Term | Definition |
albumin | the major protein molecule in the blood, produced by the liver |
anus | the external opening of the rectum, located between the buttocks |
benign | non-cancerous |
bile | a yellow-green, bitter-tasting thick fluid produced by the liver, a combination of bile acids, mucus, fluid and 2 pigments |
bile duct | ducts which transport bile from the liver to the duodenum, collectively known as the biliary tree |
bilirubin | the yellow pigment in bile |
biliverdin | the green pigment in bile |
cardia | small area where the esophagus enters the stomach |
cecum | a short sac-like portion of the large intestine |
Crohn | a type of inflammatory bowel disease |
chime | partially digested food, saliva, and digestive enzymes in the stomach and small intestine |
colon | the longest part of the large intestine, traveling through all four quadrants of the abdomen |
diverticulum | weakness in the wall of the colon where the mucosa forms a pouch or tube. |
duodenum | a 10-inch C-shaped segment beginning at the stomach and ending after the jejunum |
elimination | undigested materials and water are eliminated from the body in a solid waste form |
emesis | the expelling of food from the stomach through the mouth |
enema | liquid instilled into the rectum and colon |
enzymes | proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body |
esophagus | a flexible, muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach |
feces | (also stool) formed, solid waste composed of undigested material, bacteria, and water that is eliminated from the body |
flatus | gas produced by bacteria that inhabit the large intestine |
fundus | rounded, most superior part of the stomach |
gallbladder | a teardrop-shaped, dark green sac posterior to the liver which concentrates and stores bile from the liver |
gluten | a mixture of insoluble plant proteins occurring in cereal grains, chiefly corn and wheat, used as an adhesive and as a flour substitute. |
gravidarum | pregnancy |
haustra | pouches in the wall of the large intestine that expand to accommodate the bulk of undigested materials |
hernia | weakness in the muscle of the diaphragm or abdominal wall. The intestine bulges through the defect. |
ileum | a 12-foot segment of the small intestine where absorption of nutrients is completed |
ileus | abnormal absence of peristalsis in the small and large intestines |
intestine | the lower part of the alimentary canal, extending from the pylorus to the anus |
jejunum | the 8-foot, second part of the small intestine which twists and turns in the abdominal cavity |
liver | a large, dark, red-brown organ located in the upper abdomen |
lumen | open channel inside a tubular structure such as the esophagus, small intestine, and large intestine |
omentum | an extension of the peritoneum which supports the stomach and hangs down as a fatty apron to cover and protect the small intestine |
meconium | a thick, sticky, green-to-black waste that is passed after birth |
melena | dark, tar-like feces that contains digested blood from bleeding in the esophagus or stomach |
mesentery | a thick fan-shaped extension of the peritoneum, which supports the jejunum and ileum |
mucosa | mucous membrane that lines the gastrointestinal system and produces mucus |
nausea | an unpleasant, queasy feeling in the stomach that precedes the urge to vomit |
pancreas | a yellow, lumpy gland posterior to the stomach which secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum |
palate | the hard bone and posterior soft tissues that form the roof of the mouth |
patent | open |
pedunculated | having a thin stalk that supports an irregular, ball-shaped top |
peritoneum | a double-layer serous membrane , one lining the abdominopelvic cavity, the other surrounds each of the organs |
pharynx | the passageway for food as well as inhaled and exhaled air |
polyp | small, fleshy benign or precancerous growth in mucosa |
pyloris | one of four regions of the stomach |
rectum | a short, straight segment of colon that connects to the outside of the body |
reflux | a flowing back; regurgitation |
rugae | thick, deep folds of gastric mucosa that expand as the stomach fills with food |
saliva | a lubricant that moistens food as it is chewed and swallowed, also containing an enzyme that begins digestion |
sessile | a mound with a broad base |
sigmoid | the last portion of the colon which bends toward the midline and joins the rectum |
stool | (also feces) a solid waste form of undigested materials and water |
sphincter | a muscular ring |
stoma | an artificial permanent opening especially in the abdominal wall made in surgical procedures |
ulcer | erosion of tissue |
uvula | fleshy hanging part of soft palate, plays a role in speech and during swallowing |
varix, varices | swollen, protruding vein(s) |
villi | small, thin structures that project into an area, in the small intestine they increase the surface area to maximize absorption of food and nutrients through the intestinal wall into the blood. |