SWALLOWING & MOTILITY
This structure separates the nasopharynx from the oropharynx during swallowing.
Soft palate
This cell type produces mucus that protects the gastric epithelium.
Goblet cells
This region of the stomach primarily stores ingesta.
Fundus
This term describes partial loss of the epithelial surface of the stomach.
Erosion
This bacterial genus is important for fermentation and production of beneficial metabolites in the gut.
Bacteroides
This phase of swallowing is voluntary and initiates movement of the bolus.
Oral phase
This ion is secreted with mucus to neutralize gastric acid at the epithelial surface.
Bicarbonate
These cells produce intrinsic factor for vitamin B12 absorption (except in dogs and cats).
Parietal cells
This term describes a full-thickness mucosal defect extending beyond the basement membrane.
Ulcer
This drug is used to induce vomiting in dogs by stimulating dopamine receptors.
Apomorphine
This cranial nerve is primarily responsible for initiating the swallowing reflex.
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
A dog with gastric mucosal injury has impaired protein digestion due to decreased secretion of a key enzyme. Which specific cell type is most likely affected?
Chief cells
These glands are located in the proximal small intestine and secrete alkaline mucus to protect against gastric acid.
Brunner’s glands in the duodenum
This class of drugs predisposes animals to ulcers by decreasing prostaglandin production.
NSAIDs
A dog with chemotherapy-induced vomiting is treated with maropitant. Based on its mechanism of action, what drug category does it belong to?
NK1 receptor antagonist
A lesion affecting the cricopharyngeus muscle would most directly impair what specific function?
Relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter preventing bolus entry into the esophagus
Explain why decreased blood flow to the stomach predisposes to ulcer formation.
Reduced perfusion decreases nutrient delivery and removal of acid, impairing mucosal repair and increasing susceptibility to injury
This region of the stomach primarily serves as a storage area and exhibits minimal contractile activity compared to distal regions.
Proximal stomach (fundus)
Explain how Helicobacter species survive in the acidic stomach environment.
They produce urease to neutralize acid locally allowing survival in low pH
Explain why inducing emesis is contraindicated in ingestion of caustic substances.
Vomiting would re-expose the esophagus to the corrosive agent causing further damage
A dog shows aspiration pneumonia after eating. Localize the dysfunction and explain the failure in normal physiology.
Failure of pharyngeal coordination and airway protection during swallowing leading to aspiration
Describe how tight junction disruption leads to systemic inflammation.
Increased permeability allows toxins and bacteria to cross the epithelium, triggering immune activation and inflammation
Compare primary (A) and secondary (B) ruminal contractions and explain their clinical significance.
Primary contractions mix and move ingesta, while secondary contractions facilitate eructation; failure of secondary contractions leads to bloat
A horse presents with girthing pain and poor performance. Explain the underlying pathophysiology of this condition.
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome caused by acid exposure and breakdown of mucosal protection leading to pain and inflammation
A patient with dysbiosis develops decreased short-chain fatty acids. Explain the downstream effects on GI health.
Reduced SCFAs impair colonocyte energy supply, weaken the mucosal barrier, and increase inflammation