Overview of the Digestive System

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.
• Salivary glands and rectum are also parts of this system.

Terminology Related to the Digestive System

• Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine.
• Ileum: The final part of the small intestine.
• Jejunum: The middle section of the small intestine.
• Enzyme: An organic catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions.
• Peritoneum: A serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity, 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 (primarily small intestine).
  • Enteropathy: Disease of the intestine.
• Hepat/o: Refers to the liver.
  • Hepatomegaly: Enlargement of the liver.
• Chol/e, Cholecyst/o: Refers to bile or gall bladder.
  • Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder.
• Gingiv/o: Refers to the gum.
• Pancreat/o: Refers to the pancreas.
• Pepsia: Refers to digestion.
  • Dyspepsia: Indigestion or difficulty digesting.
  • Eupepsia: Normal digestion.
• -ectomy: Refers to surgical removal of something.
  • Appendectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix.
  • Colectomy: Surgical removal of part of the colon.
• -megaly: Refers to enlargement.
  • Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen.
  • Hepatomegaly: Enlargement of the liver.
• Hyper-: Means "excessive" or "over."
  • Hyperemesis: Excessive vomiting.
  • Hyperacidity: Excess stomach acid.
• Hypo-: Means "below normal" or "deficient."
  • Hypogastric: Below the stomach.
  • Hypoacidity: Low stomach acid levels
• Dys-: Refers to "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): Affects the large intestine, causing abdominal pain and diarrhea.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Chronic inflammation of the colon with ulcerations.
• Crohn's Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease affecting various parts of the digestive tract.
• Ascites: Fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity (edema).
• Cholelithiasis: Gallstones in the gallbladder or common bile duct
• Hemorrhoids: Varicose veins in the rectum associated with pain and bleeding.
• Hematemesis: Vomiting 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.

Medical Terminology Related to the Liver

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

Abbreviations

• A list of common abbreviations used in relation to the digestive system was provided.

Case Study (Example)

• A case study of a patient presenting with specific symptoms (e.g., heartburn, regurgitation, epigastric pain) was presented. The patient was diagnosed with GERD and further investigation through EGD was recommended. A treatment plan with PPI medication and a follow-up schedule was detailed.