Gastrointestinal physiology
The digestive tract coordinates motility, secretion, digestion, absorption and barrier defense. Its functions are controlled by neural, endocrine and paracrine signaling.
Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗Gastrointestinal physiology — learning map
Original conceptual SVG · scalableOriginal schematic relationship map for this topic; relationships are organized for study, not intended as an anatomical depiction or a diagnostic algorithm.
Motility
Swallowing, peristalsis and segmentation move and mix luminal contents under smooth-muscle and enteric neural control.
Secretion
Gastric acid, pancreatic enzymes, bicarbonate and bile contribute to digestion or luminal conditions.
Absorption
Most nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine; colonic epithelial transport reclaims additional water and electrolytes.
Gut communication
The enteric nervous system and hormones such as gastrin, secretin and cholecystokinin coordinate different digestive phases.
Reference and next reading
Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.