Get information about the Gastrointestinal System and how each major organ functions.
The large intestine is horseshoe shaped. It extends around the small intestine like a frame.
It’s function is to absorb water from indigestible food matter. Then it passes this waste material from the body.
The stomach is a “J” shaped expanded bag. It is located just left of the midline between the esophagus and the small intestine. It is divided into four regions and has two borders called the greater and lesser curvatures.
The stomach is where the digestion of protein begins.
The liver is the largest internal organ. It is also one of the most important. It takes part in most processes of the body, such as:
It stores vitamins, sugars, fats, and other nutrients from the food you eat. It then releases those nutrients into your body as needed.
It builds compounds that your body needs to stay healthy. It takes simpler substances and turns them into protein. This protein is used to clot blood, make new cells, and create necessary chemical reactions inside cells. The liver also removes waste products from your blood.
Also, it breaks down harmful substances, such as alcohol and toxic chemicals. It then turns them into harmless chemicals that your body can then handle.
The small intestine is compressed into folds that occupy a large portion of the abdominal cavity.
The duodenum is the c-shaped section that curves around the head of the pancreas.
The small intestine performs most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It breaks down partially digested food from the stomach using the enzymes and bile salts.
After digestion, food constituents like protein, fat and carbs, are broken down into small building blocks and then absorbed into the body’s blood stream.
The rectum is the last 6-8” of the large intestine.
It stores solid waste until it leaves the body through the anus.
This is a fish shaped organ that stretches across the back of the abdomen and behind the stomach.
The pancreas is both an endocrine gland and an exocrine gland. As an endocrine gland, it produces important hormones like insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin. As an exocrine gland, it secretes pancreatic juice that contains digestive enzymes to pass to the small intestine.
The gall bladder is a structure on the underside of the liver on the right side of the abdomen.
The function of the gall bladder is to store bile produced in the liver before it secretes into the intestines. This bile will help the body digest fats.
Our Goal is to exceed your expectations by providing exceptional care before, during, and after your visit with our office. We care for patients from around the state from our two office locations in Fuquay-Varina and Dunn, NC.
Our practice approaches patient care from a global perspective. To achieve the best and lasting outcomes we provide education, incorporate nutrition, lifestyle, and use the best quality products.
Gastrointestinal problems account for more hospitalizations in the U.S. than any other group of disorders. Take our quick colon cancer quiz to see if you may be at risk.
Testing for colon cancer just got easier. If you don’t already know, Cologuard is a new competing
technology for colon cancer screening that is simple and ease of use. It involves no prep, no
sedation, and most importantly, its effective. What exactly is Cologuard? Cologuard is a cancer
detection test. Specifically, it tests for genetic
Read More...
The practice of Kurt Vernon, MD, The GI Guy, is proud to announce that we have received a ‘Tier 1
Designation”, a high quality recognition from one of the nation’s largest health insurers – Blue
Cross Blue Shield of NC. BCBSNC Tiered Network utilizes administrative claims data to identify
high quality, low cost providers and
Read More...