Veterinary Terminology - Digestive System

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the veterinary digestive system, including anatomical structures, functions, and medical terminology.

Digestive System

A long muscular tube that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus, responsible for the intake and digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of solid wastes.

Alimentary System

Another term for the digestive system.

Combining form for nourishment

aliment/o.

Mouth

The opening through which food enters; includes the lips, cheeks, palates (hard and soft), salivary glands, tongue, teeth, and periodontium.

Prognathia

Having an elongated mandible (overshot).

Brachygnathia

Having a shortened mandible (undershot).

Dentition

Refers to the teeth as a whole.

Deciduous Dentition

Temporary teeth that are shed to make room for permanent teeth.

Maxilla and Mandible

The boundaries of the mouth; the upper and lower jaws.

Esophagus

A collapsible, muscular tube that leads from the oral cavity to the stomach, also known as the gullet.

Sphincter

A ring-like muscle that constricts an opening.

Peritoneum

The membrane lining that covers the abdominal and pelvic cavity and some of the organs within.

Omentum

A fold of the peritoneum that connects the stomach to other visceral organs.

Gastr/o

Combining form relating to the stomach.

Ruminant

Animals that have one true glandular stomach (abomasum) and three forestomachs.

Ileum

The distal part of the small intestine.

Cecum

The pouch that takes food from the ileum, located at the ileocecal junction.

Hepat/o

Combining form for the liver.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Intussusception

Telescoping of one part of the intestine into another, which can cause obstruction.