Gastrointestinal System and Disorders

What the page covers

This unit sits in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology strand of Internal medicine, pathology and clinical semiology. The resources run down the gut from mouth to colon, then across to the pancreas and biliary tree.

• Oesophagus and stomach: the Esophageal Cancer mind map, the flashcards on Achalasia & Diffuse Esophageal Spasm, Esophageal Webs, and the Peptic Ulcer quizzes.
• Intestines: Coeliac disease, Crohn's, Ulcerative colitis and Intestinal Obstruction.
• Pancreas and biliary: Pancreatitis, Pancreatic tumours, Cholangitis and the Biliary disorders quiz.

Where to start

Begin with a broad map. The Gastrointestinal Pathology mind map gives an overview, and the Coeliac disease map is a clear model of how a topic is laid out: what it is, causes, diagnosis by duodenal biopsy, and treatment with a gluten free diet. The Pancreatitis map works the same way, moving from anatomy and histology to acute and chronic forms, clinical findings and complications.

Using maps and quizzes together

Read a map, then test yourself straight away. The GERD and PUD quiz asks about the most common presenting complaint in GERD, which suits a quick check after the reflux and ulcer maps. For pancreas topics, the quiz on The Pancreas- Surgical Diseases 4th Year- PMU asks which enzyme matters most in acute pancreatitis. Note what you miss, then go back to the map for that branch.

Flashcards and exam practice

Flashcards suit recall of diagnostic tests and treatments. The Step 3- GI deck pairs tests with treatments for achalasia, rings and webs, and oesophageal cancer. The page also lists the UWorld GI deck, and some resources mention USMLE, so candidates have material for that style of question too.

Make it your own

Teachers can set a map or quiz as a starting point for a session. Whatever your role, pick one condition today, work through its map and quiz, then build a short deck of your own.