Chapter 12: The Digestive System

Front 1

abdomen

Back 1

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 of the abdomen

Front 2

absorption

Back 2

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

Front 3

aerophagia

Back 3

the swallowing of air; excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking, which may result in belching and gas

Front 4

alimentary canal

Back 4

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

Front 5

amino acids

Back 5

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

Front 6

amylase

Back 6

an enzyme that breaks down starch into smaller carbohydrate molecules

Front 7

anastomosis

Back 7

a surgical joining of two ducts, blood vessels, or bowel segments to allow flow from one to the other

Front 8

anus

Back 8

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

Front 9

ascites

Back 9

an abnormal intraperitoneal (within the peritoneal cavity) accumulation of a fluid containing large amounts of protein and electrolytes

Front 10

ascitic fluid

Back 10

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

Front 11

bicuspid tooth

Back 11

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; aka premolar tooth

Front 12

bile

Back 12

a bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver

Front 13

bilirubin

Back 13

the orange-yellow pigment of bile, formed principally by the breakdown of hemoglobin in RBCs after termination of their normal life span

Front 14

bolus

Back 14

a ball-like mass of chewed food (mixed with saliva) that is ready to be swallowed

Front 15

bowel

Back 15

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

Front 16

cachexia

Back 16

a condition of general ill health and malnutrition; physical wasting with loss of weight and muscle mass due to disease

Front 17

canine tooth

Back 17

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

Front 18

cardiac sphincter

Back 18

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

Front 19

cecum

Back 19

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

Front 20

cholangiogram

Back 20

a record, or X-ray film, of the bile ducts following the injection of a radiopaque contrast medium

Front 21

choledocholithiasis

Back 21

the presence of a stone (calculus) in the common bile duct

Front 22

cholelithiasis

Back 22

abnormal presence of gallstones in the gallbladder

Front 23

chyme

Back 23

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

Front 24

colon

Back 24

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

Front 25

common bile duct

Back 25

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

Front 26

crown

Back 26

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

Front 27

cuspid tooth

Back 27

canine tooth

Front 28

deciduous teeth

Back 28

the first set or primary teeth; baby teeth

Front 29

defecation

Back 29

the act of expelling feces from the rectum through the anus

Front 30

deglutition

Back 30

swallowing

Front 31

dentin

Back 31

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

Front 32

dietitian

Back 32

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

Front 33

digestion

Back 33

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

Front 34

digestive tract

Back 34

see alimentary canal

Front 35

duodenum

Back 35

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

Front 36

emulsify

Back 36

to disperse a liquid into another liquid, making a colloidal suspension. bile is released from the gallbladder into the SI in response to the presence of fatty content; its purpose in the digestive process is to emulsify, or break down the fats into small droplets so the body can use them as nutrients

Front 37

enamel

Back 37

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

Front 38

endocrine gland

Back 38

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

Front 39

enzyme

Back 39

a proteins produced by living cells that catalyzes chemical reactions in organic matter

Front 40

esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Back 40

the process of direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a lighted fiberoptic endoscope; aka an upper endoscopy

Front 41

esophagus

Back 41

a muscular canal, about 9.4 inches long, extending from the pharynx to the stomach

Front 42

exocrine gland

Back 42

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

Front 43

fatty acids

Back 43

any of several organic acids produced by the hydrolysis of neutral fats

Front 44

feces

Back 44

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

Front 45

gallbladder

Back 45

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

Front 46

gastroenterologist

Back 46

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)

Front 47

gastrointestinal tract

Back 47

see alimentary canal

Front 48

gavage

Back 48

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

Front 49

gingiva

Back 49

gum tissue (singular: gingiva; plural: gingivae)

Front 50

gingivitis

Back 50

inflammation of the gums

Front 51

glucagon

Back 51

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

Front 52

glucose

Back 52

a simple sugar found in certain foods, especially fruits, and major source of energy occuring in human and animal body fluids

Front 53

glycogen

Back 53

a complex sugar (startch) 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

Front 54

glycogenesis

Back 54

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

Front 55

glycogenolysis

Back 55

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

Front 56

hematemesis

Back 56

vomiting of blood

Front 57

hepatocyte

Back 57

liver cell

Front 58

hydrochloric acid

Back 58

a compound consisting of hydrogen and chlorine

Front 59

ileum

Back 59

the distal portion of the SI extending from the jejunum to the cecum

Front 60

incisor

Back 60

one of the 8 front teeth, 4 in each dental arch, that first appear as primary teeth during infancy are replaced by permanent incisors during childhood and last until old age

Front 61

insulin

Back 61

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

Front 62

jejunum

Back 62

the intermediate or middle of the three portions of the SI, connecting proximally with the duodenum and distally with the ileum

Front 63

laparoscope

Back 63

ge 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

Front 64

lavage

Back 64

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

Front 65

lipase

Back 65

an enzyme that aids in the digestion of fats

Front 66

liver

Back 66

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

Front 67

lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

Back 67

see cardiac sphincter

Front 68

lower GI tract

Back 68

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

Front 69

mastication

Back 69

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

Front 70

McBurney's point

Back 70

a point on the right side of the abdomen, about 2/3 of the distance between the umbilicus and the anterior bony prominence of the hip. when tenderness exists upon McBurney's point, a physician might suspect appendicitis

Front 71

molar tooth

Back 71

any of 12 molar teeth, 6 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

Front 72

nutritionist

Back 72

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

Front 73

oropharynx

Back 73

the section of the pharynx leading away from the oral cavity

Front 74

palate

Back 74

a structure that forms the roof of the mouth

Front 75

palatoplasty

Back 75

surgical repair of the palate, usually to correct a cleft palate

Front 76

pancreas

Back 76

an elongated organ approx 6-9 inches long, located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen that secretes various substances such as digestive enzymes, insulin, and glucagon

Front 77

papillae

Back 77

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

Front 78

parotid gland

Back 78

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

Front 79

peristalsis

Back 79

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

Front 80

peritoneum

Back 80

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

Front 81

peritonitis

Back 81

inflammation of the peritoneum

Front 82

permanent teeth

Back 82

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

Front 83

pharynx

Back 83

the throat; a tubular structure about 5.1 inches long that extends from the base of the skull to the esophagus and is situated just in front of the cervical vertebrae

Front 84

premolars

Back 84

see bicuspid tooth

Front 85

pulp

Back 85

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

Front 86

pyloric sphincter

Back 86

a thickened muscular ring in the stomach that regulated the passage of food from the pylorus of the stomach into the duodenum

Front 87

pyorrhea

Back 87

discharge or flow of pus

Front 88

rebound tenderness

Back 88

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 quandrant of the abdomen at McBurney's point, and this type of pain is experienced, it is a strong indicator of appendicitis

Front 89

rectum

Back 89

the portion of the LI, about 4.7 inches long, continuous with the descending sigmoid colon (just proximal to the anal canal)

Front 90

rugae

Back 90

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

Front 91

saliva

Back 91

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

Front 92

salivary glands

Back 92

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

Front 93

secondary teeth

Back 93

see permanent teeth

Front 94

sigmoid colon

Back 94

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

Front 95

sphincter

Back 95

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)

Front 96

stomach

Back 96

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

Front 97

triglycerides

Back 97

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

Front 98

upper GI tract

Back 98

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

Front 99

uvula

Back 99

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

Front 100

villi

Back 100

one of the many tiny projections barely visible to the naked eye clustered over the entire mucous surface of the SI

Front 101

xerostomia

Back 101

a condition of dryness of the mouth caused by decreased secretions of the salivary glands. some causes of xerostomia include, but may not be limited to, diabetes, adverse reaction to medications, hysteria, acute infections

Front 102

acr/o

Back 102

air

Front 103

amyl/o

Back 103

starch

Front 104

append/o , appendic/o

Back 104

appendix

Front 105

-ase

Back 105

enzyme

Front 106

bil/i

Back 106

bile

Front 107

bucc/o

Back 107

cheek

Front 108

cec/o

Back 108

cecum

Front 109

celi/o

Back 109

pertaining to the abdomen

Front 110

-centesis

Back 110

surgical puncture

Front 111

cheil/o

Back 111

lips

Front 112

chol/e

Back 112

bile

Front 113

cholecyst/o

Back 113

gallbladder

Front 114

choledoch/o

Back 114

common bile duct

Front 115

cirrh/o

Back 115

yellow, tawny

Front 116

col/o , colon/o

Back 116

colon

Front 117

dent/o

Back 117

tooth

Front 118

duoden/o

Back 118

duodenum (first part of the SI)

Front 119

-ecstasia

Back 119

stretching or dilation

Front 120

-emesis

Back 120

to vomit

Front 121

enter/o

Back 121

intestine

Front 122

esophag/o

Back 122

esophagus

Front 123

gastr/o

Back 123

stomach

Front 124

gingiv/o

Back 124

gums

Front 125

gloss/o

Back 125

tongue

Front 126

gluco/o , glyc/o

Back 126

sugar, sweet

Front 127

hepat/o

Back 127

liver

Front 128

-iasis

Back 128

presence of an abnormal condition

Front 129

ile/o

Back 129

ileum

Front 130

jejun/o

Back 130

jejunum

Front 131

lapar/o

Back 131

abdominal wall

Front 132

lingu/o

Back 132

tongue

Front 133

-lysis

Back 133

destruction or detachment

Front 134

mandibul/o

Back 134

mandible (lower jaw bone)

Front 135

odont/o

Back 135

teeth

Front 136

or/o

Back 136

mouth

Front 137

palat/o

Back 137

palate

Front 138

pancreat/o

Back 138

pancreas

Front 139

-pepsia

Back 139

state of digestion

Front 140

-phagia

Back 140

to eat

Front 141

pharyng/o

Back 141

pharynx

Front 142

peritone/o

Back 142

peritoneum

Front 143

-plasty

Back 143

surgical repair

Front 144

proct/o

Back 144

anus or rectum

Front 145

rect/o

Back 145

rectum

Front 146

-rrhagia

Back 146

excessive flow or discharge

Front 147

-rrhaphy

Back 147

suturing

Front 148

sial/o

Back 148

salivary gland; saliva

Front 149

sigmoid/o

Back 149

sigmoid colon

Front 150

-spasm

Back 150

twitching; involuntary contraction

Front 151

steat/o

Back 151

fat

Front 152

stomat/o

Back 152

mouth

Front 153

-tresia

Back 153

perforation

Front 154

-tripsy

Back 154

intentonal crushing

Front 155

xer/o

Back 155

dry

Front 156

achlorhydria

Back 156

an abnormal condition characterized by the absence of hydrochloric acids in the gastric juice

Front 157

aphagia

Back 157

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

Front 158

borborygmus

Back 158

an audible abdominal sound produced by hyperactive intestinal peristalsis. they are rumbling, gurgling, and tinkling noises heard when listening with a stethoscope

Front 159

constipation

Back 159

difficulty in passing stools or an incomplete or infrequent passage of hard stools

Front 160

diarrhea

Back 160

the frequent passage of loose, watery stools

Front 161

dyspepsia

Back 161

a vague feeling of epigastric discomfort after eating. it involves an uncomfortable feeling of fullness, heartburn, bloating, and nausea

Front 162

dysphagia

Back 162

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

Front 163

emaciation

Back 163

excessive leanness caused by disease or lack of nutrition

Front 164

emesis

Back 164

the material expelled from the stomach during vomiting; vomitus

Front 165

eructation

Back 165

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

Front 166

flatus; flatulence

Back 166

air or gas in the intestine that is passed through the rectum

Front 167

gastroesophageal reflux

Back 167

a blackflow of the content of the stomach into the esophagus that is often the result of incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter

Front 168

icterus

Back 168

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

Front 169

melena

Back 169

an abnormal, black, tarry stool containing digested blood

Front 170

nausea

Back 170

an unpleasant sensation often leading to the urge to vomit

Front 171

pruritus ani

Back 171

a common chronic condition of itching of the skin around the anus

Front 172

steatorrhea

Back 172

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 SI)

Front 173

vomit

Back 173

to expel the content of the stomach through the esophagus and out of the mouth

Front 174

achalasia

Back 174

decreased mobility of the lower 2/3 of the esophagus along with constriction of the lower esophageal sphincter

Front 175

anal fistula

Back 175

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

Front 176

aphthous stomatitis

Back 176

small, inflammatory, noninfectious, ulcerated lesions occuring on the lips, tongue, and inside the cheeks of the mouth; aka canker sores

Front 177

appendicitis

Back 177

inflammation of the vermiform appendix

Front 178

celiac disease

Back 178

nutrient malabsorption due to damaged small-bowel mucosa

Front 179

cirrhosis

Back 179

a disease of the liver that is chronic and degenerative, causing injury to the hepatocytes (functional cells of the liver)

Front 180

colorectal cancer

Back 180

the presence of a malignant neoplasm in the LI

Front 181

Crohn's disease

Back 181

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

Front 182

dental caries

Back 182

tooth decay caused by acid-forming microorganisms

Front 183

diverticular disease

Back 183

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

Front 184

dysentery

Back 184

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

Front 185

esophageal varices

Back 185

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

Front 186

gallstones (cholelithiasis)

Back 186

pigmented or hardened cholesterol stones formed as a result of bile crystallization

Front 187

hermorrhoids

Back 187

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

Front 188

hepatitis

Back 188

acute or chronic inflammation of the liver due to a viral or bacterial infection, drugs, alcohol, toxins, or parasites

Front 189

hernia

Back 189

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

Front 190

herpetic stomatitis

Back 190

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

Front 191

Hirschsprung's disease

Back 191

absence at birth of the autonomic ganglia in a segment of the intestinal smooth muscle wall that normally stimulates peristalsis

Front 192

ileus

Back 192

a term used to describe an obstruction of the intestine

Front 193

intestinal obstruction

Back 193

complete or partial alteration in the forward flow of the content in the small or large intestines

Front 194

intussusception

Back 194

telescoping of a portion of proximal intestine into distal intestine, usually in the ileocecal region (causing an obstruction)

Front 195

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); spastic colon

Back 195

increased motility of the small or large intestinal wall, resulting in abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, anorexia, and the trapping of gas throughout the intestines

Front 196

oral leukoplakia

Back 196

a precancerous lesion occurring anywhere in the mouth

Front 197

pancreatitis

Back 197

an acute or chronic destructive inflammatory condition of the pancreas

Front 198

peptic ulcers (gastric, duodenal, perforated)

Back 198

a break in the continuity of the mucous membrane lining of the gastrointestinal tract as a result of hyperacidity or the bacterium Helicobacter pylori

Front 199

periodontal disease

Back 199

a term used to describe a group of inflammatory gum disorders, which may lead to degeneration of teeth, gums, and sometimes surrounding bones

Front 200

polyps, colorectal

Back 200

small growths projecting from the mucous membrane of the colon or rectum

Front 201

thrush

Back 201

a fungal infection in the mouth and throat, producing sore, creamy white, slightly raised curdlike patches on the tongue and other oral mucosal surfaces. caused by Candida albicans.

Front 202

ulcerative colitis

Back 202

a chronic inflammatory condition resulting in a break in the continuity of the mucous membrane lining of the colon in the form of ulcers. characterized by large watery diarrheal stools containing mucus, pus, or blood

Front 203

volvulus

Back 203

a rotation of loops of bowel, causing a twisting on itself that results in an intestinal obstruction

Front 204

abdominal ultrasound

Back 204

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); aka abdominal sonogram

Front 205

abdominocentesis (paracentesis)

Back 205

involves insertion of a needle or trocar into the abdominal cavity to remove excess fluid, with the person in a sitting position

Front 206

alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

Back 206

a hepatocellular enzyme released in elevated amounts due to liver dysfunction; aka serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT)

Front 207

alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

Back 207

enzyme is found in the highest concentrations in the liver, biliary tract, and bone

Front 208

amylase

Back 208

an enzyme secreted normally from the pancreatic cells that travels to the duodenum by way of the pancreatic duct and aids in digestion

Front 209

appendectomy

Back 209

surgical removal of an inflamed appendix

Front 210

barium enema (BE) *lower GI series*

Back 210

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

Front 211

barium swallow (UGI)

Back 211

involves oral administration of a radiopaque contrast medium, barium sulfate, which flows into the esophagus as the person swallows

Front 212

capsule endoscopy

Back 212

capsule endoscopy is the process of viewing the entire length of the SI by using an ingestible video camera with a light source, which is enclosed in a capsule. (camera pill = tiny video camera)

Front 213

cheiloplasty

Back 213

surgically correcting a defect of the lip

Front 214

cholecystectomy

Back 214

surgical removal of the gallbladder

Front 215

cholecystography

Back 215

visualization of the gallbladder through x-ray following the oral ingestion of pills containing a radiopaque iodinated dye

Front 216

colonoscopy

Back 216

the direct visualization of the lining of the large intestine using a fiberoptic colonoscope

Front 217

colostomy

Back 217

the surgical creation of a new opening on the abdominal wall through which the feces will be expelled (an abdominal wall anus) by bringing the incised colon out to the abdominal surface

Front 218

CT of the abdomen

Back 218

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, for example, computerized tomography

Front 219

CT colonography

Back 219

using 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 2D and 3D images that can show polyps and other lesions as clearly as when they are seen with direct visual colonoscopy

Front 220

endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Back 220

a procedure that examines the size of and the filling of the pancreatic and biliary ducts through direct radiographic visualization with a fiberoptic endoscope

Front 221

esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Back 221

the process of direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, using a lighted fiberoptic endoscope; aka upper endoscopy

Front 222

extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

Back 222

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; also used to crush renal calculi (kidney stones)

Front 223

fluoroscopy

Back 223

a radiological technique used to examine the function of an organ or a body part by using a fluoroscope

Front 224

gastric analysis

Back 224

study of the stomach content to determine the acid content and to detect the presence of blood, bacteria, bile, and abnormal cells

Front 225

gastric lavage

Back 225

the irrigation, or washing out, of the stomach with sterile water or a saline solution

Front 226

herniorrhaphy

Back 226

the surgical repair of a hernia by closing the defect, using sutures, mesh, or wire

Front 227

liver biopsy

Back 227

a piece of liver tissue is obtained for examination by inserting a specially designed needle into the liver through the abdominal wall

Front 228

liver scan

Back 228

a noninvasive scanning technique, which enables the visualization of the shape, size, and consistency of the liver after the IV injection of a radioactive compound

Front 229

nasogastric intubation

Back 229

involves tube placement through the nose into the stomach for the purpose of relieving gastric distention by removing gastric secretions, gas, or food

Front 230

percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography

Back 230

an examination of the bile duct structure by using a needle to pass directly into an intrahepatic bile duct to inject a contrast medium; also abbreviated PTHC

Front 231

48-hour pH study

Back 231

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 stomach contents reflux into esophagus, how long the acid stays in the esophagus, and how much reflux occurs at nighttime. used to test for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

Front 232

serum bilirubin

Back 232

a measurement of the bilirubin level in the serum. levels are a result of the breakdown of RBCs

total = 0.1-1.0 mg/dL

indirect = 0.2-0.8 mg/dL

direct = 0.1-0.3 mg/dL

Front 233

serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT)

Back 233

an enzyme that has very high concentration in liver cells; aka aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

Front 234

small bowel follow-through

Back 234

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

Front 235

stool analysis for occult blood

Back 235

the analysis of a stool sample to determine the presence of blood not visible to the naked eye (ie hidden or occult blood)

Front 236

stool culture

Back 236

involves collection of a stool specimen placed on one or more culture mediums and allowed to grow colonies of microorganisms to identify specific pathogen(s)

Front 237

stool guaiac

Back 237

a test on a stool specimen using guaiac as a reagent, which identifies the presence of blood in the stool

Front 238

a.c.

Back 238

before meals

Front 239

ALT

Back 239

alanine aminotransferase

Front 240

AST

Back 240

aspartate aminotransferase

Front 241

Ba

Back 241

barium

Front 242

BE

Back 242

barium enema

Front 243

b.i.d.

Back 243

twice a day

Front 244

CT SCAN

Back 244

computed tomography (scan)

Front 245

EGD

Back 245

esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Front 246

ERCP

Back 246

endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Front 247

GB

Back 247

gallbladder

Front 248

GBS

Back 248

gallbladder series

Front 249

GER

Back 249

gastroesophageal reflux

Front 250

GERD

Back 250

gastroesophageal reflux disease

Front 251

GI

Back 251

gastrointestinal

Front 252

GI series

Back 252

gastrointestinal series

Front 253

GTT

Back 253

glucose tolerance test

Front 254

HAV , HBV , HCV

Back 254

heptatitis A/B/C virus

Front 255

HCl

Back 255

hydrochloric acid

Front 256

IBS

Back 256

irritable bowel syndrome

Front 257

IVC

Back 257

intravenous cholangiography

Front 258

LES

Back 258

lower esophageal sphincter (aka cardiac sphincter)

Front 259

LFT

Back 259

liver function test

Front 260

N&V

Back 260

nausea and vomiting

Front 261

NG

Back 261

nasogastric

Front 262

NPO

Back 262

nothing by mouth

Front 263

OCG

Back 263

oral cholecystogram

Front 264

p.c.

Back 264

after meals

Front 265

PP, pp

Back 265

postprandial

Front 266

PPBS

Back 266

postprandial blood sugar

Front 267

PPG

Back 267

postprandial glucose

Front 268

PTC, PTHC

Back 268

percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram

Front 269

SBFT

Back 269

small bowel follow-through

Front 270

SBS

Back 270

small bowel series

Front 271

SGOT

Back 271

serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST: asparatate aminotransferase)

Front 272

SGPT

Back 272

serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase

Front 273

TPN

Back 273

total parenteral nutrition

Front 274

UGI series

Back 274

upper gastrointestinal series