Digestive system

chol(e)

gall, bile

emes(o)

vomit 🤮
_{^{(e.g. emetic drug induces vomiting)}}

lith(o)

stone 🪨 _{^{(think monolith which is tall, pointy, and stone)}}

lapar(o)

abdominal wall

-centesis

to puncture
_{^{(e.g. abdominocentesis = puncture belly)}}

-tripsy

to crush

-rrhea

flow/discharge

e.g. diarrhea

-iasis/-osis

abnormal condition

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

heartburn
weak valve btwn esophagus and stomach
stomach acid refluxes to esophagus (irritation)

jaundice

yellow skin/eyes

diverticulosis/diverticulitis

small pouches on walls of large intestine (discomfort, inflammation)

cirrhosis

degenerative disease of the liver

!!! portal hypertension - rising blood pressure in veins, veins engorge, can result in liver damage

esophageal varices - bulging/engorged veins in the walls of the esophagus (thin-walled/swollen veins at risk of tearing)

peritonitis - inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity

dysphagia

difficulty swallowing

Crohn’s disease

chronic inflammatory disease of the bowel
symptoms: abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea

!!! Gastroenterologist – a physician specializing in diseases of the digestive system including esophagus, stomach and intestines (no surgery)

Proctologist – a physician specializing in diseases of the rectum and anus

Guaiac test (Hemoccult, Fecult) – a special chemical test to identify blood in the stool (feces). Blood in the stool may have many causes including cancer and hemorrhoids.

Upper GI series – a series of X-rays of the esophagus and stomach and small intestines having the patient swallow a “milkshake” of barium. The element barium is opaque, i.e. blocks , X-rays. This procedure may be used to identify problems with swallowing, stomach ulcers, twisting of the small intestines.

Lower GI series – a series of X-rays using a barium enema to show the large intestine and rectum. This procedure can be used to identify problems such as diverticulitis/diverticulosis, and tumors.

Endoscopy – use of a flexible fiberoptic instrument attached to a video camera that can be used to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and large bowel. Special names may be used for each area explored such as colonoscopy.

Ultrasonography (ultrasound) – a procedure using high frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs _{^{(primarily used to visualize abdominal and pelvic organs, such as the pregnant uterus)}}

cholecyst-

gallbladder