Digestive System Overview and Terminology

Digestive System Overview

• The digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.
• Key organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Digestive System Terminology

• Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine.
• Ileum: The last part of the small intestine.
• Jejunum: The middle part of the small intestine.
• Enzyme: Organic catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in digestion.
• Peritoneum: Large serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and supporting abdominal organs.
• Emesis: Vomiting.
• Gastr/o: Refers to the stomach. Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach.
• Lingu/o: Refers to the tongue.
• Or/o: Refers to the mouth.
• Enter/o: Refers to the intestines (typically the small intestine); Enteropathy: Disease of the intestine.
• Hepat/o: Refers to the liver. Hepatomegaly: Enlargement of the liver. Hepatotoxicity: Toxicity or poisoning of the liver.
• Chol/e, Cholecyst/o: Refers to bile or gallbladder. Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder.
• Gingiv/o: Gum.
• Pancreat/o: Refers to the pancreas.

Digestive System Suffixes

• Pepsia: Refers to digestion. Dyspepsia: Indigestion or difficulty with digestion. Eupepsia: Normal digestion.
• -ectomy: Refers to surgical removal. Appendectomy: Removal of the appendix. Colectomy: Removal of part of the colon.
• -megaly: Refers to enlargement. Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen. Hepatomegaly: Enlargement of the liver.

Digestive System Prefixes

• Hyper-: Excessive or over. Hyperemesis: Excessive vomiting. Hyperacidity: Excess acid in the stomach.
• Hypo-: Below normal or deficient. Hypogastric: Below the stomach. Hypoacidity: Low stomach acid levels.
• Dys-: Difficult or painful. Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing. Dyspepsia: Difficult or painful digestion.

Common Digestive Disorders

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux irritating the esophagus.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Large intestine disorder with symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Inflammatory condition of the colon exhibiting ulcer formation.
• Crohn's Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease affecting any part of the digestive tract.
• Ascites: Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity (edema).
• Cholelithiasis: Stones in the gallbladder or common bile duct.
• Hemorrhoids: Varicose veins in the rectum associated with pain and bleeding.
• Hematemesis: Vomiting of blood.

Diagnostic Procedures

• Endoscopy: Procedure using a camera to view the inside of the digestive tract.
• Colonoscopy: Examination of the colon using a scope.
• Barium Swallow: X-ray of the upper digestive tract after ingesting barium solution.

Liver-Related Medical Terminology

• Hepat/o: Refers to the liver.
• Hepatopathy: Disease of the liver.
• Hepatotoxicity: Liver toxicity or poisoning.
• Cirrhosis: Chronic liver damage leading to liver failure.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin due to elevated bilirubin levels.

Abbreviations

• (See the provided table)

Case Study (Patient Ahmad)

• Age: 51 years
• Occupation: Businessman
• Medical History: 10-year history of heartburn worsening in the last year.
• Chief Complaint: Epigastric pain, heartburn after meals and at bedtime, and regurgitation (acid reflux) without respiratory tract aspiration.
• History of Present Illness: Heartburn for over 10 years, worsened in the last year, daily symptoms including at night, causing sleep disruption and fatigue. Intermittent use of OTC antacids and PPIs with limited relief.
• Diagnosis: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) with suspected erosive esophagitis.
• Clinical Course/Prescription Treatment: Prescribed PPIs (omeprazole) to reduce stomach acid production, enabling esophagus healing.
• Follow-up: Return to the clinic after 4 weeks of PPI therapy for symptom reassessment before scheduled endoscopy in 7 weeks.

Explore the fascinating world of the digestive system, from its key organs to essential terminology. This quiz covers the processes of breaking down food, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of digestive health.