Case Study: Nutrition and the autonomic nervous system
Case Presentation:
Ben, a 25 year old generally healthy male presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, which had a sudden onset. Ben reported his pain as 7/10, and also reported nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite. Bens blood count and electrolyte levels were normal. These results, combined with the fact Ben had smoked one pack of cigarettes per day for the past 10 years, led them to treat Ben's condition as Gastroenteritis. One month later he re-presented to the emergency department with right iliac fossa pain, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, a loss of appetite, and constipation. After further assessments including blood tests, scans, a colonoscopy and laparoscopic investigation, Ben was diagnosed with Crohn's disease.
Question 1: Describe the main organs involved in the digestive system and their roles.
Question 2: Discuss how the ANS influence heart rate and digestive processes in individuals with Crohn's disease?
Question 3: How does the absorption of key macronutrients take place in a healthy digestive system? How can this change with Crohn's disease? Looking for Online Tutoring?
Question 4: Malabsorption of vitamin D can occur in Crohn's disease. How does vitamin D support calcium absorption, and what are the impacts of low vitamin D on calcium absorption?
Question 5: Outline the role of calcium in the normal functioning of nerves. What may occur with low levels of calcium?
Question 6: Investigate how the ANS regulates blood flow and nutrient absorption during digestion, how may this be disrupted in individuals with Crohn's disease?