Chapter 13. Digestive System

Abdominal

Pertaining to the abdomen.

Abdominoplasty

Surgical repair of the abdomen.

Ampulla

A sac-like enlargement of a canal or duct.

Anal

Pertaining to the anus.

Appendectomy

Excision of the appendix.

Appendicitis

Acute inflammation of the appendix.

Ascites

Abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen that may cause swelling.

Bicarbonate

A by-product of the body's metabolism.

Carbohydrates

Molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates are found in plant-based foods and dairy products and are an important fuel source.

Celiac

Pertaining to the abdomen.

Cholangioma

Tumor of the bile duct.

Cholangiography

Radiographic imaging of the bile duct.

Cholecystectomy

Excision of the gallbladder.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Choledocholithiasis

Condition of gallstones in the common bile duct.

Cholelithiasis

Condition of gallstones.

Cirrhosis

A type of chronic, progressive liver disease in which liver cells are replaced by scar tissue.

Colectomy

Excision of the colon.

Colitis

Inflammation of the colon.

Colonoscope

A thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the colon.

Colonoscopy

Examination of the inside of the colon using a colonoscope, inserted into the rectum.

Colorectal

Pertaining to the colon or rectum.

Colostomy

An opening into the colon from the outside of the body.

CT colonography

A method to examine the inside of the colon by taking a series of x-rays.

Distal

A position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation of one or more pouches or sacs that bulge out from the wall of a hollow organ, such as the colon.

Diverticulosis

A condition marked by small sacs or pouches in the walls of a hollow organ, such as the colon.

Dysentery

Acute inflammation of the intestine presenting with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Dyspepsia

Upset stomach.

Emesis

Vomiting.

Emulsification

The process of breaking down the fat into smaller droplets, which makes it easier for enzymes to function and digest food.

Endoscope

A thin, tube-like instrument used to look at tissues inside the body.

Endoscopy

A procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the inside of the body.

Esophageal

Pertaining to the esophagus.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus.

Esophagoscopy

Examination of the esophagus using an esophagoscope.

Exocrine gland

A gland whose secretions leave through a duct that opens directly, or indirectly, to the external environment.

Feces

Semisolid waste product of digestion.

Flatus

Gas in the intestine.

Fundus

The part of a hollow organ that is across from, or farthest away from, the organ's opening.

Gastrectomy

Stomach removal.

Gastric

Pertaining to the stomach.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of the lining of the stomach and the intestines.

Gastroenterologist

A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system.

Gastroenterology

A subspecialty of internal medicine concerned with the study of the physiology and diseases of the digestive system and related structures.

Gastrojejunostomy

A surgical procedure that connects part of the stomach to the jejunum.

Gastroplasty

Surgical repair of the stomach.

Gastroscope

A thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the stomach.

Gastroscopy

Examination of the inside of the stomach using a gastroscope passed through the mouth and esophagus.

Gastrostomy

Creation of an artificial opening in the stomach.

Gingivectomy

Excision of the gums.

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums.

Glossitis

Inflammation of the tongue.

Hemorrhoid

An enlarged or swollen blood vessel, usually located near the anus or the rectum.

Hepatitis

Disease of the liver causing inflammation.

Hepatoma

Tumor of the liver.

Hepatomegaly

Enlarged liver.

Herniorrhaphy

Suturing of a hernia.

Ileostomy

A procedure in which the ileum is brought through the abdominal wall.

Labia

Lips of the mouth.

Lacteals

The lymphatic vessels of the small intestine which absorb digested fats.

Laparoscope

A thin, tube-like instrument used to look at tissues and organs inside the abdomen.

Laparoscopy

A procedure that uses a laparoscope, inserted through the abdominal wall, to examine the inside of the abdomen.

Laparotomy

A surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen.

Lingual tonsil

Lymphoid tissue located at the base of the tongue.

Lymphoid

Referring to lymphocytes or tissue in which lymphocytes develop.

Melena

Black, tarry feces containing blood.

Nasal cavity

The inside of your nose.

Nasogastric

Describes the passage from the nose to the stomach.

Nausea

A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit.

Obesity

A common, chronic disease marked by an abnormally high, unhealthy amount of body fat.

Omentum

A fold of the peritoneum that surrounds the stomach and other organs in the abdomen.

Oral

By or pertaining to the mouth.

Palatine tonsils

A pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of the throat (pharynx).

Palpation

Examination by pressing on the surface of the body to feel the organs or tissues underneath.

Pancreatic

Pertaining to the pancreas.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas.

Peritoneal

Having to do with the parietal and visceral peritoneum.

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the peritoneum.

Polyp

A growth that protrudes from a mucous membrane.

Polypectomy

Excision of polyps.

Polyposis

The development of numerous polyps.

Proctoscope

A thin, tube-like instrument used to look inside the anus and rectum.

Proctoscopy

A procedure that uses a proctoscope to look inside the anus and rectum.

Proximal

A position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Pyloric sphincter

A band of smooth muscle at the junction between the pylorus of the stomach and the duodenum.

Pyloromyotomy

Incision into the pyloric muscle (used to correct pyloric stenosis).

Rectal

By or pertaining to the rectum.

Rectocele

Herniation of the rectum into the vagina.

Reflux

The backward flow of liquid from the stomach into the esophagus.

Sialolith

Stone in the salivary gland.

Sigmoidoscopy

Examination of the lower colon using a sigmoidoscope, inserted into the rectum.

Steatorrhea

Condition characterized by chronic fatty diarrhea.

Stoma

A surgically-created opening from an area inside the body to the outside.

Stomatitis

Inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth.

Stratified squamous epithelium

Cells arranged in layers upon a basal membrane.