Alterations of Digestive Function

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the structure, function, and alterations of the digestive system, including accessory organ disorders, motility issues, and inflammatory diseases.

Kupffer cells

Mononuclear bactericidal cells that constitute the largest population of tissue macrophages in the body, found in the liver sinusoids.

Bile

A yellowish-green fluid produced by the liver ($700$ to $1200\,mL/day$) required for intestinal emulsification and absorption of fats.

Triglycerides

Fats in the liver that are hydrolyzed to glycerol and free fatty acids to produce lipoproteins or $ATP$.

Sphincter of Oddi

A muscle that controls the flow of bile into the duodenum and prevents the reflux of duodenal contents into the pancreatobiliary system.

Area postrema

A structure in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem that serves as a chemoreceptor trigger zone for nausea and vomiting.

Retching

The subjective experience of vomiting without the expulsion of vomitus.

Projectile vomiting

Spontaneous vomiting that does not follow nausea or retching.

Acute diarrhea

The presence of $3$ or more loose stools within $24$ hours, lasting less than $14$ days.

Persistent diarrhea

Diarrhea that lasts between $14$ and $30$ days.

Chronic diarrhea

Diarrhea that persists for more than $30$ days.

Hematemesis

The medical term for bloody vomit.

Hematochezia

The presence of fresh, bright red blood in the stools.

Melena

Stools that are black and tarry, indicating the presence of digested blood.

Occult bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding that is not visible to the naked eye and often results in anemia.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, which can be caused by mechanical obstructions or functional disorders.

Achalasia

A rare form of dysphagia characterized by the denervation of smooth muscle in the esophagus and a failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

A condition where acid and pepsin reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, causing esophagitis.

Hiatal hernia

The protrusion of the upper part of the stomach through the diaphragm and into the thorax.

Gastroparesis

Delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical outlet obstruction.

Paralytic ileus

A functional intestinal obstruction characterized by a failure of intestinal motility, often occurring after abdominal surgery.

Ogilvie syndrome

Also known as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction; a massive dilation of the large bowel typically seen in critically ill or immobilized older adults.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

A bacterium that is a frequent cause of gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers by damaging the protective mucosal barrier.

Cushing ulcer

A type of stress ulcer associated with severe head trauma or brain surgery caused by overstimulation of the vagal nuclei.

Pancreatic insufficiency

A malabsorption syndrome characterized by insufficient enzyme production (lipase, amylase, trypsin, chymotrypsin) leading to fat maldigestion.

Steatorrhea

The presence of excess fat in the feces, typically appearing bulky, frothy, and foul-smelling.

Ulcerative colitis (UC)

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing continuous ulceration of the colonic mucosa, primarily in the sigmoid colon and rectum.

Crohn's disease (CD)

An inflammatory bowel disease characterized by transmural inflammation and 'skip lesions' (inflamed areas mixed with uninflamed areas).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A functional gastrointestinal disorder with no specific structural alterations, often characterized by visceral hypersensitivity and abdominal pain.

Diverticulitis

The inflammation of herniations (outpouchings) in the wall of the colon, commonly in the sigmoid colon.

Portal hypertension

Abnormally high blood pressure (>5\,mmHg) in the portal venous system due to resistance to portal blood flow.

Varices

Distended, tortuous, collateral veins (commonly esophageal, gastric, or hemorrhoidal) that can rupture and cause life-threatening hemorrhage.

Ascites

The accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, often caused by portal hypertension and decreased albumin synthesis.

Hepatic encephalopathy

A complex neurological syndrome of impaired cognitive and motor function (including asterixis) due to liver failure and ammonia accumulation.

Asterixis

A characteristic 'flapping tremor' of the hands associated with hepatic encephalopathy.

Jaundice (Icterus)

A yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera caused by hyperbilirubinemia, typically when total plasma bilirubin exceeds $2.5$ to $3\,mg/dL$.

Cirrhosis

An irreversible, inflammatory, fibrotic liver disease that disrupts liver structure and function, commonly caused by alcohol abuse or HCV.

Cholelithiasis

The formation of gallstones, which may be composed of cholesterol (most common) or pigmented stones.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by a gallstone lodged in the cystic duct.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas resulting from the autodigestion of pancreatic tissue by leaked digestive enzymes.