The structure of the intestine includes thin and thick sections. The thin section originates immediately after the stomach. In an adult, its length is about five meters. The normal state of this department does not imply the presence of harmful or beneficial microorganisms. In the process of many diseases that cause the violation of the functions of enzymes, an environment suitable for the propagation of microbes arises in it. Pathogenic microbes transmit infection, which is accompanied by severe diarrhea, bloating, rumbling, pain in the navel. Non-pathogenic microbes cause discomfort and bloating in the abdomen.
The large intestine is a continuation of the small intestine. The boundary between them is the mucous flap. It prevents the penetration of the contents and microorganisms of the thick section back into the thin section. Not far from this flap is a process (appendix).
The structure of the intestine, in particular its large part, includes the cecum, ascending, transverse and descending colon and sigmoid, ending in the rectum. It is fundamentally different from the structure of the thin section. The thick department, in addition, performs completely different functions.
A dynamically balanced, complex ecosystem is considered normal microflora. She is characterized by a certain composition, which includes more than five hundred species of bacteria. Their main representatives include anaerobic bifidobacteria and aerobic lactobacilli.
The intestinal microflora regulates cholesterol and the exchange of bile acids, prevents the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms , thus ensuring the stability (colonization resistance) of the organ. In addition, the internal ecosystem is involved in the processes of enzymatic protein, fat digestion, as well as the absorption of fiber, high molecular weight carbohydrates and nucleic acids.
The intestinal microflora is an active participant in electrolyte metabolism, the synthesis of substances of antibacterial activity, vitamins K, B, ascorbic acid. Thus, the resistance of the whole organism to adverse external influences increases. Microflora functions also include detoxification of endogenous and exogenous substrates. At the same time, some microbes are able to change the chemical composition of toxic substances, neutralizing them. The intestinal ecosystem is involved in the stimulation of peristalsis (motor activity) of the organ and the normalization of the process of removing its contents from the body.
Microflora is divided into resident (permanent), transient (temporary), non-pathogenic (useful), conditionally pathogenic (useful in small quantities and in its place), pathogenic (harmful, causing infection). The composition and quantity of microbes present is constantly changing, but the ratio of quality and quantity remains certain. Thus, dynamic equilibrium is maintained. With a sharp imbalance, dysbiosis occurs.
As mentioned above, the intestines perform a different function. A thin area is responsible for the implementation of the basic mechanisms of digestion of food and absorption of nutrients into lymph and blood. In this case, intestinal motility is provided by the motor activity of the internal annular and external longitudinal muscles. At the same time, the chyme is mixed with the juice secreted by the pancreas and the organ itself, as well as the promotion of the chyme. The muscular structure of the intestine allows rhythmic segmentation, pendulum-like, tonic and peristaltic contractions to be performed in the thin section.
The thick section of the organ acts as a reservoir. Here, the accumulation of contents and the periodic removal of processed products from the body. The muscular structure of the intestine in this area allows peristaltic, pendulum-like, antiperistaltic, propulsive contractions, as well as rhythmic segmentation.