Gastrointestinal Flashcards
Upper GI
*Mouth
- Initiation of mechanical and chemical digestion
*Esophagus
- Transports food from the mouth to the stomach
- Stomach
- Grinding of food, secretion of hydrochloric acid and other exocrine functions, secretion of hormones that release digestive enzymes from the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder to assist with digestion
Lower GI - Large Intestine
Ascending colon
Transverse colon
Descending colon
Sigmoid colon
Rectum
Anus
- Continues to absorb water and electrolytes, stores and eliminates undigested food as feces
Lower GI - Small Intestine
- Duodenum
- Neutralizes acid in food from the stomach and mixes pancreatic and biliary secretions with food
- Jejunum
- Absorbs water, electrolytes, and nutrients
- Ileum
- Absorbs bile and intrinsic factors to be recycled
Gland Organs for GI system
- Gallbladder
- Stores and releases bile into the duodenum to assist with digestion
- Liver
- Bile is produced and is necessary for absorption of lipid soluble substances, assists with red blood cell and vitamin K production, regulates serum level of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
- Pancreas
- Exocrine - secretes bicarbonate and digestive enzymes into the duodenum; Endocrine - secretes insulin, glucagon, and other hormones into the blood to regulate serum glucose level
Which structure is responsible for producing bile and is necessary for absorption of lipid soluble substances?
Liver
What anatomical structure is covered by the epiglottis?
larynx
The larynx is located within the anterior aspect of the neck, anterior to the inferior portion of the pharynx and superior to the trachea. The primary function of the larynx is to protect the lower airway by closing abruptly upon mechanical stimulation. The epiglottis is a flap like structure attached to the entrance of the larynx.
Where is the gall bladder located?
The gallbladder is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and is inferior to the liver. It acts to store bile created by the liver and release it into the duodenum.
Where is the spleen located and what is its function?
The spleen occupies the LUQ and can be palpated prominently when it is inflamed or enlarged. The organ is shaped like a fist and is usually about four inches in length. The spleen controls the amount of red blood cells and helps to fight infections.
What organ is responsible for regulating serum levels of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates?
Liver
The liver is a large organ located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen below the diaphragm. Additional duties of the liver include producing bile, assisting with drug metabolism, and red blood cell and vitamin K production.
Which of the following structures is responsible for digestion of food and absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream?
stomach
small intestine
large intestine
liver
small intestine
The small intestine is responsible for digestion of food and absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. It is made up of three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The small intestine secretes enzymes that digest proteins and carbohydrates.
Adhesion:
Fibrous bands of tissue that bind together normally separate anatomic structures.
Anastomosis:
Joining of two ducts, blood vessels or bowel segments to allow flow from one to the other. An anastomosis may be naturally occurring or may be created during embryonic development, surgery or by pathologic means.
Ascites:
Fluid in the peritoneal cavity, usually causing abdominal swelling
Barium:
A substance that, when swallowed or given rectally as an enema, makes the upper gastrointestinal tract visible on x-ray.
Biopsy:
Removal of a sample of tissue taken from the body for study, usually under a microscope.
Colectomy:
The surgical removal of part or all of the colon.
Colonoscopy:
Visual inspection of the interior of the colon with a flexible, lighted instrument inserted through the rectum.
Colostomy:
The surgical creation of an opening from the colon through the abdominal wall.
Constipation:
Infrequent or difficult passage of stool, secondary to an increase in the hardness of the stool.
Endoscopy:
A method of physical examination using a lighted, flexible instrument that allows a physician to examine the inside of the digestive tract.
Endosonography:
A diagnostic tool used to visualize the gastrointestinal organs using high-frequency sound waves.
Enema:
Injection of fluid into the rectum and colon to induce a bowel movement.
Fecal diversion:
Surgical creation of an opening of part of the colon or small intestine to the surface of the skin to allow for stool to exit the body.
Fecal incontinence:
Inability to retain stool, resulting in leakage of stool from the rectum.
Fecal occult blood test:
A lab test used to check a stool sample for blood.
Fistula:
An abnormal or surgically made passage that forms between two internal organs or between two different parts of the intestine.
Gastrectomy:
Surgical procedure in which all or part of the stomach is removed.
Gastroscopy:
Procedure to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract using an endoscope which is passed through the mouth and into the stomach.
Helicobacter pylori:
A type of bacterium that causes infection in the stomach. The bacterium is often the causative agent in peptic ulcers.
leocolectomy:
Surgical removal of a section of the ileum and ascending colon.
lleostomy:
The surgical creation of an opening from the ileum through the abdominal wall.
Jaundice:
A condition in which the skin and eyes turn yellow because of increased levels of bilirubin in the blood.
Laparoscopy:
A surgical diagnostic procedure utilizing a fiber optic instrument inserted through the abdominal wall to view organs.
Large intestine:
The portion of the digestive tract made up of the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and appendix.
The large intestine receives the liquid contents from the small intestine and absorbs the water and electrolytes from this liquid to form feces or waste.
Laxative:
Medications that increase the action of the intestines or stimulate the addition of water to the stool to facilitate bowel evacuation.
Mesentery:
A fold of the peritoneum that carries blood vessels and lymph glands, and attaches various organs to the abdominal wall.
Paracentesis:
The removal of accumulated fluid from the abdomen.
Peristalsis:
Involuntary contraction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestines which propel food.
Polyps (colon):
Small, non-cancerous growths on the inner lining of the colon
Small intestine:
The portion of the digestive tract that first receives food from the stomach. The small intestine is comprised of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum.