Chapter 36: Digestive System Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive vocabulary flashcard set covering anatomical structures, digestive processes, common disorders, age-related changes, and CNA reporting guidelines.

Digestive System Goal

To absorb nutrients and remove solid waste from the body.

Gastrointestinal Pathway Flow

The continuous pathway food travels: Mouth -> Pharynx -> Esophagus -> Stomach -> Small Intestine -> Large Intestine -> Rectum/Anus.

Accessory Organs

Organs including salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas that assist in digestion.

Mouth

Organ that chews food into small pieces and uses saliva to moisten food, making swallowing safe.

Epiglottis

A flap of cartilage that helps keep food out of the airway during swallowing.

Esophagus

A muscular tube that moves food safely from the mouth and pharynx down to the stomach.

Aspiration Risk

The risk of food or fluid entering the airway, indicated by coughing, choking while eating, or complaints of food 'sticking'.

Stomach

Organ that mixes food with acid and enzymes to form liquid chyme and starts the chemical breakdown of proteins.

Chyme

The liquid mixture of food, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes produced in the stomach.

Rugae

Internal folds in the stomach wall lining that allow the stomach to expand when filled.

Small Intestine

The organ where most nutrient absorption happens, divided into the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Duodenum

The first section of the small intestine connected directly to the stomach's pyloric sphincter.

Jejunum

The middle section of the small intestine positioned between the duodenum and ileum.

Ileum

The final section of the small intestine that connects to the large intestine.

Large Intestine

Organ that absorbs water and minerals and forms stool for elimination.

Cecum

The pouch-like initial segment of the large intestine located in the lower right abdomen.

Rectum and Anus

Terminal digestive structures that store and release stool through sphincters.

Anal Sphincters

Internal and external muscular rings that control the holding and passage of stool.

Salivary Glands

Glands in the mouth that produce saliva to moisten food for safe swallowing.

Liver

Accessory organ that makes bile to digest fats, cleans the blood of drugs and toxins, and stores glycogen.

Bile

A fluid produced by the liver that breaks down and digests fats.

Glycogen

The form of stored energy maintained inside the liver.

Jaundice

Yellow skin or eyes caused by liver dysfunction; must be reported to the nurse.

Gallbladder

Organ that stores bile and releases it after meals, especially after consuming fatty foods.

Pancreas

Accessory organ that makes enzymes to digest food and releases insulin and glucagon for blood sugar control.

Insulin and Glucagon

Hormones released by the pancreas to manage and control blood sugar levels.

Pancreatitis

Urgent condition involving inflammation of the pancreas, presenting with severe upper belly pain and vomiting.

Age-Related Digestive Changes

Normal physiological changes in older adults including decreased saliva, slower digestion, and higher constipation risk.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Sores in the stomach or duodenum that may be caused by H. pylori and can cause pain and bleeding.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

Bacteria that can cause stomach or duodenal ulcers.

Hernia

A condition in which an intestine pushes through a weak surrounding muscle.

Hiatal Hernia

A hernia where part of the stomach slides into the chest cavity, causing acid reflux.

Gallstones

Deposits that can block bile flow from the gallbladder, leading to pain and infection.

Constipation

Hard, dry stools caused by slow bowel movement, dehydration, or medications; involves straining.

Fecal Impaction

A serious buildup of hardened stool stuck in the rectum that cannot be passed naturally.

Colon Cancer

Cancer occurring in the digestive tract (commonly the colon) indicated by blood in stool, major bowel habit changes, and weight loss.

Black/Tarry Stools

Dark, tar-like stool indicating possible GI bleeding that must be reported immediately.

Clay-Colored Stools

Pale stool indicating blocked bile flow or gallbladder issues that must be reported promptly.

CNA Laxative Protocol

Clinical practice standard requiring CNAs to never administer laxatives unless ordered by a physician.

CNA Daily Digestive Care

Observing appetite, nausea, vomiting, and bowel patterns, offering privacy during toileting, following diet orders, and reporting red flags.