The Digestive System Pathology Flashcards
Dentistry
Branch of healthcare involved with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions involving the teeth, jaw, and mouth. Practitioner is a ‘dentist.’
Gastroenterology
Branch of medicine involved in diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the digestive system. Physician is a ‘gastroenterologist.’
Oral Surgery
Branch of dentistry that uses surgical means to treat dental conditions. Specialist is an ‘oral surgeon.’
Orthodontics
Branch of dentistry concerned with correction of problems with tooth alignment. Specialist is an ‘orthodontist.’
Periodontics
Branch of dentistry concerned with treating conditions involving the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth. Specialist is a ‘periodontist.’
Proctology
Branch of medicine involved in diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the anus and rectum. Physician is a ‘proctologist.’
Anorexia
General term meaning loss of appetite that may accompany other conditions. Also used to refer to ‘anorexia nervosa,’ which is an eating disorder involving the refusal to eat
Aphagia
Being unable to swallow or eat
Ascites
Collection or accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
Bradypepsia
Having a slow digestive system
Cachexia
Loss of weight and generalized wasting that occurs during a chronic disease
Cholecystalgia
Having gallbladder pain
Constipation
Experiencing difficulty in defecation or infrequent defecation
Dentalgia
Tooth pain
Diarrhea
Passing of frequent, watery, or bloody bowel movements. Usually accompanies gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
Dysorexia
Abnormal appetite; usually a diminished appetite
Dyspepsia
‘Upset stomach’; indigestion
Emesis
Vomiting
Gastralgia
Stomach pain
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood
Hematochezia
Passing bright red blood in the stools
Hyperemesis
Excessive vomiting
Jaundice
Yellow cast to the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes caused by the deposit of bile pigment from too much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product produced when worn-out red blood cells are broken down. May be a symptom of a disorder such as gallstones blocking the common bile duct or carcinoma of the liver. Also called ‘icterus.’
Melena
Passage of dark tarry stools. Color is the result of digestive enzymes working on blood in the gastrointestinal tract
Nausea
Urge to vomit
Obesity
Body weight that is above a healthy level. A person whose weight interferes with normal activity and body function has ‘morbid obesity.’
Polyphagia
Excessive eating; eating too much
Postprandial
After a meal