The Journey of Alcohol in the Body

Introduction

• St. Patrick's Day: Celebration with cultural, religious significance, and often associated with alcohol consumption.
• Alcohol (Ethanol): Considered a toxin, inconsistent studies on small amounts being beneficial.
• Responsible Drinking: Important for adults of legal age.

Alcohol's Pathway Through the Body

1. Entry

• Mouth (Oral Cavity): First point of entry.
  • Mucosal tissue absorbs very small amount of alcohol.
  • Study: Wine tasters absorb minimal alcohol through tasting.

2. Throat (Pharynx)

• Epiglottis: Guides alcohol from pharynx to esophagus, preventing entry into trachea.

3. Esophagus

• Food Tube: Alcohol travels down to reach the stomach.

4. Stomach

• Gastric Absorption: 10-15% of alcohol absorbed.
• Pyloric Sphincter: Gatekeeper that controls alcohol entry into intestines.
  • Empty stomach: Faster alcohol absorption.
  • Full stomach: Slower absorption due to gastric emptying.

5. Small Intestines

• Main Absorption Site: Majority of alcohol absorbed here.
• Mesentery: Connects intestines, allowing nutrient absorption and transport to the liver.

Liver's Role

Detoxification

• Alcohol Dehydrogenase: Enzyme converting ethanol to acetaldehyde.
• Acetaldehyde Conversion: Further converted to acetate, less toxic.
• Liver's Regeneration: Can regenerate due to frequent detoxification processes.

Circulation and Effects

Heart and Lungs

• Heart: Pumps blood containing alcohol to lungs.
• Lungs: Ethanol evaporates, detectable via breath (basis for breathalyzer).

Brain and Nervous System

• Sympathetic Nervous System: Stimulated by ethanol, affecting heart rate and behavior.
• Neurotransmitter Impact: Influences dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate.
• Behavioral Effects: Lowered inhibitions, slowed thinking, euphoria.

Hormones

• Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis: Influenced by alcohol.
  • Adrenal Response: Increases stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline).
  • Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Inhibition leads to increased urination.

Dehydration and Hangovers

Effects on Kidneys

• Urination Increase: Alcohol reduces ADH, making you urinate more.
• Dehydration: Loss of fluids and electrolytes.

Hangover Causes

• Dehydration and Lack of Sleep: Key contributors.
• Acetaldehyde: Potentially responsible for hangover symptoms.

Conclusion

• Individual Variations: Factors like sex, age, genetics affect alcohol's impact.
• Hangover Remedies: No scientific solution, time is the most effective.
• Appreciation for Donors: Importance of body donations for educational purposes.

Final Thoughts

• Responsible Drinking Advice: Especially on festive occasions like St. Patrick's Day.
• Engagement: Encouragement to like, comment, and subscribe for more educational content.