Lesson 6. Understanding Digestive Health: Key Structures and Common Disorders

Cholecyst/o

gallbladder

col/o and colon/o

colon

duoden/o

duodenum

esophag/o

esophagus

gastr/o

stomach

hepat/o

liver

illi/o

ileum

jejun/o

jejunum

or/o and stomat/o

mouth

pancreat/o

pancreas

pharyng/o

pharynx

proct/o

anu/rectum

cholelithiasis

gallstones, solid particles that form in the gallbladder often composed of cholesterol or bilirubin

gallstones can cause

blocked bile ducts, severe pain, nausea, and even jaundice

cirrhosis

chronic scarring and degeneration of liver tissue

cause of cirrhosis

long-term alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

colonic polyposis

growth of polyps - mucosal protusions in the colon

regular colonoscopy screenings are crucial for those

over 45 or with a family history of colorectal cancer

diverticulosis

formation of small pouches (diverticula) in the walls of the colon

diverticulitis can cause

fever, pain, and changes in bowel habits

diets low in fiber

frequently implicated in diverticular disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

chronic condition characterized by the backflow of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and irritation.

long-term GERB can lead to

Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition requiring close monitoring.

hepatits

liver inflammation, comes in several forms: A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis B and C are of particular concern because they can lead to chronic infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

inflammatory bowel disease

umbrella term for chronic conditions involving inflammation of the digestive tract, notably Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Cohn’s affects

any part of the GI tract but is most common in the terminal ileum

ulcerative colitis affects the

large intestine and rectum

what plays a role in IBD development

Genetic predisposition, immune dysfunction, and environmental factors

jaundice

symptom marked by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to excess bilirubin in the bloodstream

jaundice often points towards

liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or hemolysis. In newborns, physiologic jaundice is common and usually resolves without treatment, but in adults, it often signals a more serious underlying issue.

abdominal CT

offer cross-sectional views of internal organs, helping clinicians spot tumors, abscesses, obstructions, and organ injuries with remarkable precision. In emergency rooms, often the go-to tool for assessing acute abdominal pain.

abdominal ultrasounds

use sound waves to create images of organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

abdominal ultrasounds is ideal for

detecting gallstones, liver enlargement, or ascites

Barium studies offer

detailed insights into the structure and function of the GI tract.

barium swallow test

the patient drinks a contrast liquid while X-rays track its movement through the esophagus and stomach. It helps diagnose strictures, ulcers, tumors, and motility disorders like achalasia.

barium enema

the contrast is introduced rectally, providing a clear view of the colon and rectum, crucial for detecting diverticula, polyps, or colorectal cancer.

gastrointestinal endoscopy

examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, while colonoscopy surveys the entire colon. These procedures can detect ulcers, bleeding, inflammation, and tumors--and they allow for immediate biopsy or polyp removal.

hemoccult tests

detect hidden blood in the stool--an early warning sign of colorectal cancer or bleeding ulcers.

colostomy and ileostomy surgeries

create new openings (stomas) that allow stool to exit the body when the colon or ileum is not functional

laparoscopic surgery

minimally invasive surgery, involves making small incisions and using a camera-guided instrument to perform procedures

fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)

restores healthy gut flora and has shown promise in early studies for managing ulcerative coliti

colic polyposis

condition in which polyps protrude from the muscuous membrane

Gut-brain axis

a bidirectional communication pathway between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, is opening new doors in understanding how mental health, digestion, and immunity are intertwined

Which tool is used to directly visualize the GI tract?

Gastrointestinal endoscopy

In context to digestive disorders, what are TNF inhibitors used for?

Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease