Exam 3 Terms Flashcards
Absorption
The process of transferring food products into circulation
Acalculous Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder without the presence of gallstones
ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone)
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce corticosteroids
Alveoli
Tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs with the blood
Anorexia
Loss of appetite or lack of desire to eat, often associated with nausea
Antacids
Medications that neutralize stomach acid, providing temporary relief from heartburn and indigestion
Antiemetics
Medications used to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting
Antithyroid drugs
Medications that inhibit the synthesis or release of thyroid hormones, used to treat hyperthyroidism (e.g., propylthiouracil, methimazole)
Antrum
The lower part of the stomach.
Apnea
A temporary cessation of breathing.
Ascites
Accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal or abdominal cavity, often due to portal hypertension and hypoalbuminemia in liver disease
Asterixis
A flapping tremor, most commonly seen in the arms and hands, associated with hepatic encephalopathy
Bariatric Surgery
Surgical procedures performed to induce weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach or altering the digestive process
Barium Contrast Studies
X-ray imaging using barium to visualize the GI tract.
Barrett’s Esophagus (BE)
A precancerous condition in which the normal lining of the esophagus is replaced by tissue similar to the lining of the intestine, often due to chronic GERD.
Biliary Cirrhosis
Chronic liver damage caused by prolonged obstruction of bile flow within the liver or bile ducts
Biliary Sludge
A mixture of cholesterol crystals and calcium salts
Bolus Feeding
Intermittent delivery of a large volume of enteral formula over a short period.
Bronchi
The two main branches of the trachea that lead to the lungs
Bronchioles
Smaller branches of the bronchi that distribute air throughout the lungs.
Bronchoscopy
A procedure to visualize the bronchi through a fiberoptic tube.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
A lab test that, when elevated, can indicate the breakdown of protein by GI tract bacteria, which can occur with blood in the GI tract
Calcitonin
A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that lowers serum calcium levels
Catecholamines
Hormones produced by the adrenal medulla, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, involved in the “fight-or-flight” response.