The Digestive SystemYaneli Gonzalez, Yshia Condezo, Chelsea ……

Effects of Aging

Gastrointestinal disorders increase with age Example: Periodontitis – common in elderly

Esophagus is prone to disorders with age Examples:

Hiatal Hernia – A portion of the esophagus normally found inferior to the diaphragm can protrude into the thoracic cavity

Heartburn – Caused by the lower esophagus sphincter opening inappropriately and allowing chyme to regurgitate into the esophagus

Chest Pain – May occur when this sphincter fails to open and a bolus cannot enter the stomach

Diverticulum – May develop in the esophagus and allow food to collect abnormally

Effects of Aging

Muscle wall loses tone Peptic ulcers increase in frequency Failure for older people to consume enough fiber

Results in diverticulosis, constipation, hemorrhoids, and fecal incontinence

Liver problems Examples:

Shrinks with age and receives a smaller blood supply Takes longer for the liver to metabolize drugs and alcohol

Gallbladder difficulties Examples:

Gallstones Cancer in various organs of the gastrointestinal tract, such as

pancreatic cancer

Homeostasis

In the alimentary canal, food is broken down into nutrients small enough to be absorbed by the villi of the small intestine

Digestive enzyms are produced by the salivary, gastric, and intestinel glands

Accessories of digestion that contribute secretions that help break down food: Pancreas – produces enzymes for the digestion of carbs,

proteins, and fat

Liver- produces bile which emulsifies fat

Gallbladder- stores bile

Homeostasis

The alimentary canal is also a part of the endocrine system since hormones such as secretin are produced here to regulate the secretions of the glands in the canal.