Gastrointestinal System and Abdominal Pain Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, abdominal pain assessment, clinical evaluation techniques, and abdominal anatomical regions.

Upper GI Tract

The anatomical division of the gastrointestinal system comprising the mouth, throat/pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Lower GI Tract

The anatomical division of the gastrointestinal system comprising the jejunum, ileum, colon/large intestine, and anus.

Digestion

The breakdown of food into smaller particles and individual nutrients.

Peristalsis

The movement of liquids and solids through the gastrointestinal tract.

Bolus

Chewed food that is moved by peristalsis from the mouth to the pharynx.

Epiglottis

The structure that closes the trachea to allow the bolus to move into the stomach.

Chyme

The broken-down food formed after the stomach breaks food into tiny particles over about $3\text{ to }6\text{ hours}$.

Duodenum

The initial segment of the upper GI tract where the majority of digestion takes place.

Small Intestine

Organ in the GI tract that is roughly about $22\text{ feet}$ long.

Large Intestine

Organ in the GI tract that is $6\text{ feet}$ long, where fluid is absorbed and waste is processed for elimination.

Intra Abdominal Pain

Pain caused by intra-abdominal structures including the appendix, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, small bowel, or large bowel.

Extra Abdominal Pain

Pain originating outside the abdomen, which can be caused by the chest (heart pain), lungs (pneumonia), urinary system, female reproductive system, prostate/testes, musculoskeletal system, or psychological factors.

Inspection

Physical examination procedure involving looking for discoloration, distension, swelling, surgical scars, or masses.

Auscultation

Physical examination procedure of listening for bowel sounds, which can be hypoactive, normal active, or hyperactive.

Percussion

Physical examination procedure of tapping on the abdomen and listening for sounds to check for tympany or dullness.

Tympany

Percussion sound indicating gas in the stomach.

Dullness

Percussion sound indicating feces.

Palpation

Physical examination technique of using hands to feel for tenderness and any abnormalities.

Epigastrium

Anatomical region containing the stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, duodenum, heart, and esophagus.

Right Upper Quadrant

Anatomical region containing the gallbladder, liver, and right kidney.

Left Upper Quadrant

Anatomical region containing the spleen, stomach, and left kidney.

Left Lower Quadrant

Anatomical region containing the sigmoid, colon, left ovary, and left ureter.

Right Lower Quadrant

Anatomical region containing the ileum, appendix, cecum, and right ureter.

Periumbilical Region

Anatomical region containing the jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix, and right colon.

Hypogastric Region

Anatomical region containing the bladder, uterus, cecum, and colon.