Medical Assistant Chapter 34: Gastroenterology

anastomosis

The surgical connection of separate or severed tubular hollow organs to form a continuous channel.

cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

colostomy

A surgical procedure in which the large intestine is brought through the abdominal wall, creating either a temporary or a permanent opening (stoma) to allow stool to pass out of the body.

dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

emulsifies

When a substance suspends tiny droplets of one liquid in a second liquid. By creating an emulsion, you can mix two liquids that usually do not mix well, such as oil and water.

endocrine

A glandular secretion that is released into the blood or lymph directly (does not go through a duct).

enema

Fluid introduced into the rectum for a therapeutic or diagnostic purpose.

epiglottis

A lidlike structure over the glottis that prevents food and liquids from entering the trachea when swallowing occurs.

exocrine

A glandular secretion released through a duct.

fissure

A crack, cleft, or narrow opening.

hemolytic uremic syndrome

A kidney disorder that can occur after a digestive infection with Escherichia coli, shigela, or salmonella; red blood cells are destroyed and block the kings filtering system, causing acute kidney failure.

incarcerated

Confined or trapped.

intrinic factor

Secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach; necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 to prevent pernicious anemia.

lumen

The cavity, channel, or open space within a tube or tubular organ.

mucous membrane

A mucus-producing membrane that lines tracts and structures of the body (e.g., GI tract, respiratory tract); also called mucosa.

occult

Hidden or unseen.

peristalsis

Wave-like movement from alternate circulate contraction and relaxation of a tubular structure (e.g., intestine), which propels the content forward.

plaque

Sticky substance made of mucus, food particles, and bacteria that builds up on the exposed part of the tooth.

polyp

A growth or mass protruding from a mucous membrane (e.g., nose, bladder, intestine).

rebound pain

Pain felt when the pressure on the abdomen is released.

referred pain

Pain that is felt at a site in the body at a distance from the cause (e.g., the injury or diseased part).

resection

Surgical removal of all or part of an organ.

rugae

Folds in the wall of an organ; when an organ (e.g,) stomach, bladder, uterus) fills or needs to expand, the rugae unfold.

sphincter

A circular muscle that either constricts and closes the opening or relaxes and allows substances to pass through the opening.

stoma

A temporary or permanent surgically created opening used for drainage (i.e., urine, stool).

strangulation

Constriction of a tubular structure, such as an intestine or vessel, leading to a lack of blood supply to the tissues.

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Rare condition that causes tumors to form in the pancreas or duodenum. Tumors secrete large amounts of gastrin, which causes an increase in acid production.