BIOS-256 Week 2 Case Study Lower GI

Name

Chamberlain University

BIOS-256 Anatomy & Physiology IV with Lab

Prof. Name

Date

History

Mr. D is a 60-year-old male presenting with fever, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and nausea over the past 24 hours. There have been no changes in his diet, no recent travel, and no history of eating out. Five years ago, he underwent a screening colonoscopy, which revealed diverticula in his colon, though he had never experienced any symptoms related to this condition.

Physical Examination

Mr. D appears fatigued and in pain. Notably, there is abdominal tenderness on palpation.

Laboratory Results/Tests

White blood cell count is elevated on the complete blood count (CBC).

Amylase, lipase, and liver function tests are within normal limits.

A CT scan of the abdomen indicates diverticulitis.

Assessment and Plan

Mr. D has been diagnosed with diverticulitis, a condition in which diverticula—thin-walled outpouchings in the colon—become inflamed. Common risk factors include a low-fiber diet and constipation. Treatment generally involves avoiding solid foods, maintaining hydration, and administering antibiotics.

Deliverables

1. Describe the path of chyme and feces from the duodenum to the anus, identifying portions of the small and large intestines.

After receiving chyme from the stomach, the small intestine mixes the chyme with secretions from the liver and pancreas in the duodenum. Segmentations help mix the chyme with digestive juices and bring it into contact with the mucosa for absorption. Peristalsis propels the chyme through the small intestine, starting with the jejunum, where finger-like structures called villi assist with nutrient absorption into the bloodstream. By the time the chyme reaches the ileum, most digestion, including the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, has occurred. The ileum releases hormones signaling fullness, and any undigested material passes into the large intestine via the caecum, a small storage pouch.

In the colon, slower peristalsis moves undigested remains through the large intestine, where bacteria ferment some of the material, producing short-chain fatty acids and important nutrients like vitamin K. In the sigmoid colon, liquid from the small intestine is transformed into semi-solid stool. The stool is stored in the sigmoid colon until mass movements propel it into the rectum. Once in the rectum, the stool triggers a stretch response, signaling the need for defecation. The rectum releases stool through the anus, which is controlled by surrounding muscles.

2. Two important functions of the small intestine

The small intestine absorbs approximately 90% of the nutrients and water from digested food.

Lacteals, lymphatic capillaries in the small intestine, absorb fat-laden chylomicrons.

3. Two important functions of the large intestine

Haustral churning, peristalsis, and mass movements propel the contents from the colon to the rectum.

The large intestine absorbs vitamins produced by resident bacteria, such as vitamin K.

4. Predict the location of pain in diverticulitis

Diverticulitis most frequently affects the sigmoid colon, which is located in the left lower quadrant (LLQ) of the abdomen. Therefore, pain is typically felt in the LLQ.

5. Functions of the peritoneum

The peritoneum protects and secures the abdominal organs in place.

BIOS-256 Week 2 Case Study Lower GI

It serves as a conduit for the passage of blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics within the abdominal cavity.