GI: Key Terms

Question 1

endocrine hormone released from the stomach (stimulates secretion of gastric acid)

Answer 1

Gastrin

Question 2

first part of the duodenum

Answer 2

duodenal bulb

Question 3

accumulation of serous fluid in the abdomen

Answer 3

Ascites

Question 4

membranous extension of the peritoneum that suspends the stomach and duodenum from the liver; helps to support the lesser curvature of the stomach

Answer 4

Lesser omentum

Question 5

calcified deposit within the appendix; appendicitis can develop when the appendix becomes blocked by hard fecal matter; also called fecolith

Answer 5

fecalith

Question 6

dilated fluid-filled bowel loops without peristalsis

Answer 6

Paralytic ileus

Question 7

the transverse colon travels horizontally across the abdomen and bends at this point to form the descending colon

Answer 7

Splenic flexure

Question 8

localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

Answer 8

Abscess

Question 9

process of nutrient molecules passing through wall of intestine into blood or lymph system

Answer 9

Absorption

Question 10

one of the layers of the bowel, under the mucosal layer; contains blood vessels and lymph channels

Answer 10

Submucosa

Question 11

a small tumor-like growth that projects from a mucous membrane surface

Answer 11

Polyp

Question 12

first layer of bowel

Answer 12

Mucosa

Question 13

normal segmentation of the wall of the colon

Answer 13

Haustra

Question 14

helps support the greater curvature of the stomach

Answer 14

Gastrophrenic ligament

Question 15

entrance of the esophagus into the stomach

Answer 15

Cardiac orifice

Question 16

helps support the lesser curvature of the stomach

Answer 16

Gastrohepatic ligament

Question 17

a fold from the parietal peritoneum that attaches to the small intestine, anchoring it to the posterior abdominal wall

Answer 17

Mesentery

Question 18

muscle that connects the stomach to the proximal duodenum

Answer 18

Lesser omentum

Question 19

characteristic of gastrointestinal wall thickening consisting of an echogenic center and a hypoechoic rim

Answer 19

Target sign

Question 20

ligament between the stomach and the spleen; helps support stomach and spleen

Answer 20

Gastrosplenic ligament

Question 21

fifth layer of bowel

Answer 21

mesothelium

Question 22

ascending colon rises from the right lower quadrant to bend at this point to form the transverse colon

Answer 22

Hepatic flexure

Question 23

a fecalith or calcification located in the appendix

Answer 23

Appendicolith

Question 24

ligament between the spleen and the kidney that helps support the greater curvature of the stomach

Answer 24

Lienorenal ligament

Question 25

located by drawing a line from the right anterosuperior iliac spine to the umbilicus; at approximately the midpoint of this line lies the root of the appen

Answer 25

McBurney's point

Question 26

malignancy of the lymph nodes, spleen, or liver

Answer 26

Lymphoma

Question 27

congenital sac or blind pouch found in the lower portion of the ileum

Answer 27

Meckel's diverticulum

Question 28

rhythmic dilatation and contraction of the gastrointestinal tract as food is propelled through it

Answer 28

Peristalsis

Question 29

normal segmentation of the small bowel

Answer 29

Valvulae conniventes

Question 30

inflammation of the bowel, accompanied by abscess and bowel wall thickening

Answer 30

Crohn's disease

Question 31

released from small bowel as antacid; stimulates secretion of bicarbonate

Answer 31

Secretin

Question 32

a pouchlike herniation through the muscular wall of a tubular organ that occurs in the stomach, the small intestine, or, most commonly, the colon

Answer 32

Diverticulum

Question 33

site of maximum tenderness in the right lower quadrant; usually seen with appendicitis

Answer 33

McBurney's sign

Question 34

inner folds of the small intestine

Answer 34

villi

Question 35

inner folds of the stomach wall

Answer 35

Rugae

Question 36

collection of blood

Answer 36

Hemorrhage

Question 37

third layer of bowel

Answer 37

Muscularis

Question 38

double fold of the peritoneum attached to the duodenum, stomach, and large intestine; helps support the greater curve of the stomach; known as the fatty apron

Answer 38

Greater omentum

Question 39

hormone secreted into the blood by the mucosa of the upper small intestine; stimulates contraction of the gallbladder and pancreatic secretion of enzymes

Answer 39

Cholecystokinin

Question 40

also known as the digestive tract; includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and small and large intestine

Answer 40

Alimentary tract