Pathophysiology

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
  • Inflammation of the colon causes accumulation of inflammatory cytokines, disrupts tight junctions between epithelial cells, stimulates colonic secretion, stimulates goblet cell secretion of mucus, and disrupts motility.
  • These mechanisms reduce the ability of the colon to absorb water and store feces; which causes frequent diarrhea, often with mucus or blood.
Last modified: Tuesday, 8 March 2011, 1:01 PM