MedTerm.Ch.9--DigestiveSystem

aerophagia

excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking

anastomosis

a surgical connection between two hollow, or tubular, structures

antiemetic

a medication that is administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.

ascites

an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

bariatrics

the branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and management of obesity and associated diseases.

borborygmus

the rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine.

cachexia

a condition of physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass

canker sores

also known as *aphthous ulcers*, are gray-white pits with a red border in the soft tissues lining the mouth.

celiac disease

an autoimmune disorder characterized by a severe reaction to ingesting gluten.

cheilitis

also known as cheilosis, is inflammation of the lips characterized by crack-like sores at the corners of the mouth.

cholangiography

a radiographic examination of the bile ducts with the use of a contrast medium.

cholanitis

an acute inflammation of the bile duct characterized by pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, fever, and jaundice.

cholecystectomy

the surgical removal of the galbladder.

cholecystitis

inflammation of the gallbladder, usually associated with gallstones blocking the flow of bile.

cholelithiasis

the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.

cirrhosis

a chronic degenerative disease of the liver characterized by scarring.

colonoscopy

the direct visual examination of the inner surface of the entire colon from the rectum to the cecum using a colonoscope

colostomy

the surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the colon and the body surface.

Crohn’s Disease

a chronic autoimmune disorder that can occur anywhere in the digestive tract

dental prophylaxis

the professional examining, cleaning, and polishing of the gums and teeth to remove plaque and tartar.

diverticulitis

the inflammation or infection of one or more diverticulum in the colon.

diverticulosis

the chronic presence of an abnormal number of diverticula, or sacs, formed in weak spots of the colon wall.

dyspepsia

also known as *indigestion*, is pain or discomfort during the digestion process.

dysphagia

difficulty in swallowing.

endoscopy

a visual examination of internal structures.

enema

the placement of a solution into the rectum and colon to empty the lower intestine through bowel activity.

enteritis

an inflammation of the small intestine

eructation

the act of belching or raising gas orally from the stomach

esophageal varices

enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus.

esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

is an endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the upper GI tract.

gastroduodenostomy

the establishment of an *anastomosis* between the upper portion of the stomach and the duodenum.

gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD)

the upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.

gastroparesis

a condition in which gastric motility slows down, causing delayed gastric emptying.

gastrotomy tube

a surgically placed feeding tube from the exterior of the body on the abdomen, directly into the stomach.

hematemesis

the vomiting of coagulated blood.

Hemoccult test

also known as the *fecal occult blood test*, is a laboratory test for hidden blood in stool

hepatitis

an inflammation of the liver usually caused by a viral infection.

hiatal hernia

an anatomical abnormality in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest, through an opening in the diaphragm.

hyperemesis

extreme, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration.

ileus

the partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine.

inguinal hernia

the protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall or groin.

jaundice

a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes.

leukoplakia

an abnormal white, usually benign lesion (sore) that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek.

malocclusion

any deviation from the normal positioning of the upper teeth against the lower teeth.

melena

the passage of black, tarry, foul-smelling stools.

nasogastric intubation

the placement of a nasogastric feeding tube (NG tube) through the nose and into the stomach.

obesity

weight classificatio based on BMI that are higher than a healthy weight for someone based on their height, gender, and age.

palatoplasty

surgical repair of a cleft palate, also used to refer to the repair of a cleft lip.

peptic ulcer disease (PUD)

characterized by sores that affect the mucous membranes of the digestive system.

peristalsis

a series of wave-like contractions of the smooth muscles in a single direction that moves the food forward into the digestive system.

polyp

a mushroom-like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane.

proctologist

a physician who specializes in disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus.

regurgitation

the return of swallowed food into the mouth.

salmonellosis (salmonella)

transmitted by feces, direct contact with animals, or by eating contaminated raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs or unpasteurized milk products.

sigmoidoscopy

the endoscopic examination of the interior of the rectum, the sigmoid colon, and possibly a portion of the descending colon.

stomatitis

an inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth

trismus (lockjaw)

any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer.

ulcerative colitis

chronic condition of unknown cause in which repeated episodes of inflammation in the rectum and large intestine cause ulcers

volvulus

the twisting of the intestine on itself, causing an obstruction.

xerosromia (dry mouth)

the lack of adequate saliva due to diminished secretions by the salivary glands.