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     What is Gastroenterology?
     
Gastroenterology is the study, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract – esophagus, stomach, small and large colon - and its related organs - the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

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Liver - The liver is the largest organ in the body. It is found high in the right upper abdomen, behind the ribs. It is essential in keeping the body functioning properly. It removes or neutralizes poisons from the blood, produces immune agents to control infection, and removes germs and bacteria from the blood. It makes proteins that regulate blood clotting and produces bile to help absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. You cannot live without a functioning liver. Pancreas - The pancreas is called the “hidden organ” because it is located deep in the abdomen behind the stomach. It is about six to eight inches long in the adult. The pancreas produces juices and enzymes that flow through tubes into the intestine, where they mix with food. The enzymes digest fat, protein, and carbohydrates so they can be absorbed by the intestine. Pancreatic juices, therefore, play an important role in maintaining good health. The pancreas also produces insulin, which mixes with the blood flowing through the organ. Insulin is important in regulating the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Esophagus - The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus is not a rigid tube. The wall of the esophagus contains muscle that rhythmically contracts whenever a person swallows. Stomach - The stomach produces a very strong acid. This acid helps digest and break down food before it enters the small intestine (duodenum). The lining of the stomach is covered by a thick protective mucous layer which prevents the acid from injuring the wall of the stomach. Gallbladder - The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that rests under the liver in the right upper abdomen. Bile is stored in the gallbladder, which contracts periodically to force the file into the intestine. Transverse Colon - The Transverse Colon is the portion of the large intestine that crosses the abdomen from the right to the left, from the hepatic flexure to the splenic flexure. Large Intestine - The Large Intestine is 4 to 5 feet long and approximately 2 inches in diameter. It begins where the small intestine ends, near the appendix and extends to the anus and is divided into five sections: the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid colon and the rectum. The main functions of the large intestine are the storage and movement of intestinal contents and absorption of water, electrolytes and bile acids. Rectum - The rectum, the last 6 to 8 inches of the intestine where your body stores solid waste called stool before expelling it through the anus. Small Intestine - The small intestine begins at the stomach and is about 20 feet long. It is where nutrients and vitamins are absorbed. The colon or large bowel which follows is 5-6 feet long. The liquid stool which enters the colon normally becomes dehydrated as it passes around to the rectum. Ascending Colon - The Ascending Colon which is immediately above the cecum passes up the right side of the abdomen to the lower border of the liver where it bends to the left at the hepatic flexure. Descending Colon - The Descending Colon is the part of the large intestine that runs down the left side of the abdomen from the spleen to the iliac crest.
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