clin med digestive system terms

Borborygmus

an audible abdominal sound produced by hyperactive intestinal peristaltic activity

Coprophagia

consumption of fecal matter

Dyschezia

abnormal passage of feces through the rectum

Hematochezia

passage of red blood through the rectum usually from the colon or rectum

Hyperechoic

increased reflection of ultrasound waves

Icterus

pertaining to jaundice; yellow color related to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood or tissue

Metastatic

describing tumor cells that spread throughout the body

Obstipation

a condition of extreme constipation caused by obstruction of the intestinal tract

Pica

craving to eat nonfood substances such as clay or dirt

Poikilocytosis

abnormal variation in the shape of erythrocytes in blood

Tenesmus

persistent, ineffectual spasms of the bowel or bladder; straining to defecate