Gastrointestinal Tract (GI) refers to the entire span from the mouth to anus.
The gastrointestinal tract (GI) is a long, muscular tube that extends from the mouth to the anus and is responsible for the digestion and absorption of food. It includes several organs such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.
The GI tract is also closely connected to the nervous system and has been implicated in various psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression. For example, stress and anxiety can affect the functioning of the GI tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. This connection between the brain and the GI tract is sometimes referred to as the "brain-gut axis."
Some common disorders of the GI tract include:
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A group of disorders that cause inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
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Peptic ulcers: Sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine, often caused by infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
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Gastroenteritis: An inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by infection with a virus, bacteria, or parasite, and characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.