Chapter 15 – Digestive System, Diagnostics, Diseases & Nutrition

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms, diagnostic procedures, diseases, nutrition concepts, and dietary guidelines from the lecture notes on the digestive system and nutrition.

Digestive System (Gastrointestinal Tract)

Group of organs that converts eaten food into forms usable by body cells; also called GI tract or alimentary canal.

Alimentary Canal

The continuous muscular tube through which food passes, extending from mouth to anus.

Small Intestine

Organ located between the stomach and large intestine where most digestion and absorption occur.

Four Phases of Digestion

Congestion (ingestion), digestion, absorption, and elimination.

Peristalsis

Smooth, involuntary muscular contractions that propel food through the digestive tract after swallowing.

Saliva

Fluid secreted by salivary glands that begins chemical digestion of carbohydrates and lubricates food.

Liver

Largest gland in the body, located mainly in the upper right abdominal quadrant; performs bile production and many metabolic functions.

Cholelithiasis

The formation of gallstones causing possible obstruction of bile ducts.

Colonoscopy

Fiber-optic examination of the entire large intestine to investigate diarrhea, constipation, bleeding, or pain.

Barium Swallow

Fluoroscopic X-ray study where a radiopaque liquid (barium) is swallowed to visualize the esophagus.

Upper GI Series

Radiographic follow-up to a barium swallow that traces barium through the stomach and small intestine.

Lower GI Series

Barium enema study outlining the large intestine’s structure on X-ray.

Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy)

Fiber-optic viewing of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum.

Nuclear Medicine Scan

Diagnostic imaging that uses radioactive materials to evaluate organs such as liver or spleen for disease, cysts, tumors, or size.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

Lab test that detects hidden blood in stool, often used in colorectal cancer screening.

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

Stool test that uses antibodies to detect human hemoglobin not visible to the eye.

Proctoscopy

Examination of the anal canal and lower rectum with a 3-inch scope to detect hemorrhoids, polyps, fissures, and abscesses.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Endoscopic exam of the sigmoid colon and rectum to diagnose inflammation, infection, or ulcers.

Ultrasound (Abdominal)

High-frequency sound imaging used to assess liver, gallbladder, and pancreas when contrast media is contraindicated.

Appendicitis

Acute inflammation of the appendix, usually due to obstruction; treated by appendectomy.

Cirrhosis

Chronic liver disease with destruction of hepatocytes, impaired circulation, and diminished liver function, often alcohol-related.

Colitis

Inflammation of the colon causing tenderness and discomfort; ulcerative type marked by bloody diarrhea.

Colostomy

Surgical creation of an opening in the colon through the abdominal wall for fecal diversion.

Colorectal Cancer

Malignancy of the colon or rectum; third most common cancer in men and women.

Constipation

Sluggish bowel action producing dry, hard, infrequent stools.

Crohn’s Disease

Chronic inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the GI tract, commonly the ileum.

Diarrhea

Frequent passage of loose, unformed stools.

Diverticulosis

Presence of bulging pouches (diverticula) in the GI tract wall.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation or infection of diverticula in the intestinal wall.

Esophageal Varices

Dilated, tortuous veins in the lower esophagus, often linked to portal hypertension.

Anal Fissure

Crack or tear in the lining of the anus causing pain and bleeding.

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of the stomach and intestines producing fever, nausea, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Hiatal Hernia

Protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragmatic opening at the esophagus.

Inguinal Hernia

Protrusion of abdominal contents through the lower abdominal wall where spermatic cords pass.

Hemorrhoids

Dilated veins in the rectal mucosa that may be internal or external.

Ileostomy

Surgical opening of the ileum to divert intestinal contents through the abdominal wall.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Spastic Colon)

Functional disorder with chronic or periodic diarrhea alternating with constipation.

Oral Cancer

Squamous cell malignancy of mouth, lip, tongue, or throat; risk factors include tobacco, alcohol, sun exposure.

Pancreatitis

Acute or chronic inflammation where pancreatic enzymes autodigest pancreatic tissue.

Health (WHO Definition)

State of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.

Nutrition

Processes of ingestion, digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients.

Macronutrient Energy Sources

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins provide the body’s caloric energy.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins C and B complex (including B12) that dissolve in water and are not extensively stored.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K that dissolve in fat and can be stored in body tissues.

Minerals

Naturally occurring inorganic solids; 13 are essential, with calcium, iron, and iodine often lacking in diets.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)

Government recommendations updated every five years to promote healthy eating patterns at all life stages.

MyPlate

USDA food guidance graphic dividing a plate into fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy portions.

Nutrition Facts Label

Standardized label required by law displaying serving size, nutrient grams, and percent daily values.

Obesity

Body weight 30% or more above ideal, requiring dietary and lifestyle interventions.

Therapeutic Diet

Modified diet (e.g., clear liquid, BRAT, soft, low calorie, low fat) prescribed for specific diseases or conditions.

Food Allergy

Adverse immune reaction to specific foods, managed by avoidance or elimination diets.

Anorexia Nervosa

Psychoneurotic disorder characterized by self-imposed starvation and excessive exercise leading to extreme weight loss.

Bulimia Nervosa

Eating disorder marked by cycles of binge eating followed by purging to prevent weight gain.

Clear Liquid Diet

Therapeutic diet allowing transparent liquids that leave minimal residue in the GI tract.

BRAT Diet

Short-term bland diet consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast for gastrointestinal upset.

Soft Diet

Diet of easy-to-chew, lightly seasoned foods used post-surgery or for GI distress.

Low-Calorie Diet

Energy-restricted diet aimed at weight reduction.

Low-Fat Diet

Diet limiting fat intake, often prescribed for gallbladder or cardiovascular disorders.

High-Fiber Diet

Diet rich in plant fibers to aid bowel function and reduce cholesterol.

Gallstones

Solid deposits (cholelithiasis) formed in the gallbladder.

Upper Endoscopy

Alternate term for gastroscopy; endoscopic visualization of upper GI tract.

Large Intestine

Digestive organ that absorbs water and eliminates waste products and indigestible material.

Pancreas Location

Retroperitoneal gland situated behind the stomach.

Barium Swallow Detection

Imaging test that can reveal conditions like diverticulitis, strictures, or hiatal hernia.

Spastic Colon

Another name for irritable bowel syndrome characterized by alternating bowel habits.

Electrolytes

Mineral ions (e.g., sodium, potassium) essential for fluid balance and metabolic processes.

Fiber

Indigestible plant material aiding bowel motility and health.