Digestive System

The gastrointestinal system extends from the mouth to the anus. It includes the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small and large intestine, rectum and the anus. The digestive system also includes other organs responsible for digestion, namely the liver, gall bladder and the pancreas. By way of the peristaltic movements of the tract and enzymes secreted from these organs, food is digested and absorbed; to be either stored in the body, or used as energy. Nerves and blood vessels also play a major role in the digestive system. (Kumar, 2007)

Diseases of the digestive system are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Approximately ten percent of all general practitioner consultations in the United Kingdom are due to digestive problems, with a majority resulting from diarrhea. In the United States, approximately $85.5 billion are spent on GI and liver diseases. (Boon, 2006) The highest cost per year...
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