GI Tract

1. GASTRO INTESTINAL MODULE
Introduction
Dr.Bawantha Gamage
Consultant Surgeon & Senior Lecturer

2. Objectives :
 Identify the components and their
importance
 Understand the objectives of the
module
 How to get the best out of this
module.

3. Gastro-intestinal tract
 Extent
– mouth to anus and associated organs (liver,gall
bladder & pancreas)
 Essential organ?
 Anatomy (structure), physiology (normal
function),Pathology, Clinical presentation

4. Function of the GI Tract
 Body organs – specific functions
– Respiratory tract
– Cardiovascular system
 All need oxygen and nutrients
 Digestion and absorption of food
 Process the food and provide nutrients in a
usable form for cells
 Exocrine & endocrine function

5. Oral cavity
 Breaking food particles
 Mixes with saliva
 Taste – need??
 voluntary part – the rest of the system is
finely regulated

6. Oesophagus
 Conduit across the chest

7. Stomach
 Reservoir
 Initiates digestion of proteins
 Barrier to micro-organisms – acidity

8. Small intestines
 Digestion and absorption of nutrients
 Essential for life ??

9. Large intestines
 Absorption of water & electolytes
 Expulsion of waste

10. Liver
 Connected in many ways
 Bile ducts – transmits bile secreted in the
liver
 Portal circulation – all absorbed nutrients
pass through the liver – storage function
 Multiple functions
 Essential organ??

13. Pancreas
 Endocrine and exocrine
– Endocrine – insulin and glucagon
– Exocrine – digestion of all food types
 Essential

15. Investigations
 Endoscopy – video, capsule
 Radiological – plain, contrast
 Haematological – liver functions etc
 Histology – from biopsies obtained
 Manometry etc.

16. Learning activities – 4 weeks
 Lectures
 Seminar
 AVP
 Tutorials
 SGD
 Skills
 Hospital visit

17. Endoscopy - videos
 Upper GI endoscopy
 Lower GI endoscopy

18. Thank you