Review of Medical Physiology - William F. Ganong 2002

Functions of the Digestive System
Mechanisms of Gastrointestinal Regulation
Introduction

The digestive and absorptive Functions described in the previous section rely on numerous processes: the mechanical breakdown of food, its propulsion along the gastrointestinal tract, and its mixing with hepatic Bile stored in the Gallbladder, as well as digestive Enzymes secreted by the Salivary Glands, Pancreas, and gastric glands. Some of these processes depend on the intrinsic Properties of the intestinal smooth Muscle. Others involve the interplay of Reflexes engaging the enteric Neurons and the Central Nervous system, paracrine effects of chemical messengers, and Gastrointestinal Hormones. Digestive hormones are humoral substances secreted by mucosal Cells and transported by the Circulatory system; they regulate The activity of The Stomach, intestine, pancreas, and gallbladder, and also exert paracrine effects.



Last update: 10/08/2026

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