Secretion and Digestion in Elderly and Aging People

The regulation of fluid balance is crucial to survival. Approximately 9 L of fluid enters the gastrointestinal tract per day. Of that amount, about 2 L is ingested by mouth. The remaining 7 L consists of fluids secreted by the various gastrointestinal organs. Ninety eight percent of the total amount of fluid that enters the gastrointestinal tract is reabsorbed in the small intestine and the colon. (more…)

Gastrointestinal Motility and Digestive Disorders

The motility of the gastrointestinal tract is complex, and normal motility is critical to proper secretion and digestion. In order for gastrointestinal motility to be effective, it must be coordinated with other intestinal functions such as secretion and absorption, and it must be regulated and integrated in a precise fashion. (more…)