Digestive

Question 1

Upper GI tract; Lower GI tract

Answer 1

The mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach; the bowels, small and large intestines plus the rectum and anus

Question 2

Small intestine

Answer 2

Extends from the pyloric sphincter (stomach) to the first part of the large intestine. 20 feet in length, consists of three sections: duodenum, jejunum, ileum (longest portion, connects to the cecum of the LI).

Question 3

Bilirubin

Answer 3

A pigment excreted into the digestive fluid call bile, giving it a yellow to green color. Excessive amounts of bilirubin in the body can lead to jaundice and other diseases.

Question 4

Biliary tree

Answer 4

The biliary tree provides the channels through which bile is transported from the liver to the small intestine.

Question 5

Borborygmus

Answer 5

The rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine.

Question 6

Leukoplakia

Answer 6

An abnormal white, usually benign lesion that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek.

Question 7

Stomatitis

Answer 7

An inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth.

Question 8

Trismus

Answer 8

Any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer.

Question 9

Bruxism

Answer 9

The involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth that usually occurs during sleep and is often associated with tension or stress.

Question 10

Xerostomia

Answer 10

Dry mouth, lack of adequate saliva due to diminished secretions by the salivary glands.

Question 11

Salivary Glands

Answer 11

Parotid - located on the face, slightly in front of each ear
Sublingual - located on the floor of the mouth under the tongue
Submandibular - located on the floor of the mouth near the mandible

Question 12

Barrett’s esophagus

Answer 12

A condition that occurs when the cells in the epithelial tissue of the esophagus are damaged by chronic acid exposure. Some patients with chronic GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) develop this complication, which slightly increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

Question 13

Dysphagia

Answer 13

Difficulty swallowing

Question 14

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Answer 14

A chronic immune system disease in which eosinophils build up in the esophagus, usually as the result of an allergy to certain foods. The resulting inflammation can make it difficult to swallow.

Question 15

Esophageal varices

Answer 15

Enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus. Severe bleeding occurs if one of these veins ruptures.

Question 16

Gastroparesis

Answer 16

A condition in which the muscles of the stomach slow down and work poorly or not at all, preventing the stomach from emptying normally
-paresis means partial paralysis

Question 17

Emesis; Hematemesis; Hyperemesis

Answer 17

Vomiting; vomiting of blood; extreme, persistent vomiting that can lead to dehydration (morning sickness during pregnancy)

Question 18

Colorectal carcinoma

Answer 18

Colon cancer, often first manifests as polyps in the colon

Question 19

Ileus

Answer 19

The partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine. Also known as paralytic ileus, it is caused by the interruption of normal peristalsis of the affected area. Symptoms can include severe pain, cramping, abdominal distention, vomiting, and the inability to pass gas or stools.

Question 20

Ulcerative colitis; Crohn’s disease

Answer 20

UC is a chronic condition of unknown cause in which repeated episodes of inflammation in the rectum and large intestine cause ulcers (lesions in the mucous membrane) and irritation. UC usually ascends from the rectum to the lower part of the colon. It can affect the entire LI. UC affects only the innermost lining tissue.

CD is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can occur anywhere in the digestive tract. It is mostly found in the ileum and in the colon. Crohn’s generally penetrates every layer of tissue in the affected area, which can result in scarring and thickening of the walls of the affected structures. The most common complication is blockage of the intestine due to swelling and scarring.