The small and large intestine comprise the longest part of the digestive tract. It starts with the small intestine that starts from the end part of the stomach and ends at the anal canal. The small intestine is approximately 20 feet (6 meters) long and is coiled to fit within the abdominal cavity. The large intestine is >> Read More ...
What is proteinuria? Proteinuria is the medical term for the presence of higher than normal levels of protein in the urine. There are different types of protein that may be present in the urine. This can be divided into albumin and non-albumin proteins. Albumin, a blood protein, is among the more abundant of the serum >> Read More ...
Intestinal chyme enters the colon from the small intestine through the ileocecal valve as discussed under intestinal motility. Within the colon, it undergoes the final stages of absorption and then the remaining waste material will be passed out as feces when appropriate. The colon therefore has two main functions – >> Read More ...
There are three parts to swallowing which allows food from the mouth to enter the stomach and thus commence with the processes of digestion and absorption. The esophageal stage of swallowing is the last part and follows the pharyngeal stage which is preceded by the voluntary stage. The esophageal stage of swallowing, like >> Read More ...
There are two main types of contractions that occur in the small intestine as well as other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. These movements are known as mixing contractions and propulsive contractions. While these contractions are categorized separately, both perform similar functions. Mixing movements mainly churns >> Read More ...
Color of Blood in Stool The normal color of stool varies from light to dark brown. This is due to the presence of bilirubin and the decomposition of food. If the stool is black or red, bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract needs to be excluded, especially if it is ongoing. Certain foods, drinks and drugs may cause >> Read More ...
What is defecation? Defecation is the process of passing out stool (feces) through the anus. This eliminates waste material from the rectum and colon. The process of defecation should be painless, regular and to a certain degree, it is under voluntary >> Read More ...
Xanthelasma and corneal arcus are two signs of elevated blood cholesterol that may be evident on the eye or eyelids. While it is not present in every case of hypercholesterolemia (elevated cholesterol) or hyperlipidemia (elevated lipids- triglycerides + cholesterol), the presence of xanthelasma or a corneal arcus should >> Read More ...
A deficiency of the pancreatic enzymes for digestion can result in a number of malabsorption syndromes. These enzymes play a major role in digesting carbohydrates, proteins and fats as well as certain fat-soluble vitamins. The pancreatic enzymes are also dependent and assisted by other digestive enzymes in the mouth, >> Read More ...
Bile secretion is at the greatest 20 to 40 minutes after eating, particularly following the ingestion of a fatty meal. If vomiting occurs a short while after eating or if a person has severe acid reflux then bile along with food, acid and enzymes may enter the esophagus and even reach the mouth. Depending on the force, >> Read More ...
