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Explore the comprehensive physiology of the gastrointestinal system through this extensive 12-hour 55-minute course covering fundamental concepts from basic electrical activity to complex digestive processes. Master the enteric nervous system, including myenteric and submucosal plexuses, while understanding calcium-calmodulin signaling pathways and second messenger systems. Learn about gastrointestinal motility patterns, distinguishing between propulsive peristaltic movements and mixing contractions throughout the digestive tract. Examine the physiology of mastication, salivation from parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, and the complex process of deglutition involving mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. Dive deep into gastric physiology, including receptive relaxation, gastric motility, and the production of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and gastrin through both exocrine and endocrine mechanisms. Study pancreatic function, covering both exocrine enzyme secretion and endocrine hormone production, alongside small intestine motility and secretions. Understand bile acid and bile salt metabolism, lipid emulsification processes, and the role of liver and gallbladder in digestion. Explore bilirubin metabolism, jaundice pathophysiology, and diagnostic laboratory tests including urine bilirubin and urobilinogen analysis. Learn about colonic function, defecation reflexes, vomiting mechanisms, and various gastrointestinal reflexes. The course extends to related endocrine topics including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin physiology, metabolic states, renal circulation, and provides quick review sessions for comprehensive understanding of gastrointestinal and related physiological systems.
