GI System Module 4

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and their definitions from the GI System Module 4 notes.

Stomach

An organ involved in protection, digestion, and absorption (primarily water and alcohol); stomach acid provides a first line of defense by destroying microorganisms on contact.

Gastric acid

Acidic secretions in the stomach that destroy many microorganisms on contact; part of the stomach's defense mechanism.

Gastric glands

Glands lined by specialized epithelial cells that secrete mucus, acid, enzymes, hormones, and intrinsic factor.

Epithelial cells

Cells lining the gastric mucosa that form tight connections to protect underlying tissue from corrosive acid.

Tight junction

Connections between gastric epithelial cells that protect the mucosa from gastric acid.

Prostaglandins

Lipids that help maintain gastric mucosal integrity by stimulating a protective mucus barrier.

Intrinsic factor (IF)

Glycoprotein secreted by gastric parietal cells required for vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine.

Mucus barrier

Protective mucus layer of the gastric mucosa reinforced by prostaglandins.

Gastric mucosa

Lining of the stomach that is protected by mucus and tight junctions from acid.

Acute gastritis

Inflammation of the gastric mucosa due to irritants; typically short and reversible when the irritant is removed.

Irritants

Agents such as aspirin, alcohol, or certain microorganisms that injure the gastric mucosa.

Hematemesis

Vomiting of blood.

Chronic gastritis

Long-standing inflammation of the gastric mucosa, often due to H. pylori or autoimmune processes, leading to mucosal atrophy and impaired acid secretion.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

Gram-negative bacterium transmitted via saliva and stool that colonizes the stomach and can cause chronic gastritis.

Autoimmune gastritis

Chronic inflammation caused by antibodies against gastric parietal cells or intrinsic factor, impairing acid secretion and vitamin B12 absorption.

Parietal cells

Gastric cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Stomach acid that aids digestion and provides antimicrobial defense.

Pernicious anemia

Anemia due to impaired vitamin B12 absorption from autoimmune destruction of intrinsic factor.

Pancreas

Gland with dual roles: endocrine (hormone insulin) and exocrine (digestive enzymes) functions.

Endocrine pancreas

The portion of the pancreas that produces hormones such as insulin.

Insulin

Hormone produced by the endocrine pancreas that regulates blood glucose.

Exocrine pancreas

The portion of the pancreas that secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine.

Digestive enzymes

Enzymes produced by the exocrine pancreas essential for carbohydrate, fat, and protein digestion.

Acute pancreatitis

Sudden inflammation of the pancreas due to injury to acinar cells or ducts; commonly caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol; presents with upper abdominal pain radiating to the back and requires aggressive IV hydration.

Acinar cells

Exocrine pancreatic cells that secrete digestive enzymes.

Gallstones

Solid deposits that can block the pancreatic duct and trigger pancreatitis.

Alcohol (as a cause)

Excessive alcohol use is a common cause of acute pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis

Ongoing inflammation of the pancreas with irreversible tissue changes; most commonly due to long-term alcohol abuse.

Crohn's disease

Chronic inflammatory disease of the GI tract (often small intestine or colon) with cobblestone mucosa, skip lesions, and potential diarrhea and anemia.

Ulcerative colitis

Chronic inflammatory disease confined to the colon/rectum; mucosa becomes erythematous and granular with possible rectal bleeding.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Group of chronic inflammatory disorders of the GI tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Cobblestone pattern

Granulomatous mucosa with alternating inflamed and unaffected areas seen in Crohn's disease.

Skip lesions

Discontinuous areas of diseased mucosa in Crohn's disease.

Granulomas

Granulomatous inflammation characteristic of Crohn's disease.

Diverticulosis

Presence of diverticula (small pouches) in the colon.

Diverticula

Small sacs formed along the wall of the colon.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation of diverticula, potentially causing left lower quadrant pain and infection.

Diverticular disease

Conditions involving diverticula formation and related symptoms.

Colostomy

Surgical creation of an external opening of the colon to divert feces.

Peritonitis

Life-threatening inflammation/infection of the peritoneum, often due to perforation or bowel contents entering the peritoneal cavity.

Peritoneum

The lining of the abdominal cavity that can become inflamed in peritonitis.

Abdominal rigidity

Stiffness of the abdominal muscles, a classic sign of peritonitis.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix due to obstruction (often fecal material); rupture can lead to peritonitis and septic shock; treatment is surgical removal.

Fecal matter

Solid waste in the intestines that can obstruct the appendix.

Perforation

Rupture of the GI tract allowing contents to contaminate the peritoneal cavity.

Septic shock

Life-threatening condition from infection causing widespread hypoperfusion.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection.

Viral hepatitis

Hepatitis caused by viruses A, B, C, D, or E.

Hepatitis A

Fecal-oral transmitted hepatitis; usually self-limited; highly contagious; vaccine available.

Hepatitis B

Transmitted via blood, sexual contact, needles, or pregnancy; most infections clear; carriers can occur; risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer; vaccine available.

Hepatitis C

Transmitted through blood; often becomes chronic; leading cause of end-stage liver disease; no vaccine; prevention by avoiding risk behaviors.

Hepatitis D

A hepatitis virus associated with hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis E

A hepatitis virus commonly transmitted via the fecal-oral route.

Fecal-oral transmission

Transmission route for hepatitis A and E; ingestion of contaminated feces.

Blood and body fluids transmission

Transmission route for hepatitis B, C, and D.

Endoscopy

Diagnostic procedure to visualize GI mucosa; used to assess Crohn's disease and UC, among others.

Sigmoidoscopy

Endoscopic examination of the lower GI tract to view the colon and rectum.