The Digestive System

Question 1

Adhesion

Answer 1

The formation of scar tissue between organs and abdominal tissues, which causes them to fuse together

Question 2

Anastomosis

Answer 2

Connecting two parts of the intestine, or other tubes or channels, after the removal of a piece of one of the structres.

Question 3

Aphagia

Answer 3

The inability to swallow; also, a refusal to swallow foods or liquids

Question 4

Appendectomy

Answer 4

This is the surgical removal of the appendix, the tube-like structure at the end of the large intestine

Question 5

Appendicitis

Answer 5

Inflammation of the appendix, which is usually accompanied by severe pain

Question 6

Ascites

Answer 6

Buildup of fluid in the cavity that surrounds the abdominal organs, leading to swelling

Question 7

Barium enema

Answer 7

An x-ray exam of the abdominal cavity after the injection of barium contrast dye into the rectum; used to look for abnormalities in the large intestine

Question 8

Bile

Answer 8

Also known as gall, this is a dark green fluid made by the liver that helps with digestion. It is mostly composed of water, bile salts, bilirubin, and cholesterol

Question 9

Bilirubin

Answer 9

This is a brownish yellow substance that forms during the normal breakdown of red blood cells in the body. This waste product is then carried in the plasma to the liver where it is excreted in the bile

Question 10

Cholecystectomy

Answer 10

A surgical operation to remove the gallbladder, the organ located just under the liver

Question 11

Cholelithiasis

Answer 11

The formation or presence of gallstones, which may block the bile duct and the removal of bile from the system, putting an individual at risk for infection

Question 12

Cirrhosis

Answer 12

Liver Disease marked by cell degeneration, thickening of liver tissues, and inflammation; typically the result of hepatitis or chronic alcoholism

Question 13

Colon

Answer 13

Commonly known as the large intestine, its primary function is to remove wastes from the body. It is composed of four parts: the descending, ascending, transverse, and sigmoid colon

Question 14

Colonoscopy

Answer 14

A noninvasive procedure involving insertion of a tube into the rectum with a camera at the end of it to look for any abnormalities in the large intestine

Question 15

Colostomy

Answer 15

A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdominal wall to divert a piece of healthy colon to bypass a damaged portion of the colon so that fecal matter does not leak into the bloodstream

Question 16

Crohn’s disease

Answer 16

This is a form of inflammatory bowel disease marked by digestive tract inflammation, severe abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, malnutrition, and weight loss

Question 17

Diverticulosis

Answer 17

A condition marked by multiple small pouches, or diverticula, in the intestine, without any inflammation

Question 18

Diverticulum

Answer 18

A pouch or sac that is formed on the wall of the digestive tract at a weak point of tissue

Question 19

Duodenum

Answer 19

This is the first and shortest part of the small intestine, which receives digested food from the stomach and helps prepare those chemicals for absorption

Question 20

Dysentery

Answer 20

An intestinal infection marked by severe diarrhea and blood or mucus in the stool

Question 21

Dyspepsia

Answer 21

Another word for indigestion, which is difficult or painful digestion of food or liquid leading to heartburn, reflux, vomiting, bloating, or gassiness

Question 22

Dysphagia

Answer 22

Swallowing discomfort or difficulty, usually a symptom of another disease

Question 23

Emesis

Answer 23

Votiming

Question 24

Endoscopy

Answer 24

A procedure to look inside the body or organ using a surgical instrument called an endoscope

Question 25

Esophagus

Answer 25

The tube used for swallowing, connecting the throat to the stomach

Question 26

Excise

Answer 26

A term to describe cutting something out completely; for example , excising a hemorroid

Question 27

Gallbladder

Answer 27

A small pouch under the liver that stores the bile that is not directly secreted into the small intestine for later use

Question 28

Gallstones

Answer 28

Stones formed by digestive fluid that settle in the gallbladder

Question 29

Gingivitis

Answer 29

Swelling or inflammation in the gums

Question 30

Heartburn

Answer 30

A symptom of indigestion marked by a burning sensation in the chest, generally caused by regurgitation

Question 31

Hepatitis

Answer 31

Inflammation of the liver, which comes in many types with various symptoms and causes

Question 32

IBS

Answer 32

Irritable bowel syndrome. It is a chronic condition in the large intestine that causes pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and cramping; there are no changes to the tissues in the digestive tract

Question 33

Ileum

Answer 33

This is the portion of the small intestine, which serves to help vitamin B12, bile salts, and anything else that was not absorbed by the second part of the small intestine, the jejunum

Question 34

Jejunum

Answer 34

The second or middle part of the small intestine, which serves to absorb most of the nutrients from digested food

Question 35

Laparacopy

Answer 35

A procedure that inserts a small tubular surgical instrument with a camera at the end of it into an incision to view organs and body parts

Question 36

Melena

Answer 36

Dark stools caused by the presence of blood from the digestive tract

Question 37

Melena

Answer 37

Dark stools caused by the presence of blood from the digestive tract

Question 38

Paracentesis

Answer 38

Removal of fluid in the abdomen through a surgical needle puncture

Question 39

Peptic Ulcer

Answer 39

A break in the tissue lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or first part of the duodenum

Question 40

Peritoneal

Answer 40

Pertaining to the peritoneum, a serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, covering and cushioning the organs

Question 41

Polyp

Answer 41

A growth from the lining of a mucous membrane; it typically has a stalk

Question 42

Proctology

Answer 42

The study of the rectum and anus

Question 43

Reflux

Answer 43

This is short for acid reflux, where stomach acids or contents backflow into the esophagus, creating heartburn and pain

Question 44

sigmoidoscopy

Answer 44

A procedure using a flexible tube instrument inserted into the anus to view the lower portion of the large intestine, which is called sigmoid

Question 45

Soft palate

Answer 45

The flexible and fleshy part on the roof, near the back of the throat

Question 46

Sphincter

Answer 46

A ring of muscle that serves as a guard for a tube, opening and closing to make sure no foreign material gets into the tube or opening

Question 47

Steastosis

Answer 47

Fatty liver caused by malnutrition, alcoholism, or drug therapy

Question 48

Strictures

Answer 48

Abdominal narrowing of an opening or body cavity. It may be due to inflammation, scar tissue formation, or cancer.

Question 49

Ulcerative colitis

Answer 49

This is a type of inflammatory bowel disease marked by chronic ulcers and inflammation in the lining of the lower digestive tract

Question 50

Upper GI series

Answer 50

A radiographic study using contrast dye to look for any sign of inflammation or abnormalities in the upper GI tract including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine