HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Bertrand, P. P. Articles by Bertrand, R. L. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Bertrand, P. P. Articles by Bertrand, R. L.

TEACHING WITH CLASSIC PAPERS

Teaching basic gastrointestinal physiology using classic papers by Dr. Walter B. Cannon

Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada

Address for correspondence and present address of P. P. Bertrand: Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Univ. of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2052, Australia (e-mail: dr.p.bertrand{at}gmail.com)

Abstract

The movements of the gastrointestinal tract, as described by Walter B. Cannon 100 years ago, reveal much about the functions of this unique organ and how it is controlled by the body. Two classic papers by Cannon provide a rare glimpse into the hidden functions of the body and give students a great example of the scientific method in action. In this essay, we describe the basic movements and functions of the gastrointestinal tract as revealed by X-rays, contrast meals, and Cannon's careful observations. It is Cannon's experimental care and obvious interest in his subject matter that can provide your students with a taste of the excitement of discovery and insight into the processes by which experimental science moves forward.

Key words: gastrointestinal tract; motility; radiography