chapter 8 the digestive system Flashcards
aerophagia
the excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking - a common cause of gas in the stomach
anastomosis
a surgical connection between two hollow, or tubular, structures
antiemetic
a medication that is administered to prevent or relieve nausea and
vomiting
ascites
an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
bariatrics
is the branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and management of obesity and associated diseases.
borborygmus
the rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine.
cachexia
a condition of physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass that occurs in patients with diseases such as advanced cancer or AIDS. Although these patients might be eating enough food, their bodies are unable to absorb enough nutrients.
canker sores
also known as aphthous ulcers, are gray-white pits with a red border in the soft tissues lining the mouth.
celiac disease
an autoimmune disorder characterized by a severe reaction to ingesting gluten.
cheilitis
inflammation of the lips characterized by crack-like sores at the corners of the mouth
cholangiography
a radiographic examination of the bile ducts with the use of a contrast medium
cholangitis
is an acute inflammation of the bile duct characterized by pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, fever, and jaundice
cholecystectomy
the surgical removal of the gallbladder
cholecystitis
inflammation of the gallbladder, usually associated with gallstones blocking the flow of bile
cholelithiasis
the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts
cirrhosis
a chronic degenerative disease of the liver characterized by scarring
colonoscopy
the direct visual examination of the inner surface of the entire colon from the rectum to the cecum using a colonoscope
colostomy
the surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the colon and the body surface
Crohn’s disease
a chronic autoimmune disorder that can occur anywhere in the digestive tract; however, it is most often found in the ileum and in the colon.
dental prophylaxis
the professional examining, cleaning, and polishing of the gums and teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Often this includes x-rays to look for cavities.
diverticulitis
which sometimes develops as a result of diverticulosis, is the inflammation or infection of one or more diverticulum in the colon
diverticulosis
the chronic presence of an abnormal number of diverticula, or sacs, formed in weak spots of the colon wall
dyspepsia
also known as indigestion, is pain or discomfort during the digestion process
dysphagia
difficulty in swallowing
endoscopy
a visual examination of internal structures
enema
the placement of a solution into the rectum and colon to empty the lower intestine through bowel activity.
enteritis
inflammation of the small intestine caused by ingesting substances contaminated with viral or bacterial pathogens which causes diarrhea
eructation
the act of belching or raising gas orally from the stomach.
esophageal varices
enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus. This condition, which is associated with serious liver diseases, can cause severe bleeding if one of these veins ruptures.
esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
an endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the upper GI tract
gastroduodenostomy
the establishment of an anastomosis between the upper portion of the stomach and the duodenum
gastroparesis
a condition in which gastric motility slows down, causing delayed
gastric emptying
gastrostomy tube
a surgically placed feeding tube from the exterior of the body on the abdomen, directly into the stomach
hematemesis
the vomiting of coagulated blood
Hemoccult test
a laboratory test for hidden blood in the stool.
hepatitis
an inflammation of the liver usually caused by a viral infection
hyperemesis
extreme, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration
ileus
the partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine. This condition is also known
as paralytic ileus, and it is caused by the stopping of the normal peristalsis of this area of the intestine.
inguinal hernia
the protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall or groin
jaundice
a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. This condition is caused by greater-than-normal amounts of bilirubin in the blood.
leukoplakia
is an abnormal white, usually benign lesion (sore) that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek
malocclusion
any deviation from the normal positioning of the upper teeth against the lower teeth. In an overbite there is an excessive overlap of the upper and lower teeth, and in an underbite the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth.
melena
the passage of black, tarry, foul-smelling stools. This appearance of the stools is caused by the presence of digested blood and often indicates bleeding in the
upper part of the gastrointestinal tract.
nasogastric intubation
the placement of a nasogastric feeding tube (NG tube) through the nose and into the stomach
obesity
a weight classification based on BMI that is higher than a healthy weight for someone based on their height, gender, and age.
palatoplasty
surgical repair of a cleft palate
peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
characterized by sores that affect the mucous membranes of the digestive system
peristalsis
a series of wave-like contractions of the smooth muscles in a single direction that moves the food forward into the digestive system
polyp
a mushroom-like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane. Not all polyps are malignant.
proctologist
a physician who specializes in disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus
regurgitation
is the return of swallowed food into the mouth
salmonellosis
also referred to as salmonella, is transmitted by feces, either through direct contact with animals, or by eating contaminated raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs or unpasteurized milk products.
trismus
also known as lockjaw, describes any restriction to the opening of
the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer. This condition causes difficulty in speaking and affects the patient’s nutrition due to impaired ability to chew and swallow.
sigmoidoscopy
the endoscopic examination of the interior of the rectum, sigmoid colon, and possibly a portion of the descending colon
stomatitis
an inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth
ulcerative colitis (UC)
a chronic condition of unknown cause in which repeated episodes of inflammation in the rectum and large intestine cause ulcers
volvulus
the twisting of the intestine on itself, causing an obstruction.
xerostomia
also known as dry mouth, is the lack of adequate saliva due to
diminished secretions by the salivary glands
