Book excerpt: Gain a complete understanding of the functioning of the gastrointestinal system with this concise, engagingly written text Gastrointestinal Physiology explains the operation and performance of one of the body's most crucial systems. Using clear, compelling language, the book's presentation makes it easy to absorb the content and integrate it as you learn the physiology of other bodily systems. Written to help you understand essential concepts rather than merely memorize facts, this unique text examines many medically relevant facets of this important body system, including anatomy, pathophysiology, and therapeutics, in concert with physiological information. FEATURES: Provides a thorough review of core concepts and highlights clinical application Covers the physiologic principles needed to understand and treat patients with digestive and liver diseases Includes clinical examples that link basic science with the practice of medicine Incorporates new information on emerging topics such as the communication between the intestine and central nervous system that controls food intake, the myriad roles newly ascribed to the intestinal microbiota, contemporary approaches to therapy for a number of GI maladies, and the role of the gut in obesity Enhanced by valuable learning aids such as study questions, learning objectives, key concepts, numerous illustrations and charts, and recommended readings