Chapter 24: Abdominal Pain and Gastrointestinal Disorders

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering terminology related to abdominal pain and various gastrointestinal disorders based on lecture notes.

Melena

black, tarry stool due to the presence of blood exposed to digestive juices.

Cholecystitis

inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly due to gallstones (cholelithiasis).

Colostomy

an opening on the surface of the abdomen to which the cut end of the colon is surgically connected to bypass the distal portion of the colon, which may have been removed surgically or may be healing from a surgical procedure.

Anorexia

a loss of appetite.

Hiatal hernia

condition in which the stomach slides through the diaphragmatic hiatus (opening that allows the esophagus to pass through) into the thoracic cavity.

Occult

hidden; not obvious.

Volvulus

twisting of a loop of bowel around itself, cutting off circulation to the affected area.

Hepatitis

inflammation of the liver, either infectious or noninfectious.

Emesis

the product of vomiting; vomit.

Chyme

the mixture of partially digested food and digestive fluids that leaves the stomach and enters the duodenum.

Peptic ulcer

erosion of the gastric or duodenal mucosa.

Mallory-Weiss tear

laceration of the esophageal mucosa at the junction of the stomach and esophagus, usually due to forceful vomiting.

Hematemesis

vomiting blood, either fresh or partially digested.

Diverticulitis

infection and inflammation of a diverticulum, a blind pocket that protrudes from the wall of the colon.

Peristalsis

rhythmic smooth muscle contractions that propel the contents of hollow, tubular organs forward.

Portal hypertension

increased pressure throughout the portal venous system of the digestive tract as a result of liver disease.

Cirrhosis

fibrotic scarring of the liver from chronic liver disease such as hepatitis or alcohol abuse.

Intussusception

a telescoping of part of the bowel over itself.

Hematochezia

bloody stool.

Peritonitis

irritation and inflammation of the peritoneal lining.

Pepsin

a powerful digestive enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins.

Esophageal varices

distended, varicose veins in the esophagus due to portal vein hypertension.