Gastrointestinal tract - changes associated with ageing, Biology

Assignment Help:

Gastrointestinal Tract - Changes Associated with ageing?

Many path physiological factors limit the adequacy of the dietary intake of elderly. Loss of natural dentition may occur due to tooth decay and gum disease. Loose painful teeth and ill-fitting dentures can result in mastication difficulty. Swallowing of food without proper mechanical chewing further leads to digestive problems. Certain other age-related changes include a decline in the sense of taste and smell which result in the lessening of appetite and reduction in the quantity of food consumed. The number of taste buds decreases with ageing which reduce sensitivity to taste and food may seem to be 'less appetizing' and have lost its 'natural taste'. Decreased secretion of saliva leads to dryness of mouth, thus making swallowing difficult. In the food passages, there is an increase in non- propulsive contraction which may lead to impaired absorption of nutrients. The incidence of gastric movement and gastric emptying diminishes progressively with age. Further, there is a decrease in the amount of acid and other digestive juices secreted by the digestive tract. Pancreatic enzyme section is not very much altered in old age. The food stays in stomach for longer period of time which gives a feeling of fullness and heaviness. Fat absorption is slightly impaired. In the small intestine, the blood flow is reduced by 40% and absorptive capacity by 30%. Carbohydrates and fat absorption decreases to a lesser extent with age and the protein absorption remains intact. The volume, acidity and pepsin content of the gastric juice is sometimes reduced. In turn, there is an interference with the absorption of calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin B12.

The motility of large intestine and elasticity of the rectal wall decreases with advancing age due to decrease in muscle activity and constipation is likely to be a frequent complaint.Fats may be poorly tolerated because they further retard gastric emptying. This happens as the pancreatic production of lipase (fat-digesting enzyme) is inadequate for satisfactory hydrolysis and there may be a reduced production of bile due to chronic biliary impairment.

 


Related Discussions:- Gastrointestinal tract - changes associated with ageing

Determine requirements of vitamins at high altitude, Determine requirements...

Determine requirements of Vitamins at high altitude? It is observed that requirement of vitamins is not different as compared to plains. In humans, exposure to high altitude ha

Tolerance to cold and freezing temperatures, Normal 0 false f...

Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Describe sampling of grains, Q. Describe Sampling of grains? The qualit...

Q. Describe Sampling of grains? The quality of the food grains is assessed starting with the process called sampling. A sample of the product to be evaluated is taken and the

#biology, why do ecological models commonly have limited applications ?

why do ecological models commonly have limited applications ?

Define phosphorous distribution in plasma, Define Phosphorous distribution ...

Define Phosphorous distribution in plasma? In plasma, phosphorus is distributed in different forms. Figure: Phosphorous distribution in plasma Inorg

Explain the riboflavin content of rbc - riboflavin, Explain the Riboflavin ...

Explain the Riboflavin content of RBC - Riboflavin? The erythrocyte glutathione reductase assay, with an activity coe cient (AC) expressing the ratio of activities in the prese

Silver point extended below canal orifice, Silver point extended below cana...

Silver point extended below canal orifice -    Ultra-sonic tip -    Microtube tape: The post removal system (PRS) Trephine bur Masserann kit - Do trimming by

The skeletal system, Where does cartilage occur in a joint and what is its ...

Where does cartilage occur in a joint and what is its function ?

Genetic, Ask quesIn Cross 1, pure-breeding colored, starchy kernel plants (...

Ask quesIn Cross 1, pure-breeding colored, starchy kernel plants (C1Wx/C1Wx) were crossed to plants pure-breeding for colorless, waxy kernels (c1 wx/c1 wx). The F1 of this cross we

Define the meaning of vital signs, Define the meaning of Vital signs V...

Define the meaning of Vital signs Vital signs are measures of different physiological statistics, often taken by health professionals, in order to assess the most basic body f

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd