Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

Chapter 7: The Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, and Reproductive Systems Objectives 1. Understand the anatomy of the gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive systems. 2. Describe the disorders and diseases affecting these systems in a human body, along with the etiology and clinical manifestations. 7.1 Disorders of Motility The normal digestive process involves the breakdown of food. Part of the digestive process is as peristalsis, in which food is propelled by the digestive tract though rhythmic and co-coordinated contractions and propulsion. Disorders of motility lead to impaired peristalsis such that these contractions become slow, known as hypomotility, or rapid, known as hypermotility, or a combination of both slow and rapid contractions. It is also possible that peristalsis becomes totally absent. Motility diseases may influence one or more parts of the digestive tract. Some of the disorders and diseases of motility are reviewed below. Vomiting and Nausea Vomiting and nausea are symptoms of an underlying disorder. These commonly are due to viral gastroenteritis. There are many factors that can cause vomiting and nausea. Some of these reasons include chemotherapy, gastroparesis, general anesthesia, intestinal obstruction, motion sickness, morning sickness, migraine, rotavirus, stomach flu, vestibular neuritis, alcohol abuse, anaphylaxis, anorexia nervosa, appendicitis, benign Paroxysmal positional vertigo, bulimia nervosa, concussion, cholecystitis, Crohn's disease, cyclic vomiting syndrome, depression, dizziness, GERD, heart disorders, food poisoning, milk allergy, meningitis, peptic ulcer, radiation therapy, liver cancer, intracranial hematoma, and traumatic brain injury. Achalasia Achalasia is a disorder characterized by the loss of the ability of the esophagus to squeeze down the food to the stomach, and an inability to relax the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach. In cases of achalasia, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) valve does not open up during swallowing, which leads to a backup of food within the esophagus. It is caused by damage to the nerves in the esophagus, due to an abnormal immune system. It can also be caused by congenital factors. It is not possible to cure achalasia, but minimal invasive therapy or surgery can be helpful in relieving associated symptoms. Signs and symptoms of achalasia include pain and discomfort in the chest, unintended weight loss, heart burn, and intense pain after eating.

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