To pee and to poo: Cross-organ principles and mechanisms in renal and gastrointestinal physiology

Abstract

Cross-organ principles can be recognized and taught as an expression of the shared functional symmetry and common design in physiology. This integrated concept will help students to appreciate the unifying mechanisms that maintain the homeostatic balance in the body. In this article, the cross-organ similarities in gastrointestinal and renal physiology are extracted to aid learning and teaching. Some fun conversations between the Kiddo Urinary (U) and the Gastro Intestinal (I) are included to promote enjoyment in physiology.

Keywords

• Cross-organ principles
• gastrointestinal physiology
• integration
• renal physiology