Homeostatic Imbalance of the Digestive System

EHS Unit 6

Learning Targets

• Identify and Discuss common malfunctions and diseases affecting the digestive system.

GERD and Peptic Ulcers

• The stomach is full of highly acid juices. – GERD (reflux) occurs when this liquid is able to travel back up

the esophagus (due to a malfunction of the cardiac sphincter. – Causes discomfort, and in the long term can create

cancerous changes in the esophagus. • To protect itself from acid, the stomach produces

mucous. – If the mucous is not present, the acid will erode the stomach. – This can be caused by diet, bacteria, or medications. – Symptoms include pain on an empty stomach, vomiting

blood, or blood in stool. Early signs might also include anemia.

Liver Disease

• Because the liver has so many important functions in the body, there are serious consequences. – Disease can be caused by infectious illness, drugs,

excess weight gain, chemical exposure or cancer. – Symptoms of liver failure include the build up of waste

or toxins in the body, jaundice, excessive bleeding. – Hepatitis is an infectious liver disease. – Cirrhosis is a chronic disease causing scarring in the

liver.

Problems in the Large Intestine

• Common problems include cancer and diverticulitis. – Diverticulitis occurs when weaknesses occur in the

muscle bands in the intestine creating pouches. These can become clogged and inflamed.

– Colon cancer is one of the most common types, and is linked to diets low in fiber and high in red/processed meats.