divide up the large intestine
differently in their minds. Some people think of the large intestine as everything but the anus.
They might say the three parts of the large intestine are the cecum, the colon, and the rectum.
Or they might call it the colon, but mean the same thing: the cecum, the rest of the colon, and
the rectum. Here we consider the cecum part of the colon and everything part of the large
intestine.

What does the large intestine do?

When the large intestine receives food from the small intestine, the food has been
liquified by the digestive process and most of the nutrients have been absorbed. The colon’s
job is to dehydrate what’s left of the food and form it into the stool. It does this by slowly
absorbing water and electrolytes as its muscle system moves the waste along. Meanwhile,
bacteria living in the colon feed on the waste and break it down further, completing the
chemical part of the digestive process.

How do the different parts of the large intestine work?

Cecum

The cecum is the beginning of the colon. The small intestine feeds into the cecum
through a small channel on the side of it (the ileocecal valve), so the end of the cecum is
closed like a pouch. This pouch, the first 6 inches of the colon, is also the widest portion of
the large intestine. This is the reservoir where food from the small intestine arrives in the
large intestine. When the cecum is full, it triggers the muscle movements of the colon to
begin.
 Colon

As food proceeds to the ascending colon, it travels upward and eventually sideways
across the transverse colon. These segments frame the small intestine, which is coiled inside.
Any remaining water and electrolytes are absorbed in the ascending and transverse colon so
that the food waste that arrives in the descending colon is mostly solid. The colon secretes
mucus to bind and lubricate the food waste to help it pass through smoothly as it is
dehydrated.

Like the small intestine, the large intestine churns the food against its mucous lining
and also moves it forward through periodic muscle contractions. But this process is much
slower in the large intestine — about 24 hours. Digestion also happens here, but not by
enzymes as it did in the small intestine. Here, friendly gut bacteria break down the remaining
carbohydrates to produce key vitamins (B and K) that are absorbed through the mucosa. This
takes longer.

Rectum

By the time the sigmoid colon delivers the food

waste to the rectum, the feces now consists of
indigestible matter and dead cells shed from the
intestinal mucosa, along with small amounts of mucus
and water. If about 16 ounces of liquid food entered
the large intestine, about 5 ounces of it remain as
feces. When the feces enter the rectum, it triggers the
urge to defecate. This is the natural continuation of
the mass muscle movements of the colon.

Anus

The anus is the canal the feces will travel through to leave the body. It’s closed on each
side by a muscle sphincter. On the inside, the internal sphincter opens automatically to let the
feces through. The outer sphincter is the one that is controllable to let the feces out when
ready. When the feces in the rectum triggers the urge to defecate, nerve signals cause the
internal sphincter to relax.
The colon is responsible for processing waste so that emptying the bowels is easy and

convenient. It’s a 6-foot-long muscular tube that connects the small intestine to the rectum.
 The colon is made up of the cecum, the ascending (right) colon, the transverse (across)

colon, the descending (left) colon, and the sigmoid colon, which connects to the rectum.

Stool, or waste left over from the digestive process, is passed through the colon

utilizing peristalsis, first in a liquid state and ultimately in a solid form. As stool passes

through the colon, water is removed. The stool is stored in the sigmoid (S-shaped) colon until

a "mass movement" empties it into the rectum once or twice a day.

It normally takes about 36 hours for stool to get through the colon. The stool itself is

mostly food debris and bacteria. These “good” bacteria perform several useful functions,

such as synthesizing various vitamins, processing waste products and food particles, and

protecting against harmful bacteria. When the descending colon becomes full of stool, or

feces, it empties its contents into the rectum to begin the process of elimination (a bowel

movement).

There is a significant difference in the structure of the fetal pig colon compared to

the human colon. The pig colon is spiral while the human colon is not.
 Diseases

Common Conditions That Affect Digestive Function:

Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD)

What is it?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back
into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux)
can irritate the lining of the esophagus.

Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. However, when acid reflux happens
repeatedly over time, it can cause GERD.

Most people can manage the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and medications.
And though it's uncommon, some may need surgery to ease symptoms.

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of GERD include:

- A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse
at night or while lying down
- Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid
- Upper abdominal or chest pain
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- Sensation of a lump in the throat

How to Prevent

- Maintain a healthy weight

- Stop smoking
- Elevate the head of the bed
- Sleep on the left side
- Don't lie down after a meal
- Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing

Celiac Disease

What is it?

Celiac disease, sometimes called celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an immune

reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

In celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine. Over time,
this reaction damages the small intestine's lining and prevents it from absorbing some
nutrients (malabsorption). The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight
loss, bloating, and anemia, and can lead to serious complications.

In children, malabsorption can affect growth and development, besides causing the symptoms
seen in adults.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly and differ in children and adults.

Digestive signs and symptoms for adults include:

- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
However, more than half the adults with celiac disease have signs and symptoms unrelated to
the digestive system, including:

- Anemia, usually from iron deficiency

- Loss of bone density (osteoporosis) or softening of the bone (osteomalacia)
- Itchy, blistery skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Mouth ulcers
- Headaches and fatigue
- Nervous system injury, including numbness and tingling in the feet and hands, possible
problems with balance, and cognitive impairment
- Joint pain
- Reduced functioning of the spleen (hyposplenism)

Children Symptoms

Children with celiac disease are more likely than adults to have digestive problems,
including:

- Nausea and vomiting

- Chronic diarrhea
Swollen belly
- Constipation
- Gas
- Pale, foul-smelling stools
The inability to absorb nutrients might result in:

- Failure to thrive for infants

- Damage to tooth enamel
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Irritability
- Short stature
- Delayed puberty
- Neurological symptoms, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
learning disabilities, headaches, lack of muscle coordination and seizures

Any cures? Is it preventable?

There's no cure for celiac disease — but for most people, following a strict gluten-free diet
can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing. It is also not preventable but
it is possible to stop and reverse the damage to the small intestine by eating a strict
gluten-free diet.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What is it?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the stomach and intestines,
also called the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain,
bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that'll need to
manage long-term.
Only a small number of people with IBS have severe symptoms. Some people can control
their symptoms by managing their diet, lifestyle, and stress. More-severe symptoms can
be treated with medication and counseling.

IBS doesn't cause changes in bowel tissue or increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

Symptoms

Symptoms of IBS vary but are usually present for a long time. The most common include:

- Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating that is related to passing a bowel movement

- Changes in the appearance of bowel movement
- Changes in how often bowel movement is occurring
- Other symptoms that are often related include a sensation of incomplete evacuation and
increased gas or mucus in the stool.

Treatment

- Avoid foods that trigger the symptoms.

- Eat high-fiber foods.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get enough sleep.
Sources
1.) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/7041-digestive-system
2.) https://www.goshen.edu/academics/biology/pigbook/human-pig-comparisons/
3.) https://www.canyons.edu/academics/biology/resources/lab107/thoracic/esophagus
4.) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21765-mouth
5.) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21728-esophagus
6.) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21743-pancreas
7.) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21481-liver
8.) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21690-gallbladder
9.) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22134-colon-large-intestine
10.) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22135-small-intestine
11.) https://columbiasurgery.org/liver/liver-and-its-function
12.) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-
13.) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-
14.) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/symptoms-causes
15.) https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/
16.) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms