Chapter 6 Flashcards
gastrointestinal (GI) system
consists of a digestive tube called the GI tract and several accessory organs whose primary function is to break down food, prepare it for absorption, and eliminate waste
bilirubin
orange-yellow pigment formed during destruction of erythrocytes that is taken up by liver cells and eventually excreted in the feces
bolus
mass of masticated food ready for swallowing
exocrine
type of gland that secretes its products through excretory ducts to the surface of an organ or tissue or into a vessel
sphincter
circular band of muscle fibers that constricts a passage or closes a natural opening of the body
triglycerides
organic compound, a true fta, that is made of one glycerol and three fatty acids
mouth (oral cavity)
formed by the cheeks (bucca), lips, teeth, tongue, and hard and soft palates and acts as a receptacle for food; starts the process of digestion as food is broken down mechanically and chemically and then formed into a bolus
teeth
plays an important role in the initial stages of digestion by mechanically breaking down food into smaller pieces as they mix it with saliva; the are made up of three layers:
1) hard enamel - gives them their smooth, white appearance
2) dentin - the main structure of the tooth
3) pulp - the innermost part of the tooth which contains nerves and blood vessels
tongue
assists in the chewing process by manipulating the bolus of food during chewing and moving it to the back of the mouth for swallowing; are covered in papillae containing taste buds that are responsible for taste
taste buds
located on the papillae of the tongue, they are responsible for the four basic taste sensations including sweet, sour, salty, and bitter
hard palate
anterior portion of the roof of the mouth that is covered in mucous membranes
soft palate
posterior portion of the rood of the mouth which forms a partition between the mouth and the nasopharynx that is covered in mucous membranes
pharynx
also known as the throat through which the tongue pushes the bolus; it serves as a passageway to the respiratory and GI tracts and provides a resonating chamber for speech sounds; divides into the trachea and the esophagus
uvula
a soft, fleshy, V-shaped structure which guides the bolus as it enters the pharynx
trachea
portion of the pharynx that leads to the lungs
esophagus
portion of the pharynx that leads to the stomach
epiglottis
a small flap of cartilage that folds back to cover the trachea during swallowing, forcing food to enter the esophagus
stomach
a saclike structure located in the left upper quadrant od the abdominal cavity which serves as a food reservoir that continue mechanical and chemical digestion
low esophageal (cardiac) sphincter
the terminal portion of the esophagus that is composed of muslce fibers and constricts once food has passed into the sotmach to prevent the stomach contents from regurgitating back into the esophagus
body of the stomach
the large central portion of the stomach that mainly acts as a storage area
fundus
the upper portion of the stomach that acts mainly as a storage area
pylorus
the funnel-shaped terminal portion of the stomach in which most digestion takes place
rugae
macroscopic longitudal folds linging the interior of the stomach that unfolds as the stomach fills that contain digestive glands that produce hydrochloric acid and enzymes
chyme
a semiliquid form of the bolus created from secretions from digestive glands and mechanical churcing of the stomach
pyloric sphincter
opening through which chyme slowly leaves the stomach and enters the duodenum and prohibits backflow
peristalsis
rhythmic muscle contractions which propel food through the enitre GI tract
small intestine
a coiled tube of approximately 20 feet long in which nutrients in chyme is absorbed through villi into the bloodstream and lymphatic system; it consists of three parts:
1) duodenum - the uppermost segment, which is approximately 10 inches long
2) jejunum - which is approximately 8 feet long
3) ileum - which is approximately 12 feet long
ileocecal valve
a sphincter muscle that allows undigested food or unabsorbed material from the small intestine to pass into the large intestine and eventually be excreted from the body
large intestine
a tube of approximately 5 feet long in which no digestion takes place; it consists of 3 parts:
1) cecum
2) colon
3) rectum
cecum
the first two to three inches of the large intestine that make up a small pouch that hangs inferior to the ileocecal valve
appendix
a small, wormlike structure projecting downward from the cecum with no apparent function
colon
the middle part of the large intestine that functions to absorb water and minerals and eliminate undigested material; it is divided into 4 portions:
1) ascending
2) transverse
3) descending
4) sigmoid
ascending colon
extends from the cecum to the lower border of the liver and turns abruptly to form the hepatic flexure
transverse colon
second part of the colon that continues across the abdomen to the left side as it curves beneath the lower end of the spleen to form the splenic fixture
descending colon
third portion of the colon that continues downward after the transverse colon
sigmoid colon
last part of the colon formed from the end of the descending colon
rectum
last part of the large intestine which terminates at the anus
liver
the largest glandular organ in the body located beneath the diaphragm in the RUQ and LUQ that has many functions:
- producing bile, which aids in the digestion of fat
- removing glucose from the blood to synthesize glycogen and retain it for later use
- storing vitamins
- destroying or transforming toxic products into less harmful compounds
- maintaining normal glucose levels in the blood
- destroying old erythrocytes and releasing bilibrium
- synthesizing proteins that circulate in the blood
pancreas
an elongated, somewhat flattened organ that lies posterior and slightly inferior to the stomach which performs endocrine and exocrine functions
pancreas (endocrine function)
it secretes insulin directly into the bloodstream to maintain normal blood glucose levels
pancreas (exocrine function)
digestive enzymes are passed into the duodenum through the pancreatic duct which digest proteins
gallbladder
a saclike structure on the inferior surface of the liver that serves as a storage area for bile which is released into the duodenum through the common bile duct
or/o (1 of 2)
mouth
stomat/o (1 of 2)
mouth
gloss/o (1 of 2)
tongue
lingu/o (1 of 2)
tongue
bucc/o
cheek
cheil/o (1 of 2)
lip
labi/o (1 of 2)
lip
dent/o (1 of 2)
teeth
odont/o (1 of 2)
teeth
gingiv/o
gum(s)
sial/o
saliva, salivary gland
esophag/o
esophagus
pharyng/o
pharynx (throat)
gastr/o
stomach
pylor/o
pylorus
duoden/o
duodenum (first part of small intestine)
enter/o
intestine (usually small intestine)
jejun/o
jejunum (second part of the small intestine)
ile/o
ileum (third part of small intestine)
append/o (1 of 2)
appendix
appendic/o (1 of 2)
appendix
col/o (1 of 2)
colon
colon/o (1 of 2)
colon
sigmoid/o
sigmoid colon
rect/o
rectum
proct/o
anus, rectum
an/o
anus
hepat/o
liver
pancreat/o
pancreas
cholangi/o
bile vessel
chol/e
bile, gall
cholecyst/o
gallbladder
choledoch/o
bile duct
-emesis
vomit
-iasis
abnormal condition (produced by something specified)
-megaly
enlargement
-orexia
appetite
-pepsia
digestion
-phagia
swallowing, eating
-prandial
meal
-rrhea
discharge, flow
dia-
through, across
peri-
around
sub-
under, below
gastroenterology
the branch of medicine concerned with digestive diseases
gastroenterologist
the physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorder
ulcer
a circumscribed open sore on the skin or mucous membranes of the body
peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
one of the most common ulcer types that occur in the digestive system that primarily develop in the stomach and duodenum; a common cause includes the erosion of the protective mucous membrane caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
hernia
a protrusion of any organ, tissue, or structure through the wall of the cavity in which it is naturally contained and is generally applied to protrusions of abdominal organs (viscera) through the abdominal wall
inguinal hernia
a type of hernia that develops in the groin where the abdominal folds of flech meet the thighs
strangulated hernia
a type of hernia that develops if blood supply to the hernia is cut off because of pressure; this can lead to necrosis with gangrene
umbilical hernia
a type of hernia which is a protrusion of part of the intesttine at the navel that is most common in obese women and those who have had several pregnancies
congenital hernia
hernia occuring in newborn infants or during early childhood
diaphragmatic hernia
a congenital disorder in which a hernia develops in the diaphragm rather than the abdominal region
hiatal hernia
a type of hernia in which the lower part of the esophagus and the top of the stomach slide through an opening in the diaphragm into the thorax that can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
hepatitis
an inflammatory condition of the liver that can cause significant morbidity and can be catagorized as A, B, or C
hepatitis A
infectious hepatitis that is most commonly caused by the ingestion of contaminated food, water, or milk
hepatitis B
serum hepatitis that is usually transmitted by routes other than the mouth, such as from blood transfusions and sexual contact
hepatitis C
type of hepatitis that is usually transmitted by routes other than the mouth, such as from blood transfusions and sexual contact
diverticulosis
a condition in which small, blisterlike pockets (diverticula) develop in the inner lining of the large intestine and may balloon through the intestinal wall
stomach cancer
this neoplasm nearly always develops from the epithelial or mucousal lining of the stomach in the form of gastric adenocarcinoma
types of GI carcinomas
- gastric adenocarcinoma
- esophageal carcinoma
- hepatocellular carcinomas
- pancreatic carcinomas
- colorectal cancer
anorexia
lack or loss of appetite, resulting in the inability to eat
appendicitis
inflammation of the appendix, usually caused by obstruction or infection
ascites
abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, usually as a result of chronic liver disease, a neoplasm, or an inflammatory disorder in the abdomen
borborygmus
rumbling or gurgling noises that are audible at a distance and caused by passage of gas through the liquid contents of the intestine
cachexia
physical wasting that includes loss of weight and muscle mass and is commonly associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and cancer; also called wasting syndrome
cholelithiasis
presence or formation of gallstones in the gallbladder
cirrhosis
scarring and dysfunction of the liver caused by chronic liver disease
Crohn disease
form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), usually of the ileum but possibly affecting any portion of the inestinal tract; also called regional enteritis
dysentry
inflammation of the intestine, especially the colon, that may be caused by ingesting water or food containing chemical irritants, bacteria, protozoa, or parasites and results in bloody diarrhea
flatus
gasa in the GI tract; expelling air from a body orifice, especially the anus
halitosis
foul-smelling breath
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
backflow of gastric contents into the esophagus as a result of a malfunction of the sphincter muscle at the inferior portion of the esophagus
hematemesis
vomiting of bloof from bleeding in the stomach or esophagus
hemorrhoids
swollen varicose veins in the anorectal region categorized as external or internal
intestinal obstruction
mechanical or functional blockage of the intestines that occurs when the contents of the intestine cannot move forward through the intestinal tract because of a partial or complete blockage of the bowel
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
symptom complex marked by abdominal pain and altered bowel function (typically constipation, diarrhea, or alternating constipation and diarrhea) for which no organic cause can be determined; also called spastic colon
malabsorption syndrome
symptom complex of the small intestine characterized by the impaired passage of nutrients, minerals, or fluids through intestinal villi into the blood or lymph
melena
dark, tarlike feces that contain digested blood from bleeding in the esophagus or stomach
obesity
excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body’s skeletal and physical standards, usually an increase of 20% or more above ideal body weight
morbid obesity
obesity in which body mass index (BMI) is greater than 40, and generally 100 lb or more over ideal body weight
obstipation
severe constipation, which may be caused by an intestinal obstruction
oral leukoplakia
formation of white spots or patches on the mucous membrane of the tongue, lips, or cheek caused primarily by irritation
pancreatitis
inflammation of the pancreas
pyloric stenosis
stricture or narrowing of the pyloric sphincter (circular muscle of the pylorus) at the outlet of the stomach, causing an obstruction that blocks the flow of food into the small intestine
regurgitation
a backward flow, as in the rectum of solids or fluids to the mouth from the stomach
ulcerative colitis
chronic inflammatory disease of the colon, commonly beginning in the retum or sigmoid colon and extending upward into the entire colon
gastrointestinal endoscopy
visual examination of the gastrointestinal tract using a flexible fiberoptic instrument with a magnifying lens and a light source (endoscope) to identify abnormalities, including bleeding, ulcerations, and tumors
hepatitis panel
panel of blood tests that identifies the specific virus - hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), or hepatitis C (HCV) - that is causing hepatitis by testing serum using antibodies to each of these antigens
liver function tests (LFTs)
group of blood tests that evaluate liver injury, liver function, and conditions commonly associated with the biliary tract
serum bilirubin
measurement of the level of bilirubin in the blood
stool culture
test to identify microorganisms or parasites present in feces that are causing a gastrointestinal infection
stool guaiac
test that applies a substance called guaiac to a stoll sample to detect the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the feces; also called Hemoccult (trade name of a modified guaiac test)
computed tomography (CT)
imaging technique achieved by rotating an x-ray emitter around the area to be scanned and measuring the intensity of transmitted rays from different angles
lower gastrointestinal series
radiographic images of the rectum and colon following administration of barium into the rectum; also called lower GI series or barium enema
oral cholecystography (OCG)
radiographic images taken of the gallbladder after administration of a contrast material containing iodine, usually in the form of a tablet
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
technique that uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field, rather than an x-ray beam, to produce highly detailed, multiplanar, cross-sectional view of soft tissue
magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
special MRI technique that produces detailed images of the hepatobiliary and pancreatic systems, including the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and pancreatic duct
ultrasonography (US)
test in which high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are directed at soft tissue and reflected as “echoes” to produce an image on a monitor of an internal body structure; also called ultrasound, sonography, and echo
abdominal ultrasonography
ultrasound visualization of the abdominal aorta, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, ureters, and bladder
endoscopic ultrasonography
combination of endoscopy and ultrasound that examines and obtains images of the digestive tract and the surrounding tissues and organs
upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS)
radiographic images of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine following oral administration or barium; also called barium swallow
anastomosis
surgical joining of two ducts, vessels, or bowel segments to allow flow from on to another
ileorectal anastomosis
surgical connection of the ileum and rectum after total colectomy, as is sometimes performed in the treatment of ulcerative colitis
intestinal anastomosis
surgical connection of two portions of the intestines
appendectomy
excision of a diseased appendix using an open or laparoscopic procedure
open appendectomy
excision of a diseased appendix through a 2” to 3” incision in the RLQ of the abdomen
laparoscopic appendectomy
minimally invasive appendectomy using three small abdominal incisions while monitoring an enlarged image of the surgical site projected on a monitor
bariatric surgery
group of procedures that treat morbid obesity, a condition that arises from severe accumulation of excess weight as fatty tissue, and the resultant health problems
vertical banded gastroplasty (bariatric surgery)
bariatric surgery that involves vertical stapling of the upper stomach near the esophagus to reduce it to a small pouch and insertion of a band that restricts food comsumption and delays its passage from the pouch, causing a feeling of fullness
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB, bariatric surgery)
bariatric surgery that involves stapling the stomach to decrease its size and then shortening the jejunum and connecting it to the small stomach pouch, causing the base of the duodenum leading from the nonfunctionting portion of the stomach to form a Y configuration, which decreases the pathway of food through the intestine, thus reducing absorption of calories and fats; also called gastric bypass with gastroenterostomy
colostomy
surgical procedure in which a surgeon forms an opening (stoma) by drawing the healthy end of the colon through an incision in the anterior abdomincal wall and suturing it into place
lithotripsy
procedure for crushing a stone and eliminating its fragments surgically or using ultrasonic shock waves
extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)
use of shock waves as a noninvasive method to break up stones in the gallbladder or biliary ducts
paracentesis
procedure to remove fluid from the abdomen using a long, thin needle inserted through the belly; also called abdominocentesis
polypectomy
exicision of a polyp
nasogastric intubation
insertion of a nasogastric tube through the nose into the stomach to relieve gastric distension by removing gas, food, or gastric secretions; instill medication, food, or fluids; or obtain a specimen for labratory analysis
antacids
counteract or neutralize acidity, usually in the stomach
antidiarrheals
control loose stools and relieve diarrhea by absorbing excess water in the bowel or slowing peristalisis in the intestinal tract
antiemetics
control nausea and comiting by blocking nerve impulses to the vomiting center of the brain
antispasmodics
decrease gastrointestinal (GI) spasms by slowing peristalisis and motility throughout the GI tract
histamine - 2 (H2) blockers
inhibit secretion of stomach acid from the gastric cells by blocking the H2 receptor
laxatives
treat constipation by increasing peristaltic activity in the large intestine or increasing water and electrolyte secretion into the bowel to induce defecation
proton pump inhibitors
supress basal and stimulates acid production by inhibiting the acid pump in the gastric cells
AIDS
acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Ba
barium
BaE, BE
barium enema
BM
bowel movement
BMI
body mass index
CT
computed tomography
EGD
esophagogastroduodenoscopy
ESWL
extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy
EUS
endoscopic ultrasonography (x-ray studies)
GBS
gallbladder series
GER
gastroesophageal reflux
GERD
gastroesophageal reflux disease
GI
gastrointestinal
HAV
hepatitis A virus
HBV
hepatitis B virus
HCV
hepatitis C virus
HDV
hepatitis D virus
HEV
hepatitis E virus
IBS
irritable bowel syndrome
LFT
liver function test
LUQ
left upper quadrant
MRCP
magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
NG
nasogastric
NSAID
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
OCG
oral cholecystography
PE
physical examination; pulmonary embolism; pressure-equalizing (tube)
PUD
peptic ulcer disease
R/O
rule out
RGB
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
RUQ
right upper quadrant
UGIS
upper gastrointestinal series
US
ultrasound; ultrasonography
