title: Physiology of Intestinal Absorption and Secretion.
abstract: Virtually all nutrients from the diet are absorbed into blood across the highly polarized epithelial cell layer forming the small and large intestinal mucosa. Anatomical, histological, and functional specializations along the gastrointestinal tract are responsible for the effective and regulated nutrient transport via both passive and active mechanisms. In this chapter, we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the mechanism of intestinal absorption of key nutrients such as sodium, anions (chloride, sulfate, oxalate), carbohydrates, amino acids and peptides, lipids, lipid- and water-soluble vitamins, as well as the major minerals and micronutrients. This outline, including the molecular identity, specificity, and coordinated activities of key transport proteins and genes involved, serves as the background for the following chapters focused on the pathophysiology of acquired and congenital intestinal malabsorption, as well as clinical tools to test and treat malabsorptive symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Steele Children's Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, 1656 E. Mabel St., Tucson, AZ 85724, USA. Electronic address: pkiela@peds.arizona.edu.
authors.forename: Pawel R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Kiela
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Steele Children's Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724, USA. Electronic address: fghishan@peds.arizona.edu.
authors.forename: Fayez K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Ghishan
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000502:physiology*; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000502:physiology; D007419:Intestinal Secretions / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Amino acids; Carbohydrates; Chloride; Epithelial transport; Lipids; Micronutrients; Minerals; Oxalate; Short chain fatty acids; Sodium; Sulfate; vitamins