Veterinary Medical Terminology (Lesson 5: Digestion)

Digestion, Diagnostic Tests, Pathology, Procedures

the process of breaking down foods into nutrients that the body can use

digestion

enzymes that work on proteins

proteases

enzyme that digests protein

pepsin

enzymes that work on fat (lipids)

lipases

the processes involved in the body’s use of nutrients

metbolism

the building of body cells and substances

anabolism

the breaking down of body cells and substances

catabolism

meta-

prefix meaning change or beyond

the process of taking digested nutrients into the circulatory system

absorption

a substance that is necessary for normal functioning of the body. Absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine

nutrient

barium sulfate

Contrast material used for radiographic studies. To evaluate the gastrointestinal tract, barium sulfate may be given orally or rectally.

To evaluate the gastrointestinal tract, barium sulfate may be given orally. What is the resulting test called?

barium swallow or uppger GI

To evaluate the gastrointestinal tract, barium sulfate may be given rectally. What is the resulting test called?

barium enema (BE) or lower GI

enema

introduction of fluid into the rectum

biopsy

removal of tissue to examine

type of biopsy done on a part of tissue that has been removed to be examined

incisional biopsy

type of biopsy done on the entire tissue that has been removed to be examined

excisional

determination of blood parameters used to detect some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

blood tests

preprandial

blood test taken before a meal

postprandial

blood test taken after a meal

-prandial

suffix meaning meal

endoscopic visual examination of the inner surface of the colon; the scope is passed from the rectum through the colon

colonoscopy

A tubelike instrument with lights and refracting mirrors that is used to examine the body or organs internally.

Endoscope. Endoscope is a generic term and obtains its specific name from the organ it is used to examine. For example, an instrument used to view the stomach is a gastroscope and an instrument used to view the colon is a colonoscope.