ASGE Recognized Industry Associate (ARIA) Training Program OPEN | October 2024-4_GI Tract in Health_Liver_Gallbladder

4_GI Tract in Health_Liver_Gallbladder_Pancreas

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The gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays a crucial role in maintaining health through its complex system of organs responsible for digestion, absorption, and waste elimination. Key components of this system include the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, each with vital functions.<br /><br />The liver, located in the right upper abdomen and weighing 3-4 pounds, is the largest solid organ in the body. It receives a dual blood supply from the hepatic artery and portal vein. The liver's functions include the synthesis of clotting factors, glucose, proteins, and cholesterol, and the storage of glycogen, vitamins (A, D, B12, and K), iron, and copper. It also plays a critical role in metabolizing medications, drugs, alcohol, and toxins. Additionally, the liver produces bile, a greenish-yellow fluid essential for fat absorption. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released in response to eating fatty meals, aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.<br /><br />The pancreas, an elongated glandular organ, is located in the upper abdomen with its head situated in the right upper quadrant and its tail in the left upper quadrant. The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions. Its exocrine function involves producing enzymes like lipase, amylase, and proteases to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, as well as secreting bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid received in the duodenum, aided by secretin signaling. Additionally, its endocrine function involves the production of hormones such as insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, which regulate blood sugar and other body functions.<br /><br />Overall, the GI tract is essential for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and minerals, moving contents efficiently through the gut, and storing waste until it can be eliminated from the body, maintaining overall health and homeostasis.

Keywords

gastrointestinal tract

digestion

liver

gallbladder

pancreas

bile

enzymes

nutrient absorption

metabolism

homeostasis