Definitions+Basics of Structures

Definitions + specific questions

Alimentary

PTT the digestive tract

What is in the alimentary canal?

Mouth, Esophagus, Pharynx, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine

Digestion

The breakdown of food into elements needed for cell metabolism/metabolic processes

Gastroenterology

Medical specialty of stomach & intestines

Gastrointestinal

PTT stomach & intestines

Intestine

Digestive tube that goes from the stomach to the anus

Absorption

Uptake of nutrients & water by cells in the gastrointestinal tract—usually through small intestines

Ingestion

Intake of food/drinks into the digestive tract

Elimination

The removal of excess solid waste from the digestive tract through the anus

Deglutition

Medical term for “swallowing”

Pharynx

Air tube that connects from the back of the nose to the larynx

Regurgitation

Expelling contents of stomach into mouth—near vomit

Gastroenteritis

The inflammation of the stomach & intestines

Oropharynx

A part of the pharynx that is behind the mouth, in between the soft palate and the tip of the epiglottis

Varix

A dilated, torturous vein

Varicose

characterized by/affected with varices (plural varix)

Hernia

The protrusion of a structure through tissue that usually contains it

Reflux

Backward flow

What are the accessory organs?

Teeth, Salivary glands, Tongue, Gallbladder, Liver, Pancreas

Ulcer

Erosion of an area of skin/mucus

Difference between Alimentary & Accessory?

Alimentary is mechanical, and carries bolus/liquids consumed through the digestive tract using peristalsis. Accessory organs release enzymes/help break down food for easier travels through the digestive tract.

Caries

Bacterial destruction of teeth

Glossodynia

Painful, burning sensation on the tongue

Esophagus

Tube linking the pharynx & the stomach

Esophageal

PTT esophagus

Gastroesophageal

PTT stomach & esophagus

Stomatitis

General term for mouth infections

Epiglottis

Leaf-shaped plate of cartilage that blocks off the larynx when swallowing

Leukoplasia

White patch on oral mucous membrane—precancerous

Incisor

Chisel-shaped tooth

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing

Periodontist

Specialist in periodontics

Gingivitis

Inflammation of gums

Periodontal

PTT around the teeth

Parotid

A parotid gland/salivary gland beside the ear

Melena

Black, tarry stool

Sublingual

PTT underneath the tongue

Salivary

PTT secretion in mouth from salvitary glands (saliva)

Contraction

A shortening of a muscle, increasing tension

Intolerance

Small intestine’s inability to metabolize/process a particular dietary component

Lactase

An enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose

Enamel

Hard substance covering tooth/dentin

Cuspid

A tooth with one point

Bicuspid

Tooth with two points

Oral

PTT mouth

Masticate

Medical term for “chewing”

Segmental

PTT the regions/sections of organs/structures

Constipation

Hard, irregular bowel movements

Allergy

The sensitivity to certain proteins in contents

Hematochezia

Bloody stool

Hematemesis

Bloody vomit

Protease

Enzyme that breaks down proteins

Peristalsis

Alternate contraction & relaxation of alimentary canal walls to move food through bathe digestive tract

Ileus

Mechanical obstruction of the small intestine

Intussusception

The slippage of one part of the bowel inside another, causing obstruction

Bile

Fluid secreted by liver into the duodenum

Hiatus

Opening through a structure

Hepatic

PTT liver

Jaundice

Yellow staining of tissues w/