Help
Options
Didn't know it?
click below
click below
Knew it?
click below
click below
Don't Know
Remaining cards (0)
Know
retry
shuffle
restart
0:00
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Digestive System
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| or/o, stomat/o | mouth |
| pharyng/o | pharynx |
| gastr/o | stomach, belly |
| enter/o | small intestine |
| col/o, colon/o | large intestine |
| an/o, proct/o, rect/o | rectum and anus, ring |
| cholecyst/o | gallbladder |
| pancreat/o | pancrease |
| chol/o | bile, gall |
| -emesis | vomiting |
| esophog/o | esophagus |
| hepat/o | liver |
| -lithiasis | presence of stones |
| -pepsia | digest, digestion |
| -phagia | eating, swallowing |
| sigmoid/o | sigmoid colon |
| aerophagia | The excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking, and is a common cause of gas in the stomach. |
| anastomosis | A surgical connection between two hollow or tubular structures; plural, anatomoses. |
| antiemetic | Medication administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. |
| aphthous ulcers | Gray-white pits with a red border that appear in the soft tissues lining the mouth; also known as canker sores or mouth ulcers. |
| ascites | An abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity. |
| bariatrics | The branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of obesity and associated diseases. |
| borborygmus | The rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine. |
| cachexia | A condition of physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass that occurs in patients with diseases such as advanced cancer or AIDS. |
| celiac disease | An inherited autoimmune disorder characterized by a severe reaction to food containing gluten; also known as gluten intolerance. |
| cheilosis | A disorder of the lips characterized by cracklike sores at the corners of the mouth. |
| cholangiography | A radiographic examination of the bile ducts with the use of a contrast medium. |
| cholangitis | An acute inflammation of the bile duct characterized by pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, fever, and jaundice. |
| cholecystectomy | The surgical removal of the gallbladder. |
| cholecystitis | Inflammation of the gallbladder; usually associated with gallstones. |
| choledocholithotomy | An incision into the common bile duct for the removal of gallstones. |
| cholelithiasis | The presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts. |
| cirrhosis | A progressive degenerative disease of the liver characterized by scarring. |
| colonoscopy | The direct visual examination of the inner surface of the entire colon, from the rectum to the cecum. |
| colostomy | The surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the colon and the body surface. |
| Crohn’s disease | A chronic autoimmune disorder that can occur anywhere in the digestive tract; however, it is most often found in the ileum and in the colon. |
| dental prophylaxis | The professional cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque and calculus. |
| diverticulitis | Inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula in the colon. |
| diverticulosis | The chronic presence of an abnormal number of diverticula in the colon. |
| dyspepsia | Pain or discomfort in digestion; also known as indigestion. |
| dysphagia | Difficulty in swallowing. |
| enema | The placement of a solution into the rectum and colon to empty the lower intestine through bowel activity. |
| enteritis | Inflammation of the small intestine caused by eating or drinking substances contaminated with viral or bacterial pathogens. |
| eructation | The act of belching or raising gas orally from the stomach. |
| esophageal varices | Enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus. |
| esophagogastroduodenoscopy | An endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the upper GI tract; this includes the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum. |
| gastroduodenostomy | The establishment of an anastomosis between the upper portion of the stomach and the duodenum. |
| gastroesophageal reflux disease | The upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus; also known as GERD. |
| gastrostomy tube | The surgical placement of a feeding tube from the exterior of the body directly into the stomach. |
| hematemesis | The vomiting of blood. |
| Hemoccult test | A laboratory test for hidden blood in the stools; also known as fecal occult blood test. |
| hepatitis | Inflammation of the liver usually caused by a viral infection. |
| herpes labialis | Blisterlike sores on the lips and adjacent tissue caused by the oral herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1); also known as cold sores or fever blisters. |
| hiatal hernia | An anatomical abnormality in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest though an opening in the diaphragm. |
| hyperemesis | Extreme, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration. |
| ileus | The partial or complete blockage of the small intestine, large intestine, or both caused by the stopping of normal peristalsis. |
| inguinal hernia | The protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall or groin. |
| jaundice | A yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes caused by greater-than-normal amounts of bilirubin in the blood. |
| leukoplakia | An abnormal white precancerous lesion (sore) that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek. |
| melena | The passage of black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools that is caused by the presence of digested blood. |
| morbid obesity | The condition of weighing two or more times the ideal weight or having a body mass index value greater than 40; also known as severe obesity. |
| nasogastric intubation | The placement of a feeding tube through the nose and into the stomach. |
| obesity | An excessive accumulation of fat in the body. |
| palatoplasty | The surgical repair of a cleft palate or cleft lip. |
| peptic ulcers | Sores that affect the mucous membranes of the digestive system caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylorior by medications, such as aspirin, that irritate the mucous membranes. |
| peristalsis | A series of wavelike contractions of the smooth muscles in a single direction that moves the food forward into the digestive system. |
| polyp | A mushroomlike growth from the surface of a mucous membrane; not all polyps are malignant. |
| proctologist | A physician who specializes in disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus. |
| regurgitation | The return of swallowed food into the mouth. |
| salmonellosis | An infectious disease of the intestines that is transmitted by food contaminated with feces; also referred to as salmonella. |
| sigmoidoscopy | The endoscopic examination of the interior of the rectum, sigmoid colon, and possibly a portion of the descending colon. |
| stomatitis | An inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth. |
| trismus | Any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer. |
| ulcerative colitis | A chronic condition of unknown cause in which repeated episodes of inflammation in the rectum and large intestine cause ulcers and irritation. |
| volvulus | Twisting of the intestine upon itself, causing an obstruction. |
| xerostomia | The lack of adequate saliva due to diminished secretions by the salivary glands; also known as dry mouth. |
| upper GI tract | consists of the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, and stomach. This transports food from entry into the body until digestion begins in the stomach. |
| lower GI tract | sometimes referred to as the bowels, is made up of the small and large intestines plus the rectum and anus. Here digestion is completed and waste material is prepared for expulsion from the body. |
| oral cavity | also known as the mouth, are the lips, hard and soft palates, salivary glands, tongue, teeth, and periodontium |
| lips | also known as the labia, surround the opening to the oral cavity (singular, labium) |
| palate | forms the roof of the mouth, consists of three major parts |
| hard palate | the anterior portion of the palate. This area is covered with specialized mucous membrane. Rugae are irregular ridges or folds in this mucous membrane (singular, ruga). |
| soft palate | the flexible posterior portion of the palate. During swallowing, it has the important role of closing off the nasal passage to prevent food and liquid from moving upward into the nasal cavity. |
| uvula | the third part, and it hangs from the free edge of the soft palate. During swallowing, it moves upward with the soft palate. It also plays an important role in snoring and in the formation of some speech sounds. |
| tongue | very strong, flexible, and muscular. The posterior portion of the tongue is attached. The anterior end of the tongue moves freely and is flexible. It is the structure of the tongue that makes it so important for chewing, speaking, and swallowing |
| periodontium | describes the structures that surround, support, and are attached to the teeth. This consists of the bone of the dental arches and the soft tissues that surround and support the teeth. |
| gingiva | also known as masticatory mucosa or the gums, is the specialized mucous membrane that covers the bone of the dental arches and surrounds the neck of the teeth |
| dental arches | the bony structures of the oral cavity |
| temporomandibular joint | commonly known as the TMJ, is formed at the back of the mouth where the maxillary and mandibular arches come together. |
| dentition | refers to the natural teeth arranged in the upper and lower jaws. Human dentition consists of four types of teeth |
| Saliva | a colorless liquid that maintains the moisture in the mouth. It helps maintain the health of the teeth, and it begins the digestive process by lubricating food.Saliva also contains the digestive enzyme amylase and is the first step in chemical digestion. |
| pharynx | common passageway for both respiration and digestion. The pharynx plays an important role in deglutition, which is commonly known as swallowing. |
| epiglottis | a lid-like structure that closes off the entrance to the trachea (windpipe) to prevent food and liquids from moving from the pharynx during swallowing |
| esophagus | the muscular tube through which ingested food passes from the pharynx to the stomach |
| lower esophageal sphincter | also known as the cardiac sphincter, is a muscular ring between the esophagus and stomach. During swallowing, it relaxes to allow food to enter the stomach |
| stomach | a sac-like organ composed of the fundus (upper, rounded part), body (main portion), and antrum (lower part) |
| Rugae | the folds in the mucosa lining of the stomach. These folds allow the stomach to increase and decrease in size. Glands located within these folds produce gastric juices. |
| Gastric juices | made up of enzymes and hydrochloric acid aid in the beginning of food digestion. Mucus produced by glands in the stomach create a protective coating on the lining of the stomach. |
| pyloric sphincter | the ring-like muscle at the base of the stomach that controls the flow of partially digested food from the stomach to the duodenum of the small intestine. |
| pylorus | the narrow passage that connects the stomach with the small intestine. |
| small intestine | extends from the pyloric sphincter to the first part of the large intestine. This coiled organ is up to 20 feet in length and consists of three sections where food is digested and the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream |
| duodenum | the first portion of the small intestine. The duodenum extends from the pylorus of the stomach to the jejunum. |
| jejunum | the middle portion of the small intestine, extends from the duodenum to the ileum. |
| ileum | the last and longest portion of the small intestine, extends from the jejunum to the cecum of the large intestine. |
| cecum | a pouch that lies on the right side of the abdomen. It extends from the end of the ileum to the beginning of the colon. |
| ileocecal sphincter | the ring-like muscle that controls the flow from the ileum of the small intestine into the cecum of the large intestine |
| vermiform appendix | commonly called the appendix, hangs from the lower portion of the cecum. The term vermiform refers to a worm-like shape. The appendix, which consists of lymphoid tissue |
| colon | which is the longest portion of the large intestine, is subdivided into four parts |
| ascending colon | travels upward from the cecum to the undersurface of the liver. Ascending means upward. |
| transverse colon | passes horizontally across the abdominal cavity from right to left toward the spleen. Transverse means across. |
| descending colon | travels down the left side of the abdominal cavity to the sigmoid colon. Descending means downward. |
| sigmoid colon | S-shaped structure that continues from the descending colon above and joins the rectum below. Sigmoid means curved like the letter S. |
| rectum | the widest division of the large intestine. It makes up the last 4 inches of the large intestine and ends at the anus. |
| anus | the lower opening of the digestive tract. The flow of waste through the anus is controlled by the internal anal sphincter and the external anal sphincter. |
| anorectal | refers to the anus and rectum as a single unit |
| accessory organs | the digestive system are so named because they play a key role in the digestive process but are not part of the gastrointestinal tract (Figure 8.8). The accessory digestive organs are the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. |
| liver | the largest organ in the body (Figure 8.8). It has several important functions related to removing toxins from the blood and turning food into the fuel and nutrients the body needs. |
| hepatic | pertaining to the liver (hepat means liver, and -ic means pertaining to). |
| Glycogen | a form of glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles. When the blood sugar level is low, the liver converts glycogen back into glucose and releases it for use by the body. |
| Bilirubin | a pigment excreted into the digestive fluid called bile, giving it a yellow to green color. Excessive amounts of bilirubin in the body can lead to jaundice and other diseases. |
| Bile | aids in the digestion of fats, is a digestive juice secreted by the liver that is necessary for the digestion of fat. Bile travels from the liver to the gallbladder, where it is concentrated and stored |
| biliary | provides the channels through which bile is transported from the liver to the small intestine. Biliary means pertaining to bile. |
| gallbladder | a pear-shaped organ about the size of an egg located under the liver. It stores and concentrates bile for later use |
| cholecystic | means pertaining to the gallbladder |
| pancreas | a soft, 6-inch-long, oblong gland that is located behind the stomach (Figures 8.8 and 8.9). This gland has important roles in both the digestive and endocrine systems. The digestive functions are discussed here. |
| Digestion | the process by which complex foods are broken down into nutrients in a form the body can use. |
| metabolism | includes all of the processes involved in the body’s use of nutrients |
| Anabolism | he building up of body cells and substances from nutrients. Anabolism is the opposite of catabolism. |
| Catabolism | the breaking down of body cells or substances, releasing energy and carbon dioxide. Catabolism is the opposite of anabolism. |
| Absorption | the process by which completely digested nutrients are transported to the cells throughout the body. |
| villi | The mucosa that lines the small intestine is covered with finger-like projections. Each villus contains blood vessels and lacteals. |
| Mastication | also known as chewing, breaks food down into smaller pieces, mixes it with saliva, and prepares it to be swallowed. |
| bolus | is a mass of food that has been chewed and is ready to be swallowed. The term bolus is also used in relation to the administration of medication |
| Peristalsis | a series of wave-like contractions of the smooth muscles in a single direction that moves the food forward into the digestive system. |
| Chyme | the semifluid mass of partly digested food that passes out of the stomach, through the pyloric sphincter, and into the small intestine. |
| Feces | also known as solid body wastes, are expelled through the rectum and anus. |
| Borborygmus | the rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine. |
| Flatulence | also known as flatus, is the passage of gas out of the body through the rectum. |
| Bariatrics | the branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of obesity and associated diseases. |
| dentist | a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or doctor of medical dentistry (DMD) degree and specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of teeth and tissues of the oral cavity. |
| gastroenterologist | a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the stomach and intestines |
| oral or maxillofacial surgeon | specializes in surgery of the face and jaws to correct deformities, treat diseases, and repair injuries. |
| orthodontist | a dental specialist who prevents or corrects malocclusion of the teeth and related facial structures |
| periodontist | a dental specialist who prevents or treats disorders of the tissues surrounding the teeth |
| proctologist | a physician who specializes in disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus |
| registered dietitian | (RD) is a specialist in food and nutrition who practices medical nutrition therapy and counsels patients on improving their dietary intake. |
| Stomatomycosis | any disease of the mouth due to a fungus |
| Oral thrush | a type of stomatomycosis that develops when the fungus Candida albicans grows out of control. The symptoms are creamy white lesions on the tongue or inner cheeks. |
| cleft lip | also known as a harelip, is a birth defect in which there is a deep groove of the lip running upward to the nose as a result of the failure of this portion of the lip to close during prenatal development. |
| cleft palate | the failure of the palate to close during the early development of the fetus. This opening can involve the upper lip, hard palate, and/or soft palate. |
| Bruxism | the involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth that usually occurs during sleep and is associated with tension or stress. It can also occur habitually during the day. Bruxism wears away tooth structure, damages periodontal tissues |
| Dental caries | also known as tooth decay or a cavity, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that destroy the enamel and dentin of the tooth. If the decay process is not arrested, the pulp can be exposed and become infected. |
| Dental plaque | a major cause of dental caries and periodontal disease, forms as soft deposits in sheltered areas near the gums and between the teeth. Dental plaque consists of bacteria and bacterial by-products. |
| Edentulous | without teeth. This term describes the situation after the natural permanent teeth have been lost. |
| Halitosis | bad breath, is an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth that can be caused by dental diseases or respiratory or gastric disorders |
| Malocclusion | any deviation from the normal positioning of the upper teeth against the lower teeth. |
| Periodontal disease | known as periodontitis, is an inflammation of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. This progressive disease is classified according to the degree of tissue involvement. In severe cases, the gums and bone surrounding the teeth are involved. |
| Dental calculus | also known as tartar, is dental plaque that has calcified (hardened) on the teeth. These deposits irritate the surrounding tissues and cause increasingly serious periodontal diseases. |
| Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis | (ANUG), also known as trench mouth, is caused by the abnormal growth of bacteria in the mouth. As this condition progresses, the inflammation, bleeding, deep ulceration, and the death of gum tissue become more severe. |
| Barrett’s esophagus | a condition that occurs when the cells in the epithelial tissue of the esophagus are damaged by chronic acid exposure. Some patients with chronic GERD develop this complication, which slightly increases the risk of esophageal cancer. |
| stricture | esophagus resulting from scar tissue or other damage can cause swallowing difficulties. A stricture is an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage |
| Pyrosis | , also known as heartburn, is the burning sensation caused by the return of acidic stomach contents into the esophagu |
| Gastritis | a common inflammation of the stomach lining that is often caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori |
| Gastroenteritis | an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestines |
| Gastroparesis | a condition in which the muscles in the stomach slow down and work poorly or not at all, preventing the stomach from emptying normally |
| Gastrorrhea | the excessive secretion of gastric juice or mucus in the stomach |
| Anorexia | is the loss of appetite for food, especially when caused by disease. Anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders are discussed under “Mental Health” |
| Dehydration | a condition in which fluid loss exceeds fluid intake and disrupts the body’s normal electrolyte balance |
| Malnutrition | a lack of proper food or nutrients in the body due to a shortage of food, poor eating habits, or the inability of the body to digest, absorb, and distribute these nutrients. |
| Malabsorption | a condition in which the small intestine cannot absorb nutrients from food that passes through it. |
| Obesity | an excessive accumulation of fat in the body. The term obese is usually used to refer to individuals who are more than 20% to 30% over the established weight standards for their height, age, and gender. |
| body mass index | (BMI) is a number that shows body weight adjusted for height. The results fall into one of these categories: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. |
| Emesis | also known as vomiting, is the reflex ejection of the stomach contents outward through the mouth. Emesis is used either as a standalone term or as the suffix -emesis. |
| Eructation | the act of belching or raising gas orally from the stomach. |
| Nausea | the urge to vomit. |
| Gluten intolerance | known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is a response to gluten involving digestive distress but not causing the intestinal tissue damage of celiac disease. Gluten intolerance is sometimes caused by an allergy to wheat. |
| food allergy | an immune system reaction that occurs after eating a certain food |
| Lactose intolerance | the inability to digest dairy products due to the absence of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to process the sugar (lactose) found in milk and some other dairy products. |
| Colorectal carcinoma | commonly known as colon cancer, often first manifests itself in polyps in the colon |
| diverticulum | a small pouch, or sac, found in the lining or wall of a tubular organ such as the colon (plural, diverticula). |
| Ischemic colitis | occurs when part of the large intestine is partially or completely deprived of blood. If this lack of blood persists, it can lead to inflammation and permanent damage of the affected area. |
| Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | a common condition of unknown cause with symptoms that can include intermittent cramping and abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea. usually caused by stress and certain foods, not pathogens |
| Inflammatory bowel disease | (IBD) is the general name for diseases that cause inflammation and swelling in the intestines. The two most common inflammatory bowel diseases are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. |
| intestinal obstruction | the partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine caused by a physical obstruction. This blockage can result from many causes such as scar tissue, a tumor, or the ingestion of nondigestible materials. |
| Volvulus | the twisting of the intestine on itself, causing an obstruction. Volvulus is a Latin word meaning rolled up or twisted. This condition can cause necrosis of the affected segment of the bowel |
| Intussusception | the telescoping of one part of the small intestine into the opening of an immediately adjacent part. This rare but serious condition is sometimes found in children between three months and six years of age. |
| strangulated hernia | occurs when a portion of the intestine is constricted inside the hernia, causing ischemia (insufficient oxygen) in this tissue by cutting off its blood supply. |
| Clostridium difficile | also known as C. diff, is a bacterial infection common to older adults in hospitals or long-term-care facilities, typically following the use of antibiotics that wipe out competing bacteria. This disease causes diarrhea and can lead to inflammationofcolon |
| Dysentery | a bacterial infection, occurs most frequently in tropical countries where it is spread through food or water contaminated by human feces. |
| E. coli | caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli, is transmitted through contaminated foods that have not been adequately cooked. |
| Salmonellosis | also referred to as salmonella, is transmitted by feces, either through direct contact with animals, or by eating contaminated raw or undercooked meats and eggs or unpasteurized milk and cheese products. |
| anal fissure | a small crack-like sore in the skin of the anus that can cause severe pain during a bowel movement. As used here, a fissure is a groove or crack-like sore of the skin. |
| Bowel incontinence | the inability to control the excretion of feces. |
| Constipation | defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation, stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. |
| Diarrhea | an abnormally frequent flow of loose or watery stools and can lead to dehydration |
| Hemorrhoids | occur when a cluster of veins, muscles, and tissues slip near or through the anal opening. These veins can become inflamed, resulting in pain, fecal leakage, itching, and bleeding. |
| rectocele | a bulging of the front wall of the rectum into the vagina, usually as the result of childbirth or pregnancy |
| Hematochezia | the presence of bright red blood in the stool. This bright red color usually indicates that the blood is coming from the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract. |
| Melena | the passage of black, tarry, foul-smelling stools. This appearance of the stools is caused by the presence of digested blood and often indicates bleeding in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. |
| Steatorrhea | the presence of excess fat in the stool. the presence of excess fat in the stool |
| Ascites | an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity. This condition is usually the result of severe liver disease creating pressure on the liver’s blood vessels. As used here, the term serous means a substance having a watery consistency. |
| Hepatomegaly | the abnormal enlargement of the liver |
| Jaundice | a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. This condition is caused by greater-than-normal amounts of bilirubin in the blood. |
| Hepatitis A | the most prevalent type of hepatitis. This highly contagious condition is transmitted mainly through contamination of food and water with infected fecal matter. A vaccine is available to provide immunity against HAV. |
| Hepatitis B | a bloodborne disease that is transmitted through contact with blood and other body fluids that are contaminated with this virus. A vaccine is available to provide immunity against HBV. |
| Hepatitis C | a bloodborne disease that is spread through contact with blood and other body fluids that are contaminated with this virus. HCV is described as a silent epidemic because it can be present in the body for years and destroy the liver before any symptoms |
| nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) | describes the accumulation of fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. |
| Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) | a more serious form of this condition because it consists of fatty accumulations plus liver-damaging inflammation |
| gallstone | also known as a cholelith, is a hard deposit formed in the gallbladder and bile ducts due to the concretion of bile components |
| Abdominal computed tomography (CT) | is a radiographic procedure that produces a detailed cross-section of the tissue structure within the abdomen, showing, for example, the presence of a tumor or obstruction |
| abdominal ultrasound | a noninvasive test used to visualize internal organs by using very high- frequency sound waves. |
| Cholangiography | a radiographic examination of the bile ducts with the use of a contrast medium. This test is used to identify obstructions in the liver or bile ducts that slow or block the flow of bile from the liver. The resulting record is a cholangiogram. |
| endoscope | an instrument used for an endoscopy, a visual examination of internal structures |
| anoscopy | the visual examination of the anal canal and lower rectum |
| capsule endoscopy | the use of a tiny video camera in a capsule that the patient swallows. approximately 8 hours, as it passes through the small intestine, this camera transmits images of the walls of the small intestine |
| Antioxidants | chemicals such as vitamins A, C, and E; carotene; and lutein that may prevent or delay cell damage by blocking the activity of potentially harmful chemicals called free radicals. |
| Probiotics | living microorganisms sometimes described as “good” bacteria because of their role in aiding digestion and protecting the body from harmful bacteria |
| Antacids | which neutralize the acids in the stomach, are taken to relieve the discomfort of conditions such as pyrosis or to help peptic ulcers heal. |
| Proton pump inhibitors | decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach. These medications are used to treat the symptoms of GERD. |
| antiemetic | is a medication that is administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting |
| Laxatives | medications or foods given to stimulate bowel movements. Bulk-forming laxatives, such as bran, treat constipation by helping fecal matter retain water and remain soft as it moves through the intestines. |
| Intravenous fluids | are administered to combat the effects of dehydration |
| Oral rehydration therapy | (ORT) is a treatment in which a solution of electrolytes is administered in a liquid preparation to counteract the dehydration that can accompany diarrhea, especially in young children |
| dental prophylaxis | is the professional cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque and calculus. The term prophylaxis also refers to a treatment intended to prevent a disease or stop it from spreading |
| dental implant | the anchoring of a crown, bridge, or denture to the bone of the jaw. Crowns, bridges, and dentures can also be placed in the mouth without being anchored to the jaw. |
| root canal | refers both to the pulp cavity in the root of the tooth and to a procedure in which diseased or damaged pulp in the root canal is removed in order to save the tooth. |
| gingivectomy | the surgical removal of diseased gingival tissue |
| Maxillofacial surgery | specialized surgery of the face and jaws to correct deformities, treat diseases, and repair injuries. |
| Palatoplasty | surgical repair of a cleft palate, also used to refer to the repair of a cleft lip |
| gastrectomy | is the surgical removal of all or a part of the stomach |
| Nasogastric intubation | (NG tube) is the placement of a feeding tube through the nose and into the stomach |
| gastrostomy tube | a surgically placed feeding tube from the exterior of the body directly into the stomach |
| Total parenteral nutrition | (TPN) is administered to patients who cannot or should not get their nutrition through eating. All of the patient’s nutritional requirements are met through a specialized solution administered intravenously. |
| Bariatric surgery | performed to treat morbid obesity by restricting the amount of food that can enter the stomach and be digested. These procedures limit food intake and force dietary changes that enable weight reduction. |
| colectomy | the surgical removal of all or part of the colon |
| colotomy | a surgical incision into the colon |
| diverticulectomy | the surgical removal of a diverticulum |
| gastroduodenostomy | the establishment of an anastomosis between the upper portion of the stomach and the duodenum. This procedure is performed to treat stomach cancer or to remove a malfunctioning pyloric valve. |
| anastomosis | a surgical connection between two hollow, or tubular, structures |
| ileectomy | the surgical removal of the ileum |
| ostomy | a surgical procedure to create an artificial opening between an organ and the body surface. This artificial opening is also known as a stoma |
| ileostomy | the surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the ileum, at the end of the small intestine, and the outside of the abdominal wall |
| hemorrhoidectomy | the surgical removal of hemorrhoids |
| Proctopexy | the surgical fixation of a prolapsed rectum to an adjacent tissue or organ |
| hepatectomy | the surgical removal of all or part of the liver |
| liver transplant | an option for a patient whose liver has failed for a reason other than liver cancer. Because liver tissue regenerates, a partial liver transplant, in which only part of the organ is donated, can be adequate |
| choledocholithotomy | an incision into the common bile duct for the removal of a gallstone |
| cholecystectomy | the surgical removal of the gallbladde |
| BMI | body mass index |
| COL | colonoscopy |
| EGD | esophagogastroduodenoscopy |
| GERD | gastroesophageal reflux disease |
| Gl | gastrointestinal |
| IH | inguinal hernia |
| IBD | inflammatory bowel disease |
| IBS | irritable bowel syndrome |
| NG tube | irritable bowel syndrome |
| PUD | peptic ulcer disease |
| TPN | total parenteral nutrition |
| UC | ulcerative colitis |
Created by:
user-2025477