INTEGRATED CONTROL AND RESPONSE OF THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM | Integrated Responses of the Circulatory System to Digestion

Digestion is defined as the mechanical and chemical breaking down of food into smaller components that can be absorbed by means of the the gastrointestinal tract. A key factor in this process is the integrated control of the gastrointestinal blood flow, which is essential in maintaining the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. And for transporting absorbed nutrients to the liver and other tissues. In fish, as in other animals, the gastrointestinal tract comprises a large part of the circulation and around 30–40% of the total cardiac output is directed to the gut even when no food is present. After feeding blood flow to the gut can increase by more than 160%. The mechanisms behind the changes seen after feeding are described here.