Gastrointestinal System Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the major concepts, diagnostic signs, and management strategies for gastrointestinal disorders discussed in the lecture.

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (L.E.S)

A muscular valve that, when weak or dysfunctional, allows for regurgitation and reflux, leading to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Pyrosis

The medical term for heartburn, a common symptom of GERD that can mimic a heart attack.

Water Brash (Sialorrhea)

A clinical manifestation of GERD characterized by hypersalivation.

Chalasia

A condition occurring in GERD where there is an incompetent or relaxed Lower Esophageal Sphincter.

Barrett's Esophagus

A chronic complication of GERD that can lead to esophageal cancer (Esophageal CA).

Hiatal Hernia

A weakness of the diaphragm (hiatus) classified into Type I (Sliding, which accounts for $95\%$ of cases) and Type II (Paraesophageal).

Achalasia

A core problem involving the loss of esophageal peristalsis and increased L.E.S. pressure, resulting in a failure of the sphincter to open or relax.

Dysphagia

The hallmark sign of Achalasia, characterized by difficulty swallowing both solids and liquids.

Bird-Beak Appearance

A characteristic finding in an Upper GI Series (Barium Swallow) diagnostic test for Achalasia.

Nissen Fundoplication

A surgical management technique for GERD that involves wrapping the gastric fundus around the esophagus.

Heller Myotomy

A surgical procedure used to treat Achalasia, often performed alongside Fundoplication.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

A gram-negative bacteria that produces urease and ammonia, acting as a primary etiology for Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) via oral-fecal transmission.

NSAIDs

Prostaglandin inhibitors (such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin) that block COX-1, leading to decreased mucus and bicarbonate production in the stomach.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (Z.E.S)

A condition characterized by a gastrinoma tumor in the duodenum or pancreas, leading to excessive gastrin and acid production.

Misoprostol (Cytotec)

A prostaglandin analogue used for NSAID-related ulcers; it is contraindicated in pregnancy as it acts as an abortifacient.

Sucralfate (Carafate)

A cytoprotective agent that acts by coating the ulcer wound to protect it from acid.

Dumping Syndrome

A complication of Billroth procedures (Antrectomy) characterized by rapid gastric emptying, diaphoresis, irritability, and tremors.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A functional disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, often associated with gut-brain interaction problems.

FODMAP Diet

A diet low in Fermented Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols, recommended for managing IBS symptoms.

Crohn's Disease

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease featuring transmural lesions (affecting all layers) in a patchy, 'skip' pattern, commonly in the ileum or cecum.

String Sign

A diagnostic finding in an Upper GI Series for Crohn's Disease, indicating narrowing of the ileum.

Cobblestone Appearance

The most conclusive colonoscopy finding for Crohn's Disease.

Ulcerative Colitis

An inflammatory bowel disease involving superficial mucosal lesions in the colon and rectum, typically causing bloody diarrhea.

Lead-Pipe Sign

A finding in a Lower GI Series (Barium Enema) for Ulcerative Colitis, representing the loss of the haustral pattern.

McBurney's Point

The localized site in the Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ) where pain and tenderness are most intense in acute appendicitis.

Rovsing's Sign

A physical exam finding for appendicitis where palpation of the Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ) causes pain in the Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ).

Blumberg Sign

A clinical indication of appendicitis characterized by rebound tenderness during palpation.

Psoas Sign

Pain elicited upon passive extension of the hip, indicative of appendical irritation.

Obturator Sign

Pain triggered by the internal rotation of the flexed right hip and leg, used to diagnose appendicitis.

Fecalith

Small, hard pieces of stool that can cause obstruction of the appendix, serving as a risk factor for appendicitis.