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GI Tract in Health_Liver_Gallbladder_Pancreas

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The document provides a basic overview of the gastrointestinal tract, with emphasis on the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. It lists the main digestive organs, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine.<br /><br />The liver is described as a vital organ with about 500 functions, located in the right upper abdomen and weighing 3–4 pounds, making it the largest solid organ in the body. It has two major blood supplies: the hepatic artery and the portal vein. The liver’s functions include synthesizing clotting factors, glucose, proteins, and cholesterol; storing glycogen, vitamins A, D, B12, and K, plus iron and copper; and breaking down medications, drugs, alcohol, and toxins.<br /><br />Bile is produced by the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and released after fatty meals in response to CCK. It helps absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. The biliary system includes the intrahepatic bile ducts, common hepatic duct, cystic duct, common bile duct, gallbladder, and ampulla.<br /><br />The pancreas is a glandular organ about 8 inches long, with the head in the right upper quadrant and the tail in the left upper quadrant. Its exocrine function is to produce digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, which neutralizes stomach acid. Its endocrine function is to produce hormones such as insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.<br /><br />The document also explains secretin, a hormone released by the duodenum when acid enters from the stomach. Secretin stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate into the bloodstream and duodenum to neutralize acid.<br /><br />Overall, the GI tract’s main roles are digestion, nutrient and water absorption, motility, and waste storage before elimination.

Keywords

gastrointestinal tract

liver

gallbladder

pancreas

bile

biliary system

digestive enzymes

bicarbonate

insulin

secretin