Digestive System Part 2 Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the cecum?
The cecum is the first part of the large intestine, a pouch connected to the ileum through the ileocecal valve. The appendix, a small wormlike structure, is attached to it.
What are the four segments of the colon?
- Ascending colon: Extends upward from the cecum to the liver.
- Transverse colon: Crosses the abdomen.
- Descending colon: Extends downward on the left side.
- Sigmoid colon: S-shaped part leading to the rectum.
What is the function of the rectum and anus?
The rectum stores feces until defecation. The anus, controlled by sphincter muscles, is the exit point for waste.
What is bile, and what is its role?
Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver. It emulsifies fats, aiding in their digestion and absorption.
What are gastric rugae?
Gastric rugae are folds in the stomach lining that allow it to expand as it fills with food.
What are villi and microvilli?
Villi are small fingerlike projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. Microvilli are even smaller projections on villi, further enhancing absorption.
What is the epiglottis?
The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that covers the trachea during swallowing, preventing food from entering the respiratory tract.
What is the peritoneum?
The peritoneum is a serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers abdominal organs, providing protection and reducing friction.
What is GERD?
GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation. It is often associated with a hiatal hernia.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections (e.g., Hepatitis A, B, C), alcohol abuse, or toxins.
What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can disrupt its ability to produce digestive enzymes and insulin.
What is a hiatal hernia?
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, often leading to GERD symptoms.
What is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis: The presence of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall.
Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of the diverticula.
What is melena?
Melena is dark, tar-like feces containing digested blood, indicating bleeding in the upper GI tract.
Define ‘Obstipation’ and ‘Pyloric Stenosis.’
Obstipation: Severe constipation, often due to bowel obstruction.
Pyloric Stenosis: Narrowing of the pyloric sphincter, blocking food flow into the small intestine.
What is a colostomy?
A surgical procedure in which an opening (stoma) is created by drawing the colon through the abdominal wall to allow waste elimination.
What is abdominocentesis?
A procedure where fluid is removed from the abdomen using a needle; also called paracentesis.
What is an upper gastrointestinal series?
An X-ray procedure using contrast (barium) to visualize the upper GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
