The Gastrointestinal System at a Glance

This concise introduction to the gastrointestinal system encapsulates the fundamental facts and principles of this rapidly growing and changing specialty. Written by experienced clinicians and teachers, the text covers the basic concepts of both the science surrounding the gastrointestinal system and the basics of clinical practice in an accessible, lucid format.

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Preface 6

Acknowledgements 6

List of abbreviations 7

Introduction and overview 8

Part 1 Structure and function

1 Mouth and teeth 10

2 Salivary glands 12

3 Tongue and pharynx 14

4 Oesophagus 16

5 Stomach 18

6 Duodenum 20

7 Pancreas 22

8 Liver 24

9 Biliary system 26

10 Hepatic portal system 28

11 Jejunum and ileum 30

12 Caecum and appendix 32

13 Colon 34

14 Rectum and anus 36

Part 2 Integrated function

15 Embryology 38

16 Enteric motility 40

17 Enteric endocrine system 42

18 Enteric and autonomic nerves 44

19 Mucosal immune system 46

20 Digestion and absorption 48

21 Digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats 50

22 Digestion of vitamins and minerals 52

23 Nutrition 54

24 Fluid and electrolyte balance 56

25 Hepatic metabolic function 58

26 Hepatic synthetic function 60

27 Hepatic detoxifi cation and excretion 62

Part 3 Disorders and diseases

28 Nausea and vomiting 64

29 Diarrhoea 66

30 Constipation 68

31 Functional disorders and irritable bowel syndrome 70

32 Gastro-oesophageal refl ux and hiatus hernia 72

33 Peptic ulcer and Helicobacter pylori 74

34 Gastroenteritis and food poisoning 76

35 Gastrointestinal system infections 78

36 Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease 80

37 Coeliac disease 82

38 Obesity and malnutrition 84

39 Colon and rectal cancer 86

40 Gastrointestinal, pancreatic and liver tumours 88

41 Haemorrhoids and anorectal disease 90

42 Gallstones and pancreatitis 92

43 Hepatitis and acute liver disease 94

44 Cirrhosis and chronic liver disease 96

Part 4 Diagnosis and treatment

45 History, examination and tests 98

46 Diagnostic endoscopy 100

47 Therapeutic endoscopy 102

48 Radiology and imaging 104

49 Functional tests 106

50 Pharmacotherapy 108

51 Gastrointestinal surgery 110

Index 112