EFFECTS OF SICKEL CELL ANEMIA ON THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Sickle Cell Anemia does not directly effect the digestive system. The effects of sickle cell anemia on the digestive system are similar to those of the nervous system, muscular system, the body in general. The main effect of SCA on the digestive system is blood clotting in the intestines. Due to the shape of the sickle blood cells, blood clots are much more common in people with the disease than in people without. When a blood clot in the intestines occur, symptoms such as severe abdominal pain. The process of blood clotting in the arteries is known as mesenteric ischemia.
Digestion in general however, is not really effected by this disease. Unless there is a part of the alimentary canal that has been affected by severe necrosis, digestion occurs naturally because glucose and nutrients are not carried on the red blood cells. (2,13,14,22) |
The figure above shows blot clots in the arteries of the small and large intestines. The blood clots have caused necrosis in the black areas.
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|Brian Oh|Biology 2|Final Project|5/30/2013|