Digestive System - Module H Definitions

Bowel Movement (feces, stool, BM)

semisolid material made of water, solid waste, bacteria, and mucus that is eliminated via the anus

Colostomy

a surgically created opening (stoma) through the abdomen into large intestine to allow stool to be expelled into a bag affixed to the abdomen

Constipation

inability to have a stool or infrequent, difficult, and possibly painful elimination of a hard, dry stool

Defecation

the passage of the bowel movement from the large intestines out of the body through the anus. Bowel elimination

Diarrhea

liquid stool

Digestive System

also known as the digestive system, extends from the mouth to the anus, and responsible for digestion and elimination

Enema

specific amount of water that may or may not have an additive and is inserted into the colon to stimulate passage of stool

Esophagus

the food tube of the body between the throat and the stomach

Fecal Impaction

hard stool stuck in the rectum and cannot be expelled, resulting in ongoing constipation

Feces

tubular shaped stool passed from the rectum

Flatulence

gas

Gastritis

inflammation of the stomach lining

Gastric ulcer (peptic ulcer)

raw sores in stomach caused by excessive acid secretion

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

chronic condition when liquid contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus and that can damage the lining of the esophagus

Incontinence of stool

not able to control bowel movements, leading to an unintentional, spontaneous passage of stool

Intestines (small and large)

lower GI structures

Peristalsis

involuntary contractions that move food through the digestive system

Ulcerative Colitis

chronic inflammatory disease of large intestine. Serious condition that can result in a colostomy