The Digestive System Flashcards
Primary Function of the mouth
begins preparation of food for digestion
primary function of pharynx
transports food from the mouth to the esophagus
primary function of the esophagus
transports food from the pharynx to the stomach
primary function of the stomach
breaks down food and mixes it with gastric juices
primary function of the small intestine
mixes chyme coming from the stomach with digestive juices to complete the digestion and absorption of most nutrients
primary function of the large intestine
absorbs excess water and prepares solid waste for elimination
primary function of the rectum and anus
control the excretion of solid waste
primary function of liver
secretes bile and enzymes to aid in the digestion of fats
primary function of the gallbladder
stores bile and releases it into the small intestine as needed
primary function of the pancreas
secretes digestive juices and enzymes into the small intestine as needed
or/o, stomat/o
mouth
pharyng/o
pharynx
esophag/o
esophagus
gastr/o
stomach
enter/o
small intestine
col/o, colon/o
large intestine
an/o, proct/o, rect/o
rectum and anus
hepat/o
liver
cholecyst/o
gullbladder
pancreat/o
pancreas
-phagia
eating, swallowing
-pepsia
digest, digestion
-rect/o
rectum, straight
-emesis
vomiting
-lithiasis
presence of stones
the digestive system consists primarily of
the gastrointestinal tract ( the stomach and intestines)
upper GI tract
consists of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus and stomach; transports food from entry into the body
lower GI tract
made up of the small and large intestines plus the rectum and anus; here digestion is completed and waste material is prepared
accessory organs
the liver, gullbladder and pancreas
major structures of the oral cavity
the mouth, lips, hard and soft palates, salivary glands, tongue, teeth and peridontium
lips
aka labia, surround the opening to the oral cavity
palate
forms the roof of the mouth, consists of 3 major parts: hard palate, soft palate and uvula
hard palate
the anterior portion of the palate; covered with specialized mucous membrane
soft palate
the flexible posterior portion of the palate during swallowing, it has the important role of closing off the nasal passage to prevent food and liquid moving up to the nasal cavity
uvula
hangs from the free edge of the soft palate
tongue
a very strong, flexible and muscular structure important for chewing, speaking and swallowing.
periodontium
describes the structures that surround, support and are attached to the teeth
gingiva
the specialized mucous membrane that covers the bone of the dental arches and surrounds the neck of the teeth
dental arches
the bony structures of the oral cavity; hold the teeth firmly in position to facilitate chewing and speaking
temporomandibular joint
aka TMJ; formed at the back of the mouth where the maxillary and mandibular arches come together
dentition
the natural teeth arranged in the upper and lower jaws
occlusion
describes any contact between chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth.
saliva
a colorless liquid that maintains the moisture in the mouth, also helps maintain the health of the teeth and it begins the digestive process by lubricating food during chewing and swallowing
three pairs of salivary glands
parotid, sublingual and submandibular; secrete saliva that is carried by ducts into the mouth
pharynx
the common passageway for both respiration and digestion
esophagus
the muscular tube through which ingested food passes from the pharynx to the stomach
lower esophageal sphincter
a muscular ring between the esophagus and stomach
stomach
a sac-like organ composed of the fundus, body and antrum
gastric juices
made up of enzymes and hydrochloric acid aid in the beginning of food digestion
pyloric sphincter
the ring-like muscle at the base of the stomach that controls the flow of partially digested food from the stomach to the duodenum of the small intestine
small intestine
extends from the pyloric sphincter to the first part of the large intestine, consists of 3 sections where food is digested and the nutrients absorbed into the bloodstream
three sections of the small intestine
duodenum, jejunum and ileum
duodenum
the first portion of the small intestine, extends from the pylorus of the stomach to the jejunum
jejunum
the middle portion of the small intestine, extends from duodenum to ileum
ileum
the last and longest portion of the small intestine, extends from the jejunum to the cecum of the large intestine
large intestine
comprised of 4 major parts; the cecum, colon, rectum and anus; where the waste products of digestion are processed in preparation for excretion
cecum
a pouch that lies on the right side of the abdomen
ileocecal sphincter
ring-like muscle that controls the flow from the ileum of the small intestine into the cecum of the large intestine
vermiform appendix
aka appendix; hangs from the lower portion of the cecum
colon
the longest portion of the large intestine; divided intro 4 parts
4 parts of the colon
ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon
ascending colon
travels upward from the cecum to the undersurface of the liver
transverse colon
passes horizontally across the abdominal cavity from right to left toward the spleen
descending colon
travels down the left side of the abdominal cavity to the sigmoid colon
sigmoid colon
an S-shaped structure that continues from the descending colon above and joins the rectum below
rectum
the widest division of the largest intestine; makes up the last portion of the large intestine
anus
the lower opening of the digestive tract
anorectal
refers to the anus and the rectum as a single unit
accessory organs
play a key role in the digestive process but are not part of the gastrointestinal tract; liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
liver
the largest organ in the body; several important functions related to removing toxins from the blood and turning food into the fuel and nutrients the body needs
glycogen
a form of glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles
bilirubin
a pigment excreted into the digestive fluid called bile, giving it a yellow to green color
bile
aids in the digestion of fats; a digestive juice secreted by the liver
biliary
provides the channels through which bile is transported from the liver to the small intestine
gallbladder
a pear-shaped organ about the size of an egg located under the liver; it stores and concentrates bile for later use
cholecystic
means pertaining to the gallbladder
pancreas
a soft, 6-inch long, oblong gland that is located behind the stomach; produces and secretes juices that aid in digestion and contain digestive enzymes that help neutralize stomach acid
digestions
the process by which complex foods are broken down into nutrients in a form the body can use
metabolism
includes all the processes involved in the body’s use of nutrients
anabolism
the building up of body cells and substances from nutrients; opposite of catabolism
catabolism
the breaking down of body cells or substances, releasing energy and carbon dioxide
absorption
the process by which completely digested nutrients are transported to the cells throughout the body
mastication
aka chewing; breaks food down into smaller pieces, mixes it with saliva and prepares it to be swallowed
bolus
a mass of food that has been chewed and is ready to be swallowed
peristalsis
a series of wave-like contractions of the smooth muscles in a single direction that moves the food forward into the digestive system
chyme
the semifluid mass of partly digested food that passes out of the stomach, through the pyloric sphincter and into the small intestine
feces
aka solid body wastes
defecation
aka bowel movement; the evacuation or the emptying of the large intestine
borborygmus
the rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine
flatulence
the passage of gas out of he body through the rectum
bariatrics
the branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of obesity and associated diseases
dentist
specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of teeth and tissues of the oral cavity
gastroenterologist
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the stomach and intestines
oral or maxillofacial surgeon
specializes in surgery of the face and jaws to correct deformities or treat diseases and repair injuries
orthodontist
a dental specialist who prevents or corrects malocclusion of the teeth and related facial features
periodontist
a dental specialist who prevents or treats disorders of the tissues surrounding the teeth
proctologist
a physician who specializes in disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus
registered dietition
a specialist in food and nutrition who practices medical nutrition therapy and counsels patients on improving their dietary intake
aphthous ulcers
aka canker sores; are gray-white pits with a red border in the soft tissues lining the mouth, exact cause is unknown
cheilosis
disorder of the lips characterized by crack-like sores at the corners of the mouth
herpes labialis
aka cold sores; blister-like sores on the lips and adjacent facial tissue that are caused by the oral herpes simples virus type 1
leokoplakia
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
stomatomycosis
any disease of the mouth due to a fungus
oral thrush
a type of stomatomycosis that develops when the fungus candida albicans grows out of control
trismus
any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer
xerostomia
aka dry mouth, the lack of adequate saliva due to diminished secretions by the salivary glands
cleft lip
a birth defect in which there is a deep groove of the lip running upward to the nose
cleft palate
the failure of the palate to close during the early development of the fetus, this opening can involve the upper lip, hard palate, or soft palate
bruckism
the involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth that usually occurs during sleep and is associated with stress
dental caries
aka tooth decay; an infectious disease caused by bacteria that destroy the enamel and dentin of the tooth
dental plaque
a major cause of dental caries and periodontal disease, forms as soft deposits in sheltered areas near the gums and between the teeth
edentulous
means without teeth
halitosis
aka bad breath; caused by dental disease or respiratory or gastric disorder
mallocclusion
any deviation from the normal positioning of the upper teeth against the lower teeth
periodontal disease
an inflammation of the tissues that surround and support the teeth
dental calculus
aka tartar, dental plaque that has calcified on the teeth
gingivitis
the earliest stage of periodontal disease, where the inflammation only affects the gums
acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
caused by the abnormal growth of bacteria in the mouth
dysphagia
difficulty in swallowing
eosinophilic esophagitis
a chronic immune system disease in which eosinophil(white blood cell) builds up in the esophagus, usually as a result of an allergy to certain foods
gastroesophageal reflux disease
upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus
barrett’s esphagus
a condition that occurs when the cells in the epithelial tissue of the esophagus are damaged by chronic acid exposure
stricture
an abnormal narrowing of the esophagus resulting from scar tissue; causes difficulty swallowing
pyrosis
aka heartburn; the burning sensation caused by the return of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus
esophageal varices
enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus
hiatal hernia
an anatomical abnormality in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest, through an opening in the diaphragm
gastritis
a common inflammation of the stomach lining that is often caused by the bacterium helicobacter pylori
gastroenteritis
inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestines
gastrorrhea
the excessive secretion of gastric juice or mucus in the stomach
peptic ulcers
sores that affect the mucous membranes of the digestive system
anorexia
the loss of appetite for food, especially when caused by disease
cachexia
a condition of physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass that occurs in patients with diseases. ie. AIDS
dehydration
a condition in which fluid loss exceeds fluid intake and disrupts the body’s normal electrolyte balance
malnutrition
a lack of proper food or nutrients in the body due to a shortage of food, poor eating habits, or the inability of the body to digest, absorb and distribute these nutrients
malabsorption
a condition in which the small intestine cannot absorb nutrients from food that passes through it
obesity
an excessive accumulation of fat in the body
morbid obesity
the condition of weighing two times or more the ideal weight or having a BMI greater than 40
body mass index
a number that shows body weight adjusted for height
aerophagia
the excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking and is a common cause of gas in the stomach
dysepsia
aka indigestion; pain or discomfort in digestion
emesis
aka vomiting; the reflex ejection of the stomach contents outward through the mouth
eructation
is the act of belching or raising gas orally from the stomach
hematemesis
vomiting of blood
hyperemesis
is extreme, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration
nausea
the urge to vomit
regurgitation
the return of swallowed food into the mouth
celiac disease
a hereditary autoimmune disorder characterized by a severe reaction to foods containing gluten
gluten intolerance
non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a response to gluten involving digestive distress but not causing the intestinal tissue damage of celiac disease
food allergy
an immune system reaction that occurs after eating a certain food
lactose intolerance
the inability to digest dairy products due to the absence of the enzyme lactase
colorectal carcinoma
aka colon cancer
polyp
a mushroom-like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane
diverticulosis
the chromic presence of an abnormal number of diverticula in the colon
diverticulum
a small pouch, or sac, found in the lining or wall of a tubular organ such as the colon
diverticulitis
inflammation or infection of one or more diverticulum in the colon
enteritis
an inflammation of the small intestine caused by eating or drinking substances contaminated with viral or pathogenic infections
ischemic colitis
occurs when part of the large intestine is partially or completely deprived of blood
ileus
the partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine
irritable bowel syndrome
a common condition unknown cause with symptoms that can include intermittent cramping and abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea
inflammatory bowel disease
the general name for diseases that cause inflammation and swelling in the intestines
ulcerative colitis
a chronic condition of unknown cause in which repeated episodes of inflammation in the rectum and large intestine cause ulcers
crohn’s disease
a chronic autoimmune disorder that can occur anywhere in the digestive tract; most commonly found in the ileum and in the colon.
intestinal obstruction
the partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine caused by a physical obstruction
volvulus
the twisting of the intestine on itself causing an obstruction
intussusception
the telescoping of one part of the small intestine into the opening of an immediately adjacent part
inguinal hernia
the protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall or groin
strangulated hernia
when a portion of the intestine is constricted inside the hernia, causing ischemia
clostridium difficule
aka C. diff; a bacterial infection common to older adults in hospitals or long-term care facilities, typically following the use of antibiotics that wipe out competing bacteria
dysentery
a bacterial infection, occurs most frequently in tropical counties where it is spread through food or water contaminated by human feces
E. coli
caused by the bacterium escherichia coli, transmitted through contaminated foods that have not been adequately cooked
salmonellosis
aka salmonella; transmitted by feces, either through direct contact with animals or by eating contaminated raw or undercooked meats and eggs or unpasteurized milk and cheese products
anal fissure
a small crack-like sore in the skin of the anus that can cause severe pain during a bowel movement
bowel incontinence
the inability to control the excretion of feces
constipation
defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week
diarrhea
an abnormally frequent flow of loose or watery stools
hemorrhoids
occur when a cluster of veins, muscles and tissues slip near or through the anal opening
rectocele
a bulging of the front wall of the rectum into the vagina
hematochesia
the presence of bright red blood in the stool
melena
the passage of black, tarry, foul-smelling stools
steatorrhea
the presence of excess fat in the stool
ascites
an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity
hepatomegaly
the abnormal enlargement of the liver
jaundice
a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and eyes caused by greater than normal amounts of bilirubin in the blood
hepatitis
an inflammation of the liver usually caused by a viral infection
cirrhosis
a chronic degenerative disease of the liver characterized by scarring
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
the accumulation of fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol
nonalcohol steatohepatitis
fatty accumulations plus liver damaging inflamation
cholangitis
an acute inflammation of the bile duct characterized by pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, fever and jaundice
cholecystitis
inflammation of the gallbladder, usually associated with gallstones blocking the flow of bile
gallstone
a hard deposit formed in the gallbladder and bile ducts due to the concretion of bile components
cholelithiasis
the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts
abdominal computed tomography
a radiographic procedure that produces a detailed cross-section of the tissue structure within the abdomen
abdominal ultrasound
a noninvasive test used to visualize internal organs by using very high frequency sound waves
cholangiography
a radiographic examination of the bile ducts with the use of a contrast medium
enema
the placement of a solution into the rectum and colon to empty the lower intestine through bowel activity
esophagogastroduodenoscopy
is an endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the upper GI tract
upper GI series and lower GI series
radiographic studies to examine the digestive system
stool samples
are specimens of feces that are examined for content and characteristics
endoscope
a visual examination of internal structures
anoscopy
the visual examination of the anal canal and lower rectum
capsule endoscopy
the use of a tiny video camera in a capsule that the patient swallows
colonoscopy
the direct visual examination of the inner surface of the entire colon from the rectum to the cecum using a colonoscope
sigmoidoscopy
the endoscopic examination of the interior of the rectum sigmoid colon and possibly a portion of the descending colon
hemoccult
a laboratory test for hidden blood in stool
antioxidants
are chemicals such as vitamins A,C,E that may prevent or delay cell damage by blocking the activity of potentially harmful chemicals
probiotics
living microorganisms sometimes describes as “good” bacteria because of their role in aiding digestion and protecting the body from harmful bacteria
antacids
neutralize the acids in the stomach; taken to relieve the discomfort of conditions such as pyrosis
proton pump inhibitors
decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach
antiemetic
a medication that is administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting
laxatives
medications or foods given to stimulate bowel movements
intravenous fluids
administered to combat the effects of dehydration
oral rehydration therapy
a treatment in which a solution of electrolytes is administered in a liquid preparation to counteract dehydration
dental prophylacis
the professional cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque and calculus
dental implant
the anchoring of a crown, bridge, or denture to the bone of the jaw
root canal
a procedure in which diseased or damaged pulp in the root canal is removed in order to save the tooth
gingivectomy
the surgical removal of diseased gingival tissue
maxillofacial surgery
specialized surgery of the face and jaws to correct deformities, treat diseases and repair injuries
palatoplasty
surgical repair of a cleft palate
gastrectomy
the surgical removal of all or a part of the stomach
nasogastric intubation
the placement of a feeding tube through the nose and into the stomach
gastrostomy tube
a surgically placed feeding tube from the exterior of the body directly into the stomach
total parenteral nutrition
administered to patients who cannot or should not get their nutrition through eating
bariatric surgery
performed to treat morbid obesity by restricting the amount of food that can enter the stomach and be digested
colectomy
the surgical removal of all or part of the colon
colotomy
a surgical incision into the colon
diverticulectomy
a surgical removal of a diverticulum
gastroduodenostomy
the establishment of an anastomosis between the upper portion of the stomach and the duodenum
anastomosis
a surgical connection between two hollow, or tubular, structures
ileectomy
the surgical removal of the ileum
ostomy
a surgical procedure to create an artificial opening between an organ and the body surface
ileostomy
the surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the ileum, and outside the abdominal wall
colostomy
the surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the colon and the body surface
hemorrhoidectomy
the surgical removal of hemorrhoids
proctopexy
the surgical fixation of a prolapsed rectum to an adjacent tissue or organ
hepatectomy
the surgical removal of all or part of he liver
choledocholithotomy
an incision into the common bile duct for the removal of a gallstone
cholecystectomy
the surgical removal of the gallbladder
