Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract

The gastrointestinal system is responsible for the breakdown and absorption of various foods and liquids needed to sustain life. Diseases in the gastrointestinal system fall on the illness spectrum from minor discomfort to serious disease; a physician may see a patient with indigestion or an abdominal wall hernia. Other diseases and disorders treated by clinicians in this area include: food allergies, constipation, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, gallstones, gastritis, GERD, hemorrhoids, IBS, lactose intolerance, pancreatic, appendicitis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, peptic ulcer, stomach ulcer, viral hepatitis, colorectal cancer and liver transplants. "Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract" covers the study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of the GI Tract while linking the clinical disease or disorder, bridging the gap between clinical and laboratory medicine.

"It is the most useful reference that I have found in the areas of GI physiology, anatomy, endocrinology, development, and molecular biology." - Michael Goy, PhD; Professor, Dept. Cell and Molecular Physiology, University of North Carolina