Module 9 Digestive System

palate

roof of the mouth

Laryngopharyx

the inferior region of the pharynx posterior to the larynx

Esophagus

a musular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach

Gastric

pertaining to the stomach

Large intestine

colon/large bowel, a short wide muscular tube that extends from the small intestines and is inclusive of the anus; it absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter; compacts it and stores it as feces until elimination

Hepatic

pertaining to the liver

Bile

a digestve fluid that breaks down fats; produced by the liver, stored in gallbladder, and secreted into the duodenum

Gingiva

the protective tisue surrounding the tooth root and covering the jawbone

Chyme

the partially digested food that is passed from the stomach into the duodenum

Defecate

to dischare of feces from the body

Lumen

the hollow interior space of a tube like structure, such as within the intestines

Peritoneum

a double layered membrane lining within the abdominal cavity; one layer cleaves to the organs while the other lines the abdominal cavity wall

Peristalsis

wave like contractions and relaxations of the smooth muscles in the esophagus and intestinal walls that propel food through the digestive tract

Digestion

the process of food being broken down into smaller, absorbable molecules via mechanical digestion and chemical digestive processes

Hernia

protrusion of an organ through a weak spot or tear in surrounding tissue

Polyp

a tissue growth that projects into the lumen of the bowel from the mucosal lining

Cleft palate

a congenital opening/split in the palate

Halitosis

bad/foul odor of the breath

Stomatitis

inflammation/infection of the mouth/mucosa of the oral cavity

Thrush

oral fungal infection (candida albicans); common in infants

Dysphagia

difficulty in swallowing

Anorexia

a lack or loss of appetite

Dyspepsia

aka indigestion, difficult digestion; upset stomach; may include epigastric pain, nausea, and gas

Hematemesis

vomiting of blood

Gastroenteritis

inflammation/infection of the stomach and small intestine

Pyloric stenosis

abnormal narrrowing of the pyloric sphincter, a congenital defect that impedes the flow of food into the small intestine, causing frequent emesis

Pyrosis

heartburn, a sensation of painful burning of the stomach/epigastric area

Regurgitation

the backwards flow of the stomach contents into the pharynx or mouth

Constipation

fecal matter that is abnormally hard and difficult to pass

Diarrhea

abnormally loose/watery stools

Diverticula

a small, bulging pouch projecting out from an intestine (usually colon)

Diverticulosis

the condition of having diverticula

Diverticulitis

inflamation/infection of diverticula

Volvulus

a torsion (twisting) of the intestine around itself; usually in large bowels

Fistula

an abnormal, tube-like passageway that connects two body structures; due to trauma or inflammation/infection

Proctoptosis

rectal prolapse; rectal protrusion through the anus

Cirrhosis

a chronic, progressive liver disease that is characterized by fibrosis of the liver; alcoholism is the most common cause

Jaundice

yellow discoloration of tissues, such as the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes due to hyperbilirubinemia

Cholelithiasis

condition of having gallstones (calculi) in the gallbladder

Lith/o

stone

Dental caries

cavities; an area of tooth decay; caused by erosion from bacterial acids that develop holes within the enamel and eventually into the tooth

Gingivitis

an acute, inflammation/infection of the gingiva

Bariatrics

the medical field studying prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity

Dietetics

a medical speciality/licensed professional who provides medical nutrition therapy, including assessing, diagnosing, and treating nutrition related conditions

Gastroenterology

medical speciality/physician that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including its accessory organs

Nutritional science

the study of/one who specializes in understanding how food, nutrients and dietary habits impact health, disease, and the management of health conditions

Digital rectal exam

palpation of the rectum and prostate with a gloved finger inserted in the anus

Enema

an injection of fluid into the rectum to induce the passage of hard fecal matter

Cholecystectomy

surgical removal of the gallbladder

Colostomy

creation of a stoma in the abdominal wall and in the colon, which are sutured together allowing feces to drain into an ostomy pouch placed on the abdomen

Laparoscopy

endoscopic examination of various structures within the abdominal cavity

Stoma

a surgically created opening (hole)

Laxative

an agent used to treat constipation by stimulating a bowel movement

Sublingual tablet

a dissolvable tablet is placed under the tongue to bypass metabolism in the gut