Bacterial infection of the intestinal tract irritates the intestinal cells and interferes with digestion.
Sample Solution
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
Part A: Osmotic Water Flows and Diarrhea
In a healthy intestinal tract, the balance of fluids is carefully regulated. When bacteria infect the intestines, they can disrupt this balance in a few ways:
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Increased Intestinal Contents: Bacterial growth and inflammation can lead to an increase in the volume of intestinal contents. This increased volume can overwhelm the intestines' ability to absorb fluids, leading to excess water in the stool.
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Osmotic Imbalance: Bacteria can produce toxins that damage the intestinal lining.
This damage can interfere with the absorption of nutrients and electrolytes. When nutrients and electrolytes remain in the intestinal lumen, they draw water into the intestines through osmosis, leading to increased fluid loss in the stool.
Full Answer Section
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Altered Intestinal Motility: Bacterial infections can also affect the normal contractions of the intestinal muscles. This can lead to rapid movement of intestinal contents, reducing the time available for fluid absorption and resulting in diarrhea.
Part B: Skeletal, Cardiac, and Smooth Muscle Tissue
Skeletal Muscle Tissue
- Structure: Long, cylindrical cells with multiple nuclei. Striated appearance due to the arrangement of contractile proteins (actin and myosin).
- Location: Attached to bones by tendons.
- Function: Voluntary movement, such as walking, lifting, and facial expressions.
Cardiac Muscle Tissue
- Structure: Branched, interconnected cells with one or two nuclei. Striated appearance.
- Location: Heart wall.
- Function: Involuntary contraction of the heart, pumping blood throughout the body.
Smooth Muscle Tissue
- Structure: Spindle-shaped cells with a single nucleus. Non-striated appearance.
- Location: Walls of hollow organs, such as the stomach, intestines, blood vessels, and airways.
- Function: Involuntary contractions that control various bodily functions, such as digestion, blood flow, and airway diameter.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Skeletal Muscle | Cardiac Muscle | Smooth Muscle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Long, cylindrical cells with multiple nuclei | Branched, interconnected cells with one or two nuclei | Spindle-shaped cells with a single nucleus |
| Striations | Striated | Striated | Non-striated |
| Location | Attached to bones | Heart wall | Walls of hollow organs |
| Control | Voluntary | Involuntary | Involuntary |
| Function | Movement of the body | Pumping blood | Various functions, such as digestion and blood flow |