BIOS 256 Week 2 Case Study Lower GI

BIOS 256 Week 2 Case Study Lower GI

Student Name

Chamberlain University

BIOS-256: Anatomy & Physiology IV with Lab

Prof. Name:

Date

Week 2: Case Study 2

The small intestine plays a crucial role in digestion. Upon receiving chyme from the stomach, it is mixed with secretions from the liver and pancreas before being released into the duodenum. This mixture undergoes segmentation, where it is combined with digestive juices to facilitate absorption. The process of peristalsis moves the chyme along the small intestine, reaching the jejunum. Within the jejunum, villi, which are finger-like structures, assist in absorbing the end products of digestion into the bloodstream. As digestion progresses, the chyme reaches the ileum, where the majority of digestion involves carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Hormones are released during this stage, signaling the body’s sensation of fullness. Any undigested food is then passed into the cecum, a small pouch that functions primarily as a storage site. Slow peristalsis propels the undigested food into the colon, where it mixes with bacteria. This fermentation process produces essential vitamins like B and K, as well as short-chain fatty acids. The sigmoid colon absorbs liquids from the small intestine, transforming them into semi-solid stool. This stool is stored in the sigmoid colon until it is moved into the rectum through mass movement. The anus, which serves as the external opening of the rectum, is controlled by voluntary muscles. As the sigmoid colon contracts, the rectum is stretched, creating the urge to defecate (Saladin, 2020).

Week 2: Case Study 3

The small intestine has two primary functions: breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, and removing waste products. It plays a vital role in absorbing water and salts from undigested food while eliminating leftover waste products (Children’s Hospital, 2022).

The large intestine also serves essential functions such as haustral churning, peristalsis, and mass peristalsis. These movements help push the contents of the colon into the rectum. The large intestine also absorbs necessary vitamins, and bacteria play a significant role in these processes.

Pain from digestive issues is often localized in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen (Saladin, 2020).

The peritoneum, a membrane in the abdominal cavity, has two key functions: it protects and holds organs in place while also acting as a conduit for nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels.

Table: Differences Between Small and Large Intestines

References

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. (2022). Differences in small & large intestines. Retrieved November 6, 2022, from https://www.chp.edu/our-services/transplant/intestine/education/about-small-largeintestines#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20the%20large,any%20waste%20products%20left%20over.

BIOS 256 Week 2 Case Study Lower GI

Saladin, K. S. (2020). Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.