Ch. 5 & 6 - Digestive System Flashcards

Question

gallbladder

Answer 1

Small sac under the liver; stores bile. *HINT: gallbladder is one word!

Answer 2

Simple sugar.

Answer 3

Starch; glucose is stored in the form of glycogen in liver cells.

Answer 4

Substance (strong acid) produced in the stomach; aids digestion.

Answer 5

Third part of the small intestine from the Greek eilos, meaning twisted. When the abdomen was viewed at autopsy, the intestine appeared twisted, and the ileum often was an area of obstruction.

Answer 6

Any one of four front teeth in the dental arch.

Answer 7

Hormone produced by the endocrine cells of the pancreas. It helps transport sugar into body cells

Answer 8

Second part of the small intestine. The Latin jejunus means empty; this part of the intestine was always empty when a body was examined after death. *HINT: pronunciation is jeh-JU-num

Answer 9

Pancreatic enzyme necessary to digest fats.

Answer 10

Large organ located in the RUQ of the abdomen. The liver secretes bile; stores sugar, iron, and vitamins; produces blood proteins; destroys worn-out red blood cells; and ﬁlters out toxins. The normal adult liver weighs about 2(1/2) to 3 pounds.

Answer 11

Ring of muscles between the esophagus and the stomach. Also called cardiac sphincter.

Answer 12

Three large, ﬂat teeth at the back of the mouth, on either side of the dental arch. Premolar teeth are two teeth, before the molars.

Answer 13

Organ behind the stomach; produces insulin (for transport of sugar into cells) and enzymes (for digestion of foods).

Answer 14

Small projections on the tongue. Taste buds (taste receptor cells) are located within the papillae (pap-IL-e).

Answer 15

Salivary gland within the cheek, just anterior to the ear. Note the literal meaning of parotid (par- = near; ot/o = ear).

Answer 16

Rhythmic contractions of the tubular organs. In the gastrointestinal tract, peristalsis moves the contents through at different rates: stomach, 0.5 to 2 hours; small intestine, 2 to 6 hours; and colon, 6 to 72 hours. Peri- means surrounding; -stalsis is constriction. *HINT: pronunciation is peh-rih-STAL-sis.

Answer 17

Throat, the common passageway for food from the mouth and for air from the nose.

Answer 18

Large vein bringing blood to the liver from the intestines.

Answer 19

Enzyme that digests protein.

Answer 20

Soft tissue within a tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels.

Answer 21

Ring of muscle at the end of the stomach, near thedu odenum. From the Greek pyloros, meaning gatekeeper. It is normally closed, but opens when a wave of peristalsis passes over it.

Answer 22

Distal region of the stomach, opening to the duodenum

Answer 23

Last section of the large intestine, connecting the end of the colon and the anus.

Answer 24

Ridges on the hard palate and the wall of the stomach. *HINT: pronunciation is RU-guy.

Answer 25

Digestive juice produced by salivary glands. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase, which begins the digestion of starch to sugar.

Answer 26

Parotid, sublingual, and submandibular glands

Answer 27

Lower, S- shaped segment of the colon, just before the rectum; empties into the rectum.

Answer 28

Circular ring of muscle that constricts a passage or closes a natural opening

Answer 29

Muscular organ that receives food from the esophagus. The stomach’s parts are the fundus (proximal section), body (middle section), and antrum (distal section).

Answer 30

Fat molecules composed of three parts fatty acids and one part glycerol. Triglycerides (fats) are a subgroup of lipids. Another type of lipid is cholesterol.

Answer 31

Soft tissue hanging from the middle of the soft palate. The Latin uva means bunch of grapes.

Answer 32

Microscopic projections in the wall of the small intestine that absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.

Answer 33

anus (e.g. perianal)

Answer 34

appendix (e.g. appendectomy)

Answer 35

cheek (e.g. buccalmucosa) A mucosa is a mucous membrane lining cavities or canals that open to the outside of the body.

Answer 36

cecum (e.g. cecal)

Answer 37

belly, abdomen (e.g. celiac) Abdomin/o and lapar/o also mean abdomen. Celiac disease is damage to the lining of the small intestine, occurring as a reaction to eating gluten.

Answer 38

lip (e.g. cheilosis) Labi/o also means lip.

Answer 39

gallbladder (e.g. cholecystectomy) Chol/e = gall, bile.

Answer 40

common bile duct (e.g. choledochotomy)

Answer 41

colon (e.g. colostomy) The sufﬁx -stomy, when used with a combining form for an organ, means an opening to the outside of the body. A stoma is an opening between an organ and the surface of the body

Answer 42

colon (e.g. colonic)

Answer 43

tooth (e.g. dentibuccal) Odont/o also means tooth.

Answer 44

duodenum (e.g. duodenal)

Answer 45

intestines, usually small intestine (e.g. enterocolitis) *HINT: When two combining forms for gastrointestinal organs are in a term, the one for the organ closer to the mouth appears ﬁrst. [enteroenterostomy] New opening between two previously unconnected parts of the small intestine. This is an anastomosis, which is any surgical connection between two parts, such as vessels, ducts, or bowel segments (ana = up, stom = opening, -sis = state of) (Figure 5-16). [mesentery] Part of the double fold of peritoneum that stretches around the organs in the abdomen, the mesentery holds the organs in place. Literally, it lies in the middle (mes-) of the intestines, a membrane attaching the intestines to the muscle wall at the back of the abdomen (Figure 5-17). [parenteral] Par (from para-) means apart from in this term. An intravenous line brings parenteral nutrition directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the intestinal tract (enteral nutrition). Parenteral injections may be subcutaneous or intramuscular as well.

Answer 46

esophagus (e.g. esophageal) * HINT: Changing the sufﬁx from -al to -eal softens the ﬁnal g (eh-sof-ah-JE-al)

Answer 47

face (e.g. facial)

Answer 48

stomach (e.g. gastrostomy)

Answer 49

gums (e.g. gingivitis)

Answer 50

tongue (e.g. hypoglossal) Lingu/o also means tongue.

Answer 51

liver (e.g. hepatoma ; Also called hepatocellular carcinoma.)

Answer 52

ileum (e.g. ileocecal sphincter ; Also called the ileocecal valve.)

Answer 53

jejunum (e.g. choledochojejunostomy = An anastomosis.) gastrojejunostomy - This is part of a gastric bypass procedure.

Answer 54

lip (e.g. labial)

Answer 55

abdomen (e.g. laparoscopy - A form of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Examples are laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy.)

Answer 56

tongue (e.g. sublingual)

Answer 57

lower jaw, mandible (e.g. submandibular)

Answer 58

tooth e.g. orthodontist (Orth/o means straight.) e.g. endodontist (Performs root canal therapy.)

Answer 59

peritoneum

Answer 60

throat ; pharynx

Answer 61

anus and rectum

Answer 62

pyloric sphincter

Answer 63

salivary gland

Answer 64

sigmoid colon

Answer 65

bilirubin (bile pigment)

Answer 66

gall, bile

Answer 67

hydrochloric acid

Answer 68

glycogen, animal starch

Answer 69

fat, lipid

Answer 70

pus [Pyorrhea is discharge (-rrhea) of pus from gums, and pyuria is presence of pus in urine (sign of a urinary tract infection).]

Answer 71

saliva, salivary

Answer 72

defecation, elimination of wastes

Answer 73

abnormal condition

Answer 74

dilation (dilatation), widening e.g. cholangiectasis = Cholangi/o means bile duct (vessel). Bile duct obstruction may cause cholangiectasis (ko-lan-je-EK-tah-sis).

Answer 75

vomiting e.g. hematemesis = Bright red blood is vomited, often associated with esophageal varices or peptic ulcer. e.g. 2. An emesis basin is a kidney-shaped container positioned beside a hospital bed to collect vomit. If a child swallows poison, the physician may prescribe a drug to induce emesis. An emetic is a strong solution such as ipecac syrup administered to induce vomiting after a patient swallows poison.

Answer 76

digestion e.g. dyspepsia

Answer 77

eating, swallowing e.g. polyphagia = Excessive appetite and uncontrolled eating.

Answer 78

surgical repair e.g. abdominoplasty = This is commonly referred to as a “tummy tuck.” Other surgical repairs are rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty.

Answer 79

spitting e.g. hemoptysis = (he-MOP-tih-sis) Spitting up blood from the respiratory tract and lungs.

Answer 80

bursting forth (of blood) e.g. hemorrhage = Loss of a large amount of blood in a short period.

Answer 81

suture e.g. herniorrhaphy = (her-ne-OR-ah-fe) Repair (as in stitching or suturing) of a hernia. Hernioplasty is a synonym.

Answer 82

flow, discharge e.g. diarrhea = The embedded root rrh means flow or discharge.

Answer 83

involuntary contraction of muscles e.g. bronchospasm = A chief characteristic of bronchitis and asthma. e.g. 2 Eating spicy foods can lead to spasm of gastric sphincters.

Answer 84

stopping, controlling e.g. cholestasis = Flow of bile from the liver to the duodenum is interrupted. e.g.2 Overgrowth of bacteria within the small intestine can cause stasis of the intestinal contents.

Answer 85

narrowing, tightening e.g. pyloric stenosis = This is a congenital defect in newborns blocking the flow of food into the small intestine. e.g.2 Projectile vomiting in an infant during feeding is a clinical sign of pyloric stenosis.

Answer 86

opening e.g. atresia = Absence of a normal opening. e.g.2 esophageal atresia = A congenital anomaly in which the esophagus does not connect with the stomach. A tracheoesophageal fistula often accompanies this abnormality. e.g.3 biliary atresia = Congenital hypoplasia or nonformation of bile ducts causes neonatal cholestasis and jaundice.

Answer 87

Lack of appetite. Anorexia (-orexia = appetite) often is a sign of malignancy or liver disease. Anorexia nervosa is loss of appetite associated with emotional problems such as anger, anxiety, and irrational fear of weight gain. It is an eating disorder and is discussed along with a similar eating disorder, bulimia nervosa.

Answer 88

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. This condition occurs when fluid passes from the bloodstream and collects in the peritoneal cavity. It can be a sign of neoplasm or inflammatory disorders in the abdomen, venous hypertension (high blood pressure) caused by liver disease (cirrhosis), or heart failure. Treatment for ascites includes administration of diuretic drugs and paracentesis to remove abdominal fluid.

Answer 89

Rumbling or gurgling noises produced by the movement of gas, fluid, or both in the gastrointestinal tract. Signs of hyperactive intestinal peristalsis, borborygmi (bowel sounds) often are present in cases of gastroenteritis and diarrhea.

Answer 90

Difﬁculty in passing stools (feces). When peristalsis is slow, stools are dry and hard. A diet with plentiful fruits, vegetables, and water is helpful. Laxatives and cathartics are medications to promote movement of stools. Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is persistent constipation without an identiﬁable cause.

Answer 91

Frequent passage of loose, watery stools. Abrupt onset of diarrhea immediately after eating suggests acute infection or toxin in the gastrointestinal tract. Untreated, severe diarrhea may lead to dehydration. Antidiarrheal drugs are helpful.

Answer 92

Difﬁculty in swallowing. This sensation feels like a “lump in the throat” when a swallowed bolus fails to progress, either because of a physical obstruction (obstructive dysphagia) or because of a motor disorder in which esophageal peristalsis is not coordinated (motor dysphagia).

Answer 93

Gas expelled from the stomach through the mouth. Eructation produces a characteristic sound and also is called belching (burping).

Answer 94

Gas expelled through the anus. Flatulence is the presence of excessive gas in the stomach and the intestines. One sign of a bowel obstruction is the inability to pass ﬂatus.

Answer 95

Passage of fresh, bright red blood from the rectum. The cause of hematochezia is usually hemorrhoids, but can also be colitis, ulcers, polyps, or cancer.

Answer 96

Yellow-orange coloration of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia). Jaundice can occur when (1) excessive destruction of erythrocytes, as in hemolysis, causes excess bilirubin in the blood; (2) malfunction of liver cells (hepatocytes) due to liver disease prevents the liver from excreting bilirubin with bile; or (3) obstruction of bile ﬂow, such as from choledocholithiasis or tumor, prevents bilirubin in bile from being excreted into the duodenum.

Answer 97

Black, tarry stools; feces containing digested blood. This clinical sign usually reﬂects a condition in which blood has had time to be digested (acted on by intestinal juices) and results from bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract (duodenal ulcer). A positive result on stool guaiac testing (see page 183) indicates blood in the stool.

Answer 98

Unpleasant sensation in the stomach with a tendency to vomit. Common causes are motion sickness, early pregnancy, and viral gastroenteritis. Nausea and vomiting may be symptomatic of a perforation (hole in the wall) of an abdominal organ; obstruction of a bile duct, stomach, or intestine; or exposure to poisons.

Answer 99

Fat in the feces. Steatorrhea is production of frothy, foul-smelling fecal matter that often ﬂoats in the toilet. Improper digestion or absorption of fat causes fat to remain in the intestine. This may occur with disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis) when pancreatic enzymes are not excreted. It also is a sign of intestinal disease that involves malabsorption of fat.

Answer 100

Inﬂammation of the mouth with small, painful ulcers. The ulcers associated with this condition are commonly called canker (KANK-er) sores; the cause is unknown.

Answer 101

Tooth decay. Dental plaque results from the accumulation of foods, proteins from saliva, and necrotic debris on the tooth enamel. Bacteria grow in the plaque and cause production of acid that dissolves the tooth enamel, resulting in a cavity (area of decay) (Figure 5-20C). If the bacterial infection reaches the pulp of the tooth, root canal therapy may be necessary.

Answer 102

Inﬂammation of the mouth caused by infection with the herpesvirus. Painful ﬂuid-ﬁlled blisters on the lips, palate, gums, and tongue, commonly called fever blisters or cold sores (Figure 5-20D). It is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). Herpes genitalis (due to HSV2) involves the reproductive organs. Both conditions are highly contagious.

Answer 103

White plaques or patches on the mucosa of the mouth. This precancerous lesion (Figure 5-20E) can result from chronic tobacco use (pipe smoking or chewing tobacco). Malignant potential is assessed by microscopic study of biopsied tissue.

Answer 104

Inﬂammation and degeneration of gums, teeth, and surrounding bone. Gingivitis occurs as a result of accumulation of dental plaque and dental calculus or tartar (a yellow-brown calciﬁed deposit on teeth). In gingivectomy, the periodontist uses a metal instrument to scrape away plaque and tartar from teeth; any pockets of pus (pyorrhea) are then drained and removed to allow new tissue to form. Localized infections are treated with systemic antibiotics.

Answer 105

Failure of the lower esophagus sphincter (LES) muscle to relax. A chalasia (-chalasia = relaxation) results from the loss of peristalsis so that food cannot pass easily through the esophagus. Both failure of the LES to relax and the loss of peristalsis cause dilatation (widening) of the esophagus above the constriction. Physicians recommend a bland diet low in bulk and mechanical stretching of the LES to relieve symptoms.

Answer 106

Malignant tumor of the esophagus. The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is difﬁculty swallowing (dysphagia). Smoking and chronic alcohol use are major risk factors. Long-term irritation of the esophagus caused by gastric reﬂux is a premalignant condition called Barrett esophagus. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are treatment options.

Answer 107

Swollen varicose veins at the lower end of the esophagus. Liver disease (such as cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis) causes increased pressure in veins near and around the liver (portal hypertension). This leads to enlarged, tortuous esophageal veins with danger of hemorrhage (bleeding). Treatment may include banding (tying off the swollen esophageal veins) or sclerotherapy (injecting veins with a solution that closes them). Drug therapy to lower portal hypertension can be used to decrease the risk of variceal bleeding.

Answer 108

Malignant tumor of the stomach. Smoking, alcohol use, and chronic gastritis associated with bacterial infection are major risk factors for gastric carcinoma. Gastric endoscopy and biopsy diagnose the condition. Cure depends on early detection and surgical removal.

Answer 109

Solids and ﬂuids return to the mouth from the stomach. Heartburn is a burning sensation caused by regurgitation of hydrochloric acid from the stomach to the esophagus. Chronic exposure of esophageal mucosa to gastric acid and pepsin (an enzyme that digests protein) leads to reﬂux esophagitis. Drug treatment for GERD includes antacid (acid-suppressive) agents and medication to increase the tone of the LES.

Answer 110

Protrusion of an organ or part through the tissues and muscles normally containing it. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach protrudes upward through the diaphragm. This condition can lead to GERD. An inguinal hernia occurs when a small loop of bowel protrudes through a weak lower abdominal wall tissue (fascia) surrounding muscles. Surgical repair of inguinal hernias is known as herniorrhaphy (-rrhaphy means suture).

Answer 111

Open sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. A bacterium, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), is responsible for many cases of peptic ulcer disease. The combination of bacteria, hyperacidity, and gastric juice damages epithelial linings. Drug treatment includes antibiotics, antacids, and agents to protect the lining of the stomach and intestine.

Answer 112

Abnormal tube-like passageway near the anus. The ﬁstula often results from a break or ﬁssure in the wall of the anus or rectum, or from an abscess (infected area) there.

Answer 113

Polyps (benign growths) protrude from the mucous membrane of the colon. - two types of polyps: pedunculated (attached to the membrane by a stalk) and sessile (sitting directly on the mucous membrane). - multiple polyps of the colon. Many polyps are premalignant (adenomatous polyps); these growths often are removed (polypectomy) as a preventative measure and for further examination (biopsy).

Answer 114

Adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum, or both. Colorectal cancer can arise from polyps in the colon or rectal region. Diagnosis is determined by detecting blood in stool and by colonoscopy. Prognosis depends on the stage (extent of spread) of the tumor, including size, depth of invasion, and involvement of lymph nodes. Surgical treatment may require excision of a major section of colon with rejoining of the cut ends (anastomosis). Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are administered as needed.

Answer 115

Chronic inﬂammation of the intestinal tract. Crohn’s can occur anywhere from mouth to anus but most commonly in the ileum (ileitis) and colon. Signs and symptoms include diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, fever, anorexia, weakness, and weight loss. Both Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis are forms of inﬂammatory bowel disease (IBD). Treatment is with drugs that control inﬂammation and other symptoms or by surgical removal of diseased portions of the intestine, with anastomosis of remaining parts.

Answer 116

Abnormal outpouchings (diverticula) in the intestinal wall of the colon. Diverticulitis is a complication of diverticulosis. When fecal matter becomes trapped in diverticula, diverticulitis can occur. Pain and rectal bleeding are symptoms. - diverticulitis in a section through the sigmoid colon. Initial treatment for an attack of diverticulitis includes a liquid diet and oral antibiotics. In severe cases, the patient may need hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, and surgery to remove the affected area of the colon with anastomosis of the cut ends.

Answer 117

Painful inﬂammation of the intestines commonly caused by bacterial infection. Often occurring in the colon, dysentery results from ingestion of food or water containing bacteria (salmonellae or shigellae), amebae (one-celled organisms), or viruses. Symptoms are bloody stools, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever.

Answer 118

Swollen, twisted varicose veins in the rectal region. Varicose veins can be internal (within the rectum) or external (outside the anal sphincter). Pregnancy and chronic constipation, which put pressure on anal veins, often cause hemorrhoids.

Answer 119

Loss of peristalsis with resulting obstruction of the intestines. Surgery, trauma, or bacterial injury to the peritoneum can lead to a paralytic ileus (acute, transient loss of peristalsis)

Answer 120

Inﬂammation of the colon and small intestine. See Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.

Answer 121

Telescoping of the intestines. In this condition, one segment of the bowel collapses into the opening of another segment (Figure 5-26). It often occurs in children and at the ileocecal region. Intestinal obstruction with pain and vomiting can occur. A barium enema can diagnose and may successfully reduce the intussusception. Otherwise, surgery to remove the affected segment of bowel (followed by anastomosis) may be necessary.

Answer 122

Group of GI symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation) without structural abnormalities in the intestines. IBS may be associated with stress or occur after infection. Treatment includes a diet high in bran and ﬁber and laxatives plus antidiarrheals to establish regular bowel movements. Other names for IBS are irritable colon and spastic colon. IBS is a type of functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID). These are disorders of how the gastrointestinal tract functions, but without structural or biochemical abnormalities. A diet low in FODMAPs (an acronym for carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the intestine) has been helpful in improving symptoms for many with IBS.

Answer 123

Chronic inﬂammation of the colon with presence of ulcers. This idiopathic, chronic, recurrent diarrheal disease (an inﬂammatory bowel disease) manifests with rectal bleeding and pain. Often beginning in the colon, the inﬂammation spreads proximally, involving the entire colon. Drug treatment and careful attention to diet are recommended. Resection of diseased bowel with ileostomy may be necessary. In some cases it is cured by total colectomy. Patients with ulcerative colitis are at a higher risk for developing colon cancer.

Answer 124

Twisting of the intestine on itself. Volvulus causes intestinal obstruction. Severe pain, nausea and vomiting, and absence of bowel sounds are clinical features. Surgical correction is necessary to prevent necrosis of the affected segment of the bowel.

Answer 125

Gallstones in the gallbladder. Calculi (stones) prevent bile from leaving the gallbladder and bile ducts. Many patients remain asymptomatic and do not require treatment; symptoms related to gallbladder stones are either biliary colic (pain from blocked ducts) or cholecystitis (inﬂammation and infection of the gallbladder), both of which require treatment. Currently, laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) can be performed to remove the gallbladder and stones.

Answer 126

Chronic degenerative disease of the liver. Cirrhosis is commonly the result of chronic alcoholism, viral hepatitis, iron overload, or other causes. Lobes of the liver become scarred with ﬁbrous tissue, hepatic cells degenerate, and the liver is inﬁltrated with fat. Cirrh/o means yellow-orange, which describes the liver’s color caused by fat accumulation.

Answer 127

Liver cancer. Cancer that starts in the liver is primary liver cancer (as opposed to secondary liver cancer, which starts in another organ and metastasizes to the liver). HCC is commonly associated with hepatitis B and C virus infections and cirrhosis due to chronic alcohol use. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is fatty inﬁltration of the liver, which may progress to cirrhosis and HCC. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are therapeutic options. Hepatocellular carcinomas produce alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a tumor marker that is often elevated in the blood in patients with this cancer. AFP is used as a screen for HCC in patients with cirrhosis. Liver cancers that begin in the bile ducts are called cholangiocarcinomas. Bile duct cancers also can arise from the gallbladder.

Answer 128

Malignant tumor of the pancreas. It often occurs in the head of the pancreas (closer to the duodenum), where it can block ducts. Although the cause is unknown, pancreatic cancer is more common in smokers and people with diabetes and chronic pancreatitis. Symptoms and signs are abdominal or back pain, fatigue, jaundice, anorexia, diarrhea, and weight loss. The standard surgical treatment, if the tumor can be resected, is a pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure). Chemotherapy and radiation may also be used.

Answer 129

Inﬂammation of the pancreas. Digestive enzymes attack pancreatic tissue and damage the gland. Other etiologic factors include chronic alcoholism, drug toxicity, gallstone obstruction of the common bile duct, and viral infections. Treatment includes medications to relieve epigastric pain, intravenous ﬂuids, bowel rest, and subtotal pancreatectomy if necessary.

Answer 130

Inﬂammation of the liver caused by a virus. Hepatitis A is viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is a disorder spread by contaminated food or water and characterized by slow onset of symptoms. Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is transmitted by sexual contact, blood transfusions, or the use of contaminated needles or may be acquired by maternal to fetal transmission. Severe infection can cause destruction of liver cells, cirrhosis, or death. A vaccine that provides immunity is available and recommended for persons at risk for exposure. Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is transmitted by blood transfusions or needle inoculation (such as among intravenous drug users sharing needles). The acute illness may progress to chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Two drugs recently approved by the FDA for hepatitis C are Mavyret and Vosevi. In all types, liver enzyme levels may be elevated, indicating damage to liver cells. Signs and symptoms include malaise, anorexia, hepatomegaly, jaundice, and abdominal pain.

Answer 131

1. removal of the distal half of the stomach (antrectomy) 2. removal of gallbladder and common bile duct (cholecystectomy and choledochectomy) 3. removal of part of the pancreas and duodenum (pancreatoduodenectomy) 4. reconstruction consists of pancreatojejunostomy, hepaticojejunostomy, and gastrojejunostomy [Steve Jobs, cofounder of Apple Inc., and Luciano Pavarotti, opera singer, had this surgery.]

Answer 132

Tests for the levels of amylase and lipase enzymes in the blood. Increased levels are associated with pancreatitis.

Answer 133

Tests for the presence of enzymes and bilirubin in blood. LFTs are performed on blood serum (clear fluid that remains after blood has clotted). Examples of LFTs are tests for ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase). ALT and AST are enzymes present in many tissues. Levels are elevated in the serum of patients with liver disease. High ALT and AST levels indicate damage to liver cells (as in hepatitis). Alkaline phosphatase (alk phos) is another enzyme that may be elevated in patients with liver, bone, and other diseases. Serum bilirubin levels are elevated in patients with liver disease and jaundice. A direct bilirubin test measures conjugated bilirubin. High levels indicate liver disease or biliary obstruction. An indirect bilirubin test measures unconjugated bilirubin. Increased levels suggest excessive hemolysis, as may occur in a newborn.

Answer 134

Test for microorganisms present in feces. Feces are placed in a growth medium and examined microscopically.

Answer 135

Test to detect occult (hidden) blood in feces. This is an important screening test for colon cancer. Guaiac (GWĪ-ăk) is a chemical from the wood of trees. When added to a stool sample, it reacts with any blood present in the feces.

Answer 136

X-ray imaging is used in many ways to detect pathologic conditions. In dental practice, x-ray images are commonly used to locate cavities (caries). Many of the x-ray tests listed here use a contrast medium (substance that x-rays cannot penetrate) to visualize a specific area of the digestive system. The contrast, because of its increased density relative to body tissue, allows organs and parts to be distinguished from one another on the film or screen.

Answer 137

X-ray images of the colon and rectum obtained after injection of barium into the rectum. Radiologists inject barium (a contrast medium) by enema into the rectum.

Answer 138

X-ray images of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine obtained after administering barium by mouth. Often performed immediately after an upper gastrointestinal series, a small bowel follow-through study shows sequential x-ray pictures of the small intestine as barium passes through (Figure 6-3B). A barium swallow is a study of the esophagus.

Answer 139

X-ray examination of the biliary system performed after injection of contrast into the bile ducts. In percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, the contrast medium is injected using a needle placed through the abdominal wall into the biliary vessels of the liver. In endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), contrast medium is administered through an oral catheter (tube) and then passes through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum and into bile ducts. This procedure helps diagnose problems involving the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Answer 140

A series of x-ray images are taken in multiple views (especially cross section). A CT scan uses a circular array of x-ray beams to produce the cross-sectional image based on differences in tissue densities. Use of contrast material allows visualization of organs and blood vessels and highlights differences in blood flow between normal and diseased tissues. Tomography (tom/o means cutting) produces a series of x-ray pictures showing multiple views of an organ. An earlier name for a CT scan is “CAT scan” (computerized axial tomography scan).

Answer 141

Sound waves beamed into the abdomen produce an image of abdominal viscera. Ultrasonography is especially useful for examination of fluid-filled structures such as the gallbladder.

Answer 142

Use of an endoscope combined with ultrasound to examine the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. An endoscope is inserted through the mouth or rectum, and ultrasound images are obtained. This test is often used in assessing esophageal, pancreatic, and rectal cancer.

Answer 143

Magnetic waves produce images of organs and tissues in all three planes of the body. This technique does not use x-rays. It detects subtle differences in tissue composition, water content, and blood vessel density and can show sites of trauma, infection, or cancer.

Answer 144

Radioactive imaging procedure that tracks the production and flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine. HIDA stands for hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid. Cholescintigraphy is another name for this test, which determines if the gallbladder is functioning properly.

Answer 145

Transfer of stool from a healthy donor into the gastrointestinal tract of a recipient. Extensive antibiotic use can wipe out normal colonic bacteria and can lead to infection with C. difficile (harmful bacteria that cause diarrhea and colitis). A fecal transplant restores normal stool bacteria via colonoscopy.

Answer 146

Procedures used to achieve weight loss in people with severe obesity. One type of bariatric surgery is bariatric (bar/o = weight, iatr/o = treatment) sleeve gastrectomy, removal of a large portion of the stomach (Figure 6-7A). Another bariatric procedure is gastric bypass. This surgery reduces the size of the stomach to a volume of 2 tablespoons and bypasses much of the small intestine (Figure 6-7B).

Answer 147

Visual examination of the gastrointestinal tract using an endoscope. A physician places a flexible fiberoptic tube through the mouth or the anus to view parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Examples are esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) (Figure 6-8), colonoscopy (Figures 6-9 and 6-10), sigmoidoscopy, proctoscopy, and anoscopy. Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) combines CT scanning and computer technology to enable physicians to examine the entire length of the colon by x-ray imaging in just minutes. Patients with abnormal findings require conventional colonoscopy afterward for further assessment or treatment, such as with biopsy or polypectomy.

Answer 148

Visual (endoscopic) examination of the abdomen with a laparoscope inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (see Figure 5-28, page 160) and laparoscopic appendectomy are performed by gastrointestinal and general surgeons. See the In Person: Cholecystectomy story of a woman who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (see page 191).

Answer 149

Removal of liver tissue for microscopic examination. A physician inserts a needle through the skin to remove a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination. The average sample is less than 1 inch long. The procedure helps doctors diagnose cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and tumors of the liver.

Answer 150

Insertion of a tube through the nose into the stomach. Physicians use a nasogastric (NG) tube to remove fluid from the stomach and intestines postoperatively (NG decompression). See Figure 6-11.

Answer 151

Puncture to remove fluid from the abdomen. This procedure is necessary to drain fluid (accumulated in ascites) from the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity.

Answer 152

alpha-fetoprotein—tumor marker for liver cancer

Answer 153

gastrointestinal

Answer 154

alkaline phosphatase

Answer 155

hepatitis B virus

Answer 156

alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase—enzymes measured in blood to evaluate liver function

Answer 157

inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis)

Answer 158

barium enema

Answer 159

jejunostomy tube—feeding tube

Answer 160

bowel movement

Answer 161

laparoscopic-assisted colectomy

Answer 162

bright red blood per rectum— hematochezia

Answer 163

laparoscopic

Answer 164

celiac disease

Answer 165

liver function tests—alk phos, bilirubin, AST, ALT

Answer 166

chronic idiopathic constipation

Answer 167

magnetic resonance imaging

Answer 168

computed tomography

Answer 169

nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (fatty liver)

Answer 170

esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Answer 171

nasogastric tube

Answer 172

exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Answer 173

nothing by mouth (Latin nil per os) endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube—feeding tube

Answer 174

end-stage liver disease percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube—feeding tube endoscopic ultrasonography

Answer 175

percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography fecal occult blood test peptic ulcer disease

Answer 176

gastrostomy tube—feeding tube total parenteral nutrition Intravenous solutions contain sugar, amino acids, electrolytes, and vitamins. gastric antral vascular ectasia—dilated small blood vessels in the antrum (the last part of the stomach)

Answer 177

special tube (shaped like the letter T) placed in the bile duct for drainage into a small pouch (bile bag) on the outside of the body

Ch. 5 & 6 - Digestive System Flashcards

From The Language of Medicine, 12th Edition (217 cards)