Mt Medical Terms Digestion

Front 1

alimentary canal

Back 1

A musculomembranous tube, about 30 feet long, extending from the mouth to the anus and lined with mucous membrane.
Also called the digestive tract or the gastrointestinal tract.

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amino acids

Back 2

An organic chemical compound composed of one or more basic amino groups and one or more acidic carboxyl groups.

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Amylase

Back 3

An enzyme that breaks down starch into smaller carbohydrate molecules.

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Anus

Back 4

The opening through which the solid wastes (feces) are eliminated from the body.

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ascitic fluid

Back 5

A watery fluid containing albumin, glucose, and electrolytes that accumulates in the peritoneal cavity in association with certain disease conditions (such as liver disease).

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bicuspid tooth

Back 6

One of the two teeth between the molars and canines of the upper and lower jaw, the bicuspid teeth have a flat surface with multiple projections (cusps) for crushing and grinding food;
also known as premolar tooth.

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Bile

Back 7

A bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver.

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Bilirubin

Back 8

The orange-yellow pigment of bile, formed principally by the break-down of hemoglobin in red blood cells after termination of their normal life span.

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Bowel

Back 9

The portion of the alimentary canal extending from the pyloric opening of the stomach to the anus.

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canine tooth

Back 10

Any one of the four teeth, two in each jaw, situated immediately lateral to the incisor teeth in the human dental arches;
also called cuspid tooth.

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cardiac sphincter

Back 11

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.

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cecum

Back 12

A cul-de-sac containing the first part of the large intestine.
It joins the ileum, the last segment of the small intestine.

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Cholelithiasis

Back 13

Abnormal presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.

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Chyme

Back 14

The liquidlike material of partially digested food and digestive secretions found in the stomach just before it is released into the duodenum.

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Colon.

Back 15

The portion of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum.

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common bile duct

Back 16

The duct formed by the joining of the cystic duct and hepatic duct.

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Crown

Back 17

The part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line.

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cuspid tooth

Back 18

Any one of the four teeth, two in each jaw, situated immediately lateral to the incisor teeth in the human dental arches;
also called cuspid tooth.

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deciduous teeth

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The first set or primary teeth;
baby teeth.

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Defecation

Back 20

The act of expelling feces from the rectum through the anus.

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Deglutition

Back 21

Swallowing.

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Dentin

Back 22

The chief material of teeth surrounding the pulp and situated inside of the enamel and cementum.

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Dietitian

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An allied health professional trained to plan nutrition programs for sick as well as healthy people.
This may involve planning meals for a hospital or large organization or individualized diet counseling with patients.

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Digestion

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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.

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digestive tract

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duodenum

Back 26

The first portion of the small intestine.
The duodenum is the shortest, widest, and most fixed portion of the small intestine
—taking an almost circular course from the pyloric valve
of the stomach so that its termination is close to its starting point.

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Emulsify

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To disperse a liquid into another liquid, making a colloidal suspension.

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Enamel

Back 28

A hard, white substance that covers the dentin of the crown of a tooth.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the body.

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endocrine gland

Back 29

A gland that secretes its enzymes directly into the blood capillaries instead of being transported by way of ducts.

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Enzyme

Back 30

A protein produced by living cells that catalyzes chemical reactions in organic matter.

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Esophagus

Back 31

A muscular canal, about 24 cm long, extending from the pharynx to the stomach.

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exocrine gland

Back 32

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.

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fatty acids

Back 33

Any of several organic acids produced by the hydrolysis of neutral fats.

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Feces

Back 34

Waste or excrement from the digestive tract that is formed in the intestine and expelled through the rectum.

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Gallbladder

Back 35

A pear-shaped excretory sac lodged in a fossa on the visceral surface of the right lobe of the liver.

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Gastroenterologist

Back 36

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).

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gastrointestinal tract

Back 37

A musculomembranous tube, about 30 feet long, extending from the mouth to the anus and lined with mucous membrane.

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Gavage

Back 38

A procedure in which liquid or semiliquid food is introduced into the stomach through a tube.

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Gingivae

Back 39

Gum tissue (singular: gingiva; plural: gingivae)

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glucagon

Back 40

A hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas that stimulates the liver to convert glycogen into glucose when the blood sugar level is dangerously low.

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Glucose

Back 41

A simple sugar found in certain foods, especially fruits, and major source of energy occurring in human and animal body fluids.

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Glycogen

Back 42

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.

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Glycogenesis

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The conversion of simple sugar (glucose) into a complex form of sugar (starch) for storage in the liver.

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Glycogenolysis

Back 44

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.

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Hepatocyte

Back 45

Liver cell.

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hydrochloric acid

Back 46

A compound consisting of hydrogen and chlorine.

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Ileum

Back 47

The distal portion of the small intestine extending from the jejunum to the cecum.

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Incisor

Back 48

One of the eight front teeth, four in each dental arch, that first appear as primary teeth during infancy are replaced by permanent incisors during childhood and last until old age.

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Insulin

Back 49

A naturally occurring hormone secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas in response to increased levels of glucose in the blood.

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Jejunum

Back 50

The intermediate or middle of the three portions of the small intestine,
connecting proximally with the duodenum and distally with the ileum.

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Lavage

Back 51

The process of irrigating (washing out) an organ—usually the bladder, bowel, paranasal sinuses, or stomach—for therapeutic purposes.

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Lipase

Back 52

An enzyme that aids in the digestion of fats.

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Liver

Back 53

The largest gland of the body and one of its most complex organs.

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lower GI tract

Back 54

The lower portion of the gastrointestinal tract consisting of the small and large intestines.

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Mastication

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Chewing, tearing, or grinding food with the teeth while it becomes mixed with saliva.

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McBurney’s point

Back 56

A point on the right side of the abdomen, about two-thirds of the distance between the umbilicus and the anterior bony prominence of the hip.

Front 57

When tenderness exists upon McBurney’s point, a physician might suspect

Back 57

appendicitis.

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molar tooth

Back 58

Any of 12 molar teeth, six in each dental arch, located posterior to the premolar teeth.

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The molar teeth have a flat surface with multiple projections (cusps) for

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crushing and grinding food.

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Nutritionist

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An allied health professional who studies and applies the principles and science of nutrition.

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Oropharynx

Back 61

The section of the pharynx leading away from the oral cavity.

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palate

Back 62

A structure that forms the roof of the mouth.

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Pancreas

Back 63

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.

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Papillae

Back 64

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.

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parotid gland

Back 65

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.

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Peristalsis

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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

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ureters.peritoneum

Back 67

A specific serous membrane that covers the entire abdominal wall of the body and is reflected over the contained viscera.

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Peritonitis

Back 68

Inflammation of the peritoneum.

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permanent teeth

Back 69

The full set of teeth (32 teeth) that replace the deciduous or temporary teeth.

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Pharynx

Back 70

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.

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premolar tooth

Back 71

One of the two teeth between the molars and canines
of the upper and lower jaw, the bicuspid teeth have
a flat surface with multiple projections (cusps)
for crushing and grinding food;

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pulp

Back 72

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.

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pyloric sphincter

Back 73

A thickened muscular ring in the stomach that regulates the passage of food from the pylorus of the stomach into the duodenum.

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rebound tenderness

Back 74

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 a strong indicator of appendicitis.

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Rectum

Back 75

The portion of the large intestine, about 12 cm long, continuous with the descending sigmoid colon (just proximal to the anal canal).

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Rugae

Back 76

A ridge or fold (such as the rugae of the stomach) that presents large folds in the mucous membrane of that organ.

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Saliva

Back 77

The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the salivary and mucous glands in the mouth.

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salivary glands

Back 78

One of the three pairs of glands secreting into the mouth, thus aiding the digestive process.

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secondary teeth

Back 79

The full set of teeth (32 teeth) that replace the deciduous or temporary teeth.
Also known as permanent teeth.

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sigmoid colon

Back 80

The portion of the colon that extends from the end of the descending colon in the pelvis to the juncture of the rectum.

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Sphincter

Back 81

A circular band of muscle fibers that constricts a passage
or closes a natural opening in the body,
such as the hepatic sphincter in the muscular coat of
the hepatic veins near their union with the superior vena cava
(and the external anal sphincter, which closes the anus).

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Stomach

Back 82

The major organ of digestion located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen and divided into a body and pylorus.

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Triglycerides

Back 83

A compound consisting of a fatty acid (oleic, palmitic, or stearic) and glycerol.

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upper GI tract

Back 84

The upper part of the gastrointestinal tract consisting of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach.

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Uvula

Back 85

The small, cone-shaped process suspended in the mouth from the middle of the posterior border of the soft palate.

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Villi

Back 86

One of the many tiny projections barely visible to the naked eye clustered over the entire mucous surface of the small intestine.

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Achlorhydria

Back 87

Achlorhydria is an abnormal condition characterized by the absence of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice.

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Anorexia

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Lack or loss of appetite, resulting in the inability to eat.

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Aphagia

Back 89

Aphagia is a condition characterized by the loss of the ability to swallow as a result of organic or psychologic causes.

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Ascites

Back 90

An abnormal accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity.
The fluid contains large amounts of protein and electrolytes.

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Borborygmus

Back 91

A borborygmus is an audible abdominal sound produced by hyperactive intestinal peristalsis.

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Borborygmi are rumbling, gurgling, and tinkling noises heard when

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listening with a stethoscope.

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Constipation

Back 93

Constipation is difficulty in passing stools, or an incomplete or infrequent passage of hard stools.

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Diarrhea

Back 94

The frequent passage of loose, watery stools.

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Dyspepsia

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A vague feeling of epigastric discomfort after eating.

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Dyspepsia symptoms involve

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an uncomfortable feeling of fullness, heartburn, bloating, and nausea.

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Dysphagia

Back 97

Dysphagia is difficulty in swallowing, commonly associated with obstructive or motor disorders of the esophagus.

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Emaciation

Back 98

Excessive leanness caused by disease or lack of nutrition is emaciation.

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Emesis

Back 99

The material expelled from the stomach during vomiting;
vomitus.

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Eructation

Back 100

Eructation is the act of bringing up air from the stomach with a characteristic sound through the mouth;
belching.

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flatus; flatulence

Back 101

Flatus or flatulence is air or gas in the intestine that is passed through the rectum.

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gastroesophageal reflux

Back 102

Gastroesophageal reflux is a backflow of content of the stomach into the esophagus that is often the result of incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter.

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Icterus

Back 103

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.

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Jaundice

Back 104

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.

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Melena

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Melena is an abnormal, black, tarry stool containing digested blood.

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Nausea

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An unpleasant sensation often leading to the urge to vomit.

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pruritus ani

Back 107

Pruritus ani is a common chronic condition of itching of the skin around the anus.

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Steatorrhea

Back 108

Greater than normal amounts of fat 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.

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vomit

Back 109

To expel the content of the stomach through the esophagus and out of the mouth.

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Vomitus

Back 110

The material expelled from the stomach during vomiting;
vomitus.

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Achalasia

Back 111

Decreased mobility of the lower two-thirds of the esophagus along with constriction of the lower esophageal sphincter.

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anal fistula

Back 112

An abnormal passageway in the skin surface near the anus usually connecting with the rectum.

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aphthous stomatitis

Back 113

Small inflammatory noninfectious ulcerated lesions occurring on the lips, tongue, and inside the cheeks of the mouth;
also called canker sores.

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Appendicitis

Back 114

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the vermiform appendix.

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celiac disease

Back 115

Nutrient malabsorption due to damaged small bowel mucosa.

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Cirrhosis

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A disease of the liver that is chronic and degenerative, causing injuryto the hepatocytes (functional cells of the liver).

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colorectal cancer

Back 117

The presence of a malignant neoplasm in the large intestine.

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Constipation

Back 118

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.

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dental caries

Back 119

Tooth decay caused by acid-forming microorganisms.

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diverticular disease

Back 120

An expression used to characterize both diverticulosis and

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diverticulitis

Back 121

.
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.

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Dysentery

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A term used to describe painful intestinal inflammation typically caused by ingesting water or food containing bacteria, protozoa, parasites, or chemical irritants.

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esophageal varices

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Swollen, twisted (tortuous) veins located in the distal end of the esophagus.

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Gallstones (cholelithiasis)

Back 124

Pigmented or hardened cholesterol stones formed as a result of bile crystallization.

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Hemorrhoids

Back 125

A hemorrhoid is an unnaturally distended or swollen vein (called a varicosity) in the distal rectum or anus.

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Hepatitis

Back 126

Acute or chronic inflammation of the liver due to a viral or bacterialinfection, drugs, alcohol, toxins, or parasites.

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Hepatitis

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A virus frequently transmitted by the fecal–oral route or due to poor hygiene, contaminated water, or shellfish (in most cases there is a complete recovery).

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Hepatitis B

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virus, which is transmitted from the blood or body fluid of an infected individual to another individual and has the potential of leading to excessive destruction of liver cells, cirrhosis, or death.

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Hepatitis C

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virus, which is transmitted through the intravenous route in blood transfusions or when persons share needles and progresses in about one-half of the cases to a chronic form of hepatitis.

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Hernia

Back 130

An irregular protrusion of tissue, organ, or a portion of an organ through an abnormal break in the surrounding cavity’s muscular wall.

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herpetic stomatitis

Back 131

Inflammatory infectious lesions in or on the oral cavity occurring as a primary or a secondary viral infection caused by herpes simplex.

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Hirschsprung’s disease

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(congenital megacolon) Absence at birth of the autonomic ganglia in a segment of the intestinal smooth muscle wall that normally stimulates peristalsis.

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Ileus

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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.

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There are numerous causes of an intestinal obstruction, such as:

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1. Inflammation causing decreased diameter of the intestinal lumen.
2. Adhesions form after abdominal surgery as bands of fibrous scar tissue, which can become looped over or around the intestine.
3. Tumors may cause an obstruction in the small or large intestine.
4. Hernias may become incarcerated and thus cause an obstruction.
5. Volvulus occurs when the bowel becomes twisted or rotated on itself.
6. Intussusception occurs when the proximal bowel telescopes into the distal bowel.
7. Neurogenic factors resulting in lack of peristalsis after abdominal surgery.

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Crohn’s disease

Back 135

Digestive tract inflammation of a chronic nature
causing fever, cramping, diarrhea, weight loss, and anorexia.