GERD and Esophageal Physiology Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcards containing vocabulary terms and definitions derived from lecture questions on GERD, esophageal anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, and pharmacology.

Peptic Stricture

A complication characterized by progressive esophageal narrowing and dysphagia following years of untreated gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Anatomical Esophageal Divisions

The three anatomical segments into which the esophagus is divided: cervical, thoracic, and abdominal.

Nitric Oxide

The primary neurotransmitter responsible for relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter during deglutition.

Deglutition Sequence

The sequential order of swallowing phases: Oral stage, followed by Pharyngeal stage, and ending with Esophageal stage.

Secondary Peristalsis

Esophageal peristaltic contractions triggered by esophageal distension rather than initiated by the swallowing center.

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

The primary physiological muscular barrier preventing the retrograde flow of gastric contents into the esophagus.

Myenteric Plexus (Auerbach)

A neural network located between the inner circular and outer longitudinal muscle layers of the esophagus that controls gastrointestinal motility.

Transient LES Relaxations

The main pathophysiological mechanism responsible for gastroesophageal reflux in the majority of GERD cases.

Pepsin

A digestive enzyme component in gastric refluxate that exacerbates esophageal mucosal damage when combined with acid.

Empiric PPI Trial

The recommended initial diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for a patient presenting with typical heartburn without alarm signals.

Typical GERD Symptoms

The classic clinical manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease, consisting of pyrosis (heartburn) and regurgitation.

24-Hour Esophageal pH Monitoring

The gold-standard diagnostic test used to confirm pathological acid reflux in cases of diagnostic uncertainty.

Esophageal Manometry

A diagnostic procedure indicated primarily to assess the motor function, pressure, and motility of the esophagus.

Barrett's Esophagus

A premalignant condition identified via upper endoscopy, characterized by the presence of intestinal metaplasia in the esophageal mucosa.

Omeprazole

A proton pump inhibitor medication that suppresses gastric acid secretion by irreversibly blocking the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme.

Head of Bed Elevation

A primary non-pharmacological lifestyle intervention recommended to reduce nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux.

Fundoplication

A surgical anti-reflux procedure indicated primarily for patients with refractory GERD or selected disease complications.

Infantile Physiological Reflux

A benign condition in infants characterized by frequent regurgitations while maintaining appropriate weight gain and growth.

Salivary Bicarbonate

A protective chemical component in saliva that helps neutralize residual acid in the esophageal lumen.

Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES)

A sphincter mechanism that remains tonicly closed at rest primarily to prevent air from entering the digestive tract during respiration.

Upper Esophageal Musculature

The muscular composition of the upper third of the esophagus, which consists predominantly of striated skeletal muscle.

Pharyngeal Phase of Swallowing

An involuntary stage of deglutition during which the upper esophageal sphincter relaxes to permit food entry.

Medulla Oblongata (Bulbo)

The primary brainstem neurological center responsible for coordinating the swallowing reflex.

Hiatal Hernia

An anatomical abnormality that impairs the mechanical anti-reflux barrier and predisposes individuals to GERD.

Nitrates

A pharmacological class that decreases lower esophageal sphincter pressure, potentially precipitating or worsening GERD symptoms.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

An extraesophageal manifestation of reflux caused by gastric contents reaching the upper airways, presenting with symptoms like chronic hoarseness and dry cough.

Odinophagia

Painful swallowing that, in patients with GERD, typically indicates significant esophageal mucosal inflammation or erosive injury.

Esophageal pH-Impedance Monitoring

A specialized diagnostic test capable of detecting and distinguishing both acid and non-acid reflux episodes.

Alginates

Medications that react with gastric acid to form a physical raft or neutral barrier floating over gastric contents.

H2 Receptor Antagonists

Medications such as famotidine that diminish gastric acid secretion by blocking histamine H2 receptors, particularly effective against nocturnal acid secretion.

Magnesium Hydroxide

An antacid compound that acts rapidly by neutralizing existing hydrochloric acid present in the stomach lumen.

Domperidone

A prokinetic agent that enhances gastrointestinal motility with a lower incidence of extrapyramidal adverse effects than metoclopramide.

Metoclopramide

A prokinetic drug that antagonizes D2 dopamine receptors and is frequently associated with central extrapyramidal side effects.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

The most effective class of antisecretory medications for healing erosive esophagitis, optimally administered prior to meals.