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Medical Dictionary - Digestive

Term	Definition	Pronunciation
AAD	antibiotic associated diarrhea
abd	abdominal/abdomen
abdomin-	abdomen
abdominal pain	Discomfort, distress, or agony in the abdominal cavity. Can be acute or chronic. A significant clinical symptom.
abdominal quadrants	Four segments of the abdomen divided by horizontal and vertical lines intersecting at the umbilicus.
abdominal wall	The boundaries of the abdomen, consisting of multiple layers: skin, subcutaneous fat, superficial fascia, muscles, transversalis fascia, extra peritoneal fat, and the parietal peritoneum. Extends from the thoracic cage to the pelvis.
abdominoplasty	Surgical removal of excess abdominal skin and fat and tightening of the abdominal wall. Commonly called a tummy tuck.
acarbose	A drug prescribed in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. It retards the digestion of complex carbohydrates.
achlorhydria	Absence of hydrochloric acid in gastric secretion.
aerophagia	Excessive swallowing of air.	ār″o-fa´jah
aerophagy	Excessive swallowing of air caused by anxiety or improper eating habits.
ageusia	Loss of the sense of taste.
aliment/o	nutrition
alimentary canal	The passage for the digestion and absorption of food. Extends from mouth to anus.
amyl-	starch
amylase	A group of enzymes that help digest starches.
amylose	The soluble constituent of starch.
an/o	anus, ring
anal canal	The terminal segment of the large intestine ending at the anus.
anastomosis	A surgical connection between two structures.	ah-nas″to-mo´sis
anorexia nervosa	An eating disorder characterized by a loss of appetite and an excessive fear of becoming overweight.	an″o-rek´se-ah nûr-vō′sah
antacids	Substances that neutralize acidity in the stomach.
anthelmintics	Agents that destroy or prevent development of parasitic worms.
antidiarrheal	A drug or food for treating diarrhea.
antiemetics	Drugs used to prevent nausea or vomiting.
anus	The distal opening of the alimentary canal, lying in the fold between the buttocks.
append/o	appendix
appendicitis	Acute inflammation of the vermiform appendix.
appendix	A worm-like blind tube extension from the cecum.
appetite	Natural recurring desire, e.g. for food.
ascites	Abnormal accumulation of free fluid within the peritoneal cavity.	ah-si´tēz
ascorbic acid	A water soluble compound. As vitamin C, it naturally occurs in citrus fruits and many vegetables.
aspartame	Artificial sweeter, metabolized as phenylalanine and aspartic acid.
assimilation	The transformation of food into living tissue.
avitaminosis	Disease caused by vitamin deficiency.
bariatric surgery	Surgical procedures aimed at producing major weight reduction in patients with morbid obesity.
bariatrics	Activities related to weight reduction in patients with obesity including diet, exercise, medication and surgery.	bar″e-at´riks
beriberi	A disorder caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) and characterized by heart failure and edema.
bezoar	A mass of swallowed hair, fruit or vegetable fibers, or similar substances found in the alimentary canal.
bil/i	bile, gall
bile	An emulsifying fluid produced in the liver, stored in the gall bladder and secreted into the duodenum.
biliary	Pertaining to bile, the gall bladder or bile ducts.
bilirubin	The orange-yellow pigment of bile.
biotin	A water-soluble, enzyme co-factor present in minute amounts in every living cell. It is abundant in liver, kidney, pancreas, yeast, and milk.
BM	bowel movement
BMI	body mass index
body mass index	A formula for determining obesity based upon a person's weight and height.
bolus	A soft mass of chewed food ready to be swallowed.
borborygmus	Belching.
botulism	A rare, but potentially fatal form of food poisoning caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
bucc/o	cheek
bulimia	Eating an excess amount of food in a short period of time. It is caused by an abnormal craving for food.
Bulimia Nervosa	An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by inappropriate purging (e.g. vomiting or using laxatives) to avoid weight gain.	bu-le´me-ah nĕr-vō'să
butter	The fatty part of milk, separated when milk or cream is churned. A soft, solid, yellowish substance.
cachexia	General ill health, malnutrition, and weight loss, usually associated with chronic disease.	kah-kek´se-ah
caffeine	An alkaloid drug, found in coffee and tea that simulates the central nervous system increasing alertness. It is also a diuretic.
CAH	chronic active hepatitis
Cal	large calorie
calor/i	heat
capsule endoscopes	A pill sized video camera encased in a capsule, designed to be swallowed and subsequently traverse the gastrointestinal tract while transmitting diagnostic images.
carbohydrates	The largest class of organic compounds, including starch, glycogen, cellulose, polysaccharides, and simple monosaccharides. They constitute a main source of energy for body functions.
cardia	That part of the stomach close to the opening from esophagus into the stomach. The cardia is so named because of its closeness to the heart.
carotene	A red or yellow organic compound found in sweet potatoes, egg yolk, carrots, spinach, broccoli and other leafy vegetables.
casein	A nutritive milk protein containing all of the common amino acids and rich in the essential ones.
cec/o	cecum, first section of colon
cecum	The outpouching area of the large intestine that is below the entrance of the small intestine. It has a worm-like extension, the vermiform appendix.
celi/o	abdomen
celiac	Pertaining to the abdominal cavity.
celiac disease	A disease whose symptoms are precipitated by foods containing gluten, characterized by inflammation of the small intestine. An autoimmune disease.	se´le-ak
cellulose	The chief constituent of plant fiber. Indigestible roughage.
cheil/o	lips
chol/e	bile, gall
cholangi/o	bile vessel
cholangitis	Inflammation of the bile ducts due to bacterial infection or blockage.
cholecyst/o	gallbladder
cholecystitis	Inflammation of the gallbladder.	ko″le-sis-ti´tis
choledoch/o	common bile duct
cholelithiasis	Presence or formation of gallstones in the gallbladder.	ko″le-lĭ-thi´ah-sis
cholera	An acute diarrheal disease endemic in India and Southeast Asia.
cholestasis	Impairment of bile flow.
chyle	The opaque, milky-white fluid consisting mainly of emulsified fats that passes through the lacteals of the small intestines into the lymphatic system.
chylothorax	An accumulation of chyle in the pleural space.
cirrh/o	orange-yellow
cirrhosis	A chronic, progressive liver disease in which liver cells are replaced by scar tissue.	sĭ-ro´sis
col/o	colon
colitis	Inflammation of the colon.	ko-li´tis
colon	The main segment of large intestine.
colon/o	colon
colonoscopy	Endoscopic examination, therapy or surgery of the luminal surface of the colon.	ko″lon-os´kah-pe
colorectal cancer	A malignant neoplasm of the large intestine.
colostomy	The surgical construction of an opening between the colon and the surface of the body.	kah-los´tah-me
constipation	Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces.
corpulence	Obesity.
craving	An intense desire to consume a substance.
Crohn disease	Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract thought to be caused by inherited and environmental factors and a defect in the immune system.
CUC	chronic ulcerative colitis
D&V	diarrhea & vomiting
dent/i	teeth
diarrhea	The onset of three or more loose or liquid bowel movements in a day.	di″ah-re´ah
dietary fiber	Indigestible carbohydrate materials. Can be soluble or insoluble in water.
dietetic	Pertaining to food and nutrition.
digestion	The process of converting food into absorbable substances for metabolism and use by the body.
digestive system	A group of structures, organs and glands stretching from the mouth to the anus, that breakdown food substances, absorb nutrients and remove waste.
diverticulitis	An inflammation in the diverticula of the intestinal tract.	di″ver-tik″u-li´tis
diverticulosis	The presence of multiple pouches, usually in the colonic or gastric wall.	di″ver-tik″u-lo´sis
diverticulum	A pouch or sac developed from a tubular or saccular organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract.
DRE	digital rectal examination
duoden/o	duodenum
duodenitis	Inflammation of the duodenum section of the small intestine.
duodenum	The proximal (first) portion of the small intestine, extending from the pylorus to the jejunum.
dysentery	Acute inflammation of the intestine marked by frequent watery stools, often with blood and by pain, fever, and dehydration.
dyspepsia	Impaired digestion, especially after eating.	dis-pep´se-ah
dysphagia	Difficulty in swallowing.	dis-fa´jah
EGD	esophagogastroduodenoscopy
EGF	epidermal growth factor
electrolyte	A substances that dissociates into two or more ions and can then conduct an electric current.
elimination	Removal of waste products from the body.
-emesis	vomiting
emetics	Pertaining to or causing vomiting.
encopresis	The loss of the ability to control bowel movements.
enema	A solution or compound that is introduced into the rectum with the purpose of cleansing the colon or for diagnostic procedures.
enter/o	small intestines
enteritis	Inflammation of any segment of the small intestine.	en″tĕ-ri´tis
enterocolitis	Inflammation of the mucous membrane of both small and large intestines.
enterocytes	Columnar cells of the small intestine responsible for the final digestion and absorption of nutrients, electrolytes and water.
enterostomy	Creation of an artificial external opening or fistula in the intestines.
epiglott/o	epiglottis (cartilage that prevents food from entering the trachea)
epulis	A swelling on the gum.
ERCP	endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
eructation	To belch.	e″ruk-ta´shun
esophag/o	esophagus
esophageal achalasia	Failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, resulting in functional obstruction of the esophagus, and dysphagia.
esophageal varices	Abnormally dilated veins of the esophagus. High risk of spontaneous bleeding. Associated with alcohol abuse.	ĕ-sof'ă-jē'ăl var'i-sēz
esophagitis	Inflammation of the esophagus.
esophagus	The muscular membranous passage between the pharynx and the stomach in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
eustachian tube	A narrow canal extending from the middle ear to the pharynx.
feces	Excrement from the intestines, containing unabsorbed solids, waste products, secretions, and bacteria.
flatulence	Production of gas in the gastrointestinal tract which may be expelled through the anus.
gallbladder	A reservoir for bile located under the right lobe of the liver.
gallstone	A hard mass that precipitates in the biliary tract, usually in the gallbladder.
gastr/o	stomach
gastralgia	Pain in the stomach or abdomen	gas″tro-din´e-ah
gastrectomy	Excision of part or all of the stomach.
gastric	Pertaining to the stomach.
gastric absorption	Uptake of substances via the stomach.
gastritis	The painful inflammation of the stomach's lining.	gas-trī'tis
gastroenteritis	Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.	gas″tro-en″tĕ-ri´tis
gastroenterology	A subspecialty of medicine concerned with diseases of the digestive system and related structures including the esophagus, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
gastrointestinal tract	Generally refers to the digestive structures stretching from the mouth to anus, but does not include the accessory glandular organs (liver; biliary tract; pancreas).
gastroparesis	Chronic delayed gastric emptying.
gastrostomy	Creation of an artificial external opening into the stomach for nutritional support or gastrointestinal compression.	gas-tros´tah-me
gavage	Forced feeding a patient especially through a tube passed into the stomach
GB	gallbladder
GERD	gastroesophageal reflux disease
GI	gastrointestinal
gingiv/o	gums
gingivitis	Inflammation of gum tissue.	jin″jĭ-vi´tis
gleason score	A method of classifying malignancy of prostate cancers.
gloss/o	tongue
glossitis	Inflammation of the tongue.
glycemic index	A numerical system of measuring the rate of blood glucose generation from a particular food item.
glycemic load	A quantitative value of a measured amount of a specific food that is equal to the glycemic index of that food multiplied by the carbohydrate content of that food.
glycine	A non-essential amino acid that is a major component of gelatin and silk fibroin. It used therapeutically as a nutrient.
HAV	hepatitis A virus
HBV	hepatitis B virus
HCV	hepatitis C virus
HDV	hepatitis D
heartburn	Substernal pain or burning sensation, usually associated with regurgitation of gastric juice into the esophagus.
helc/o	ulcer
hematemesis	Vomiting blood.	he″mah-tem´ĕ-sis
hemorrhoids	Swollen veins in the lower part of the rectum or anus.
hepat/o	liver
hepatic	Pertaining to the liver.
hepatitis	Inflammation of the liver caused by viral agents.	hep'ă-tī'tis
hepatoblastoma	A malignant neoplasm occurring in young children, primarily in the liver,
hepatocytes	A parenchymal liver cell.
hepatoma	A malignant tumor of the liver
hepatomegaly	Having an enlarged liver.	hep″ah-to-meg´ah-le
herpes labialis	Cold sores caused by herpes simplex I.	her´pēz lā´bēal´is
hyperemesis gravidarum	Severe, intractable vomiting during early pregnancy. Often needs IV fluids and anti nausea agents.	hī′pər-ĕm′ĭ-sĭs grăv′ĭ-dâr′əm
hyperphagia	Overeating.
IBD	inflammatory bowel disease
IBS	irritable bowel syndrome
IBW	ideal body weight
ile/o	ileum (final section of small intestine)
ileectomy	Surgical removal of the ileum.	il″e-ek´to-me
ileitis	Inflammation of any segment of the ileum.
ileostomy	A surgical construction of an opening into the ileum on the abdominal wall.
ileum	The distal and narrowest portion of the small intestine, between the jejunum and the ileocecal valve of the large intestine.
Ileus	Impairment of the normal flow of the intestinal contents within the bowel.	il´e-us
inguin/o	groin
intestines	The section of the alimentary canal from the stomach to the anal canal.
intussusception	The movement of a bowel segment into an adjacent segment in the manner of a telescope. The condition is commonest in children.
inulin	A starch found in the tubers and roots of many plants. It is used as a diagnostic aid in tests of kidney function
jaundice	Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to excessive bilirubin in body	jawn´dis
jejun/o	jejunum (second part of the small intestines)
jejunal	Pertaining to the jejunum
jejunum	Part of the small intestine, connecting the duodenum to the ileum.
labi/o	lips, labia
labial mucosa	The inner lining of the lips.	lā'bē-ăl myū-kō'să
lactase	An enzyme secreted by the small intestine glands that convert lactose into glucose and galactose.
lactic acid	A organic acid produced by anaerobic respiration, by fermentation of carbohydrates in the rumen and by bacterial action on milk.
lactose	The main sugar of milk consisting of one molecule each of glucose and galactose.
lapar/o	abdominal wall
laxative	Agents that produce a soft formed stool and relax the bowels, used to relieve constipation.
leukoplakia	A white patch lesion found on a mucous membrane that cannot be scraped off.	loo″ko-pla´ke-ah
LFT	liver function test
LGI	lower gastrointestinal
lingu/o	tongue
lingual	Pertaining to or near the tongue.
lipolysis	The metabolic process of breaking down of fat.
-lithiasis	presence of stones
lysine	An essential amino acid.
malabsorption	Inadequate intestinal absorption of nutrients.
malnutrition	A condition caused by insufficient intake of nutrients.
-masesis	chewing, mastication
mastication	The process of chewing and grinding food in the mouth.
megacolon	Extreme dilatation of the colon.
melena	The black, tarry, foul-smelling feces that contain degraded blood.	mĕ-le´nah
meli-	honey, sugar
mesenteric	Relating to the double layer of peritoneum suspending the intestine from the posterior abdominal wall.
mesentery	A double layer of peritoneum that encloses the intestines and attaches them to the posterior abdominal wall.	mes´en-ter″e
mucositis	An inflammation of a mucous membrane, such as the lining of the mouth and throat.
N&V	nausea and vomiting
nausea	An unpleasant sensation in the stomach accompanied by the inclination to vomit.
NG	nasogastric
norovirus	A virus associated with epidemic gastroenteritis.
nutri/o	to nourish
obesity	Being too heavy for one's height.	ō-bē'si-tē
obstipation	Severe constipation caused by obstruction in the intestines.
odont/o	tooth
odynophagia	Painful swallowing.
omentum	A double-layered fold of peritoneum that attaches the stomach to other organs in the abdominal cavity.
or/o	mouth
oral	Pertaining to the mouth.
oral hygiene	The practice of personal hygiene of the mouth. It includes the maintenance of oral cleanliness, tissue tone, and general preservation of oral health.
ori-	mouth
oropharynx	The middle portion of the pharynx that lies posterior to the mouth, inferior to the soft palate, and superior to the base of the tongue and epiglottis.
-ose	a carbohydrate
ostomy	Surgery to create an artificial opening (stoma) into the urinary or gastrointestinal canal.
palat/o	palate
pancreas	An irregularly shaped gland, located behind the stomach, that secretes pancreatic juice into the duodenum and insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin into the bloodstream.
pancreatectomy	Removal of the pancreas.
parotid gland	Either of the pair of salivary glands that lie on the sides of the face immediately below and in front of the ear.
parotitis	Inflammation of the parotid gland.
pecten	The middle, narrow zone in the anal canal.
PEG	percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
pellagra	A disease characterized by scaly dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia caused by a deficiency of niacin and protein in the diet.
-pepsia	digestion
peptic ulcer	Ulcer that occurs in the regions of the gastrointestinal tract which come into contact with gastric juice.	pep´tik
perihepatitis	Inflammation of the peritoneal capsule of the liver
peristalsis	A movement, caused by sequential muscle contraction, that pushes the contents of the intestines or other tubular organs in one direction.
peritone/o	peritoneum (serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity)
peritoneal absorption	Uptake of substances from the peritoneal cavity.
peritoneal cavity	The space enclosed by the peritoneum. It is divided into two portions, the greater sac and the lesser sac or omental bursa, which lies behind the STOMACH. The two sacs are connected by the foramen of Winslow, or epiploic foramen.
-phagia	eating, swallowing
polyp	Abnormal tissue mass that protrudes into the lumen of the digestive or respiratory tracts.	pol´ip
polyps	Discrete abnormal tissue masses that protrude into the lumen of the digestive tract or the respiratory tract.
portal vein	A vein that conducts blood from the digestive organs, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder to the liver.
-posia	drinking, fluid intake
postprandial	After a meal.
-prandial	meal
prebiotics	Indigestible food ingredients that promote overall health by supporting the activity of probiotic bacteria in the large intestine.
proct/o	anus and rectum
proctocolitis	Inflammation of the rectum and the colon.
proctoscope	Endoscope for examination of the rectum and anus.
proteolysis	The decomposition of proteins into peptides and amino acids by enzymes in the digestive tract.
ptyal/o	saliva
PUD	peptic ulcer disease
pylor/o	pylorus (opening between the stomach and duodenum)
pylorus	The region of the stomach at the junction with the duodenum.
pyrosis	Substernal pain or burning sensation, usually associated with regurgitation of gastric juice into the esophagus. Also called heartburn.
RDA	recommended daily/dietary allowance
rect/o	rectum
rectum	The distal segment of the large intestine, between the sigmoid colon and the anal canal.
retention	The ability of the digestive system to hold fluids and food.
riboflavin	Vitamin B2.
saliva	The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the salivary glands and mucous glands of the mouth. It serves to moisten the oral cavity, to initiate the digestion of starches, and to aid in the chewing and swallowing of food.
salivary ducts	Any of the ducts which transport saliva.
salivary glands	Glands that secrete saliva in the mouth. There are three pairs of salivary glands: parotid gland; sublingual gland and submandibular gland.
salmonella	A genus of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria. It causes food poisoning, enteric fevers, gastroenteritis, and bacteremia.
SB	small bowel
SBO	small bowel obstruction
scurvy	An acquired blood vessel disorder caused by severe deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by spongy, bleeding gums, bleeding under the skin, and extreme weakness.
sial/o	saliva
sialaden/o	salivary gland
sialadenitis	Inflammation of a salivary gland.
sialorrhea	Excessive salivary flow.
sigmoid	The distal part of the colon from the level of the iliac crest to the rectum.
sigmold/o	sigmoid colon
sito-	bread, food
stom/o	mouth
stoma-	mouth
stomach	A saclike digestive organ situated in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen between the termination of the esophagus and the beginning of the duodenum.
stomach ulcer	Ulceration of the gastric mucosa due to contact with gastric juice.
stomatitis	Inflammation of the soft tissues of the mouth. Canker sores are an example.	sto″mah-ti´tis
stool	Feces discharged from the anus.
sublingual gland	A salivary gland located under the tongue in the floor of the oral cavity.	sub-ling´gwal
sucrose	Cane or beet sugar.
supraglottitis	Inflammation of the of the laryngeal tissue above the glottis, particularly the epiglottis.
tenesmus	A straining but ineffective attempt to urinate or defecate.
tongue	A muscular organ in the mouth that is covered with pink tissue called mucosa, tiny bumps called papillae, and thousands of taste buds. It is vital for chewing, swallowing and for speech.
TPN	total parenteral nutrition
-tresia	perforation, opening
trismus	Lack of ability to open the mouth fully due to decreased range of motion of the muscles of mastication.	triz´mus
-trophic	food, nutrition
typhlitis	Inflammation of the cecum.
typhoid fever	An acute bacterial infection transmitted by contaminated water, milk or other foods, especially shellfish.
uran/o	hard palate
uvula	A fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate that hangs above the opening of the throat.
vomiting	The forcible expulsion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
weaning	The replacement of mother's milk in the diet of a young child with other food.
whey	The liquid components of milk that remain after the casein, fat, and fat soluble components have been removed.
zymo-	fermentation