Course Overview

SCI-428: Digestive System (3 Credits)
Progrma(s): CMR

COURSE CONSULTANTS

SIXTH, SEVENTH, AND
EIGHTH EDITIONS:

Jeffrey L. Barnett, MD, FACP
Huron G Gastroenterology Associates Adjunct Professor, Internal Medicine
Division of Gastroenterology
University of Michigan
Hospitals and Health Centers
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Rosemary R. Berardi, PharmD, FCCP, FASHP
Professor of Pharmacy
College of Pharmacy
Clinical Pharmacist, Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases
University of Michigan
Hospitals and Health Centers
Ann Arbor, Michigan

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, gerontologists, gastroenterologists, physician assistants, nurses and 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, the impact of other diseases and treatments on the organs of this system must often be considered by the physician. 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.

Course Description:
This course describes the organs of the digestive system and their functions. The physiology of digestion and absorption is discussed in detail. The course also provides an overview of digestive system disorders. In addition, the various drugs used to treat digestive disorders are described. Finally, the etiology, symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options for many common digestive disorders are described.

Related Courses:

Nutrition: Wellness and Disease
Human Body, Pathology, and Treatment
Introduction to Pharmacology
Oncology: Treatment and Management

Chapter Content:

Chapter 1: 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 The Physiology of Absorption
Chapter 2: 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 3: 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

Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to describe the anatomy, physiology, and terminology of the digestive system; describe its role in conversion of foods to energy and absorbed nutrients; and describe disorders of the digestive system and the pharmacology relevant to these disorders.