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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