ASGE Recognized Industry Associate (ARIA) Training Program OPEN | March 2023-4_GI Tract in Health_Liver_Gallbladder

4_GI Tract in Health_Liver_Gallbladder_Pancreas

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The document provides an overview of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) and the basic anatomy and physiology of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. The liver is described as a vital organ that performs over 500 functions, located in the right upper abdomen and weighing approximately 3-4 pounds. It is the largest solid organ in the body and supplied with blood from the hepatic artery and portal vein. The biliary anatomy of the liver is also explained, including the intrahepatic bile ducts, cystic duct, gallbladder, ampulla, and common bile duct. Bile, a greenish-yellow fluid produced by the liver, aids in the absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins. The liver has various functions, including synthesizing clotting factors, glucose, proteins, and cholesterol, as well as storing glucose, vitamins A, D, B12, and K, iron, and copper, and breaking down medications, drugs, alcohol, and toxins. <br /><br />The pancreas, a glandular organ approximately 8 inches long, is described as having exocrine and endocrine functions. The exocrine function involves producing and secreting enzymes that break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, as well as producing bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid. The endocrine function involves producing hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, that act on other parts of the body. The document also explains the process of secretin, which is a hormone released by the duodenum to stimulate the pancreas to secrete bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid in the duodenum. <br /><br />Lastly, the document mentions the GI tract in a healthy state, which involves the breakdown and absorption of food and nutrients, absorption of water and minerals, movement of contents via coordinated motility, and storage of waste until elimination. The document ends by inviting questions.

Keywords

gastrointestinal tract

liver

gallbladder

pancreas

anatomy

physiology

bile

exocrine function

endocrine function

absorption