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Gastrointestinal Physiology

2002; Elsevier BV; Volume: 20; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1383/surg.20.7.0.14397

1878-1764

Esther M. John,

Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterology

The gastrointestinal tract must not only absorb nutrients, water and electrolytes, but it must also form an effective barrier against the ingress of potentially harmful contents, such as bacteria. Its structure and function are highly adapted to serve these conflicting roles.