Digestive System

Question 1

Hepta/o

Answer 1

Liver

Question 2

Chol/e

Answer 2

gall, bile

Question 3

Cyst/o

Answer 3

Bladder, sac (cholecystitis)

Question 4

Emes/o

Answer 4

Vomit

Question 5

Lith/o

Answer 5

Stone

Question 6

Lapar/o

Answer 6

Abdominal wall (Laparotomy- cutting into abdomen)

Question 7

-centesis

Answer 7

To puncture (Abodminocentesis - puncturing and draining)

Question 8

-tripsy

Answer 8

To crush

Question 9

-rrhea

Answer 9

Flow, discharge

Question 10

-iasis (-osis)

Answer 10

Abnormal condition (Cholelithiasis - presence of gall stones causing symptoms)

Question 11

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Answer 11

severe heartburn. weakness of the valve between the esophagus and stomach may allow stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus and irritate and inflame the lining. Results in chest pain

Question 12

Jaundice

Answer 12

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes from a backup of bile metabolic by-products from the blood into body tissues. May result from blockage of the ducts draining bile from the liver into the intestines or excessive breakdown of red blood cells.

Question 13

Diverticulosis/ diverticulitis

Answer 13

Small pouches may form along walls of large intestine called diverticuli which could cause discomfort to pt which is called diverticulosis. These pockets may collect and not be able to empty fecal material which can lead to inflammation, which is called diverticulitis.

Question 14

Cirrhosis

Answer 14

degenerative disease of the liver that often develops in chronic alcoholics, but can have other causes. (name refers to gross appearance of liver - “orange-yellow”

Question 15

Portal hypertension

Answer 15

complication of chronic alcoholism resulting in liver damage and obstruction of venous blood flow through the liver. The rising BP in the veins between the GI tract and liver causes engorgement of veins around the umbilicus. The characteristic radiating pattern of veins is called “caput medusae”.

Question 16

Esophageal varices

Answer 16

bulging, engorged veins in the walls of the esophagus are often a complication of alcoholism. The thin walled, swollen veins are at risk of tearing resulting in severe, possibly fatal, bleeding.

Question 17

Dysphagia

Answer 17

Difficulty swallowing. May be related to GERD, tumor or other causes.

Question 18

Crohn’s Diease

Answer 18

chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the bowel. Symptoms are abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea. There may be rectal bleeding, which could lead to anemia. Special XRs and tests are needed to determine if it is Crohns or another disease

Question 19

Peritonitis

Answer 19

Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity. Indications include tender abdomen, board-like rigidity of abdominal muscles, no bowel sounds. The peritoneal membrane is very sensitive to exposure to foreign substances. Contact with blood, bile, urine, pus will cause the signs.

Question 20

Proctologist

Answer 20

Physician specializing in diseases of rectum and anus.

Question 21

Guaiac test (Hemoccult, Fecult)

Answer 21

special chemical test to identify blood in stool. Causes could include cancer and hemorrhoids.

Question 22

Upper GI series

Answer 22

series of XRs of esophagus and stomach and small intestines having the pt swallow a “milkshake” of barium, which is opaque. Identifies problems with swallowing, stomach ulcers, twisting of the small intestines.

Question 23

Lower GI series

Answer 23

series of XRs using barium enema to show lg intestine and rectum. Identifies diverticulitis/diverticulosis and tumors

Question 24

Ultrasonography (Ultrasound)

Answer 24

using high frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs. Mostly used for abdominal and pelvic organs

Question 25

Cholelithiasis

Answer 25

presence of stones in gallbladder

Question 26

Cholelithotomy

Answer 26

surgical removal of gallstones