The upper gastrointestinal tract is composed of five major organs and structures: the oral cavity and salivary glands, pharynx, the esophagus, the stomach, and duodenum. Each of these structures assists in the digestive functions of the body. The oral cavity is where mechanical digestion begins. Salivary glands secrete saliva to create a bolus. The bolus is then swallowed, moving through the pharynx to the stomach. In the stomach the bolus is mixed with digestive enzymes, acid, and mucin to create chyme. The chyme then moves from the stomach to the duodenum. It then makes its way through the lower gastrointestinal tract, in summary the body absorbs the nutrients in the lower GI tract then eliminates the waste.
Swallowing, also called deglutition has three phases. The voluntary phase begins after ingestion. The pharyngeal phase is involuntary and begins when the bolus enters the oropharynx. The last phase of deglutition is the esophageal phase. The esophageal phase is also involuntary and is initiated when the bolus begins the pass through the esophagus towards the stomach. Deglutition is stimulated and controlled by various nerve signals. The voluntary phase is controlled by the cerebral cortex, the pharyngeal phase is stimulated nerve signals in the medulla oblongata, and the esophageal phase involves peristaltic contractions of the esophageal muscle. Sometimes acidic chyme refluxes into the esophagus, this is called reflux esophagitis. …show more content…
Chronic reflux esophagitis may lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD. This reflux is often seen in overweight individuals and smokers. It also may occur in individuals that eat large meal before bed. Although a malfunctioning Inferior esophageal sphincter can be present from birth and can cause infants and children to complain of stomachaches and have frequent bouts of vomiting, GERD is most often seen in adults. (Franz and Davidson). During the esophageal phase of deglutition the superior and inferior esophageal sphincters normally relax to allow passage of the bolus and contract to prevent reflux, GERD is caused because the inferior esophageal sphincter weak. The muscle of the diaphragm also at the esophageal opening also contracts to help prevent backflow from the stomach to the esophagus. GERD can be treated with medication; however, lifestyle changes can also help prevent occurrences. Patients that suffer from GERD are advised to limit meal sizes, lose weight, or quit smoking. It is also recommended to avoid ingesting spicy foods or high amounts of caffeine, and avoid eating at least two hours before going to bed. A more serious condition can develop from chronic GERD. Over a period of time the gastric reflux can erode the esophageal tissue causing scar tissue to build in the esophagus resulting in a narrowing of the esophageal lumen. It can change the epithelium from stratified squamous to columnar secretory epithelium, this condition is called Barrett esophagus, and this is often the precursor to esophagus cancer. The demographics of this disease can vary, anyone can be affected. According to Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, “GERD occurs in all races and at all ages but is most common in people over age 40 years. Men and women are equally affected, although white men are ten times more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus (a precursor of esophageal cancer) than women” (Franz and Davidson). Another study was published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2011 to
Swallowing, also called deglutition has three phases. The voluntary phase begins after ingestion. The pharyngeal phase is involuntary and begins when the bolus enters the oropharynx. The last phase of deglutition is the esophageal phase. The esophageal phase is also involuntary and is initiated when the bolus begins the pass through the esophagus towards the stomach. Deglutition is stimulated and controlled by various nerve signals. The voluntary phase is controlled by the cerebral cortex, the pharyngeal phase is stimulated nerve signals in the medulla oblongata, and the esophageal phase involves peristaltic contractions of the esophageal muscle. Sometimes acidic chyme refluxes into the esophagus, this is called reflux esophagitis. …show more content…
Chronic reflux esophagitis may lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD. This reflux is often seen in overweight individuals and smokers. It also may occur in individuals that eat large meal before bed. Although a malfunctioning Inferior esophageal sphincter can be present from birth and can cause infants and children to complain of stomachaches and have frequent bouts of vomiting, GERD is most often seen in adults. (Franz and Davidson). During the esophageal phase of deglutition the superior and inferior esophageal sphincters normally relax to allow passage of the bolus and contract to prevent reflux, GERD is caused because the inferior esophageal sphincter weak. The muscle of the diaphragm also at the esophageal opening also contracts to help prevent backflow from the stomach to the esophagus. GERD can be treated with medication; however, lifestyle changes can also help prevent occurrences. Patients that suffer from GERD are advised to limit meal sizes, lose weight, or quit smoking. It is also recommended to avoid ingesting spicy foods or high amounts of caffeine, and avoid eating at least two hours before going to bed. A more serious condition can develop from chronic GERD. Over a period of time the gastric reflux can erode the esophageal tissue causing scar tissue to build in the esophagus resulting in a narrowing of the esophageal lumen. It can change the epithelium from stratified squamous to columnar secretory epithelium, this condition is called Barrett esophagus, and this is often the precursor to esophagus cancer. The demographics of this disease can vary, anyone can be affected. According to Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, “GERD occurs in all races and at all ages but is most common in people over age 40 years. Men and women are equally affected, although white men are ten times more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus (a precursor of esophageal cancer) than women” (Franz and Davidson). Another study was published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2011 to