Gastrointestinal maturation and feeding.
The intestine serves not only as a digestive absorptive organ, it is also one of the largest immune organs of the body, has a huge endocrine and exocrine role, and also encompasses neural tissue equivalent to that of the entire spinal cord. The microbial microenvironment also plays a critical role in development. This brief overview of developmental aspects of these intestinal functions will be related to clinical problems in the neonatal period and subsequent health.
Neu
Josef
J
Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32610, USA. neu@ufl.edu
D004760:Enterocolitis / Q000209:etiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007422:Intestines / Q000254:growth & development / Q000382:microbiology*; D011247:Pregnancy