Medical Terminology Chapter 8: The Digestive System

Study Notes

Medical Terminology: The Digestive System

Or/o, Stomat/o, Stom, Stomat: Refers to the mouth, the entry point of the digestive system.
Pharyng/o: Denotes the pharynx, a crucial pathway for food and air.
Esophag/o: Pertains to the esophagus, the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach.
Gastr/o: Relates to the stomach, where food is mixed with gastric juices.
Enter/o: Refers to the small intestine, responsible for nutrient absorption.
Col/o, Colon/o: Indicates the large intestine, vital for water absorption and feces formation.
An/o, Proct/o, Rect/o: Encompass the rectum and anus, key structures in waste elimination.
Hepat/o, Hepat: Refers to the liver, crucial for metabolism and detoxification.
Cholecyst/o, Cholecyst: Denotes the gallbladder, which stores bile produced by the liver.
Pancreat/o: Pertains to the pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes and insulin.
Chol/e: Refers to bile or gall, essential for lipid digestion.
-Emesis, Emet: Indicates vomiting, a significant symptom in various conditions.
-Lithiasis, Lith: Refers to the presence of stones, often in the gallbladder or kidneys.
-Pepsia: Denotes digestion; involved in breaking down food into usable forms.
-Phagia: Refers to eating or swallowing, a fundamental digestive function.
Proct/o: Covers the anus and rectum, involved in defecation.
Rect/o, Rect: Specifically relates to the rectum, final part of the digestive tract.
Sigmoid/o: Refers to the sigmoid colon, the S-shaped last section of the colon.
Odonti, Odont: Pertains to teeth, which play a vital role in mechanical digestion.
Peri-: Indicates surrounding or encircling, often used in anatomical terms.
Myc: Refers to fungus, relevant in discussions of infections.
Xer/o: Denotes dryness, pertinent to conditions affecting mucous membranes.
Gingiv: Relates to the gums, important for oral health and structure support.
Dys-: Indicates difficulty, commonly used in medical conditions (e.g., dysphagia).
-Rrhea: Refers to flow or discharge, often used in describing gastrointestinal conditions.
Mal-: Denotes something bad or poor, commonly used in medical terminology (e.g., malabsorption).
-Cele: Describes a hernia, a condition where an organ protrudes through a wall.
Steat/o: Indicates fat, relevant in conditions like steatosis (fatty liver).
Cirrh: Refers to yellow or orange, often associated with liver disease.
Cholang/o: Relates to the bile duct, essential for bile transport.
-Graphy: Describes the process of recording or imaging, often used in diagnostics.
-Scopy: Refers to visual examination techniques, essential for endoscopic procedures.
-Ectomy: Indicates surgical removal, common in terms related to organ or tissue excision.
Re-: Denotes back or again, often used to indicate repeated actions in procedures.

Description

Test your knowledge of medical terminology related to the digestive system with this flashcard quiz. Each card features key terms and their definitions, covering vital anatomy such as the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Perfect for students and professionals in the healthcare field.