ANATOM Y AND

PHYSI OLOGY
December

OF AGEI NG 3 :
12, 202
0

THE
DI GESTI V E
SYSTEM

ANATOMYANDPHYSIOLOGYOFAGEING COLUMBANCOLLEG
3 :I TGHEES T I V E S Y S
D EOF NURSI
TEM NG
 INTRODUCTIO
N
SEPTEMBER
2020

The main role of the digestive system is to mechanically and
chemically break down food into simple components that
can be absorbed and assimilated by the body.
The gut and accessory organs also play an important role in
the elimination of indigestible food components, bile
pigments, toxins and excess salts. The system performs a
range of anatomically and physiologically distinct functions,
each of which is affected differently by ageing

ANATOMYANDPHYSIOLOGYOFAGEING COLUMBANCOLLEG
3 :I TGHEES T I V E S Y S
D EOF NURSI
TEM NG
Reduced amount
of
appetite hormones
Hormones that stimulate appetite like Ghrelin are reduced
in the elderly

Decreased sense of taste and smell

The gradual reduction in smell and taste, and therefore in
appetite, leads to diminished food intake, possibly resulting
in weight loss and malnutrition, while the inability to taste
and enjoy food can lead to anxiety.

ANATOMYANDPHYSIOLOGYOFAGEING COLUMBANCOLLEG
3 :I TGHEES T I V E S Y S
D EOF NURSI
TEM NG
 Mouth
Changes
Age-related shrinkage of the maxillary and
mandibular bones and reduction in bone calcium
content cause a slow erosion of the tooth sockets,
leading to gum recession and an increased risk of
SEPTEMBER

root decay.
2020

People without teeth (edentulous) or who have

poorly fitting dentures may find chewing difficult
and, therefore, eat less and become malnourished.

ANATOMYANDPHYSIOLOGYOFAGEING COLUMBANCOLLEG
3 :I TGHEES T I V E S Y S
D EOF NURSI
TEM NG
 Swallowing
With age, the muscular contractions that initiate
swallowing slow down, increasing pharyngeal transit
time (Nikhil et al, 2014). This may lead to swallowing
difficulties (dysphagia), which can increase the risk of
SEPTEMBER

choking and the feeling that food is stuck in the

throat. Up to 26.7% of people aged 76 years and over
2020

experience dysphagia.

ANATOMYANDPHYSIOLOGYOFAGEING COLUMBANCOLLEG
3 :I TGHEES T I V E S Y S
D EOF NURSI
TEM NG
 Other Age-
Related
Gastrointestin
al Changes
SEPTEMBER

Esophagus stomach small and large intestine

2020

Decreased peristalsis
decreased tone of the upper and
lower esophageal sphincters
decreased gag reflex
increased risk for dysphagia, reflux and
aspiration
reduced gastric acid
decreased bicarbonate and mucus secretion
increased risk of ulcers
reduced gastric emptying time leading
to constipation and reduced appetite
Decreased intestinal villi for absorption
decreased production of digestive enzymes
(small intestine)
decreased motility leading to constipation
(large intestine)
increased risk for colon cancer due to age-
related changes in the DNA of the cells
lining the intestines

ANATOMYANDPHYSIOLOGYOFAGEING COLUMBANCOLLEG
3 :I TGHEES T I V E S Y S
D EOF NURSI
TEM NG