Pathophysiology Of Small And Large Intestine

The small and large intestines are two parts of the gastrointestinal system, responsible for breaking down and absorbing food. The small intestine is the longest portion of the gastrointestinal tract, extending from the stomach to the large intestine. It is responsible for the majority of digestion and absorption of nutrients and electrolytes. The large intestine is shorter than the small intestine and is responsible for absorbing water, electrolytes and vitamins, and for forming and excreting feces. Pathophysiology of the small and large intestine involves various diseases and disorders of the digestive system. Common small intestine pathologies include acquired and inherited malabsorption syndromes, infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, and tumors. Common large intestine pathologies include inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, infections, and tumors. Malabsorption syndromes affect the small intestine’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients and electrolytes. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the digestive tract and can lead to weight loss, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Infections in the small intestine can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stools.