IX: Normal Anatomy and Physiology

Gastrointestinal System

The GI system is composed of one continuous tube that begins at the mouth, progresses through the
Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large intestine and ends at the Anus. The Pancreas, Liver and
Gallbladder are Accessory Glands that support the functions of the GI system.

MOUTH

Anatomy

Mouth is an oval-shaped opening that sits just below your nose. It starts at your lips and ends towards
your tonsils. Your mouth is part of your digestive system and respiratory system.

The inside of your mouth contains the Teeth, Gums, Palate (roof of your mouth), Oral mucosa (mucus
membranes), Salivary glands, Tongue, Taste buds.

Physiology

Mouth is where digestion begins. When you chew food, the salivary glands make saliva (spit). Saliva
helps break down starches in the foods you eat. Then your tongue moves the food into your throat,
down through your esophagus and into your stomach.
 ESOPHAGUS

Anatomy

The Esophagus is the hollow, muscular tube that passes food and liquid from your throat to your
stomach. It is located in the center of your chest in an area called the mediastinum. It lies behind your
windpipe (trachea) and in front of your spine. The average adult esophagus is about 10 to 13 inches
long. It’s about three - fourths of an inch thick at its smallest point.

Physiology

The Esophagus carry food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Food and liquid first move
from mouth to throat (pharynx). A small muscular flap called the epiglottis closes to prevent food and
liquid from going down the “wrong pipe” your windpipe (trachea). Another small flap called the
uvula helps prevent liquid from passing upward into your nasal cavity.

STOMACH

Anatomy

The Stomach sits in your upper abdomen on the left side of your body. The top of your stomach
connects to a valve called the esophageal sphincter (a muscle at the end of your esophagus). The
bottom of your stomach connects to your small intestine.

Physiology

It produces enzymes (substances that create chemical reactions) and acids (digestive juices). This mix
of enzymes and digestive juices breaks down food so it can pass to your small intestine.
 SMALL INTESTINE

Anatomy

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. The small intestine is by far the
longest section of the gastrointestinal tract, about 22 feet long. It looks like a long, pink or red tube
with many folds. It’s about the width of your pointer finger. It’s the width that makes it “smaller” than
the large intestine, not the length.

Physiology

The Small Intestine is where most of the long process of digestion takes place. The food is broken
down into liquid and most of its nutrients are absorbed. The waste is passed on to the large intestine.

LARGE INTESTINE

Anatomy

The Large Intestine is in your lower abdominal cavity from your waist down. The large intestine is
about 6 feet long much shorter than the small intestine. It’s called the large intestine because it's wider
about 3 inches, while the small intestine is only 1 inch in diameter.

Physiology

The Large Intestine, also called the “large bowel”, is where food waste is formed into poop, stored,
and finally excreted. It receives food from the small intestine, the food has been liquified by the
digestive process and most of the nutrients have been absorbed.

Parts:

1. The Cecum - The first 6 inches of the colon, is also the widest portion of the large intestine.

2. The Appendix - is a small, finger-shaped pouch of intestinal tissue located between the small
intestine (cecum) and large intestine (colon).

3. The Ascending Colon - The ascending colon is the start of the colon. It is on the right side of the
abdomen. It continues upward to a bend in the colon called the hepatic flexure.

4. Transverse Colon – The transverse colon follows the ascending colon and hepatic flexure. It lies
across the upper part of the abdomen. It ends with a bend in the colon called the splenic flexure.

5. Descending Colon - The descending colon follows the transverse colon and splenic flexure. It is on
the left side of the abdomen.

6. The Sigmoid Colon - The sigmoid colon is the last part of the colon and connects to the rectum.

7. The Rectum - is the lower part of the large intestine that connects to the sigmoid colon. It is about
15 cm (6 in) long. It receives waste from the colon and stores it until it passes out of the body through
the anus.

8. The Anus - The anus is the opening at the lower end of the rectum through which stool is passed
from the body.