Anatomy Question Surgically removing which of the following

Anatomy Question:

Surgically removing which of the following would have the most severe effect on the process of digestion: pancreas, gallbladder, stomach or large intestine. Describe the function of each organ (Explain the effects of losing each organ)

Solution

The function of the digestive system is to break down complex food material into simpler forms, which is then utilized to produce energy, essential for cellular growth and repair. The digestive system is composed of mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestines and large intestines. The role of the pancreas, gallbladder, stomach and large intestine in the process of digestion can be given as below:

1) Pancreas: The pancreas is situated in the upper to middle abdominal cavity. It performs both exocrine and endocrine functions. The endocrine function of pancreas includes the secretion of hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, which help in regulation of blood glucose levels. While, the exocrine function of the pancreas includes, the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase and lipase. Amylase, aids in the breakdown of complex sugars into simpler forms. Whereas, trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase play a role in digestion of proteins and lipase helps in the breakdown of triglycerides or fats. Therefore, the main role of the pancreas in digestion is the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. However, the pancreas, cannot completely digest fats, and is dependent on the gallbladder and liver for this.

2) Gallbladder: The gallbladder is located beneath the liver. The main function of the gallbladder is to store bile that is produced in the liver. Bile, which is produced by the liver aids in the emulsification of fats. Emulsification is process by which the surface area of the fat droplets is increased, thereby making it easier for the pancreatic lipase to act on it and carry out breakdown. The gallbladder is known to store bile between meals and to release it on obtaining hormonal stimulus.

3) Stomach: The stomach lies between the esophagus and the small inestine. It releases acid and enzymes which aid in the partial breakdown food. The stomach muscles are also responsible for a churning action which causes the physical breakdown of food. It secretes the enzyme pepsin, which breaksdown proteins.

4) Large intestine: The large intestine is what connects the small intestine to the rectum. The main function of the large intestine is to absorb water and vitamins and thereby help to solidify feces. It also helps in absorbing various nutrients and ions dissolved in the water, so as to be used in other metabolic processes.

Having understood the role of each of these organs in digestion, the effect of removal of these organs on digestion can be given as below:

a) Pancreatectomy: Removal of the pancreas, results in pancreatic insufficiency, due to which, the pancreatic enzymes which breadown are no longer available to carryout the breakdown of food. Also, there is a lack of insulin. These, deficiencies can be treated using enzyme replacement therapy and insulin supplements.

b)Gallbladder: Removal of gallbladder, will affect the digestion of fats. Although, one can live without a gall bladder, since the liver can produce bile, which can flow out through the bile ducts to the intestine, without entering the gall bladder.

c)Stomach: Gastrectomy, or removal of the stomach does not affect the body\'s ability to digest food. Although it would have an effect on the absorption of certain vitamins and therefore supplements would have to be provided. Also, the body will be unable to store food for digestion and therefore, such patients are recommended smaller meals.

d)Large Intestine Removal: Removal of the Large intestine may result in chronic salt and water depletion. However, this can be compensated for, by activating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Also, these patients may have to attach a temporary colostomy bag inorder to drain waste.