Gastrointestinal System Disorders Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering pathophysiological definitions, symptoms, and key clinical concepts of various gastrointestinal system disorders based on the lecture notes.

Candidiasis (Oral Thrush)

An oral fungal infection characterized by pearly, bluish-white milk curd-like lesions in the mouth, soreness, and difficulty swallowing.

Leukoplakia

A condition presenting as a roughened area on the tongue, which can be an early clinical manifestation of carcinomas of the oral cavity.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

The backward flow of stomach acid up into the esophagus, caused by inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Nissen Fundoplication

A surgical procedure performed to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter to manage severe GERD or hiatal hernia.

Achalasia

The inability of a muscle to relax, particularly the cardiac sphincter of the stomach, resulting in a lack of peristalsis and esophageal distention.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach, often caused by alcoholism, smoking, stress, or NSAID use.

Peptic Ulcers

Ulcerations of the mucous membrane or deeper structures of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Eructation

The act of belching, which is a clinical manifestation commonly seen in patients with peptic ulcer disease.

Dumping Syndrome

Rapid gastric emptying of undigested food from the stomach to the small intestine, characterized by diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and explosive diarrhea.

Celiac Disease

An autoimmune disease that disrupts the absorption of nutrients from foods in response to the ingestion of gluten.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A gastrointestinal disorder characterized by episodes of altered bowel function and intermittent and recurrent abdominal discomfort and pain.

Ulcerative Colitis

An inflammatory bowel disease confined to the mucosa and submucosa of the colon.

Crohn's Disease

An inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of segments anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract.

Appendicitis

Acute inflammation of the vermiform appendix, typically caused by obstruction of the lumen by a fecalith.

McBurney's Point

An anatomical site in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen where pain and rebound tenderness are localized in acute appendicitis.

Diverticulosis

The presence of pouch-like herniations through the circular smooth muscle layer of the colon.

Diverticulitis

The inflammation of one or more diverticular sacs in the colon.

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the abdominal peritoneum, presenting with severe abdominal pain, rebound tenderness, and muscular rigidity.

Hernia

The protrusion of a viscus through an abnormal opening or a weakened area in the wall of the cavity in which it normally is contained.

Intestinal Obstruction

A condition in which intestinal contents cannot pass through the gastrointestinal tract due to mechanical or nonmechanical causes.

Colorectal Cancer

Malignant neoplasms that invade the epithelium and surrounding tissue of the colon and rectum.

Hemorrhoids

Dilation of veins around the anus or rectum, which can prolapse outside the anal sphincter and cause pain and bleeding.

Anal Fissure

A linear ulceration or laceration of the skin of the anus.

Anal Fistula

An abnormal opening on the cutaneous surface near the anus.

Fecal Incontinence

The involuntary passage of stool, often related to a weak anal sphincter.