Gastrointestinal System – An Overview

In this first lesson, we will review the structures that make up the gastrointestinal system and go over the main functions of each structure.  As you move through the lessons in the gastrointestinal system, go back and review this lesson for supporting information on the anatomy and physiology to help understand how dysfunction of one organ can affect many organs in the GI tract.   You can also review all of the medications and diagnostic testing commonly used with disorders or the gastrointestinal system.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Define the function of the gastrointestinal system
2. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract
3. Identify the function of structures in the gastrointestinal tract