GI words.docx

Absorption: The process by which nutrients and other substances are taken up by the cells of the intestine and then passed into the bloodstream. Acinar cells: The cells of the pancreas that produce digestive enzymes. Acute pancreatitis: A sudden inflammation of the pancreas. Amylase: An enzyme that...

Absorption: The process by which nutrients and other substances are taken up by the cells of the intestine and then passed into the bloodstream. Acinar cells: The cells of the pancreas that produce digestive enzymes. Acute pancreatitis: A sudden inflammation of the pancreas. Amylase: An enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. Ampulla of Vater: The site where the bile duct and pancreatic duct empty into the duodenum. Appendicitis: : Inflammation of the appendix. Bile: : A digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Brush border enzymes: : Enzymes located on the microvilli of the small intestine cells. Chief cells: Cells in the stomach that secrete pepsinogen, a precursor to pepsin. Crohn disease/regional enteritis: A type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea: Frequent, watery bowel movements. Digestion: The process of breaking down food into nutrients that can be absorbed. Dysphagia: Difficulty in swallowing. Enteric nervous system: A subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that directly controls the gastrointestinal system. Extraintestinal manifestations: Symptoms or conditions occurring outside the intestines, often related to inflammatory bowel disease. Fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus. Fistula: An abnormal connection between two body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel. Fulminant: A disease Sudden and severe in onset. Gastric mucosal barrier: A layer of mucus and bicarbonate that protects the stomach lining from acidic gastric juices. Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastroesophageal reflux disease/GERD: A condition in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Granuloma: A mass or nodule of chronically inflamed tissue with granulations, often associated with an infection or inflammation. Helicobacter pylori: A type of bacteria that causes infections in the stomach, often leading to ulcers. Hematemesis: Vomiting blood. Hydrochloric acid/HCl: A strong acid produced in the stomach that aids in digestion. Inflammatory bowel disease/IBD: Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Intrinsic factor: A protein produced by the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. Irritable bowel syndrome/IBS: A gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Lipase: An enzyme that breaks down fats. Melena: Black, tarry stools indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding. Mucosal layer: The innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract that secretes mucus. Neuropathy: Damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves, typically causing numbness or weakness. Occult blood: Blood that is not visible to the naked eye but can be detected through testing. Ostomy: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the body for the discharge of body wastes. Parietal cells: Cells in the stomach lining that produce hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Pepsin: A digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach. Pepsinogen: An inactive precursor of pepsin that is secreted by chief cells. Peptic ulcer disease/PUD: Ulcers occurring in the stomach or duodenum due to the breakdown of the mucosal barrier. Perforation: A hole that develops through the wall of a body organ. Peritoneum: The membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs. Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum, usually caused by bacterial infection. Proteolytic enzymes: Enzymes that break down proteins. Ptyalin: An enzyme in saliva that begins the digestion of starches. Rebound tenderness: Pain upon removal of pressure rather than application of pressure to the abdomen, often indicative of peritonitis. Retroperitoneal: Located behind the peritoneum. Saliva: The fluid produced by the salivary glands that begins the process of digestion. Skip lesions: patchy areas of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, characteristic of Crohn's disease. Sphincter of Oddi: The muscle that controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the duodenum. Submucosal layer: The layer of the gastrointestinal tract located just beneath the mucosa. Tenesmus: The feeling of needing to pass stools even when the bowels are empty. Trypsin: : A digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine. Trypsin inhibitor: A substance that prevents the activation of trypsin. Ulcerative colitis: A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers in the colon Urease: An enzyme that breaks down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. Vomiting/emesis: he forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.