Gastrointestinal tract

Definition

The gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus. It plays a crucial role in digestion and immune function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The GI tract contains gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), which is essential for immune responses.
2. Dysfunction in the GI tract can lead to immunodeficiency due to poor nutrient absorption and compromised barrier function.
3. The microbiota within the GI tract interacts with the immune system, influencing both local and systemic immunity.
4. Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are examples of how GI tract inflammation can affect immune health.
5. Oral tolerance is an important mechanism in the GI tract that prevents unnecessary immune reactions to food antigens.

Review Questions

• What role does gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) play in the immune system?
• How can dysfunction in the gastrointestinal tract lead to immunodeficiency?
• What is oral tolerance and why is it significant in the context of the gastrointestinal tract?

Related terms

Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT): A component of mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue critical for initiating immune responses within the GI tract.

Microbiota:

The community of microorganisms living in a particular environment, such as the human gut, which interacts with host immune cells.

Oral Tolerance: The process by which the immune system becomes unresponsive to specific antigens ingested orally, preventing overreaction to food proteins.