Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have a working knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and terminology of the digestive system; its role in converting foods into energy; and common disorders of the system along with related pharmacology.
Who Should Take This Course
Sales representatives and managers who interact with healthcare professionals who treat digestive system disorders, including primary care physicians, internists, family practice physicians, pediatricians, obstetricians, geriatricians, gastroenterologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dietitians, home healthcare staff, and nursing home personnel; and those who would benefit from a knowledge of this important body system.
Career Applications/Benefits
Healthcare professionals routinely pay attention to the digestive system because of its relationship with other body systems. This course will benefit those working for pharmaceutical companies that develop or market products targeted toward disorders of the digestive system. Information provided in this course will allow individuals to discuss key features and benefits of pharmaceutical therapies with physicians, pharmacists, and others who treat patients with digestive system disorders. In addition, because of the importance of the digestive system to overall health, clinicians must often consider the impact of other diseases and treatments on the organs of this system. Therefore, this course also has relevance for those whose products may influence digestive function or organs, or be used to treat conditions that are often seen concurrently with digestive disorders.
Chapter Content
Chapter One: Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive System
- System Overview
- Structures that Begin the Digestive Process
- Organs that Aid in Swallowing
- Organs of Digestion and Absorption
- Accessory Organs
- The Physiology of Digestion
- Absorption
Chapter Two: Pharmacology Related to the Digestive System
- Overview of Digestive System Disorders
- Pharmacology Relevant to Digestive System Disorders
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Corticosteroids and Aminosalicylates
- Central Nervous System Drugs: Emetics and Antiemetics
- Autonomic Nervous System Drugs: Cholinergic Blockers
- Antihistamines: H1 and H2 Blockers
- Gastrointestinal Drugs
- Miscellaneous Classes and Agents
Chapter Three: Selected Disorders of the Digestive System
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Gastric, Duodenal, and Stress Ulcers
- Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Colorectal Cancer