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Worksheet D236 Pathophysiology –
Section 6
Lesson 9 Gastrointestinal System Learning
Objectives:
1. What happens when there are gastrointestinal disorders and injuries within the body?
2. What are the manifestations of gastrointestinal disorders and injuries?
3. How do complications and variations of gastrointestinal disorders and injuries affect the
body?
Essential Question 1: What happens when there are gastrointestinal disorders and injuries
within the body?
Text 698-708
a) Figure 29-1: Review the anatomy and basic physiology of the GI tract.
The function of the GI tract is to process ingested food by mechanical and chemical means,
extract nutrients, and excrete waste products. The GI tract is composed of the alimentary canal,
which runs from the mouth to the anus, as well as the associated glands, chemicals, hormones,
and enzymes that assist in digestion. The major processes that occur in the GI tract are motility,
secretion, regulation, digestion and circulation. The proper function and coordination of these
processes are vital for maintaining good health by providing for the effective digestion and
uptake of nutrients.
b) How is the LES affected in GERD patients?
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The muscular tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) decreases.
• Relaxation of the LES allows for regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus.
Different conditions, foods, and medications can cause decreased strength of the LES
c) Describe how gastroparesis affects GERD.
Gastroparesis is the delayed emptying of gastric contents into the duodenum. This causes
increased gastric distention and increased pressure within the stomach against the LES. Tension
on the LES will lead to regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus. (GERD)
d) How can GERD progress into serious illness?
The esophageal cells are not able to withstand the acidity of the refluxed stomach contents. The
gastric acid can quickly erode the protective mucosal layer leading to ulceration of the
esophagus. The repeated injury will cause metaplastic cellular change at the gastroesophageal
junction, called Barrett’s esophagus. This is a precancerous change of cells.
• In severe cases of GERD, an individual may present with complaints of weight loss,
frequent cough, aspiration pneumonia, GI bleeding, or anemia.
• GERD with aspiration can occur while the patient is asleep; the regurgitation of acidic
contents into the lungs can often stimulate nocturnal asthma attacks.
e) Which factor determines the seriousness of an upper GI bleed?
the amount of blood lost;
• A large blood loss causes sudden hypotension and hypovolemia. An acute UGIB can
quickly develop into hypovolemic shock.
f) Acute vs. Chronic Upper GI Bleed
Acute Upper GI Bleed
Causes: rupture or tear in the esophageal or gastric lining.
Symptoms: sudden hypotension and hypovolemia.
Complications: hypovolemic shock
Chronic Upper GI Bleed
Causes: small tear in the GI tract that causes a gradual, small amount of blood loss.
Symptoms: fatigue, low hgb, and low iron.
Complications: iron deficiency anemia and blood in stool (melena)
Text 710-712
Worksheet D236 Pathophysiology –
Section 6
Lesson 9 Gastrointestinal System Learning
Objectives:
1. What happens when there are gastrointestinal disorders and injuries within the body?
2. What are the manifestations of gastrointestinal disorders and injuries?
3. How do complications and variations of gastrointestinal disorders and injuries affect the
body?
Essential Question 1: What happens when there are gastrointestinal disorders and injuries
within the body?
Text 698-708
a) Figure 29-1: Review the anatomy and basic physiology of the GI tract.
The function of the GI tract is to process ingested food by mechanical and chemical means,
extract nutrients, and excrete waste products. The GI tract is composed of the alimentary canal,
which runs from the mouth to the anus, as well as the associated glands, chemicals, hormones,
and enzymes that assist in digestion. The major processes that occur in the GI tract are motility,
secretion, regulation, digestion and circulation. The proper function and coordination of these
processes are vital for maintaining good health by providing for the effective digestion and
uptake of nutrients.
b) How is the LES affected in GERD patients?
, lOMoARcPSD| 63525276
The muscular tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) decreases.
• Relaxation of the LES allows for regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus.
Different conditions, foods, and medications can cause decreased strength of the LES
c) Describe how gastroparesis affects GERD.
Gastroparesis is the delayed emptying of gastric contents into the duodenum. This causes
increased gastric distention and increased pressure within the stomach against the LES. Tension
on the LES will lead to regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus. (GERD)
d) How can GERD progress into serious illness?
The esophageal cells are not able to withstand the acidity of the refluxed stomach contents. The
gastric acid can quickly erode the protective mucosal layer leading to ulceration of the
esophagus. The repeated injury will cause metaplastic cellular change at the gastroesophageal
junction, called Barrett’s esophagus. This is a precancerous change of cells.
• In severe cases of GERD, an individual may present with complaints of weight loss,
frequent cough, aspiration pneumonia, GI bleeding, or anemia.
• GERD with aspiration can occur while the patient is asleep; the regurgitation of acidic
contents into the lungs can often stimulate nocturnal asthma attacks.
e) Which factor determines the seriousness of an upper GI bleed?
the amount of blood lost;
• A large blood loss causes sudden hypotension and hypovolemia. An acute UGIB can
quickly develop into hypovolemic shock.
f) Acute vs. Chronic Upper GI Bleed
Acute Upper GI Bleed
Causes: rupture or tear in the esophageal or gastric lining.
Symptoms: sudden hypotension and hypovolemia.
Complications: hypovolemic shock
Chronic Upper GI Bleed
Causes: small tear in the GI tract that causes a gradual, small amount of blood loss.
Symptoms: fatigue, low hgb, and low iron.
Complications: iron deficiency anemia and blood in stool (melena)
Text 710-712
