The Gastrointestinal System

Lesson 2

Gastrointestinal System

a tube beginning at the mouth and ending at the anus that moves nutrients from food and liquids to the body and eliminates waste products

Gastrointestinal Tract

divided into the upper and lower GI tract and accessory organs including the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas

Oral Cavity

part of the upper GI tract that includes the tongue, teeth, and salivary glands

Pharynx

part of the upper GI tract that is the passageway for respiration and digestion via swallowing

Deglutition

swallowing

Esophagus

the part of the upper GI tract that is a long muscular tube that is a passageway from the pharynx to the stomach

the Stomach

a sac-like organ in the upper GI tract that receives food from the esophagus for digestion

Small Intestine

a long tube in the lower GI tract that extends from the pyloric sphincter of the stomach to the large intestine

Large Intestine

tube in the lower GI tract that extends from the end of the small intestine to the anus

which sections is the small intestine divided into?

duodenum, jejunum, and ileum

which sections is the large intestine divided into?

cecum, colon, rectum, and anus

Liver 

large organ that removes toxins from the blood and helps turn food into fuel and nutrients

Gallbladder 

stores bile formed by the liver 

Pancreas

oblong gland that secretes pancreatic fluids to aid digestion

Digestion

the process by which complex foods are broken down into nutrients in forms the body can use

Nutrients

substances used for normal functioning of the body

Metabolism

refers to all of the processes involved in the body’s use of nutrients

Anabolism

the building up of body cells and substances

Catabolism

the breaking down of body cells and substances

Absorption

the process by which completely digested nutrients are transported to the cells

Mastication

chewing

Deglutition

swallowing

Peristalsis

wave-like contractions of the smooth muscles that move the food forward into the digestive system

Stomach

secretes gastric fluids that contain hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes to break down food

Chyme

food that has been ingested

Aphthous Ulcers

gray-white pits with red border in the mouth tissue

Cheilosis

cracked sores that appear at the corners of the mouth

Herpes Labialis

fever blister or cold sore caused by the oral herpes simplex virus type 1

Oral Thrush

a fungal infection causing creamy white lesions on the tongue or inner cheeks

Xerostomia

dry mouth caused by the lack of saliva produced by salivary glands

Cleft Palate

a condition that results from a failure of the palate to close during fetal development

Bruxism

involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth during sleep

Dental Caries

an infectious disease caused by bacteria that destroys the dentin and enamel of the tooth

Dental Plaque

soft deposits in areas of the teeth near the gums and between the teeth

Halitosis 

unpleasant odor in the mouth 

Periodontal Disease

an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth involving the gums and bones

Gingivitis

inflammation of the gums

Dysphagia

difficulty swallowing

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

chronic immune system disease where eosinophil builds up in the esophagus

GERD

the upward flow of acid from the stomach

Esophageal Stricture

results from scar tissue of other damage of the esophagus causing difficulty swallowing

Pyrosis

a burning sensation of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus

Esophageal Varices

an enlarged and swollen vein at the lower end of the esophagus

Hiatal Hernia

an anatomical abnormality where a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest through an opening of the diaphragm

Gastritis

inflammation of the stomach lining caused by bacteria

Gastroenteritis

an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the stomach and intestines

Gastroparesis

a condition in which the muscles in the stomach slow down which prevents it from emptying normally

Gastrorrhea

excessive secretion of gastric juices or mucus in the stomach

Peptic Ulcers

sores that affect the mucus membranes of the digestive system

Gastric Ulcer

a peptic ulcer in the stomach

Anorexia

an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of their weight

Bulimia

an emotional disorder that involves distortion of body image and an obsession with losing weight

Dehydration

fluid loss that exceeds fluid intake disrupting the body’s normal electrolyte balance

Cachexia

physical wasting due to loss of weight and muscle mass commonly as a result of advanced cancer or AIDS

Malnutrition

when the small intestine can’t absorb nutrients from food as it passes through the digestive tract

Obesity

an excessive accumulation of fat in the body

Dyspepsia

indigestion or pain and discomfort in digestion

Emesis

vomiting

Hematemesis

vomiting blood

Hyperemesis

an extreme persistent vomiting causing a risk for dehydration

Nausea

the urge to vomit

Regurgitation

the return of swallowed food back into the mouth

Eructation

belching 

Aerophagia

the excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking

Celiac Disease

a hereditary autoimmune disorder leading to a severe reaction to gluten

Gluten Intolerance

caused by an allergic reaction to gluten

Lactose Intolerance

the inability to digest dairy products due to the absence of the enzyme lactase

Diverticulitis

inflammation or infection of one or more diverticulum in the colon

Diverticulosis

chronic presence of an abnormal number of diverticula in the colon

Enteritis

an inflammation of the small intestine caused by eating or drinking something contaminated by pathogens

Ischemic Colitis

when the large intestine is  partially or completely deprived of blood leading to inflammation and  permanent damage

Ileus

the partial or complete blockage of small or large intestine

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

intermittent cramping and abdominal pain along with constipation and diarrhea

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

inflammation and swelling of the intestines

Ulcerative Colitis

episodes of inflammation in the rectum and large intestine causing ulcers and irritation

Intestinal Obstruction

a partial or complete blockage of the small intestine caused by a physical obstruction

Dysentery

a bacterial infection spread through food or water contaminated with human feces

Escherichia Coli

transmitted through contaminated foods that haven’t been adequately cooked

Bowel Incontinence 

the inability to control the excretion of feces

Constipation

having a bowel movement fewer than 3 times per week or dry hard small stool that is difficult to eliminate

Diarrhea

an abnormally frequent flow of loose or watery stools that can lead to dehydration

Hemorrhoids

when a cluster of veins, muscles, and tissues slip near or through an anal opening

Ascites

an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity resulting in liver damage

Hepatomegaly

an abnormally large liver

Jaundice

a yellow discoloration in the skin, mucous, membranes, and eyes

Hepatitis

an inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection

Cirrhosis

a chronic degenerative disease of the liver

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

the accumulation of fat in the liver of people who don’t drink large amounts of alcohol

Cholangitis

an acute inflammation of the bile duct causing pain, fever, and jaundice

Cholecystitis

inflammation of the gallbladder causing gallstones that block the flow of bile

Gallstones

cholelith or a hard deposit formed in the gallbladder and bile ducts due to concentration of bile components

Cholelithiasis

the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts