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medical terminology > unit 8 (digestive system) - medical vocabulary > Flashcards

unit 8 (digestive system) - medical vocabulary Flashcards

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USMLE® Step 1 flashcards
1
Q

abdominal ultrasound

A

a method of using sound waves to generate an image of abdominal organs; often used to diagnose liver cysts, gallstones, tissue abscesses, and abdominal organ enlargement

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2
Q

absorption

A

the process by which valuable nutrients leave the digestive tract and enter the blood supply

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3
Q

acid blocker

A

a group of drugs that block acid production in the stomach

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4
Q

amylase

A

an enzyme that acids in the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates

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5
Q

amylase blood test

A

a blood test used to detect elevated levels of an enzyme common in pancreatic disorders

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6
Q

anal fistula

A

an abnormal, tube-like passageway that forms between the anus and the skin near the anus

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7
Q

anorexia

A

lack of or no appetite

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8
Q

anorexia nervosa

A

a condition involving self-deprivation of food and pathological weight loss

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9
Q

antibiotic

A

a drug that fights or prevents bacterial infection

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10
Q

antiemetic

A

a drug that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting

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11
Q

antiviral

A

a drug used to treat viral infections

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12
Q

anus

A

the opening at the lower end of the digestive tract, through which fecal waste is eliminated

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13
Q

appendicitis

A

inflammation of the appendix; caused by a blockage that results in infection

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14
Q

appendix

A

an organ that hangs from the lowest part of the cecum and which has no known function within the digestive system

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15
Q

ascending colon

A

the part of the colon that extends upward from the cecum

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16
Q

ascites

A

the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen

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17
Q

bariatric surgery

A

a term that encompasses the surgical treatments available for morbid obesity, including lap bands, gastric bypasses, and other similar procedures to reduce the size of the stomach or digestive tract

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18
Q

barium enema; lower gastrointestinal (LGI) series

A

a special X-ray of the large intestine, including the rectum, using barium as a contrast medium

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19
Q

bile

A

a yellowish-brown or green fluid secreted by the liver to break down fatty foods

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20
Q

borborygmus

A

the movement of gas and/or fluid through the digestive tract, producing grumbling noises

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21
Q

bulimia nervosa

A

an eating disorder characterized by binge eating that is followed by induced vomiting, use of laxatives, and/or excessive exercise; often abbreviated to bulimia

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22
Q

capsule endoscopy

A

the visual examination in which a tiny, wireless camera is used to take pictures of the digestive tract

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23
Q

cardiac sphincter

A

a ring-like muscle at the end of the esophagus that controls that flow of substances between the esophagus and the stomach

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24
Q

cecum

A

a pouch that connects to the ileum and forms the first part of the colon

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25
Q

celiac disease

A

a malabsorption syndrome (condition of faulty absorption) characterized by weight loss and diarrhea; thought to be caused by foods containing gluten, a protein found in wheat

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26
Q

cholecystitis

A

inflammation of the gallbladder

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27
Q

cholelithiasis

A

abnormal condition of stones in the gallbladder

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28
Q

chyme

A

a pulpy substance that results when acidic gastric juices mix with partially digested food in the stomach

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29
Q

cirrhosis

A

scarring of the liver due to alcohol, drugs, or a virus such as hepatitis

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30
Q

colon

A

the large intestine, which connects to the ileum and continues to the anus

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31
Q

colon cancer

A

malignant tumor of the glandular tissues in the colon, the rectum, or both

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32
Q

colonoscopy

A

the visual examination of the colon (large intestine) using a scope

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33
Q

complete blood count (CBC)

A

a routine test that involves counting the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood

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34
Q

constipation

A

the difficult elimination of stools

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35
Q

Crohn’s disease

A

a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract

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36
Q

crown

A

the part of a tooth that protrudes above the gum line

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37
Q

deglutition

A

the act of swallowing

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38
Q

dehydration

A

a condition in which fluid loss exceeds fluid intake

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39
Q

dental caries

A

tooth decay or cavity; an infection that destroys the enamel or dentin of the tooth

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40
Q

dental hygienist

A

a healthcare worker who works under the supervision of a dentist; is licensed to clean and remove stains from teeth, take and develop X-rays, give fluoride treatments, and educate patients about oral hygiene

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41
Q

dentin

A

the bone-like material of a tooth

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42
Q

dentist

A

a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions and diseases of the mouth and gums

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43
Q

descending colon

A

the part of the colon that extends along the left side of the abdominal cavity

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44
Q

diarrhea

A

a condition characterized by abnormally frequent elimination of loose or watery stools

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45
Q

diet therapy

A

a diet specially prescribed to treat a health condition through gradual elimination and/or integration of specific foods

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46
Q

digestion

A

the process by which food is broken down into smaller components

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47
Q

digestive system

A

the body system that takes in food, breaks it down physically and chemically into nutrients, and then draws nutrients from the food into the bloodstream; also known as the gastrointestinal tract

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48
Q

duodenum

A

the first section of the small intestine, which receives food from the stomach, bile from the liver and gallbladder, and pancreatic juice from the pancreas

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49
Q

dyspepsia

A

painful or difficult digestion, also known as indigestion

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50
Q

dysphagia

A

painful or difficult swallowing

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51
Q

elimination

A

the discharge of waste from the body

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52
Q

emesis

A

vomiting

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53
Q

enamel

A

the hard covering on a tooth

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54
Q

endoscopy

A

the examination of body organs or cavities through the use of a scope

55
Q

enteritis

A

inflammation of the intestines; characterized by diarrhea

56
Q

eructation

A

the release of gas from the stomach through the mouth; commonly known as belching (burp)

57
Q

esophageal varices

A

swollen, twisted veins in the distal portion of the esophagus or upper part of the stomach

58
Q

esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

A

the visual examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a scope

59
Q

esophagus

A

the mucous membrane-lines muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach

60
Q

flatus

A

gas expelled through the anus

61
Q

fluoroscopy

A

an X-ray procedure that uses a fluoroscope to provide real-time moving images of the interior of the body; for example, to examine the swallowing mechanism

62
Q

gallbladder

A

a sac-like organ located on the posterior side of the liver that stores bile and releases bile when the body needs it for digestion

63
Q

gastroenteritis

A

inflammation of the stomach and intestines that is characterized by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; also called a “stomach bug”

64
Q

gastroenterologist

A

a physician who specializes in diseases and conditions of the digestive system

65
Q

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

A

the backward flow of stomach acids into the esophagus

66
Q

gastroscopy

A

the visual examination of the stomach using a scope

67
Q

gingiva

A

the soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth; commonly known as the gums

68
Q

halitosis

A

bad breath; may be caused by dental, digestive, or respiratory disease

69
Q

hard palate

A

the anterior of the roof of the mouth

70
Q

hematemesis

A

vomiting of blood

71
Q

hematochezia

A

bright red blood (fresh) discharged from the anus

72
Q

hepatitis

A

inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection

73
Q

hepatitis A

A

an acute form of hepatitis usually spread through food contaminated by the feces of a person infected with the virus

74
Q

hepatitis B

A

chronic, potentially life-threatening form of hepatitis that is transmitted by blood or other bodily fluids, usually during sexual contact or during childbirth

75
Q

hepatitis C

A

chronic hepatitis transmitted by blood or other bodily fluids, usually through blood transfusion or through the use of illegal drug needles; potentially life-threatening

76
Q

hernia

A

the protrusion of an organ or structure through the muscle that normally contains it

77
Q

hiatal hernia

A

a hernia in which the upper part of the stomach protrudes through the esophageal opening in the diaphragm

78
Q

ileocecal valve

A

a sphincter muscle that prevents the backflow of contents from the cecum

79
Q

ileum

A

the last section of the small intestine, which is the site of vitamin B12 absorption

80
Q

ileus

A

a temporary stoppage of intestinal peristalsis, commonly seen 24 to 72 hours after abdominal surgery, which can result in pain, vomiting, fever, abdominal distention, and absence of stool formation

81
Q

ingestion

A

the intake of food and liquids into the body

82
Q

inguinal hernia

A

a hernia in which a portion of the intestines protrudes through a weakened part of the lower abdominal wall or groin

83
Q

insulin

A

a hormone that aids in the absorption of sugar

84
Q

intestinal adhesions

A

fibrous bands of tissue that abnormally bind the intestines together; may result from trauma or inflammation

85
Q

intestinal obstruction

A

a partial or complete stoppage of digested food in the intestinal tract

86
Q

intussusception

A

the folding of one part of the intestine into the opening of an adjacent section

87
Q

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

A

a group of symptoms that includes diarrhea, bloating, cramping, and constipation associated with stress and tension

88
Q

jaundice

A

yellow discoloration of the skin and other tissues due to high blood levels of bilirubin, a yellow substance in bile

89
Q

jejunum

A

the middle section of the small intestine, in which nutrients from digested food are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine

90
Q

laparoscopy

A

the noninvasive visual examination of any internal organ by placing a small scope, called a laparoscope, through the abdominal wall

91
Q

laxative

A

a drug that stimulates bowel movements

92
Q

lipase

A

an enzyme that aids in the chemical breakdown of fats

93
Q

liver

A

a vital organ that converts a carbohydrate called glycogen into glucose when the body’s cells need energy

94
Q

liver profile

A

a blood test that measures the different enzymes involved in liver functions and the waste products that are produced as a result

95
Q

mastication

A

the process of physical or mechanical digestion that is performed with the teeth and tongue; commonly known as chewing

96
Q

mouth

A

the opening of the oral cavity

97
Q

nausea

A

an unpleasant sensation the stomach that causes an urge to vomit

98
Q

occult blood test

A

a test used to detect hidden blood in the feces

98
Q

oral cavity

A

the region consisting of the mouth, tongue, teeth, salivary glands, and pharynx

99
Q

pancreas

A

an organ that is responsible for producing many different enzymes that aid in the digestion process

100
Q

pancreatitis

A

inflammation of the pancreas

101
Q

papillae

A

small, nipple-like protuberances (bumps) that contain taste buds

102
Q

peptic ulcer

A

a gastric or duodenal ulcer (open sore) caused by the Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) bacterium

103
Q

periodontal disease

A

inflammation and degeneration of the gums, teeth, and surrounding bone

104
Q

peristalsis

A

a propulsive muscular action that moves food down the pharynx

105
Q

peritonitis

A

inflammation of the abdominal cavity caused by bacterial infection; occurs after rupture of an abdominal organ or trauma to the abdominal region

106
Q

proctoscopy

A

the visual examination of the rectum using a scope

107
Q

protease

A

an enzyme that aids in the chemical breakdown of proteins

108
Q

pulp

A

blood vessels and nerve tissue contained in a tooth

109
Q

pulp cavity

A

the cavity of a tooth that contains connective tissue

110
Q

pyloric sphincter

A

a thick ring of muscular tissue that controls the flow of chyme from the stomach to the small intestine

111
Q

pylorus

A

a narrow, muscular passageway that connects the stomach to the small intestine

112
Q

rectum

A

the last section of the colon, which functions as a storage area for solid waste until defecation can occur

113
Q

registered dietitian (RD)

A

a healthcare worker who supervises the preparation and serving of food in any of a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and schools

114
Q

regurgitation

A

the return of swallowed food from the stomach

115
Q

root

A

the part of a tooth that is embedded below the gum line

116
Q

root canal

A

the chamber of dental pulp lying within the root portion of a tooth

117
Q

rugae

A

folds in the lining of the stomach that produce gastric fluids that aid in digestion and provide a protective lining for the stomach

118
Q

salivary glands

A

several glands contained in the oral cavity, which excrete saliva

119
Q

serology test

A

a test that helps diagnose an infection by seeking a common antigen/antibody reaction through the use of a known antigen or antibody

120
Q

sigmoid colon

A

the part of the colon that is connected to the distal end of the descending colon and leads to the rectum

121
Q

sigmoidoscopy

A

the visual examination of the sigmoid colon using a scope

122
Q

small intestine

A

the longest section of the digestive system, averaging 17 to 20 feet in an adult, in which the absorption of nutrients begins; includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum

123
Q

soft palate

A

the posterior of the roof of the mouth

124
Q

stomach

A

a sac-like organ composed of three major areas, the fundus (upper, rounded portion), the body (the main section), and the antrum (the lower section

125
Q

strangulating obstruction

A

a condition in which blood flow to a segment of the intestines is blocked, potentially leading to necrosis (tissue death), gangrene, and perforation

126
Q

taste receptors

A

structures contained in taste buds that enable a person to perceive the different tastes in foods

127
Q

tongue

A

a muscular organ attached to the floor of the mouth that aids in mastication

128
Q

transverse colon

A

the longest part of the colon, which horizontally crosses the abdomen

129
Q

ulcer

A

an open sore or lesion of the mucous lining in a gastric organ, such as the stomach or esophagus

130
Q

ulcerative colitis

A

chronic inflammation of the colon with ulcers

131
Q

upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series

A

a series of X-rays taken of the stomach and duodenum after a patient has swallowed a barium contrast agent

132
Q

uvula

A

a finger-like projection of tissue that hangs from the soft palate; covers the nasopharynx during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the nasal cavity

133
Q

volvulus

A

an abnormal twisting of the intestine

medical terminology (27 decks)

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