Aguilar Digestive System Quiz Vocab

Achlorhydria

absence of hydrochloric acid.

Adhesions

fibrous band that results when parts of tissue cling to the surface of adjoining organs as normal fibrous scar tissue develops in an operative site.

Asymptomatic

not displaying symptoms.

Colorectal

pertaining to both the colon and rectum.

Defecate

to have a bowel movement

Dental plaque:

tough, sticky material that adheres to the tooth enamel;
caused by bacteria.

Enterotoxin

intestinal poison.

Exacerbation:

a time when symptoms flare up or become worse.

Feces:

evacuated bowel contents; commonly called bowel movement or BM.

Gastroenteritis:

inflammation of both the stomach and intestines.

Gingivitis:

inflammation of the gums.

Hematemesis:

vomiting blood.

Hematochezia:

bright red blood in the feces.

Ileus

absence of peristalsis.

Intrinsic factor:

substance secreted by the stomach lining; necessary for absorption of vitamin B12.

Intussusception

the telescoping of one part of the intestine over the adjoining section.

Malaise

general ill feeling.

Melena:

dark tarry stool due to blood in the feces.

Motility

ability to move.

Occult blood

hidden blood; invisible except under microscopic examination.

Ova and parasite (O&P):

laboratory test that examines a stool specimen for the presence of adult parasites or their eggs (ova).

Paralytic obstruction

a decrease or absence of peristalsis that causes intestinal blockage.

Perforation:

an abnormal opening in an organ or tissue.

Peristalsis

the contraction of muscles along the gastrointestinal
tract to move food and fluid.

Peritonitis

an inflammation of the peritoneum.

Polyp

an inward projection of the mucosal lining of the colon

Remission

a time when symptoms are diminished or temporarily resolved.

Salmonella

a group of gram-negative bacteria often responsible for intestinal infections.   

Septicemia

a systemic disease caused by the spread of microorganisms in the blood; also called blood poisoning.

Stool

fecal matter; feces; bowel movement (BM).

Strep throat:

an acute form of pharyngitis caused by Streptococcus.

Vermiform:

wormlike

Virulent

difficult to kill; able to produce disease.

Volvulus

the bowel twisted on itself.