abdomen
the portion of the body between the thorax (chest) and the pelvis; the diaphragm separates the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity. The stomach is located in the upper left quadrant.
absorption
the passage of substances across and into tissues, such as the passage of digested food molecules into intestinal cells or the passage of liquids into kidney tubules.
alimentary canal
a musculomembranous tube, about 30 feet long, extending from the mouth to the anus and line with mucous membrane. Also called the digestive tract or the gastrointestinal tract.
amino acids
an organic chemical compound composed f one or more basic amino groups and one or more acidic carboxyl groups.
amylase
an enzyme that breaks down starch into smaller carbohydrate molecules
anus
the opening through which the solid wastes (feces) are eliminated from the body.
ascitic fluid
a watery fluid containing albumin, glucose, and electrolytes that accumulates in the peritoneal cavity in association with certain disease conditions (such as liver disease).
bicuspid tooth
one of the two teeth between the molars and canines of the upper and lower jaw, these teeth have a flat surface with multiple projections (cusps) for crushing and grinding food; also known as premolar tooth.
bile
a bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver.
bilirubin
the orange-yellow pigment of bile, formed principally by the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells after termination of their normal life span.
bolus
a ball-like mass of chewed food (mixed with saliva) that is ready to be swallowed.
bowel
the portion o the alimentary canal extending from the pyloric opening of the stomach to the anus.
canine tooth
any one of the fourth teeth, two in each jaw, situated immediately lateral to the incisor teeth in the human dental arches; also called cuspid tooth
cardiac sphincter
the muscular ring (sphincter) in the stomach that controls the passage of food from the esophagus into the stomach; also known as the lower esophageal sphincter.
cecum
a cul-de-sac containing the first part of the large intestine. It joins the ileum, the last segment of the small intestine.
cholangiogram
a record, or X-ray film, of the bile ducts following the injection of a radiopaque contrast medium.
choledocholithiasis
the presence of stone (calculus) in the common bile duct.
cholelithiasis
abnormal presence of gallstones in the gallbladder
chyme
the liquidlike material of partially digested food and digestive secretions found in the stomach just before it is released into the duodenum.
colon
the portion of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum
common bile duct
the duct formed by the joining of the cystic duct and the hepatic duct.
crown
the part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line
cuspid tooth
any one of the fourth teeth, two in each jaw, situated immediately lateral to the incisor teeth in the human dental arches; also called canine tooth
deciduous teeth
the first set or primary teeth; baby teeth
defecation
the act of expelling feces from the rectum through the anus
deglutition
swallowing
dentin
the chief material of teeth surrounding the pulp and situated inside of the enamel and cementum
dietitian
an allied health professional trained to plan nutrition programs for sick as well as healthy people. This may involved planning meals for a hospital or large organization or individualized diet counseling with patients.
digestion
the process of altering the chemical and physical composition of food so that it can be used by the body cells. This occurs in the digestive tract.
digestive tract
a musculomembranous tube, about 30 feet long, extending from the mouth to the anus and line with mucous membrane. Also called the digestive tract or the alimentary canal.
duodenum
the first portion of the small intestine. This is the shortest, widest, and most fixed portion of the small intestine, taking an almost circular course from the pyloric valve on the stomach so that its termination is close to its starting point.
emulsify
to disperse a liquid into another liquid, making a colloidal suspension.
enamel
a hard, white substance that covers the dentin of the crown of a tooth. It is the hardest substance in the body
endocrine gland
a gland that secretes its enzymes directly into the blood capillaries instead of being transported by way of ducts.
enzyme
a protein produced by living cells that catalyzes chemical reactions in organic matter.
esophagus
a muscular canal, about 24 cm long, extending from the pharynx to the stomach.
exocrine gland
a gland that secretes its enzymes into a network of tiny ducts that transport it to the surface of an organ or tissue or into a vessel.
fatty acids
any of several organic acids produced by the hydrolysis of neutral fats.
feces
waste or excrement from the digestive tract that is formed in the intestine and expelled through the rectum.
gallblader
a pear-shaped excretory sac lodged in a fossa on the visceral surface of the right lo of the liver
gastroenterologist
a medical doctor who specializes in the study of the diseases and disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract (including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder and bile duct).
gastrointestinal tract
a musculomembranous tube, about 30 feet long, extending from the mouth to the anus and line with mucous membrane. Also called the digestive tract or the alimentary canal.
gavage
a procedure in which liquid or semi-liquid food is introduced into the stomach through a tube.
gingiva
gum tissue
gingivitis
inflammation of the gums
glucagon
a hormone produced by the alpha cells o the pancreas that stimulates the liver to convert glycogen into glucose when the blood sugar level is dangerously low.
glucose
a simple sugar found in certain foods, especially fruits, and major source of energy occurring in human and animal body fluids.
glycogen
a complex sugar (starch) that is the major carbohydrate stored in animal cells. It is formed from glucose and stored chiefly in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in muscle cells.
glycogenesis
the conversion of simple sugar (glucose) into a complex form of sugar (starch) for storage in the liver.
glycogenolysis
the breakdown of glycogen into glucose by the liver, releasing it back into the circulating blood in response to a very low blood sugar level.
hematemesis
vomiting of blood.
hepatocyte
liver cell
hydrochloric acid
a compound consisting of hydrogen and chlorine
ileum
the distal portion of the small intestine extending from the jejunum to the cecum
incisor
one of the eight front teeth, four in each dental arch, the first appear as primary teeth during infancy are replaced by permanent incisors during childhood and last until old age.
insulin
a naturally occurring hormone secreted by the eta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas in response to increased levels of glucose in the blood.
jejunum
the intermediate or middle of the three portions of the small intestine, connecting proximally with the duodenum and distally with the ileum.
laparoscope
a thin-walled, flexible tube with a telescopic lens and light that is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall to examine or perform minor surgery within the abdominal or pelvic cavities.
lavage
the process o irrigating (washing out) an organ - usually the bladder, bowel, paranasal sinuses, or stomach - for therapeutic purposes
lipase
an enzyme that aids in the digestion of fats.
liver
the largest gland of the body and one of its most complex organs
lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
the muscular ring (sphincter) in the stomach that controls the passage of food from the esophagus into the stomach; also known as the cardiac sphincter.
lower GI tract
the lower portion of the gastrointestinal tract consisting of the small and large intestines
mastication
chewing, tearing, or grinding food with the teeth while it becomes mixed with saliva
McBurney’s point
a point on the right side of the abdomen, about 2/3rds of the distance between the umbilicus and the anterior bony prominence of the hip. When tenderness exists upon this point, a physician might suspect appendicitis.
molar tooth
any of 12 molar teeth, six in each dental arch, located posterior to the premolar teeth. The molar teeth have a flat surface with multiple projections (cusps) for crushing and grinding food.
nutritionist
an allied health professional who studies and applies the principles and science of nutrition.
oropharynx
the section of the pharynx leading away from the oral cavity
palate
a structure that forms the roof of the mouth.
pancreas
an elongated organ approximately 6 to 9 inches long, located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen that secretes various substances such as digestive enzymes, insulin, and glucagon.
papillae
a small, nipple-shaped projection (such as the conoid papillae of the tongue and the papillae of the corium) that extend from collagen fibers, the capillary blood vessels, and sometimes the nerves of the dermis.
parotid gland
one of the largest pairs of salivary glands that lie at the side of the face just below and in front of the external ear.
peristalsis
the coordinated, rhythmic, serial contraction of smooth muscle that forces food through the digestive tract, bile through the bile duct and urine through the ureters.
peritoneum
a specific serous membrane that covers the entire abdominal wall of the body and is reflected over the contained viscera
peritonitis
inflammation of the peritoneum
permanent teeth
the full set of teeth (32 teeth) that replaces the deciduous or temporary teeth.
pharynx
the throat; a tubular structure about 13 cm long that extends from the base of the skull to the esophagus and is situated just in front of the cervical vertebrae
premolars
one of the two teeth between the molars and canines of the upper and lower jaw, these teeth have a flat surface with multiple projections (cusps) for crushing and grinding food; also known as bicuspid tooth.
pulp
any soft, spongy tissue such as that contained within the spleen, the pulp chamber of the tooth, or the distal phalanges of the fingers and the toes.
pyloric sphincter
a thickened muscular ring in the stomach that regulates the passage of food from the pylorus of the stomach into the duodenum.
pyorrhea
discharge or flow of pus
rebound tenderness
a sensation of severe pain experienced by the patient when the doctor applies deep pressure to the abdomen and releases it quickly When this deep pressure is applied to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen at McBurney’s point, and this type of pain is experienced, it is strong indicator of appendicitis
rectum
the portion of the large intestine, about 12 cm long, continuous with the descending sigmoid colon (just proximal to the anal canal.
rugae
a ridge or fold that presents large fold in the mucous membrane of the organ. (ie. hard palate or stomach)
saliva
the clear, viscous fluid secreted by the salivary and mucous glands in the mouth
salivary glands
one of the three pairs of glands secreting into the mouth, thus aiding the digestive process.
secondary teeth
the full set of teeth (32 teeth) that replaces the deciduous or temporary teeth.
sigmoid colon
the portion of the colon that extends from the end of the descending colon in the pelvis to the juncture of the rectum.
sphincter
a circular band of muscle fibers that constricts a passage or closes a natural opening in the body,
stomach
the major organ of digestion located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen and divided into a body and pylorus
triglycerides
a compound consisting of a fatty acid (oleic, palmitic, or stearic) and glycerol.
upper GI tract
the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract consisting of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach.
uvula
the small, cone-shaped process suspended in the mouth from the middle of the posterior border of the soft palate.
villi
one of the many tiny projections barely visible to the naked eye clustered over the entire mucous surface of the small intestine.
achlorhydria
an abnormal condition characterized by the absence of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice
anorexia
lack or loss of appetite, resulting in the inability to eat.
aphagia
a condition characterized by the loss of the ability to swallow as a result of organic or psychologic causes
ascites
an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity. The fluid contains large amounts of protein and electrolytes
borborygmus
an audible abdominal sound produced by hyperactive intestinal peristalsis. They are rumbling, gurgling, and tinkling noises heard when listening with a stethoscope.
constipation
difficulty in passing stools or an incomplete or infrequent passage of hard stools
diarrhea
the frequent passage of loose, watery stools
dyspepsia
a vague feeling of epigastric discomfort after eating, It involves an uncomfortable feeling of fullness, heartburn, bloating, and nausea.
dysphagia
is difficulty in swallowing, commonly associated with obstructive or motor disorders of the esophagus.
emaciation
excessive leanness caused by the disease or lack of nutrition.
emesis
the material expelled from the stomach during vomiting; vomitus
eructation
the act of bringing up air from the stomach with a characteristic sound through the mouth; belching
flatus; flatulence
air or gas in the intestine that is passed through the rectum.
gastroesophageal reflux
a backflow of the content of the stomach into the esophagus that is often the result of incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter.
icterus
a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera of the eyes caused by greater than normal amounts of bilirubin in the blood; also called jaundice.
jaundice
a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera of the eyes caused by greater than normal amounts of bilirubin in the blood; also called jaundice.
melena
an abnormal, black, tarry stool containing digested blood.
nausea
an unpleasant sensation often leading to the urge to vomit.
pruritus ani
a common chronic condition of itching of the skin around the anus.
steatorrhea
greater than normal amounts of fats in the feces, characterized by frothy, foul-smelling fecal matter that floats (as in celiac disease, some malabsorption syndromes, and any condition in which fats are poorly absorbed by the small intestine.
vomit
to expel the content of the stomach through the esophagus and out of the mouth.
vomitus
the material expelled from the stomach during vomiting; emesis
achalasia
decreased mobility of the lower tow-thirds of the esophagus along with constriction of the lower esophageal sphincter.
anal fistula
an abnormal passageway in the skin surface near the anus usually connecting with the rectum.
aphthous stomatitis
small, inflammatory, noninfectious, ulcerated lesions occurring on the lips, tongue, and inside of the cheeks of the mouth; also called canker sores.
appendicitis
inflammation of the vermiform appendix
celiac disease
nutrient malabsorption due to damaged small-bowel mucosa
cirrhosis
a disease of the liver that is chronic and degenerative, causing injury to the hepatocytes (functional cells of the liver)
colorectal cancer
the presence of a malignant neoplasm in the large intestine.
constipation
a state in which the individual’s pattern of bowel elimination is characterized by a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements and the passage of hard, dry stools. The individual experiences difficult defecation.
Crohn’s disease
digestive tract inflammation of a chronic nature, causing fever, cramping, diarrhea, weight loss and anorexia
dental caries
tooth decay caused by acid-forming microorganisms
diverticular disease
an expression used to characterize both diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticulosis describes the noninflamed outpouchings or herniations of the muscular layer of the intestine, typically the sigmoid colon. Inflammation of these outpouchings (called diverticula) is referred to as diverticulitis.
dysentery
a term used to describe painful intestinal inflammation typically caused by ingesting water or food containing bacteria, protozoa, parasites, or chemical irritants.
esophageal varices
swollen, twisted (tortuous) veins located in the distal end of the esophagus
gallstones (cholelithiasis)
pigmented or hardened cholesterol stones formed as a result of bile crystallization
hemorrhoids
an unnaturally distended or swollen vein (called a variscosity) in the distal rectum or anus
hepatitis
acute or chronic inflammation of the liver due to a viral or bacterial infection, drugs, alcohol, toxins, or parasites.
hernia
an irregular protrusion of tissue, organ, or portion of an organ through an abnormal break in the surrounding cavity’s muscular wall.
herpetic stomatitis
inflammatory infectious lesions in or on the oral cavity occurring as a primary or secondary viral infection caused by herpes simplex.
Hirschsprung’s disease
absence at birth of the autonomic ganglia in a segment of the intestinal smooth muscle wall that normally stimulates peristalsis
ileus
a term used to describe an obstruction of the intestine.
intestinal obstruction
complete or partial alteration in the forward flow of the content in the small or large intestines.
intussusception
telescoping of a portion of proximal intestine into distal intestine, usually in the ileocecal region (causing an obstruction)
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); spastic colon
increased motility of the small or large intestinal wall, resulting in abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, anorexia, and the trapping of gas throughout the intestines.
oral leukoplakia
a precancerous lesion occurring anywhere in the mouth.
pancreatitis
an acute or chronic destructive inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
peptic ulcers (gastric, duodenal, perforated)
a break in the continuity of the mucous membrane lining of the gastrointestinal tract as a result of hyperacidity or he bacterium Helicobacter pylori
periodontal disease
a term used to describe a group of inflammatory gum disorders, which may lead to degeneration of teeth, gums, and sometimes surrounding bones.
polyps, colorectal
small growths projecting from the mucous membrane of the colon or rectum
thrush
a fungal infection in the mouth and throat, producing sore creaming white, slightly raised curdlike patches on the tongue and other oral mucosal surfaces. It is caused by Candida albicans.
ulcerative colitis
a chronic inflammatory condition resulting in a break of continuity of the mucous membrane lining of the colon in the form of ulcers. It is characterized by large watery diarrheal stools containing mucus, pus, or blood.
volvulus
a rotation of loops of bowel, causing a twisting on itself that results in an intestinal obstruction
abdominal ultrasound
the use of very-high-frequency sound waves to provide visualization of the internal organs of the abdomen (liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, and ureters); also known as an abdominal sonogram.
abdominocentesis (paracentesis)
involves insertion of a needle or trocar into the abdominal cavity to remove excess fluid, with the person in a sitting position.
alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
a hepatocellular enzyme released in elevated amounts due to liver dysfunction; also known as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT)
alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
enzyme is found in the highest concentrations in the liver, biliary tract and bone.
amylase
an enzyme secreted normally from the pancreatic cells that travels to the duodenum by way of the pancreatic duct and aids in digestion.
appendectomy
the surgical removal of an inflamed appendix
barium enema (BE) (lower GI series)
infusion of a radiopaque contrast medium, barium sulfate, into the rectum and held in the lower intestinal tract while X-ray films are obtained of the lower GI tract
barium swallow (UGI) (upper GI series)
involves oral administration of a radiopaque contrast medium, barium sulfate, which flows into the esophagus as the person swallows
capsule endoscopy
the process of viewing the entire length of the small intestine by using an ingestible video camera with a light source, which is enclosed in a capsule (about the size of a large vitamin pill). This tiny video camera, known as the camera pill, produces digital images of the entire length of the small intestine and can visualize areas that other diagnostic techniques cannot. use of the camera pill is not disruptive to the normal activities of the digestive tract; also known as wireless endoscopy
cheiloplasty
surgically correcting a defect of the lip
cholecystectomy
the surgical removal of the gallbladder
cholecystography
visualization of the gallbladder through X-ray following the oral ingestion of pills containing a radiopaque iodinated dye.
colonoscopy
the direct visualization of the lining of the large intestine using fiberoptic colonscope
colostomy
surgical creation of a new opening on the abdominal wall through which feces will be expelled (an abdominal-wall anus) by bringing the incised colon out to the abdominal surface
CT of the abdomen
a painless, noninvasive X-ray procedure that produces an image created by the computer representing a detailed cross section of the tissue structure within the abdomen
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
uses CT scanning (or MRI) to obtain an interior view of the colon that is usually seen using an endoscope inserted into the rectum. This non-invasive, painless procedure provides two-and three- dimensional images that can show polyps and other lesions as clearly as when they are seen with direct visual colonoscopy. Use allows these growths to be detected in their early stages; also called virtual colonoscopy.
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
a procedure that examines the size of and the filling of the pancreatic an biliary ducts through direct radiographic visualization with a fiberoptic endoscope.
esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
the process of direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, using a lighted fiberoptic endoscope; also known as an upper endoscopy.
extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
an alternative treatment for gallstones by using ultrasound to align the computerized lithotripter and source of shock waves with the stones to crush the gallstones and thus enable the contraction of the gallbladder to remove stone fragments.
fluoroscopy
a radiological technique used to examine the function of an organ or body part by using a fluoroscope.
gastric analysis
study of the stomach content to determine the acid content and to detect the presence of blood, bacteria, bile and abnormal cells.
gastric lavage
the irrigation, or washing out, of the stomach with sterile water or a saline solution
herniorrhaphy
the surgical repair of a hernia by closing the defect using sutures, mesh, or wire.
liver biopsy
a piece of liver tissue is obtained for examination by inserting a specially designed needle into the liver through the abdominal wall.
liver scan
a non-invasive scanning technique, which enables the visualization of the shape, size, and consistency of the liver after the IV injection of a radioactive compound.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
an noninvasive scanning procedure that provides visualization of fluid, soft tissue, and bony structures without the use of radiation.
nasogastric intubation
involves tube placement through the nose into the stomach for the purpose of relieving gastric distension by removing gastric secretions, gas or food.
percutaneous transphepatic cholangiography (PTC)
an examination of the bile duct structure by using a needle to pass directly into an intraheptic bile duct to inject a contrast medium; also abbrevieated as PTHC
48-hour pH study
a procedure used to measure and monitor the amount of gastric acid reflux into the esophagus during the specified period. The monitoring system will determine how often the stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, how long the acid stays in the esophagus and how much reflux occurs at nighttime. this test is used to determine if the patient has GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and if so, the severity of the GERD; also known as 48-hour wireless esophageal pH monitoring
serum bilirubin
a measurement of the bilirubin level in the serum. These levels are a result of the breakdown of red blood cells.
serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT)
an enzyme that has very high concentrations in liver cells; also known as aspartate aminotraansferase (AST)
small bowel follow-through
oral administration of a radiopaque contrast medium, barium sulfate, which flows through the GI system. X-ray films are obtained at timed intervals to observe the progression of the barium through the small intestine.
stool analysis for occult blood
the analysis of a stool sample to determine the presence of blood not visible to the naked eye (i.e., hidden or occult blood).
stool culture
involves a collection of a stool specimen placed on one or more culture mediums and allowed to grow colonies of microorganisms to identify pathogen(s).
stool guaiac
a test on a stool specimen using guaiac as a reagent which identifies the presence of blood in the stool
urinary bilirubin
a test performed on urine to check for conjugated or direct bilirubin in a urine specimen.
a.c.
before meals (ante cibum)
ALT
alanine aminotransferase
AST
aspartate aminotransferase (formally called serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT)
Ba
barium
BE
barium enema
b.i.d.
twice a day
CT SCAN
computed tomography (scan)
EGD
esophagogastroduodenoscopy
ERCP
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
GB
gallbladder
GBS
gallbladder series
GER
gastroesophageal reflux
GERD
gastroesophageal reflux disease
GI
gastrointestinal
GI series
gastrointestinal series
GTT
glucose tolerance test
HAV
hepatitis A virus
HBV
hepatitis B virus
HCI
hydrochloric acid
HCV
hepatitis C virus
IBS
irritable bowl syndrome
IVC
intravenous cholangiography
LES
lower esophageal sphincter (also known as the cardiac sphincter)
LFT
liver function test
MRI
magnetic resonance imagine
N&V
nausea and vomiting
NG
nasogastric
NPO, n.p.o.
nothing by mouth
OCG
oral cholecystogram
p.c.
after meals (post cibum)
PP, pp
postprandial
PPBS
postprandial blood sugar
PPG
postprandial glucose
PTC, PTHC
percutaneious transhepatic cholangiogram
SBFT
small bowel follow-through
SBS
small bowel series
SGOT
serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase; now called aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
SGPT
serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase
TPN
total parenteral nutrition
UGI series
upper gastrointestinal series.
