**Alterations of Digestive Function in Human Pathophysiology

Bilirubin

Substance processed by the liver for excretion.

Albumin

Protein maintaining plasma oncotic pressure.

Clotting Proteins

Proteins essential for blood coagulation.

Inflammatory Proteins

Proteins involved in immune response.

Ammonia

Toxic byproduct of protein metabolism.

Urea

Less toxic compound formed from ammonia.

Glycogen

Stored form of glucose in the liver.

Gluconeogenesis

Formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

Hepatic Portal System

System transporting nutrient-rich blood to the liver.

Hepatic Portal Vein

Vein carrying blood from digestive organs to liver.

Hepatic Sinusoids

Capillaries in the liver for blood filtration.

Pancreas

Organ producing digestive enzymes and hormones.

Acini

Secretory sacs in the pancreas producing enzymes.

Pancreatic Duct

Duct transporting enzymes to the small intestine.

Exocrine Pancreas

Part of pancreas secreting digestive enzymes.

Endocrine Pancreas

Part of pancreas secreting insulin and glucagon.

Constipation

Difficulty or infrequent defecation.

Normal Transit Constipation

Normal stool passage rate, difficult evacuation.

Slow Transit Constipation

Impaired colon peristalsis causing slow stool passage.

Outlet Obstruction

Inability to expel stool due to blockage.

Diarrhea

Presence of loose or watery stools.

Osmotic Diarrhea

Diarrhea due to substances attracting water.

Secretory Diarrhea

Diarrhea from intestinal fluid secretion.

Motility Diarrhea

Diarrhea from insufficient water absorption.

Steatorrhea

Presence of fat in stools.

GERD

Reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

Muscle preventing reflux from stomach to esophagus.

Hiatal Hernia

Protrusion of stomach through diaphragm.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Ulceration in stomach or duodenum lining.

Helicobacter pylori

Bacteria causing peptic ulcers.

NSAIDs

Medications that can cause gastric mucosal damage.

Ulcerative Colitis

Autoimmune disease causing colon inflammation.

Autoimmune Response

Immune system attacks epithelial cells in colon.

Erosions

Loss of mucosal lining surface area in colon.

Colon Necrosis

Death of colon tissue due to inflammation.

Exacerbations

Periods of worsening symptoms in diseases.

Remissions

Periods of symptom relief in diseases.

Cramping Abdominal Pain

Pain caused by intestinal spasms or inflammation.

Large Volume Diarrhea

Excessive watery stools leading to dehydration.

Lower GI Bleeding

Bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Anemia due to insufficient iron from bleeding.

Crohn Disease

Chronic inflammation affecting all digestive tract layers.

Skip Lesions

Inflammation occurring in scattered patches.

Bowel Obstruction

Blockage preventing normal bowel movement.

Intestinal Abscesses

Pockets of infection in the intestinal wall.

Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Liver damage from chronic alcohol consumption.

Hepatocyte Injury

Damage to liver cells from toxins.

Jaundice

Yellowing of skin due to bilirubin accumulation.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Neurological dysfunction from elevated ammonia levels.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Blood tests assessing liver health and function.

Alanine Transferase (ALT)

Liver enzyme elevated with hepatocyte injury.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

Liver enzyme indicating liver cell damage.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

Enzyme elevated in liver dysfunction.

Prothrombin Time (PT)

Time taken for blood to clot, affected by liver.

Acute GI Bleed

Sudden bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.

Hematochezia

Fresh blood in stool indicating lower GI bleed.

Melena

Dark, tarry stools from upper GI bleeding.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, can be acute or chronic.

Gallstone Obstruction

Blockage of pancreatic duct by gallstones.

Elevated Plasma Amylase

Increased enzyme levels indicating pancreatic injury.

Elevated Plasma Lipase

Increased enzyme levels indicating pancreatic damage.