Medical Term: Chapter 8 (Digestive System) - word list at the start of the chapter

Flashcards covering key medical terminology related to the digestive system.

A mushroom-like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane.

polyp

the passage of gas out of the body through the rectum

flatulence

Inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth.

stomatitis

Partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine.

ileus

Gallbladder.

cholecyst/o

An excessive accumulation of fat in the body.

obesity

Sigmoid colon.

sigmoid/o

Twisting of the intestine on itself, causing an obstruction.

volvulus

The branch of medicine for the prevention and management of obesity and associated diseases.

bariatrics

A physician who specializes in disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus.

proctologist

The presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.

cholelithiasis

An autoimmune disorder characterized by a severe reaction to ingesting gluten.

celiac disease

Inflammation of the liver usually caused by a viral infection.

hepatitis

An anatomical abnormality in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest, through an opening in the diaphragm.

hiatal hernia

Any deviation from the normal positioning of the upper teeth against the lower teeth.

malocclusion

A chronic degenerative disease of the liver characterized by scarring.

cirrhosis

The lack of adequate saliva due to diminished secretions by the salivary glands.

xerostomia

Inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula in the wall of the colon.

diverticulitis

An abnormal white, usually benign lesion that develops on the tongue or inside of the cheek due to chronic irritation.

leukoplakia

The endoscopic examination of the interior of the rectum, sigmoid colon, and possibly a portion of the descending colon.

sigmoidoscopy

The upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.

gastroesophageal reflux disease

Professional examining, cleaning, and polishing of the gums and teeth to remove plaque and tartar.

dental prophylaxis

Surgical removal of the gallbladder.

cholecystectomy

A condition in which gastric motility slows down, causing delayed gastric emptying.

gastroparesis

The placement of a solution into the rectum and colon to empty the lower intestine through bowel activity.

enema

The chronic presence of an abnormal number of diverticula, or sacs, formed in weak spots of the colon wall.

diverticulosis

Physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass that occurs in patients with diseases such as advanced cancer and AIDS.

cachexia

Vomiting.

-emesis

The return of swallowed food into the mouth.

regurgitation

Anus, ring.

an/o

Pain or discomfort in digestion.

dyspepsia

Eating, swallowing.

-phagia

Radiographic examination of the bile ducts with the use of a contrast medium.

cholangiography

Colon, large intestine.

col/o

Any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation.

trismus

Direct visual examination of the inner surface of the entire colon from the rectum to the cecum.

colonoscopy

A surgical connection between two hollow or tubular structures.

anastomosis

A visual examination of internal structures.

endoscopy

An abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

ascites

Colon, large intestine.

colon/o

The act of belching or raising gas orally from the stomach.

eructation

Enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus.

esophageal varices

The vomiting of coagulated blood.

hematemesis

The rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine.

borborygmus

Surgical repair of a cleft palate or cleft lip.

palatoplasty

Inflammation of the lips characterized by crack-like sores at the corners of the mouth, also known as cheilosis.

cheilitis

An inflammation of the small intestine caused by ingesting contaminants.

Gastroenteritis

Surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the colon and the body surface.

colostomy

Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually associated with gallstones.

cholecystitis

Gray-white pits with a red border in the mouth's soft tissues.

canker sores

A chronic autoimmune disorder that can occur anywhere in the digestive tract but is most often found in the ileum and colon.

Crohn’s disease

A chronic condition causing ulcers and irritation in the rectum and large intestine.

ulcerative colitis

Rectum, straight.

rect/o

Stomach, belly.

gastr/o

Esophagus.

esophag/o

Digest, digestion.

-pepsia

Placement of a nasogastric feeding tube through the nose into the stomach.

nasogastric intubation

A feeding tube placed directly into the stomach through the abdomen.

gastrostomy tube

Presence of stones.

-lithiasis

An endoscopic procedure for direct visualization of the upper GI tract.

esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Small intestine.

enter/o

Medication administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.

antiemetic

Difficulty in swallowing.

dysphagia

Protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall.

inguinal hernia

The passage of black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools.

melena

Bile, gall.

chol/e

A series of wave-like contractions in a single direction that moves food forward in the digestive system.

peristalsis

Excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking, causing gas in the stomach.

aerophagia

Acute inflammation of the bile duct characterized by pain, fever, and jaundice.

cholangitis

Liver.

hepat/o

A laboratory test for hidden blood in the stool.

Hemoccult test

Extreme, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration.

hyperemesis

Anus and rectum.

proct/o

Yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes.

jaundice

A disease characterized by sores affecting the mucous membranes of the digestive system.

peptic ulcer disease

Establishment of an anastomosis between the stomach and the duodenum.

gastroduodenostomy

An inflammation of the small intestine caused by ingesting contaminants.

enteritis

An infectious disease transmitted by feces through contact with animals or by eating contaminated food or drinks.

salmonellosis