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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

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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,...
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Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

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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...
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Microbiota of the Large Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Large Intestine

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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...
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Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine

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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,...
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Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

90.6K
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...
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Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

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The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
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Analysis of Interactions between Endobiotics and Human Gut Microbiota Using In Vitro Bath Fermentation Systems
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The Human Gut Microbiota.

Hermie J M Harmsen1, Marcus C de Goffau2

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 30001, 9700, Groningen, The Netherlands. H.J.M.Harmsen@med.umcg.nl.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|May 11, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The gut microbiota is crucial for health, aiding vitamin production and metabolism. Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome may prevent diseases like allergies and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Keywords:
Aberrant microbiotaDevelopmentDiabetesMicrobiotaObesity

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Gut health and disease

Background:

  • The gut microbiota comprises a vast and diverse community of microorganisms, essential for host health.
  • Key functions include vitamin synthesis, lipid metabolism regulation, and energy production for epithelial cells.
  • An imbalanced microbiota (dysbiosis) is linked to various health issues, from allergies to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define a healthy gut microbiota composition and function.
  • To explore the role of gut dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of different diseases.
  • To identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota for improved health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current research on gut microbiota.
  • Analysis of the relationship between microbiota composition and host health.
  • Discussion of disease states associated with gut dysbiosis.

Main Results:

  • A healthy gut microbiota is characterized by high diversity and specific functional capabilities.
  • Dysbiosis is implicated in a range of conditions, including allergies and IBD.
  • Understanding dysbiosis mechanisms can inform novel treatment approaches.

Conclusions:

  • Maintaining a healthy gut microbiota is vital for overall well-being.
  • Targeting gut microbiota dysbiosis offers promising avenues for disease prevention and treatment.
  • Further research into microbiota-host interactions is essential for advancing personalized medicine.