Gastrointestinal Alterations Vocabulary

Flashcards focused on key vocabulary, anatomical structures, clinical conditions, diagnostic studies, and pharmacological agents covering upper and lower GI alterations.

Parietal Cell

A gastric gland cell located in the stomach's fundus and body that secretes Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) to lower stomach pH ($1.5\text{--}3.5$) for protein digestion and pathogen defense, as well as Intrinsic Factor essential for vitamin $B_{12}$ absorption in the ileum.

Chief Cell

A cell located at the base of gastric glands (especially in the fundus and body) that secretes pepsinogen, an inactive enzyme converted by stomach acid to pepsin for protein digestion, and gastric lipase.

Mucous Cell

A cell lining the surface and neck of gastric glands that secretes protective mucus and bicarbonate ($\text{HCO}_3^-$) to neutralize acid and protect epithelial cells from damage.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

A chronic syndrome of mucosal damage in the lower esophagus caused by the reflux of stomach acid, enzymes, and bile; it is the most common upper GI problem.

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) Incompetence

A dysfunction or decrease in sphincter pressure that fails to keep acid from traveling up into the esophagus, leading to reflux and potential esophagitis.

Pyrosis

Heartburn; a burning sensation in the chest and esophagus that serves as the most common clinical manifestation of GERD.

Dyspepsia

Pain or discomfort located in the upper abdomen.

Regurgitation

The return of hot, bitter, or sour liquid into the mouth or throat.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

Erosion of the GI mucosa caused by HCl acid and pepsin, occurring in susceptible areas such as the lower esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.

Mucosal Involvement in PUD

The classification of peptic ulcers based on depth and duration, ranging from superficial erosion to acute and chronic ulcers penetrating through the muscularis layer with scarring.

Gastric Ulcer

A peptic ulcer located in the stomach, most prevalent in females older than 50 years, causing epigastric discomfort soon after eating (30 to 60 minutes), and associated with high recurrence and increased mortality.

Duodenal Ulcer

A peptic ulcer (typically 1 to 2 cm) prevalent in ages 35 to 45, driven by high HCl secretion, characterized by burning or cramp-like midepigastric or back pain occurring 2 to 3 hours after eating, which typically improves with food.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

A CagA-positive bacterium transmitted through direct contact with saliva, vomit, or stool that causes 80% of gastric ulcers and 90% of duodenal ulcers, significantly increasing the risk of gastric cancers.

Quadruple Therapy for H. pylori

A specific 14-day treatment regimen consisting of a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) taken twice daily (BID), high-dose bismuth to coat the mucosa, and the antibiotics tetracycline and metronidazole, all taken simultaneously.

Stress-Related Mucosal Damage

Mucosal ulceration commonly seen in ICU patients due to multifactorial causes, routinely prevented using prophylactic $\text{H}_2$ receptor blockers or PPIs.

Endoscopy (EGD)

An upper GI diagnostic procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted down the esophagus under sedation (requiring NPO status) to view mucosa and obtain tissue biopsies.

Famotidine (Pepcid)

A Histamine 2 ($\text{H}_2$) receptor blocker that binds to $\text{H}_2$ receptors on gastric parietal cells to block acid secretion and increase stomach pH, with a therapeutic onset of 1 hour and duration up to 12 hours.

Omeprazole (Prilosec)

A Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) that acts within parietal cells to reduce acid production; taken on an empty stomach before the first meal for a recommended maximum of 2 weeks to avoid bone density loss and fracture risks.

Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)

An antacid that neutralizes stomach acid for quick, short-duration relief of mild, intermittent heartburn; contraindicated in patients with renal failure.

Colon Function

The primary role of the lower GI tract to absorb water and electrolytes (absorbing 90% of the 1500 mL of fluid entering daily) with minimal nutrient absorption.

Constipation

A symptom characterized by hard, lumpy stools, infrequent defecation, excessive straining, and a sense of incomplete evacuation caused by delayed colonic transport.

Diarrhea

A condition marked by stools of excessive volume, fluidity, and frequency of defecation, carrying a primary complication risk of dehydration and electrolyte depletion.

Psyllium (Metamucil, Fiberall)

A bulk-forming laxative that absorbs water to add bulk to the fecal mass, making stool easier to pass slowly over time.

Polyethylene Glycol (GoLYTELY, Miralax)

An osmotic laxative that pulls water into the fecal mass to act rapidly, commonly used to evacuate the bowel prior to medical procedures.

Docusate Sodium (Colace)

An emollient/surfactant stool softener that coats stool and the intestinal wall to prevent water loss, commonly administered to cardiac patients to prevent straining.

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)

A stimulant laxative, available as a suppository, that directly irritates the bowel lining to increase peristalsis.

Diphenoxylate (Lomotil)

An opioid antidiarrheal formulated with atropine to discourage abuse, used strictly to decrease GI motility and manage severe diarrhea.

Loperamide (Imodium)

A structural analog of meperidine with little to no abuse potential, used to treat diarrhea and reduce discharge volume from ileostomies.

Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus)

Bacteria naturally found in the digestive system that promote the growth of beneficial gut flora to prevent bacterial infections.