What is an upper GI?

"Upper GI" is a shortened term for the upper gastrointestinal tract. This portion of the digestive system is composed of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.

The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It is also referred to as the gullet or food pipe. The stomach churns food with enzymes and acidic gastric juice before being conveyed to the upper portion of the small intestine, also known as the duodenum. In the duodenum, food is mixed with bile and digestive juices secreted by the pancreas. The duodenum marks the starting point of absorption of nutrients,