12.9: Glossary

Absorption (ab-SORP-shŏn): The process in which nutrients enter the bloodstream after food molecules have been broken down during chemical digestion. (Chapter 12.5)

Adhesion (ad-HĒ-zhŏn): Scar tissue from disease or previous surgery that binds anatomical surfaces to each other. (Chapter 12.5)

Amino acids (Ā-mē-nō AS-idz): Molecules that combine to form proteins. (Chapter 12.5)

Amylase (ĀM-ĭ-lās): An enzyme, produced chiefly in the pancreas and salivary glands, that converts starch and glycogen into simple sugars. (Chapter 12.4)

Anal (ĀN-ăl): Pertaining to the anus, the opening at the end of the digestive tract from which feces exit the body. (Chapter 12.4)

Anastomosis (ăn-ăs-tō-MŌ-sĭs): A surgical connection between two tubes, vessels, or ducts. (Chapter 12.6)

Anus (Ā-nŭs): The opening at the end of the digestive tract where feces leave the body. (Chapter 12.4)

Appendectomy (ap-ĕn-DEK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of the appendix. (Chapter 12.4)

Appendicitis (ă-pen-dĭ-SĪT-ĭs): Inflammation of the appendix. (Chapter 12.4)

Appendix (ă-PEN-diks): A tube-shaped sac attached to and opening into the lower end of the large intestine. (Chapter 12.4)

Ascending colon (ă-SEN-ding KŌ-lŏn): The first part of the colon which travels upward on the right side of the abdomen. (Chapter 12.4)

Ascites (ă-SĪ-tēz): Abnormal fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity, causing abdominal swelling, often due to liver disease or cancer. (Chapter 12.5, Chapter 12.6)

Barium enema (BĀR-ē-ŭm EN-ĕ-mă): An X-ray exam that can detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon). (Chapter 12.7)

Barium swallow (BĀR-ē-ŭm SWŎL-ō): A test that checks for problems in the throat, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. (Chapter 12.7)

Bile (BĪL): A bitter, greenish-brown alkaline fluid that aids digestion, secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. (Chapter 12.4)

Bilirubin (bil-ĭ-ROO-bin): A yellowish pigment formed in the liver by the breakdown of red blood cells. (Chapter 12.4)

Bolus (BŌL-ŭs): A soft mass of food that is an appropriate size for swallowing. (Chapter 12.5)

Cecum (SĒ-kŭm): The first section of the large intestine, into which the ileum opens. (Chapter 12.4)

Celiac disease (SĒ-lē-ăk dĭ-ZĒZ): A serious autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. (Chapter 12.6)

Cholecystectomy (kō-lĕ-sis-TEK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of the gallbladder. (Chapter 12.6)

Cholecystitis (kō-lĕ-sis-TĪT-ĭs): Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to a gallstone blocking the cystic duct. (Chapter 12.4, Chapter 12.6)

Cholelithiasis (kō-li-lith-Ī-ă-sĭs): The formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. (Chapter 12.4, Chapter 12.6)

Chyme (KĪM): The pulpy acidic fluid that passes from the stomach to the small intestine, consisting of gastric juices and partly digested food. (Chapter 12.4)

Cirrhosis (sĭr-RŌ-sĭs): A chronic disease of the liver marked by degeneration of cells, inflammation, and fibrous thickening of tissue. It is often caused by alcoholism or hepatitis. (Chapter 12.6)

Colon cancer (KŌ-lŏn KAN-sĕr): A type of cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum, part of the large intestine, where malignant cells form in the tissues of the colon. (Chapter 12.6)

Colon polyps (KŌ-lŏn PŎL-ĭps): Small clumps of cells that form on the lining of the colon, which can become cancerous over time. (Chapter 12.6)

Colon resection surgery (KŌ-lŏn rĭ-SĔK-shŭn SUR-jĕr-ē): A surgical procedure to remove a section of the colon. (Chapter 12.6)

Colon resection with colostomy (KŌ-lŏn rĭ-SĔK-shŭn wĭth kŏl-ŌS-tŏ-mē): A surgical procedure where part of the colon is removed and the remaining colon is brought to the abdominal surface. (Chapter 12.6)

Colonoscopy (kŏl-ŏn-OS-kŏ-pē): A test that allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon) using a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope. (Chapter 12.7)

Colorectal surgeon (kō-lō-REK-tăl SUR-jĕn): A doctor who specializes in the surgical treatment of conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus. (Chapter 12.7)

Colostomy (kŏ-LOS-tŏ-mē): A surgical procedure that brings one end of the large intestine out through the abdominal wall to carry stool out of the body. (Chapter 12.6)

Crohn’s disease (krōnz diz-ĒZ): A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. (Chapter 12.6)

Defecation (dĕf-ĕ-KĀ-shŏn): The final step in digestion when undigested materials are expelled from the body as feces. (Chapter 12.5)

Descending colon (dĕ-SEN-ding KŌ-lŏn): The part of the colon that travels downward on the left side of the abdomen. (Chapter 12.4)

Digestion (dī-JĔS-tĭon): The process by which food is broken down into absorbable units. (Chapter 12.4)

Diverticula (dī-vĕr-TIK-yū-lă): Small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive system. (Chapter 12.6)

Diverticulitis (dī-vĕr-tik-yŭ-LĪT-ĭs): Inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula in the digestive tract. (Chapter 12.6)

Diverticulosis (dī-vĕr-tik-yŭ-LŌ-sĭs): The condition of having diverticula in the colon. (Chapter 12.6)

Duodenum (dū-ō-DĒ-nŭm): The first section of the small intestine, immediately beyond the stomach, leading to the jejunum. (Chapter 12.4)

Dysentery (DIS-ĕn-ter-ē): An inflammatory disorder of the intestine, especially of the colon, that results in severe diarrhea containing blood and mucus in the feces with fever, abdominal pain, and rectal tenesmus. (Chapter 12.5)

Dyspepsia (dĭs-PEP-sē-ă): Indigestion or upset stomach, marked by epigastric pain, burning, and nausea. (Chapter 12.5)

Dysphagia (dĭs-FĀj-ē-ă): Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing. (Chapter 12.4)

Emesis (ĔM-ĕ-sĭs): The act of vomiting or ejecting stomach contents through the mouth. (Chapter 12.5)

Endocrine (EN-dŏ-krīn): Relating to glands which secrete hormones or other products directly into the blood. (Chapter 12.4)

Endoscope (EN-dŏ-skōp): An instrument used for visual examination of the interior of a hollow body organ. (Chapter 12.7)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (en-dŏ-SKOP-ik rĕ-trō-grād kō-LAN-jē-ō-pan-krē-ă-TŎG-ră-fē) (ERCP): A procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. (Chapter 12.6)

Enzymes (EN-zīmz): Substances produced by a living organism that act as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction. (Chapter 12.5)

Epiglottis (ĕp-ĭ-GLŎT-ĭs): A flap of cartilage at the root of the tongue, which is depressed during swallowing to cover the opening of the windpipe. (Chapter 12.4)

Esophageal cancer (ĭ-sŏf-ă-JĒ-ăl KAN-sĕr): A type of cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the long, hollow tube that runs from the throat to the stomach. (Chapter 12.6)

Esophageal varices (ĕ-sŏf-ă-JĒ-ăl VĀR-ĭ-sēz): Abnormally swollen veins in the lower part of the esophagus, often associated with liver disease. (Chapter 12.4)

Esophagectomy (ĕ-sŏf-ă-JĔK-tŏ-mē): A surgical procedure to remove part or all of the esophagus. (Chapter 12.6)

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (ē-sof-ă-gō-gas-trō-doo-ŏ-dē-NOS-kŏ-pē) (EGD): A diagnostic test to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. (Chapter 12.7)

Esophagus (ĭ-SOF-ă-gŭs): The muscular tube that conveys food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. (Chapter 12.4)

Exocrine (ĔK-sŏ-krīn): Pertaining to the secretion of a substance out through a duct. (Chapter 12.4)

Fecal immunochemical test (FĒ-kăl im-yŭn-Ō-kĕm-ĭ-kăl tĕst): A test that checks stool for tiny amounts of blood released by polyps or colorectal cancer. (Chapter 12.7)

Fecal occult blood test (FĒ-kăl ŏ-KULT blŭd tĕst) (gFOBT): A test that checks stool samples for hidden (occult) blood using a chemical called guaiac. (Chapter 12.7)

Feces (FĒ-sēz): Waste matter discharged from the bowels after food has been digested. (Chapter 12.4)

Flatus (FLĀ-tŭs): Gas in the gastrointestinal tract, expelled through the anus. (Chapter 12.4, Chapter 12.5)

Gallbladder (GAWL-blăd-ĕr): A small organ where bile is stored, before it is released into the small intestine. (Chapter 12.4)

Gallstone (GAWL-stōn): A small, hard crystalline mass formed abnormally in the gallbladder or bile ducts from bile pigments, cholesterol, and calcium salts. (Chapter 12.6)

Gastric juice (GAS-trĭk JOOS): A digestive fluid secreted by the stomach, containing hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and other enzymes. (Chapter 12.4)

Gastroenteritis (GAS-trō-ĕn-tĕr-Ī-tĭs): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically resulting from bacterial toxins or viral infection and causing vomiting and diarrhea. (Chapter 12.5)

Gastroenterologist (găs-trō-ĕn-tĕr-ŎL-ŏ-jĭst): A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system. (Chapter 12.7)

Gastroenterology (găs-trō-ĕn-tĕr-ŎL-ă-jē): The study of the digestive system and its disorders. (Chapter 12.7)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GAS-trō-ĕ-sŏf-ă-JĒ-ăl REE-flŭks dĭ-ZĒZ) (GERD): A chronic condition where stomach acid or bile flows into the food pipe (esophagus) and irritates the lining. (Chapter 12.4, Chapter 12.6)

Gingivitis (jin-jĭ-VĪT-ĭs): Inflammation of the gums. (Chapter 12.4)

Glossitis (glo-SĪT-ĭs): Inflammation of the tongue. (Chapter 12.4)

Hard palate (HARD PAL-āt): The bony front part of the palate. (Chapter 12.4)

Hemorrhoid (HEM-ŏ-royd): A swollen vein or group of veins in the region of the anus. (Chapter 12.4)

Hepatitis (hep-ă-TĪT-ĭs): Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection or liver toxins. (Chapter 12.6)

Hepatomegaly (hep-ăt-ō-MEG-ă-lē): An enlarged liver. (Chapter 12.4)

Hernia (HUR-nē-ă): A condition in which part of an organ is displaced and protrudes through the wall of the cavity containing it, often involving the intestine at a weak point in the abdominal wall. (Chapter 12.5, Chapter 12.6)

Hiatal hernia (hī-Ā-tăl HĔR-nē-ă): A type of hernia in which abdominal organs (typically the stomach) slip through the diaphragm into the middle compartment of the chest. (Chapter 12.6)

Hydrochloric acid (HĪ-drō-klōr-ĬK AS-id): A component of gastric juice that helps create the acidic environment in the stomach. (Chapter 12.4)

Ileocecal valve (ĬL-ē-ō-SĒ-kăl VALV): A sphincter muscle valve that separates the small intestine and the large intestine. (Chapter 12.4)

Ileostomy (IL-ē-OS-tŏ-mē): A surgical opening constructed by bringing the end of the small intestine (the ileum) out onto the surface of the skin. (Chapter 12.6)

Ileum (ĬL-ē-ŭm): The third portion of the small intestine, between the jejunum and the cecum of the large intestine. (Chapter 12.4)

Irritable bowel syndrome (ĬR-ĭ-tă-bl BOWL SĬN-drōm) (IBS): A common disorder affecting the large intestine, causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. (Chapter 12.6)

Jaundice (JAWN-dĭs): A medical condition with yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, arising from excess of the pigment bilirubin. (Chapter 12.4, Chapter 12.6)

Jejunum (jĭ-JŪ-num): The part of the small intestine between the duodenum and ileum. (Chapter 12.4)

Laparoscope (LAP-ă-rō-skōp): A thin tube with a camera and light at the end, used for viewing the interior of the abdominal or pelvic cavities. (Chapter 12.6)

Large bowel resection (LARJ BOW-ĕl rĭ-SĔK-shŭn): Surgical removal of part of the large intestine. (Chapter 12.6)

Large intestine (LARJ IN-tĕs-tĭn): The last part of the digestive system, absorbing water and electrolytes, forming and storing feces. (Chapter 12.4)

Lipase (LĪ-pās): An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of fats (lipids). (Chapter 12.4)

Liver (LIV-ĕr): A large lobed glandular organ in the abdomen, involved in many metabolic processes. (Chapter 12.4)

Lower esophageal sphincter (LOH-ĕr ĭ-SOF-ă-gĕ-al SFINGK-tĕr): A ring of muscle at the end of the esophagus where it meets the stomach, which acts as a valve to prevent the backflow of stomach contents. (Chapter 12.4)

Melena (mĕ-LĒ-nă): Dark sticky feces containing partly digested blood, indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding. (Chapter 12.5)

Nausea (NAW-zē-ă): A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit. (Chapter 12.5)

NPO (en-pē-ō): A commonly used medical abbreviation for “nil per os,” the Latin phrase that means “nothing by mouth.” (Chapter 12.5)

Nutrients (NŪ-trē-ĕntz): Substances that provide nourishment to cells. (Chapter 12.5)

Obesity (ō-BĒ-sĭ-tē): A medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to an extent that it may have a negative effect on health. (Chapter 12.5)

Oral cavity (ŌR-ăl KAV-ĭ-tē): The mouth area, encompassing the lips, cheeks, palate, and floor of the mouth. (Chapter 12.4)

Ostomy appliance (ŎS-tŏ-mē ă-PLĪ-ăns): A device used to collect waste from a surgically diverted biological system (such as a colostomy, ileostomy). (Chapter 12.6)

Palpate (PAL-pāt): Examine (a part of the body) by touch, especially for medical purposes. (Chapter 12.5)

Pancreas (PAN-krē-ăs): A large gland behind the stomach which secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum. (Chapter 12.4)

Pancreatitis (păn-krē-a-TĪT-ĭs): Inflammation of the pancreas. (Chapter 12.6)

Paralytic Ileus (păr-ă-LĬT-ĭk Ī-lē-ŭs): A condition in which the intestine does not work properly and there is no movement of food or waste in the intestine. (Chapter 12.6)

Partial colectomy (păr-shul kō-LEK-tŏ-mē): A surgical procedure to remove part of the colon and is used to treat or prevent diseases and conditions that affect the colon. (Chapter 12.6)

Peptic ulcer disease (PĔP-tĭk UL-sĕr dĭ-ZĒZ) (PUD): A condition where ulcers form on the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine, typically caused by inflammation due to H. pylori bacteria and the use of NSAIDs. (Chapter 12.6)

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (pûr-kū-TĀ-nē-ŭs ĕn-DŎS-kŏ-pĭk găs-TRŎS-tŏ-mē) (PEG): A medical procedure in which a tube is passed into a patient’s stomach through the abdominal wall, most commonly to provide a means of feeding when oral intake is not adequate. (Chapter 12.5)

Peristalsis (pĕr-ĭ-STAL-sĭs): The involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles in the intestine or another canal, creating wave-like movements that push the contents forward. (Chapter 12.4, Chapter 12.5)

Peritoneum (pĕr-ĭ-tō-NĒ-ŭm): A serous membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs. (Chapter 12.4)

Peritonitis (pĕr-ĭt-ŏ-NĪT-ĭs): Inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers and supports most of your abdominal organs. (Chapter 12.4, Chapter 12.6)

Pharynx (FAR-ĭnks): The muscular tube extending from the back of the nasal cavities and the mouth to the esophagus, known as the throat. (Chapter 12.4)

Polypectomy (pŏl-ĭ-PĔK-tō-mē): Surgical removal of polyps from the colon or rectum. (Chapter 12.6)

Probiotics (prō-bī-OT-ĭks): Live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. (Chapter 12.5)

Proctocolectomy (prŏk-tō-kō-LEK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of the rectum and all or part of the colon. (Chapter 12.6)

Proctologist (prŏk-TOL-ŏ-jĭst): A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the rectum and anus. (Chapter 12.7)

Proctoscope (PRŎK-tă-skōp): An instrument for examining the rectum. (Chapter 12.4)

Pyloric sphincter (pĭ-LOR-ĭk SFINGK-tĕr): A ring of smooth muscle at the end of the stomach, regulating the flow of partially digested food into the small intestine. (Chapter 12.4)

Radiofrequency ablation (RĀ-dē-ō-FRĒ-kwĕn-sē ă-blā-shŭn): A medical procedure in which part of the electrical conduction system of a tumor or other dysfunctional tissue is ablated using the heat generated from high-frequency alternating current. (Chapter 12.6)

Rectum (REK-tŭm): The final section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus. (Chapter 12.4)

Reflux (RĒ-flŭks): The backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus or throat, causing heartburn or acid indigestion. (Chapter 12.5)

Salivary (SĂL-ĭ-văr-ē): Related to or producing saliva. (Chapter 12.4)

Sigmoid colon (SIG-moyd KŌ-lŏn): The S-shaped last part of the colon, leading into the rectum. (Chapter 12.4)

Sigmoidoscopy (sig-moy-DOS-kŏ-pē): A medical examination of the sigmoid colon by means of a sigmoidoscope. (Chapter 12.7)

Small bowel resection (SMOL BOW-ĕl rĭ-SĔK-shŭn): Surgical removal of part of the small intestine. (Chapter 12.6)

Small intestine (SMOL IN-tĕs-tĭn): The part of the intestine where most of the digestion and absorption of food occurs, extending between the stomach and large intestine. (Chapter 12.4)

Soft palate (SOFT PAL-āt): The fleshy, flexible part towards the back of the roof of the mouth. (Chapter 12.4)

Steatorrhea (stē-ăt-ō-RĒ-ă): The excretion of abnormal quantities of fat with the feces. (Chapter 12.4)

Stoma (STŌ-mă): An artificial opening made into a hollow organ, especially one on the surface of the body leading to the gut or trachea. (Chapter 12.6)

Stomach (STUM-ăk): A sac-like organ of the digestive system that mixes food with gastric juices to begin the digestion of proteins. (Chapter 12.4)

Stomatitis (stō-mă-TĪT-ĭs): Inflammation of the mouth and lips. (Chapter 12.4)

Stool culture (stōōl KUL-chŭr): A test to detect and identify bacteria that cause infections of the lower digestive tract. (Chapter 12.7)

Stool DNA test (stool dē-ĕn-ā tĕst): A test that checks stool samples for certain DNA markers that cells from colorectal cancer or polyps shed into the stool. (Chapter 12.7)

Sublingual (sŭb-LING-gwăl): Underneath the tongue. (Chapter 12.4)

Tongue (TUNG): A muscular organ in the mouth, aiding in tasting, swallowing, and speaking. (Chapter 12.4)

Transverse colon (trans-VURS KŌ-lŏn): The middle part of the colon which travels across the abdomen. (Chapter 12.4)

Ulcerative colitis (UL-sĕr-ă-tiv kō-LĪ-tĭs): A chronic, inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, specifically in the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. (Chapter 12.6)

Upper gastrointestinal series (ŬP-ĕr GAS-trō-in-TĔS-tĭ-năl SĪR-ēz): A series of X-rays of the patient’s esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. (Chapter 12.7)

Upper GI endoscopy (ŬP-ĕr Jī ĕn-DŎS-kŏ-pē en-DOS-kŏ-pē): A procedure in which a thin scope with a light and camera at its tip is used to look inside the upper digestive tract — the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. (Chapter 12.7)

Urea breath test (yoo-RĒ-ă brĕth tĕst): A diagnostic test for Helicobacter pylori using a special form of urea. (Chapter 12.6)

Uvula (YŪ-vyū-lă): A fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate that hangs above the throat. (Chapter 12.4)

Uvulitis (ū-vyŭ-LĪT-ĭs): Inflammation of the uvula. (Chapter 12.4)

Villi (VĬL-ī): Small, finger-like projections that protrude from the epithelial lining of the intestinal wall, increasing the surface area for absorption. (Chapter 12.4)

Visceral (VĬS-ĕr-ăl): Relating to the internal organs of the body, especially those in the abdomen. (Chapter 12.5)

Vomiting (VOM-ĭ-ting): Ejecting matter from the stomach through the mouth. (Chapter 12.5)

Xerostomia (zēr-ŏ-STŌ-mē-ă): Dry mouth, often due to a decrease in saliva production. (Chapter 12.4)