Enteric refers to something that is related to the intestines, particularly the small intestine. The term is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts to describe conditions, diseases, or substances that are associated with the intestines or have an effect on them.
In the medical field, enteric can refer to various components of the digestive system, including the enteric nervous system, which is a complex network of nerves that regulates and controls the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. The enteric nervous system plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of food, secretion of digestive juices, and movement of food through the intestines.
Enteric diseases are illnesses that affect the intestines, such as enteritis, which is the inflammation of the intestinal lining. Enteric infections, including those caused by bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
Enteric-coated medications are drugs that have a special coating designed to prevent dissolution or breakdown in the stomach, allowing them to reach the intestines before being released. This coating is resistant to the acidic environment of the stomach and is dissolved only in the alkaline environment of the small intestine, where it releases the medication.
Overall, the term enteric pertains to anything related to or affecting the intestines, and its usage is primarily found within the medical and scientific discourse centered around the digestive system.
