MT 8 - The Digestive System

The Medical Terminology assignments are to be completed and submitted for a completion mark on the due date set for the assignment. Late submissions will not be accepted. The definitions, terminology, examples, etc. in this assignment are testable material so all definitions MUST be in a HEALTH SCIENCE context. Medical Terminology Assignment 8 will be assessed on the Digestion and Nutrition exam and will have a section devoted solely to Medical Terminology 8 in addition to the Human Body System material being tested.

List the 4 vital functions of the digestive system (4)

Motility, digestion, absorption, secretion

What are the general functions of the digestive system (3) (~4)

• to digest and absorb food and then eliminate waste

• breaks down and absorbs nutrients from food for energy, growth and cell repair

Motility

the ability of organisms and fluids to move around

Secretion

production and release of a useful substance by a gland or cell

Digestion

the process of breaking food down into substances for absorption into the bloodstream

Absorption

the process of taking nutrients from food to blood for energy, growth and cell repair

What is pyrosis?

(heartburn or GERD)

a burning pain in the abdomen or chest caused by the influx of stomach acid into the esophagus

GERD stands for..

gastroesophageal reflux

Impacts of pyrosis

• a burning pain in chest after eating

• pain worsening after lying or bending

• bitter or acidic taste in mouth

• dysgraphia

What is dysgraphia?

trouble swallowing

What is anorexia nervosa?

an eating disorder involving severe calorie restriction and a low body weight

Impacts of anorexia

• dizziness, fainting

• lack of appetite

• weight loss

• abdominal pain

• obsessive eating behaviors

Bulimia

an eating disorder where a person has regular bingeing episodes where they feel a loss of control, followed by guilt

Impacts of bulimia

• vomiting on purpose

• extreme exercising

• mood swings

• stomach damage

• electrolyte imbalance

• dental problems

What are ulcers?

open sores on the inner lining of the stomach and upper small intestine

What is cirrhosis?

permanent severe scarring which damages the liver, interfering with it’s functioning

Impacts of cirrhosis

• slows the flow of blood in liver

• swelling in legs and abdomen

• reduces liver’s ability to produce bile

what is bile

fluid that breaks down fat in foods

What is hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver that occurs when tissues are injured or infected

Impacts of hepatitis

• Liver damage

• Chronic liver infection

• Cirrhosis

• Liver cancer