Pathophysiology and Screening for Hepatobiliary and GI Conditions

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards derived from the pathophysiology and screening notes on hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal conditions.

Liver

A large organ responsible for various metabolic processes including detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.

Gallbladder

A pear-shaped organ that stores bile produced by the liver.

Biliary system

The system comprised of the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, responsible for bile production and transport.

Glycogenesis

The process of converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver.

Amino acids

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins, vital for various bodily functions.

Clotting factors

Proteins in the blood that help control bleeding.

Cholesterol

A waxy substance found in your blood that is necessary for building cells, but can cause health issues at high levels.

Triglycerides

A type of fat found in your blood, used for energy.

Vitamin A

A fat-soluble vitamin important for vision, immune function, and skin health.

Jaundice

A medical condition with yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes due to high bilirubin levels.

Bilirubin

A yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that breaks down heme in vertebrates.

Cirrhosis

A late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions.

Hepatitis

An inflammatory condition of the liver, typically caused by viral infection.

Hepatitis A

A highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus, often spread through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

A serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus, spread through contact with infectious body fluids.

Hepatitis C

A viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause chronic liver disease.

Ascites

An abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity, commonly due to liver disease.

Spider angiomas

Small, spider web-like blood vessels visible just beneath the surface of the skin, often associated with liver disease.

Palmar erythema

Redness of the palms, a condition often associated with liver dysfunction.

Peptic ulcer

A sore that develops on the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.

GI tract

The gastrointestinal tract through which food passes, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and anus.

Nausea

A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit.

Diarrhea

A condition of having at least three loose or liquid bowel movements each day.

Dysphagia

Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing.

Achalasia

A condition in which the esophagus fails to properly move food down into the stomach.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

A chronic digestive condition where stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining.

Esophageal varices

Enlarged veins in the esophagus that can rupture and bleed due to portal hypertension.

Cirrhosis signs

Fatigue, jaundice, portal vein hypertension, and coagulopathy are common indicators.

Hernia

A condition in which an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix, typically causing pain in the right lower abdomen.

Volvulus

A twisting of the intestine that can lead to bowel obstruction.

Fecal incontinence

The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unintentional loss of fecal matter.

Malabsorption syndrome

A condition in which the small intestine cannot absorb enough of certain nutrients and fluids.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

A common disorder that affects the large intestine, leading to cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

Antacid

A substance that neutralizes stomach acidity and is used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, or an upset stomach.

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)

A class of drugs that reduce stomach acid production.

Stool softener

A laxative that helps relieve constipation by moistening the stool.

Peristalsis

The involuntary constriction and relaxation of muscles in the intestine creating wave-like movements that push contents forward.

Elimination

The process of removing waste from the body.

Hematemesis

Vomiting blood, often indicative of bleeding within the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Melena

Dark, tarry stools indicating upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Outlet obstruction

A blockage that prevents food from leaving the stomach.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones.

Cholelithiasis

The presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.

Hepatic artery

The artery supplying oxygenated blood to the liver.

Portal vein

The vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver.

Sinusoids

Capillary-like vessels in the liver that facilitate blood flow and filtration.

Common bile duct

The duct that conveys bile from the gallbladder and liver to the duodenum.

Duodenum

The first part of the small intestine immediately after the stomach.

Ileocecal valve

A valve that separates the small intestine from the large intestine.

Glycogenolysis

The process of breaking down glycogen into glucose when energy is needed.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps emulsify fats.

Fibrosis

The thickening and scarring of connective tissue, often as a byproduct of chronic inflammation.

Abscess

A localized collection of pus in the tissues resulting from infection.

Nutrition support

Medical nutrition therapy designed to provide nutrients to individuals who cannot consume adequate food orally.

PEG tube

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube, a method for providing nutrition directly to the stomach.

Dietary fiber

Plant-derived nutrients that are essential for digestive health.

Endoscopy

A medical procedure that uses an instrument to view the gastrointestinal tract.

Liver biopsy

A procedure in which a small sample of liver tissue is taken for examination.

Fluid shift

The movement of fluid between the different compartments of the body.

Biochemical markers

Substances in the body that can be measured and indicate the severity or presence of a disease.

Hepatic dysfunction

Impaired function of the liver, which can affect overall health.

Visceral pain

Pain that originates from the internal organs, often poorly localized.

Parietal pain

Pain that arises from the parietal peritoneum, often more localized and sharp.

Referred pain

Pain perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus.

Angular cheilitis

A condition characterized by inflamed areas at the corners of the mouth.

Liver transplant

A surgical procedure to replace a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor.

Filtration

The process of removing impurities or particles from a solution or fluid.

Detoxification

The process by which the body eliminates or neutralizes toxins.

Nutritional deficiencies

Health issues that arise when the body does not get enough essential nutrients.

Chronic liver disease

Long-lasting liver diseases that progressively damage liver tissue.

Acute abdomen

A medical condition characterized by sudden abdominal pain, often requiring surgical intervention.

Spleen

An organ involved in filtering blood and supporting the immune system.

Vitamin K

A fat-soluble vitamin important for blood clotting and bone metabolism.

Malnutrition

A condition that results from an imbalanced diet that lacks proper nutrition.

Intestinal motility

The contractions of the muscles in the intestine that mix and propel contents.

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins in the lowest part of the rectum and anus, often painful and itchy.

Dehydration

A condition resulting from excessive loss of body fluids.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic.

Cholecystectomy

Surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

A procedure that combines endoscopy and X-ray to treat problems in the bile duct.

Morbidity

The condition of being diseased or ill.

Mortality

The state of being subject to death.

Medication management

The process of organizing and administering medications for therapeutic purposes.

Antibiotics

Drugs used to treat bacterial infections.

Immunosuppressants

Medications that suppress the immune response, often used in transplant patients.

Genetic predisposition

An increased likelihood of developing a particular disease based on a person's genetic makeup.

Botulism

A rare but serious illness caused by toxin-producing bacteria that can affect the GI tract.

Constipation

A common digestive condition defined by difficulty in bowel movements.

Emesis

The act of vomiting.

Population management

Strategies for managing health outcomes in specific populations.

Nutritional assessment

The evaluation of a person's dietary intake and nutritional status.

PT implications

Physical therapy considerations related to patient conditions.

Fluid intake restrictions

Limiting the amount of fluids a patient can consume.

Preventative care

Measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries.

Patient education

Providing information to patients to help them make informed decisions about their health.

Quality of life (QOL)

The general well-being of individuals, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects.

Screening

Tests performed to detect disease in individuals who do not yet have symptoms.

Patient history

A comprehensive record of a patient’s past health, medical conditions, and treatments.