Computer illustration of the human digestive system and a close-up view of bacteria found in the intestines.

Computer illustration of the human digestive system and a close-up view of bacteria found in the intestines.

Bacteria found in human digestive system, computer illustration. The bacteria are: Helicobacter pylori, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are normal flora and have beneficial functions, such as synthesis of vitamins and protection against pathogens. H. pylori is associated with stomach and duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer. E. faecalis can cause inflammation outside of the intestines, including endocarditis and pyelonephritis.

Bacteria found in human intestine, computer illustration. The bacteria are: Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus spp., Enterococcus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp.

Computer illustration of the human digestive system and a close-up view of bacteria found in the intestine.

Computer illustration of the human digestive system and a close-up view of bacteria found in the intestine.

Computer illustration of the human digestive system and a close-up view of bacteria found in the intestine.

Bacteria found in human intestine, computer illustration. Clockwise from top left, the bacteria are: Enterococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium spp.

Intestinal villi, computer illustration.

Digestive system. Illustration of the digestive system in a man. Digestion is the process where food is converted into a soluble form so that it can be absorbed. In the mouth (not shown) food is chewed and coated in saliva. The food is swallowed and passes down the oesophagus into the stomach (centre right) where enzymes act. Food moves into the small intestine (coiled, lower centre) where it is further digested by enzymes prior to absorption. The large intestine (bowel) absorbs water and minerals, converting undigested food to faeces. At centre left is the liver; the small gall bladder (below the liver) can also be seen.

Irritable bowel syndrome. Illustration of a digestive system suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is also known as spastic colon or irritable colon syndrome. It causes abdominal pain and cramps, and irregular bowel habits such as constipation and diarrhoea. The condition is thought to be linked to anxiety and stress, which disturb involuntary muscle movement in the intestines. There is no cure, but laxatives, anti-diarrhoeal and anti-spasmodic drugs may help to alleviate the symptoms. Increasing the intake of fibre and water in the diet, and decreasing stress is also recommended.

Irritable bowel syndrome. Illustration of a digestive system suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is also known as spastic colon or irritable colon syndrome. It causes abdominal pain and cramps, and irregular bowel habits such as constipation and diarrhoea. The condition is thought to be linked to anxiety and stress, which disturb involuntary muscle movement in the intestines. There is no cure, but laxatives, anti-diarrhoeal and anti-spasmodic drugs may help to alleviate the symptoms. Increasing the intake of fibre and water in the diet, and decreasing stress is also recommended. Labelled image.

Irritable bowel syndrome, pathophysiology. Illustration of a digestive system suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is also known as spastic colon or irritable colon syndrome. It causes abdominal pain and cramps, and irregular bowel habits such as constipation and diarrhoea. The condition is thought to be linked to anxiety and stress, which disturb involuntary muscle movement in the intestines. There is no cure, but laxatives, anti-diarrhoeal and anti-spasmodic drugs may help to alleviate the symptoms. Increasing the intake of fibre and water in the diet, and decreasing stress is also recommended.

Irritable bowel syndrome. Illustration of a digestive system suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is also known as spastic colon or irritable colon syndrome. It causes abdominal pain and cramps, and irregular bowel habits such as constipation and diarrhoea. The condition is thought to be linked to anxiety and stress, which disturb involuntary muscle movement in the intestines. There is no cure, but laxatives, anti-diarrhoeal and anti-spasmodic drugs may help to alleviate the symptoms. Increasing the intake of fibre and water in the diet, and decreasing stress is also recommended.

Male genitourinary tract with highlighted prostate gland, computer illustration.

Human urinary system and adrenal glands, top view, computer illustration.

Human kidney and adrenal gland, low-polygonal computer illustration.

Illustration of human kidney and light micrograph of a section through a kidney cortex showing a glomerulus (round). A glomerulus forms part of the kidney's functional unit, the nephron, of which there are about one million in a kidney. A glomerulus is a tightly coiled network of capillaries. As blood passes through it, water and metabolic wastes are filtered through the capillary walls. The filtrate then drains to the Bowman's capsule lumen (white) that surrounds the glomerulus. From the capsule, the filtrate passes into tubules where most of the water is reabsorbed. The waste products pass out of the body in the urine.

Illustration of human kidney and light micrograph of a section through a kidney cortex showing glomeruli (small round). A glomerulus forms part of the kidney's functional unit, the nephron, of which there are about one million in a kidney. A glomerulus is a tightly coiled network of capillaries. As blood passes through it, water and metabolic wastes are filtered through the capillary walls. The filtrate then drains to the Bowman's capsule lumen (white) that surrounds the glomerulus. From the capsule, the filtrate passes into tubules where most of the water is reabsorbed. The waste products pass out of the body in the urine.

Kidney stones. Computer illustration showing a section through a human kidney containing kidney stones (yellowish, right). The ureter (lower centre) that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder can also be seen. Kidney stones are solid accumulations of dissolved urinary minerals that have come out of solution and built up into hard stone-like objects. They typically leave the body without any symptoms when passing urine. However, if they grow to a sufficient size they may cause an obstruction in the urethra, leading to severe pain.