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Related Concept Videos

Microbiota of the Large Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Large Intestine

The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine01:29

Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine

The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...

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Equine Enteric Glial Culture and Application to the Study of a Neural Inflammatory Mechanism in Equine Colic
08:07

Equine Enteric Glial Culture and Application to the Study of a Neural Inflammatory Mechanism in Equine Colic

Published on: October 4, 2024

The equine intestinal microbiome.

Marcio C Costa1, J Scott Weese

  • 1Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1, Canada.

Animal Health Research Reviews
|May 26, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The equine gut microbiome is complex and vital for horse health. Understanding its composition and function, especially in disease, is crucial for developing new treatments.

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Area of Science:

  • Equine microbiology
  • Gastrointestinal health
  • Microbiome research

Background:

  • The equine intestinal tract harbors a complex microbiota essential for health and disease.
  • Current understanding of microbiota composition and function is limited.
  • The equine microbiome is increasingly being revealed through advanced characterization methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the composition and function of the equine intestinal microbiota.
  • To investigate alterations in the equine microbiome associated with disease states.
  • To highlight the potential for novel preventive and therapeutic strategies based on microbiome research.

Main Methods:

  • Characterization of the microbiota and its genetic makeup (microbiome) using evolving methods.
  • Analysis of microbial populations, including predominant phyla like Firmicutes.
  • Application of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics for microbiome evaluation.

Main Results:

  • Firmicutes phylum members predominate in the equine hindgut fermenter.
  • Significant populations of numerous other bacterial phyla are present.
  • The equine microbiome is profoundly altered in certain disease states.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into optimal testing protocols and microbiome variation is necessary.
  • Understanding the relationship between fecal and proximal gut microbiomes is key.
  • Advances in microbiome evaluation offer hope for novel equine health interventions.