Digestive Flashcards
Upper GI tract; Lower GI tract
The mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach; the bowels, small and large intestines plus the rectum and anus
Small intestine
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).
Bilirubin
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.
Biliary tree
The biliary tree provides the channels through which bile is transported from the liver to the small intestine.
Borborygmus
The rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine.
Leukoplakia
An abnormal white, usually benign lesion that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek.
Stomatitis
An inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth.
Trismus
Any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer.
Bruxism
The involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth that usually occurs during sleep and is often associated with tension or stress.
Xerostomia
Dry mouth, lack of adequate saliva due to diminished secretions by the salivary glands.
Salivary Glands
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
Barrett’s esophagus
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.
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
Eosinophilic esophagitis
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.
Esophageal varices
Enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus. Severe bleeding occurs if one of these veins ruptures.
Gastroparesis
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
Emesis; Hematemesis; Hyperemesis
Vomiting; vomiting of blood; extreme, persistent vomiting that can lead to dehydration (morning sickness during pregnancy)
Colorectal carcinoma
Colon cancer, often first manifests as polyps in the colon
Ileus
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.
Ulcerative colitis; Crohn’s disease
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.
