This educational material outlines the fundamental components of a gastrointestinal system assessment, focusing on both physical and lifestyle factors. It emphasizes the large intestine’s role in waste removal while noting that specialized lectures will later cover the liver and pancreas. A significant challenge highlighted is distinguishing between natural aging and detrimental lifestyle choices, such as poor diet or substance use, which contribute to issues like reflux and malnutrition. To ensure a thorough evaluation, healthcare providers are encouraged to perform subjective interviews regarding a patient’s medical history, daily habits, and stress levels. Finally, the source introduces objective physical examinations, involving the inspection and palpation of the oral and abdominal cavities. This comprehensive approach helps clinicians identify potential GI dysfunctions by mapping symptoms to specific anatomical regions.