Gastrointestinal Disorders: Accessory Organ and Bowel Obstruction Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering accessory organ disorders (liver, gallbladder, pancreas) and bowel obstructions based on pathophysiology lecture notes.

Deamination

A process in the hepatocytes where amino acids are converted to carbohydrates (keto acids) by the removal of ammonia ($NH_3$).

Unconjugated Bilirubin

Also known as "free" bilirubin; it byproduct of old Red Blood Cells that binds to albumin in the bloodstream to be transported to the liver.

Conjugated Bilirubin

The water-soluble form of bilirubin that has been converted in the liver and is excreted in bile and eliminated via feces.

Kupffer cells

Specific cells in the liver responsible for the filtration of blood and the removal of bacteria and particulate matter.

Icterus

Yellowing of the skin caused by hyperbilirubinemia, commonly referred to as jaundice.

Steatorrhea

A clinical manifestation associated with decreased fat malabsorption.

Spider angioma

Dilated capillaries observed in liver failure, related to decreased hormone metabolism.

Caput medusa

The appearance of superficial abdominal veins resulting from portal hypertension.

Portal Hypertension

Abnormally high levels of pressure in the portal vein causing collateral veins to open, leading to complications like varices and splenomegaly.

Ascites

The accumulation and trapping of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, primarily caused by portal hypertension and decreased colloidal osmotic pressure.

Hepatic encephalopathy

A combination of biochemical alterations affecting the brain due to decreased liver function and the accumulation of ammonia.

Asterixis

A flapping tremor of the hands associated with the progression of hepatic encephalopathy.

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)

A ribonucleic (RNA) virus transmitted by the fecal-oral route through contaminated food, water, or unsanitary conditions.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

A DNA virus spread by blood products, body fluids, or sexual contact; marked by the presence of the HBsAg antigen.

HBsAg

The Hepatitis B surface antigen; a surface protein and specific serologic marker used to measure the number of viral particles in the blood.

Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Hepatocellular injury involving inflammation and scarring/fibrosis that can lead to cirrhosis, associated with NAFLD.

Cirrhosis

The starting stage of end-stage liver disease where functional tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue and constrictive bands.

Cholelithiasis

The presence of gallstones, often causing obstruction in the cystic duct and resulting in gallbladder distention.

Choledocholithiasis

Obstruction of the common bile duct by a gallstone, which can lead to jaundice and pruritus due to bile backup.

Murphy’s Sign

An assessment used to identify RUQ pain commonly associated with cholecystitis.

Autodigestion

The process in acute pancreatitis where inappropriate activation of pancreatic enzymes leads to the digestion of the pancreas itself.

Cullen sign

A bluish discoloration around the umbilicus resulting from blood in the peritoneal cavity due to hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

Grey-Turner sign

A reddish-brown discoloration along the flanks resulting from retroperitoneal blood dissecting along tissue planes.

Paralytic ileus

A nonmechanical or "functional" bowel obstruction characterized by a lack of intestinal peristalsis.

Intussusception

A condition where part of the small intestine slides into an adjacent part, potentially causing a mechanical bowel obstruction.

Volvulus

A mechanical physical obstruction caused by the twisting of the colon, often the sigmoid colon.