Weekly Blog 11/11/16 - Human Body 2.0

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Hiatal_Hernia.png

Summary

At the bottom the esophagus there is a bundle of muscles called the LES. The function of the LES is to prevent stomach acids from flowing up the esophagus. However, when the LES doesn’t close all the way or is open too much, acid reflux can occur. Every year, there are about 3 million US cases of acid reflux. It is extremely common especially in ages 19-60+. Acid reflux is when some of the stomach’s acid content flows back up the esophagus and burns as well as irritate the lining of the esophagus. Though the main symptom of acid reflux is heartburn (a burning sensation in your chest), it may also include bitter taste, discomfort in upper abdomen, dry cough, belching, and nausea. The most common cause of acid reflux is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia which occurs when the LES and upper part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the stomach from the chest and helps keep acid in the stomach. However, if you have hiatal hernia, acid can move up your esophagus and cause acid reflux. A severe case of acid reflux is known as G.E.R.D.

SP1: Asking questions and defining problems

I defined problems when I worked with my human body re-design 2.0 team to identify a problem in the digestive system that we could fix. The problem we identified was acid reflux in the esophagus and stomach. I then asked questions like "What is the original design of the esophagus and how can we improve it?", and "Why will re-designing the esophagus be beneficial?". However, the main question my group and I asked and are trying to answer is "How are we going to re-design the esophagus and what will be the outcome?". Our group is still in the process to trying to answer that question.

XCC: Structure & Function

The esophagus is a tube connected to the pharynx and mouth that goes down to the stomach. The main function of the esophagus is to move food and liquids from the mouth down to the stomach so it can be digested. In order to be able to do this, however, it needs to have a specific structure. It is lined with a moist pink tissue called mucosa, which allows the food and liquid smoothly run down the esophagus. In addition to that, there are two bundles of muscles in the upper part and lower part of the esophagus. The upper bundle of muscle or UES (upper esophageal sphincter) serves the purpose of preventing food and liquids from going down your windpipe and ensures that they are going down the correct tube. The lower bundle of muscle or LES (lower esophageal sphincter) serves the purpose of preventing stomach acids from going up the esophagus and causing acid reflux. However, malfunctions happen.