ch 8. med term

Chapter Overview

• Title: Medical Terminology for Health Professions, 9th Edition

• Focus: Chapter 8 - The Digestive System

• Copyright: © 2022 Cengage. All Rights Reserved.

Chapter Objectives

• 8.01: Identify and describe the major structures and functions of the digestive system.

• 8.02: Recall terms relating to the processes of digestion, absorption, and metabolism.

• 8.03: Recognize, define, spell, and pronounce primary terms related to pathology, diagnostic, and treatment procedures of the digestive system.

Structures of the Digestive System

General Overview

• Digestive System: Primarily consists of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

• Upper GI Tract: Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach.

• Lower GI Tract: Small and large intestines, including the rectum and anus.

• Accessory Organs: Liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

The Oral Cavity

Structures

• Consists of:

  • Lips (Labia): Surround the mouth's opening.

  • Palate: Roof of the mouth (hard and soft palates).

  • Uvula: Plays a role in speech, hangs from the soft palate.

• Tongue: Strong and flexible, with the dorsal surface containing papillae (with taste buds).

• Saliva: Maintains mouth moisture, contains amylase for digestion.

Dental Anatomy

Types of Teeth

• Incisors and Canines: Used for biting and tearing.

• Premolars (Bicuspids) and Molars: Used for chewing and grinding.

Dentition

• Primary Dentition: 20 baby teeth; replaced by 32 permanent teeth.

• Tooth Structures: Crown, roots, dentin, pulp cavity.

Pharynx and Esophagus

• Pharynx: Passageway for respiration and digestion.

• Esophagus: Transports food to the stomach; includes lower esophageal sphincter to prevent regurgitation.

The Stomach

• Structure: Fundus (upper part), body (main portion), antrum (lower part).

• Functions: Produces gastric juices to aid digestion; pyloric sphincter controls food flow to the small intestine.

The Small Intestine

• Length: Up to 20 feet; sections include the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

• Functions: Digests food and absorbs nutrients.

The Large Intestine

• Structure: Continues from the small intestine to the anus; processes waste products.

• Sections: Cecum, colon (ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid), rectum, and anus.

Accessory Organs

• Liver: Detoxifies blood, produces bile; involved in fat digestion.

• Gallbladder: Stores and concentrates bile; releases it when needed.

• Pancreas: Produces digestive enzymes and hormones; plays a role in both digestive and endocrine functions.

Digestion and Metabolism

Digestion Process

• Definition: Breakdown of complex foods into nutrients via digestive enzymes.

• Macronutrients: Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins provide calories.

• Micronutrients: Essential vitamins and minerals in small amounts.

Absorption

• Villi: Projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients directly into the bloodstream and lymphatic system.

Metabolism

• Anabolism: Building of cells/substances.

• Catabolism: Breaking down cells/substances, releasing energy.

Pathology of the Digestive System

Common Conditions

• Oral Cavity: Canker sores, cheilitis, leukoplakia, stomatitis, oral thrush, trismus, xerostomia.

• Dental Diseases: Bruxism, dental caries, halitosis, malocclusion, periodontal diseases.

• Esophagus: Dysphagia, GERD, esophageal varices, pyrosis, hiatal hernia.

• Stomach Conditions: Gastritis, gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers.

• Intestinal Disorders: Celiac disease, lactose intolerance, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• Liver and Gallbladder Disorders: Jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis, cholecystitis.

Diagnostic Procedures

Procedures

• CT Scan: Detailed imaging of abdominal organs.

• Endoscopy: Direct visualization of the GI tract using an endoscope.

• Stool Tests: Assess digestive and absorptive functions.

Treatment Procedures

The Oral Cavity

• Examples: Dental prophylaxis, orthodontics, root canal, palatoplasty.

Medications

• Types: Antacids, proton pump inhibitors, antiemetics, laxatives.

Nutrition Support

• Methods: Enteral nutrition, nasogastric intubation, parenteral nutrition.

Surgical Interventions

• Examples: Colectomy, cholecystectomy, bariatric surgeries.

Abbreviations Related to the Digestive System

• BMI: Body Mass Index

• GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• IBD: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• NAFLD: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

• PUD: Peptic Ulcer Disease

• UC: Ulcerative Colitis

The above notes provide an in-depth overview of the digestive system, including its structures, functions, relevant pathologies, diagnostic and treatment procedures, and common abbreviations related to the field.