Digestive System | Des Moines University

Terms

gastr/o

stomach

hepat/o

liver

cyst/o

bladder/sac

emes/o

vomit

lith/o

stone

lapar/o

abdominal wall

-centesis

to puncture

-tripsy

to crush

-rrhea

flow, discharge

-iasis (-osis)

abnormal condition

Diseases

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

severe “heartburn”

• results in chest pain

Jaundice

“yellow” skin

Diverticulosis/ Diverticulitis

small pouches form along the walls of the large intestine

Cirrhosis

“orange-yellow” organ color

• degenerative disease of the liver that often develops in chronic alcoholics

Portal Hypertension

a potential complication of chronic alcoholism resulting in liver damage and obstruction of venous blood flow through the liver

Esophageal Varices

bulging, engorged veins in the walls of the esophagus

Dysphagia

difficulty swallowing

Crohn’s Disease

a chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the bowel

• symptoms are abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea

Peritonitis

inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity

Procedures/Specialists

Gastroenterologist

a physician specializing in diseases of the digestive system including esophagus, stomach, and intestines

Proctologist

a physician specializing in diseases of the rectum and anus

Guaiac Test

a special chemical test to identify blood in the stool

Upper GI Series

a series of X-rays of the esophagus and stomach and small intestines having the patient swallow a “milkshake” of barium

Lower GI Series

a series of X-rays using a barium enema to show the large intestine and rectum

Endoscopy

use of a flexible fiberoptic instrument attached to a video camera that can be used to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach, and large bowel

Ultrasonagraphy (Ultrasound)

a procedure using high frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs