Tarmfunksjon

Tarmfunksjon refers to the physiological processes of the gastrointestinal tract that enable digestion, absorption of nutrients, maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance, and elimination of waste.

The GI tract extends from the mouth to the anus and includes structured layers of mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. Its primary roles are digestion through secretions and enzymes, absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, and water/electrolyte absorption in the colon, together with barrier and immune functions.

Motility is driven by smooth muscle contractions coordinated by the enteric nervous system, with peristalsis and segmentation accelerating transit and mixing contents.

Secretion: saliva, gastric acid, pancreatic enzymes, bile; the brush border of enterocytes carries enzymes for final digestion; absorption mainly in small intestine; colon reclaims water.

Regulation involves enteric nervous system, autonomic input, hormones (gastrin, secretin, CCK, motilin), and microbiota interactions; the gut microbiome influences digestion, barrier function, and immune responses.

Assessment includes clinical evaluation, stool form using Bristol stool scale, transit studies or breath tests for lactose intolerance or SIBO, endoscopy, and fecal tests.

Common issues include constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and malabsorption; many conditions involve motility, secretion, or permeability disturbances.

Maintaining function involves adequate hydration, dietary fiber, regular physical activity, avoiding excessive laxatives or antidiarrheals, and seeking care for persistent symptoms.