Oral & Mouth Infections

mouth anatomy diagram

Good oral hygiene is critical to ensuring healthy teeth and gums, and maintaining fresh, clean breath. Brushing, flossing and good oral hygiene keep your mouth clean and your teeth strong. They also help minimize or eliminate oral infections and diseases such as: tooth decay periodontal disease toothaches and abscesses canker sores cold sores. But keep this in mind: regular oral hygiene is not just... Read more >

Esophageal Disorders

esophageal disorders anatomy

The esophagus is a tube of smooth muscle that transports food from the throat to the stomach. The esophagus starts immediately after the epiglottis, a tissue flap that prevents food from entering the lungs, and ends at the gastroesophageal junction, where the esophagus meets the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter prevents acidic stomach contents from damaging the esophagus. Normally, a thick lining of... Read more >

Stomach Disorders

stomach disorders anatimy diagram

Stomach problems are an all too common facet of modern day living. Most of us at some time during our lifetime experience the discomfort of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps, that are associated with a wide range of common stomach disorders. Stomach problems range from mild stomach upset and indigestion to more troublesome conditions such as peptic ulcers and stomach cancer, not to mention the odd... Read more >

Intestinal Disorders

intestinal disorders anatomy

Intestinal disorders can occur anywhere along the length of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. The process of breaking down food begins in the mouth and continues in the stomach and small intestine. The small intestine is also where the body absorbs nutrients. The large intestine runs from the small intestine to the anus and is also responsible for the absorption of nutrients and water.Common... Read more >

Anorectal Problems

anorectal problems anatomy diagram

Anorectal problems range from mild cases of hemorrhoids to serious conditions such as fecal incontinence and inflammation of the rectum. People are often embarrassed to discuss anorectal problems with their health professional. As anorectal problems can be serious, overcoming this embarrassment can be important. The Anus and Rectum The anus is located at the end of the digestive system, and is approximately an... Read more >

Preventing Problems

preventing gi tract problems anatomy diagram

The gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is a very long hollow tube that stretches from a person’s head to the end of their body. The GI tract’s purpose is to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats.   The GI tract is a far-reaching system that includes parts of the: esophagus gallbladder large intestine liver mouth pancreas pharynx salivary glands small intestine stomach. Each... Read more >

GERD Causes

GERD causes vary. For many people, a hiatal hernia is the root cause of GERD symptoms, but hiatal hernias are only one of several possible GERD causes. Eating habits, smoking, medication and other factors can also contribute to GERD. GERD Causes and the Lower Esophageal Sphincter All causes of GERD affect the lower esophageal sphincter: the ring of muscular tissue at the junction of the stomach and the... Read more >

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins located in the anus and rectum. Hemorrhoids affect people of all ages, and are one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding. Approximately half of all people older than fifty have experienced hemorrhoid symptoms. Internal and External Hemorrhoids External hemorrhoids and internal hemorrhoids describe the location of piles in the rectum. Internal hemorrhoids, as the... Read more >