Medical Terminology Chapter 8: Digestive System Flashcards

Digestive System Terminology

• an/o: Refers to the anus, an external opening of the digestive tract.
• chol/e: Indicates bile or gall, which aids in digestion and absorption of fats.
• col/o: Denotes the large intestine, a critical component of the digestive system responsible for water absorption and feces formation.
• -phagia: A suffix meaning swallowing, involved in the digestive process.
• enter/o: Refers to the small intestine, where most digestion and nutrient absorption occur.
• gastr/o: Pertains to the stomach, the organ where food is mixed with gastric juices.
• hepat/o: Indicates the liver, vital for metabolism and detoxification.
• cholecyst/o: Refers to the gallbladder, which stores and concentrates bile.
• esophag/o: Relates to the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
• -lithiasis: Refers to the presence of stones, typically in the gallbladder or kidneys.
• sigmoid/o: Relates to the sigmoid colon, the S-shaped final section of the large intestine.
• proct/o: Refers to the anus and rectum, final components of the digestive tract.
• -pepsia: Indicates digestion, a crucial function of the digestive system.
• -emesis: Refers to vomiting, a defense mechanism to expel toxins or irritants.
• rect/o: Pertains to the rectum, the final segment of the large intestine.

Conditions and Procedures

• anoscopy: A visual examination of the anal canal and lower rectum.
• stomatomycosis: Any disease of the mouth due to a fungal infection.
• ileum: The last and longest part of the small intestine, crucial for nutrient absorption.
• bowel incontinence: The inability to control bowel movements, leading to accidental fecal discharge.
• bile: A digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, essential for fat digestion.
• ascending colon: The segment of the large intestine that travels upward from the cecum to the liver.
• anabolism: The metabolic process of building up body cells and substances from nutrients.
• periodontium: The supporting structures around the teeth, including gums and bone.
• intussusception: A condition where part of the intestine telescopes into another part, leading to obstruction.

Anatomy of the Digestive System

• cecum: Connects the small and large intestines, marking the start of the large intestine.
• sigmoid colon: An S-shaped part of the large intestine, leading to the rectum.
• rectum: The widest section of the large intestine, serving as a temporary storage for feces.
• jejunum: The middle section of the small intestine, involved in absorbing nutrients.
• duodenum: The first segment of the small intestine, where initial digestion occurs.

Medical Conditions

• hematemesis: Vomiting blood, indicating possible internal bleeding.
• hepatitis A: A viral infection primarily spread through contaminated food and water.
• celiac disease: A serious reaction to gluten, affecting the digestive tract.
• enteritis: Inflammation of the small intestine, often resulting in abdominal pain and diarrhea.
• xerostomia: The condition of dry mouth caused by insufficient saliva production.
• ulcerative colitis: Inflammatory bowel disease causing long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract.

Surgical Terms

• gastrectomy: Surgical removal of part or all of the stomach.
• colostomy: Creation of an artificial opening from the colon to the body's surface for waste elimination.
• proctopexy: Surgical fixation of the rectum to surrounding tissues.
• hepatectomy: Removal of all or part of the liver, often due to disease or tumors.
• esophagogastroduodenoscopy: An endoscopic procedure for examining the upper GI tract.
• sigmoidoscopy: An endoscopic examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon.

Symptoms and Treatments

• halitosis: Bad breath, often due to oral hygiene issues.
• diverticulitis: Inflammation of diverticula, small pouches that can form in the walls of the intestines.
• melena: Black, tarry stools indicating the presence of digested blood.
• pyrosis: Medical term for heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest caused by acid reflux.
• regurgitation: The return of swallowed food back into the mouth.

Abbreviations

• UC: Ulcerative colitis
• COL: Colonoscopy
• GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• IBS: Irritable bowel syndrome
• PUD: Peptic ulcer disease

Miscellaneous

• bruxism: Involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep.
• aerophagia: Excessive swallowing of air, leading to discomfort and bloating.
• jaundice: Yellowing of the skin due to excessive bilirubin, often indicating liver problems.