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Structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract in infants and children

Dorothy Doughty1

  • 1Emory University WOC Nursing Education Center, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. ddought@emory.edu

Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing : Official Publication of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society
|April 27, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Understanding pediatric gastrointestinal tract development is key to diagnosing and managing common disorders. This review covers embryologic development, fecal continence acquisition, and related pediatric conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Embryology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal tract development is crucial for understanding pediatric digestive health.
  • Knowledge of embryogenesis aids in identifying congenital anomalies and functional issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the embryologic development of the pediatric gastrointestinal tract.
  • To explain the acquisition of fecal continence.
  • To outline common functional and structural gastrointestinal disorders in children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of embryologic development.
  • Synthesis of information on fecal continence.
  • Categorization of common pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.

Main Results:

  • Detailed overview of key gastrointestinal embryologic milestones.
  • Explanation of the developmental processes leading to fecal continence.
  • Summary of prevalent pediatric gastrointestinal anomalies and functional disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Embryologic understanding is fundamental for pediatric gastrointestinal pathology.
  • Fecal continence development is a complex process with potential for disruption.
  • This review provides a foundation for managing pediatric GI conditions.

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