- Allergy treatment
- Antimicrobials for systemic use
- Antiparasitic drugs
- Cardiovascular system
- Dermatology
- Drugs affecting metabolism
- Drugs used in sensory organ disorders
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Haemopoietic system and blood
- Locomotor system
- Nervous system
- Respiratory system
- Systemic hormones
- Urogenital system and Sexual hormones
Gastrointestinal tract
- GI tract overview
- Preparations that affect GI motility
- Preparations used in constipation treatment
- Preparations that decrease or neutralize gastric acid secretions
Gastrointestinal tract is a group of organs joined in a long tube. The digestive tube is divided into several sections, each of which fulfills a specific function. It begins with oral cavity, then follows pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. Large intestine is ending with rectum. Each segment of digestive tube has certain morphological and physiological features, however, the structure is common for all parts of GI. The wall of the digestive tube consists of four different layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscular layer and serous membrane. With the exception of esophagus digestive tube is covered by peritoneum that lines the abdominal cavity and comprises the biggest part of gastrointestinal tract. The only exceptions are the initial (oral cavity, pharynx and upper esophagus) and final (external anal sphincter) parts of the digestive system. The general structure of muscle wall in lower esophogus, stomach, small and large intestine is nearly the same. The wall of the digestive tract consists of three smooth muscle layers covered by mucous linings. The outer muscular layer is covered by a connective tissue of serous membrane that forms the mesentery. Mesentery contains nerves, blood and lympatic vessels supplying the organs with oxygen and nutrients.
Mucosa (mucous linings) contains tiny glands which produce digestive juices necessary for digesting of complex molecules. From the middle of esophagus till rectum alimentary canal is covered by smooth muscles that are responsible for movement and segmentation of intestinal contents. Besides tiny glands, there are two solid organs ,the liver and the pancreas which produce digestive enzymes which break down proteins, lipids and carbohydrates into small molecules. Waste and metabolism products are eliminated through the rectum.
A wide variety of diseases may affect the functions and structure of gastrointestinal tract. The following information contains the most common groups of drugs used in GI disorders:
