Gastrointestinal tract

The main task of the human gastrointestinal tract is to collect food and water, digest and absorb nutritional ingredients which are essential for correct body functioning. Undigested and unnecessary food residues are removed from the body. One of the additional gastrointestinal tract functions is protection from penetration of harmful substances and germs. Thanks to this function the gastrointestinal tract is part of the human immune system. An important role in this process is played by probiotic bacteria.

The main gastrointestinal tract sections are: oral cavity, throat, gullet, stomach, small intestine, large intestine. In relation to histological structure, individual gastrointestinal tract sections have many similar characteristics. The whole of its length is on average 6 to 8 meters. A four layer structure can be distinguished at the whole length of the gastrointestinal tract. The layers are: mucous membrane (mucosa), submucous membrane (connective tissue), muscle membrane (responsible for the peristaltic movements which transfer food inside the gastrointestinal tract) and outer membrane (serous membrane, peritoneum).

Gastroenterology is the field of medicine which is concerned with gastrointestinal tract function and diseases. There are many different diseases in the gastroenterology field, mainly because of the highly developed structure and function system of the gastrointestinal tract. Some of gastrointestinal tract diseases can manifest as: diarrhea, vomiting or constipation. These symptoms can occur with moderate or acute intensity, which is why they shouldn’t be neglected. When one of the symptoms occurs, it is recommended to diagnose the reason. In many cases, occurrence of onerous symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting or constipation can be prevented by taking products which support the physiological work of the gastrointestinal tract.