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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 21, 2012; 18(47): 6918-6925
Published online Dec 21, 2012. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i47.6918
Published online Dec 21, 2012. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i47.6918
Tissue engineering for neuromuscular disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
Kenneth L Koch, John E Fortunato, Section on Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
Khalil N Bitar, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
Author contributions: All authors equally contributed to the manuscript by conceiving, designing, writing, revising and accepting the final draft.
Supported by NIH Research Grants R01DK071614, 1RC1DK087151, and U01 DK073975-01
Correspondence to: Dr. Khalil N Bitar, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States. kbitar@wakehealth.edu
Telephone: +1-336-7131470 Fax: +1-336-7137290
Received: April 19, 2012
Revised: November 19, 2012
Accepted: November 24, 2012
Published online: December 21, 2012
Revised: November 19, 2012
Accepted: November 24, 2012
Published online: December 21, 2012
Abstract
The digestive tract is designed for the optimal processing of food that nourishes all organ systems. The esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon are sophisticated neuromuscular tubes with specialized sphincters that transport ingested food-stuffs from one region to another. Peristaltic contractions move ingested solids and liquids from the esophagus into the stomach; the stomach mixes the ingested nutrients into chyme and empties chyme from the stomach into the duodenum. The to-and-fro movement of the small bowel maximizes absorption of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Peristaltic contractions are necessary for colon function and defecation.
Keywords: Neuromuscular disorders, Gastrointestinal tract, Dysfunction, Esophagus, Stomach, Small bowel, Colon