The gastrointestinal system is responsible for the breakdown and absorption of various foods and liquids needed to sustain life. Other diseases and disorders treated by clinicians in this area include: food allergies, constipation, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, gallstones, gastritis, GERD, hemorrhoids, IBS, lactose intolerance, pancreatic, appendicitis, celiac disease, Crohn"s disease, peptic ulcer, stomach ulcer, viral hepatitis, colorectal cancer and liver transplants. Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract, 5/e covers the study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of the GI Tract while linking the clinical disease or disorder, bridging the gap between clinical and laboratory medicine. The new edition is a highly referenced and useful resource for gastroenterologists, physiologists, internists, professional researchers, and instructors teaching courses for clinical and research students. * Discusses the multiple processes governing gastrointestinal function * Each section edited by preeminent scientist in the field * Updated, four-color illustrations