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information and search GERD to read the information and find the answers

1. What is GERD?
2. What are the symptoms?
3. What causes GERD?
4. How is GERD treated?
5. What if GERD symptoms persist?
6. What are the long-term complications of GERD?
7. What is Barrett’s esophagus?
8. How does GERD change as we age?
Chapter 15: The Digestive System
Medical Terminology for Health Professions 9th Edition
Chapter Review
Short Answer
1. Define digestion:
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2. List, in order, the organs of the alimentary tract through which food passes.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
3. List the accessory digestive organs of the mouth; explain their function in the digestive process.
a.
b.
c.
4. How is swallowing accomplished?
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_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
5. How is food moved through the esophogus?
6. Describe the structure of the stomach and explain its function.

1 answer

Information on GERD

  1. What is GERD?
    Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back into the esophagus. This backflow (reflux) can irritate the lining of the esophagus.

  2. What are the symptoms?
    Common symptoms of GERD include:

    • Heartburn or acid reflux (a burning sensation in the chest)
    • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (bile)
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Chronic cough or throat clearing
    • Laryngitis
    • New or worsening asthma
    • Disrupted sleep

  3. What causes GERD?
    GERD is often caused by a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to improper closure of the esophagus. Factors contributing to GERD can include obesity, smoking, pregnancy, certain foods and beverages (like caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and spicy foods), some medications, and delayed stomach emptying.

  4. How is GERD treated?
    Treatment options for GERD may include:

    • Lifestyle modifications (diet change, weight loss, quitting smoking)
    • Medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors
    • In severe cases, surgical options like fundoplication may be considered.

  5. What if GERD symptoms persist?
    If GERD symptoms persist despite treatment, further evaluation may be necessary. This might include testing for complications, altering medications, or considering surgery for those who have not responded to conservative measures.

  6. What are the long-term complications of GERD?
    Long-term complications can include:

    • Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
    • Esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus)
    • Barrett's esophagus (increased risk of esophageal cancer)
    • Respiratory issues due to aspiration of stomach contents.

  7. What is Barrett’s esophagus?
    Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes, with a development of precancerous cells due to prolonged exposure to stomach acid from GERD. This condition increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

  8. How does GERD change as we age?
    As people age, the frequency and severity of GERD can increase due to several factors: decreased esophageal motility, weakened lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and the increased likelihood of medical conditions and medication use that may exacerbate reflux.

Chapter 15: The Digestive System

Short Answer

  1. Define digestion:
    Digestion is the biochemical process through which the body breaks down food into smaller, absorbable components. It involves mechanical actions (chewing, mixing with saliva) and chemical actions (enzymes and acids) that convert food into nutrients, which can be absorbed and utilized by the body's cells.

  2. List, in order, the organs of the alimentary tract through which food passes:
    a. Mouth
    b. Esophagus
    c. Stomach
    d. Small intestine
    e. Large intestine
    f. Anus

  3. List the accessory digestive organs of the mouth; explain their function in the digestive process:
    a. Salivary glands - produce saliva containing enzymes that initiate the digestion of carbohydrates and lubricate food for swallowing.
    b. Tongue - aids in the mechanical breakdown of food and helps form it into a bolus for easier swallowing.
    c. Teeth - mechanically break down food through chewing to increase surface area for enzymes to work on during digestion.

  4. How is swallowing accomplished?
    Swallowing is accomplished through a coordinated action involving the tongue, soft palate, and muscles of the pharynx and esophagus. The tongue pushes the bolus of food to the back of the mouth, triggering the swallowing reflex which closes the airway (to prevent aspiration) and relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter to allow food passage into the esophagus. The esophagus then contracts in a wave-like motion (peristalsis) to move food down to the stomach.

  5. How is food moved through the esophagus?
    Food is moved through the esophagus via peristalsis, which is a series of wave-like muscle contractions. This involuntary movement pushes the food bolus down through the esophagus and into the stomach.

  6. Describe the structure of the stomach and explain its function:
    The stomach is a muscular, J-shaped organ located between the esophagus and small intestine. It has several key regions: the cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus. The stomach walls contain smooth muscle layers which help in churning food. It has gastric glands that secrete digestive enzymes (like pepsin) and acids (like hydrochloric acid), facilitating the breakdown of food into a semi-liquid substance called chyme. The stomach also plays a role in the regulation of food passage into the small intestine through the pyloric sphincter, ensuring that the digestion and absorption processes are optimized.