Term | Definition |
Aliment/o | meaning nourishment (combining term for digestive tract) |
Oral cavity | contains the lips, cheeks, hard and soft palate, salivary glands, tongue, teeth, and periodontium |
Alimentary, Gastrointestinal, GI System | Digestive system comprised of long muscular tubes that start at the mouth and end at the anus. |
Or/o, Stomat/o | meaning "mouth" |
Gnath/o | meaning "jaw" |
Prognathia | elongated mandible |
Brachygnathia | shortened mandible |
Labia, Labium (singular) | medical term for "lips" |
Cheil/o, Labi/o | meaning "lips" |
Buccal | pertaining to, or directed towards the cheek of the mouth |
Bucc/o | meaning "cheek" |
Palate | roof of the mouth |
Hard Palate | forms the bony rostral portion of the palate with special mucus membranes |
Rugae | specialized mucus membranes that contain irregular folds |
Rug/o | meaning "wrinkle or fold" |
Soft Palate | forms the flexible caudal portion of the palate |
Palat/o | meaning "Palate" |
Tongue | the movable muscle in the mouth that is used for tasting, and processing food. |
Papillae | elevations on the dorsum of the tongue |
Frenulum | the connective tissue that connects the tongue to the ventral surface of the mouth |
Gloss/o, Lingu/o | meaning "tongue" |
Dent/o, Dent/i, Odont/o | meaning "teeth" |
Dentition | refers to the teeth as a whole |
Deciduous Dentition (milk teeth) | temporary set of teeth that erupt in young animals and are replaced at or near maturity |
Decidu/o | meaning "shedding" |
Permanent Dentition | the set of teeth designed to last the lifespan of the animal |
Mixed Dentition | the period when both Deciduious and Permanent Teeth are present in the same mouth |
Retained Deciduous Tooth | a tooth that has not been shed, and may need to be removed professionally |
Incisor | front tooth used for cutting |
Canine (needle teeth) | long, bonelike tooth located between the incisors and Premolars. (also called fang and cuspid) |
Premolar (cheek teeth) | cheek tooth found between canine and molar teeth |
Molar (cheek teeth) | most caudally located permanent tooth |
Dental Formula | representation of the type of tooth and the number of each |
Selenodont | animals that have crescents on their grinding surfaces (ruminants) |
Lophodont | animals with teeth that have ridged occlusal surfaces (equine) |
Bunodont | animals with teeth that have worn, rounded surfaces (swine) |
Hypsodont | animals with continuosly erupting teeth (chek teeth of ruminants) |
Pleurodont | animals with teeth attached by one side on the inner jaw (lizards) |
Brachydont | animals with permanently rooted teeth |
Enamel | hard white substance covering the dentin of the crown of the tooth |
Cementum | the bone like connective tissue that covers the root of the tooth |
Dentin | the connective tissue surrounding the tooth pulp |
Pulp | consists of nerves, blood vessels, and loose connective tissue |
Apical Foramen | the hole at the tip of the root where nerve and blood vessels enter the tooth |
Periodontia | structures that support the teeth |
Alveoli | sockets or sac-like dilations that the teeth are situated in. |
Alveolar Bone | a thin layer of compact bone that forms the tooth socket |
Periodontal Ligament | fibrous structure that holds the tooth in the alveolus |
Gingiva | mucous membrane that surrounds the teeth and forms the mouth lining |
Gingiv/o | meaning "gums" |
Gingival Sulcus | the space that surrounds the tooth, located between the tooth and the gingival margin |
Salivary Glands | a group of cells located in the oral cavity that secrete a clear substance containing digestive enzymes |
Saliva | moistens food, begins digestive process by aiding in bolus formation and some digestive enzyme activity, also cleans the mouth |
Manibular Salivary Gland | found near the mandible |
Sublingual Salivary Gland | found under the tongue |
Zygomatic Salivary Gland | found medial to the zygomatic arch |
Parotid Salivary Gland | found near the ear |
Sialaden/o, Sial/o | meaning "salivary gland" |
Endodontics | branch of dentistry that involves treatment of diseases that affect tooth pulp |
Exodontics | branch of dentistry that involves extraction of teeth and related processes |
Oral Surgery | branch of surgery that involved correction of the jaw, gums, and inside of the mouth |
Orthodontics | branch of dentistry that involves the guidance and correction of Malocclusion |
Periodontics | the branch of dentistry that studies and treats diseases of tooth supporting structures |
Pharynx (Throat) | the caudal oral cavity that joins the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems |
Pharyng/o | meaning "pharynx" |
Mastication | chewing |
Ingesta | the material that is taken in orally |
Hypersalivation (Ptyalism/Hypersialosis) | excessive production of saliva |
sial/o, ptyal/o | meaning "sailva" |
Deglutition | swallowing |
Phag/o | meaning "eating or ingesting" |
Esophagus | a collapsible, muscular tube that leads from the oral cavity to the stomach, located dorsal to the trachea |
Esophag/o | meaning "esophagus" |
Sphincter | a ring like muscle that constricts an opening |
Abdomen | cavity located between the diaphragm and pelvis |
Abdomin/o, Celi/o, Lapar/ois | meaning "abdomen or flank" |
Peritoneum | the membrane lining that covers the abdominal and pelvic cavities and some organs in that area |
Parietal Peritoneum | the layer that lines the abdominal and pelvic cavities |
Visceral Peritoneum | covers the abdominal organs |
Lesser Omentum | a fold of peritoneum that the stomach is connected to |
Greater Omentum | a fold of peritoneum on the dorsal abdominal wall that connects to the stomach |
Gastr/o | meaning "stomach" |
Monogastric | animals with one true glandular stomach |
Ruminant | has 3 forestomachs that are actually out pouchings of the esophagus |
Glandular Stomach | the one that produces secretions for digestion |
Cardia | entrance area of stomach, located nearest to the esophagus |
Fundus | base of an organ, which is the cranial, rounded part |
Body (Corpus) | the main portion of an organ, which is the ounded base or bottom |
Antrum | caudal part of the stomach which is the constricted part that joins with the pylorus |
Pylorus | narrow passage between the stomach and duodenum |
Pylor/o | meaning "gatekeeper" |
Pyloric Sphincter | muscle ring that constricts the flow of matieral |
Regurgitate | passive action of ingesta moving from the stomach or esophagus back to the mouth |
Remasticate | to chew again |
Intestinal Flora | normal microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract |
Rumen (Paunch) | largest compartment of the ruminant stomach that serves as fermentation vat |
Reticulum (Honeycomb) | most cranial compartment of the ruminant stomach |
Omasum | third compartment of ruminant stomach, has short papillae that grind food |
Abmasum | fourth compartment of ruminant stomach, also called true stomach |
Mesentery | a fold of peritoneum that is attached to the abdominal wall and the small intestine |
Gastroenterology | the study of the stomach and small intestine |
Enter/o | meaning "small intestine" |
Duodenum | proximal or 1st portion of small intestine |
Duoden/i, Duoden/o | meaning "duodenum" |
Jejunum | middle portion of the small intestine |
Jejun/o | meaning "jejunum" |
Ileum | distal, most aboral, or last portion of the small intestine |
Ile/o | meaning "ileum" |
Cecum | 1st section of the large intestine |
Cec/o | meaning "cecum" |
Colon | middle portion of the large intestine, has ascending, transverse, and descending portions |
Col/o | meaning "colon" |
Haustra | the cecum and colon of pigs and horses are sacculated |
Rectum | Caudal portion of the large intestine |
Rect/o | meaning "rectum" |
Anus | controlled by to sphincter muscles that tighten and relax to allow or control defecation |
An/o | meaning "anus" |
Anorectal | pertaining to the anus and rectum |
Proct/o | meaning "anus and rectum" |
Anal Sacs | sacs lined with microscopic anal glands that secrete foul smelling fluid |
Flexures | bends of curves in the large intestine |
Pelvic Flexures | a bend in the colon near the pelvis |
Diaphragmatic Flexure | a bend in the colon near the diaphragm |
Liver | located caudal to the diaphragm |
Hepat/o | meaning "liver" |
Glucose | material that the liver filters out |
Hypoglycemia | a condition when the blood sugar is low |
Hepatocytes | liver cells |
Sinusoids | meaning "channels" |
Bile | Liver produces this to aid in digestion |
Biliary | meaning "bile" |
Emulsification | fat digestion |
Bilirubin | a pigment produced from the destruction of hemoglobin that is released in teh liver |
Cyst/o | meaning "sac, cyst, urinary bladder" |
Gallbladder | sac that is embedded in the liver that stores bile |
Chol/e | meaning "bile, or gall" |
Doch/o | meaning "receptical" |
Cholecystic | meaning "gallbaldder" |
Choledochus | meaning "common bile duct" |
Pancreas | elongated gland located near the cranial portion of the duodenum |
Pancreat/o | meaning "pancreas" |
Trypsin | an enzyme that digests protein |
Lipase | and enzyme that digests fat |
Amylase | and enzyme that digests carbohydrates |
Digestion | process of breaking down food into nutrients that the body can use |
Enzymes | substances that chemically change another substance |
Metabolism | the processes involved in the body's use of nutrients |
Meta-, | meaning "beyond" |
Anabolism | the building of body cells and substances |
Catabolism | the breaking down of body cells |
Absorption | the process of taking digested nutrients into the circulatory system |
Nutient | a substance needed by our bodies to sustain life |
Villi, Villus | hairlike projections in the small intestine that |
Vill/i | meaning "tuft of hair" |
Prehension | the act of collecting food in your mouth |
Mastication | chewing, or breaking the food down with saliva |
Deglutition | moves the ingests into the pharynx and esophagus |
Peristalsis | the series of wavelike contractions of smooth muscle |
-stalsis | meaning "contraction" |
Chyme | semifluid mass of partly digested food that passes from the stomach |
Ballottement | diagnostic technique of hitting or tapping the wall of a fluid filled structure to bounce a solid structure against a wall |
Barium | contract material used for radiographic studies |
Enema | introduction of fluid into the rectum |
Biopsy | removal of tissue to examine |
Blood test | determination of blood perameters used to detect some diseases |
Colonoscopy | endoscope procedure of the inner surface of the colon |
Esophagoscopy | examination of the esophagus with an endoscope |
Fecal examinations | used to determine whether or not an animal has parasites |
Gastroscopy | endoscope exam of the inner surface of the stomach |
Hemoccult | text for hidden blood in the stool |
-occult | meaning "hidden" |
Radiography | general imaging of internal stuctures |
Ultrasound | imaging of internal body structures by recording sound waves |
Achalasia | inability to relax smooth muscle of the GI tract |
Adontia | absence of teeth |
Aerophagia | swallowing of air |
Anal Sacculitis | inflammation of the anal sacs |
Inspissation | process of rendering dry or thick by evaporation and is used to describe the anal sac fluid in animals with Anal Sacculitis |
Anorexia | lack or loss of appetite |
Ascariasis | parasitic infestation with roundworms of the genus Ascaris |
Ascites | abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen |
Atresia | occlusion or absence of normal body opening or tubular organ |
Bloat | accumulation of gas in the digestive tract |
Ruminal Tympany | accumulation of gas in the rumen in ruminants |
Borborygmus | gas movement in the GI tract that produces a rumbling noise |
Bruxism | involuntary grinding of the teeth |
Cachexia | general ill health and malnutrition, used when describing cancer patients |
Cirrhosis | inflammation of the gallbladder |
Cirrh/o | meaning "tawny, yellow orange" |
Colic | severe abdominal pain (common in horses) |
Colitis | inflammation of the colon |
Constipation | condition of prolonged GI transit time, making the stool hard, dry, and difficult to pass |
Coprophagia | ingestion of fecal matter |
Copr/o | meaning "feces" |
Coprophagic Therapy | feeding a suspension of fecal pellets from a healthy animal to an ill animal. used in some animal species like guinea pigs and rabbits to treat GI disease |
Cribbing | vice of equine in which an object is grasped between the teeth, pressure is applied, and air is inhaled |
Dehydration | condition of excessive loss of body water or fluid |
Dental Calculus (Tartar) | abnormal mineralized deposit that forms on teeth |
Dental Caries | decay and decalcification of teeth, producing a hole |
Diarrhea | abnormal frequency and liquidity of fecal matter |
Displaced Abomasum | disease of ruminants in which the fourth stomach compartment becomes trapped under the rumen |
Diverticulitis | inflammation of a pouch of pouches occurring in the wall of a tubular organ |
Dyschezia | difficulty defecating |
Dysentery | number of disorders marked by inflammation of the intestine, abdominal pain, and diarrhea |
Dysphagia | Difficulty swallowing or eating |
Emaciation | marked wasting or excessive leanness |
Emesis (vomit) | forcible expulsion of stomach contents through mouth |
Per Os (PO | to give something orally |
Non Per Os (NPO) | to give nothing orally |
Enteritis | inflammation of the small intestine |
Enterocolitis | inflammation fo teh small and large intestine |
Epulis | benign tumor arising from periodontal mucous membranes |
Eructation | belching or raising gas orally from the stomach |
Esophageal Reflux | return of stomach contents into esophagus (also called GERD) |
Eviscerate | remove or expose internal organs |
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency | metabolic disease in which the pancreas does not secrete adequate amounts of digestive enzymes |
Fecalith / Coprolith | stone like fecal mass |
Flatulence | excessive gas formation in the GI Tract |
Gastric Dilatation | condition usually seen in deep chested canines in which the stomach fills with air and expands |
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) | condition usually seen in deep chested canines in which the stomach fills with air, expands, then twists on itself |
Gastritis | inflammation of the stomach |
Gastroenteritis | inflammation of the stomach and small intestine |
Gingival Hyperplasia | overgrowth of the gingiva characterized by firm, nonpainful swellings |
Gingivitis | inflammation of the gums |
Glossitis | inflammation of the tongue |
Hematemesis | vomiting blood |
Hematochezia | passage of a bloody stool |
Hemoperitoneum | blood in the peritoneum |
Hepatitis | inflammation of the liver |
Hepatoma | Tumor of the liver |
Hepatomegaly | abnormal enlargement of the liver |
Hiatal Hernia | protrusion of a part of the stomach through the esophageal opening in the diaphragm |
Hydrops | Abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissues of body cavity |
Hyperglycemia | elevated blood sugar levels |
Hypoglycemia | Lowered blood sugar levels |
Ileitis | inflammation fo the ileum |
Ileus | stoppage of intestinal peristalsis |
Impaction | obstruction of an area |
Inappetence | lack of desire to eat |
Incontinence | inability to control, (fecal incontinence = unable to control bowel movements) |
Inflammatory Bowel Disease | a group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders that are characterized microscopically by the inflammation fo inflammatory cells into the lining on the digestive tract |
Inguinal Hernia | protrusion of bowel through the inguinal canal (seen in groin area) |
Intussusception | telescoping of one part of the intestine into another adjacent part |
Jaundice (Icterus) | yellow dis colorization of the skin and mucous membranes |
Lethargy | condition of drowsiness or indifference |
Malabsorption | impaired uptake of nutrients from intestine |
Malnutrition | lack of proper food or nutrients |
Total Parenteral Nutrition | a liquid with all the nutrients an animal needs |
Malocclusion | abnormal contact between the teeth |
Megacolon | abnormally large colon |
Megaesophagus | abnormally large esophagus |
Melena | black, tarry stool containing digested blood |
Nausea | stomach upset or sensation or urge to vomit |
Obstruction | complete stopage or impairment to passage |
Oronasal Fistula | abnormal opening between the nasal and oral cavity |
Palatoschisis | congenital fissure of the roof of the mouth that may involve the upper lip, hard palate, soft palate |
Perforating ulcer | erosion though the entire thickness of a surface |
Periapical Abscess | inflammation of tissue and collection of pus surrounding the apical portion of a tooth root due to pulpal disease |
Peridontitis | inflammation of the tissue surrouding and supporting the teeth |
Pica | eating and licking abnormal substances or a depraved appetite |
Plaque | small, differentiated area on a body surface |
Polydipsia (PD) | excessive thirst or drinking |
Polyp | small growth on a mucous membrane |
Polyphagia | excessive eating or swallowing |
Prolapse | protrusion of viscera (rectal prolapse=protrusion of the rectum through the anus) |
Quidding | condition in which food is taken into the mouth and chewed, but falls out |
Regurgitation | return of swallowed food into the oral cavity, a passive event |
Salivary Mucocele | collection of saliva that has leaked from a damaged salivary gland |
Scours | diarrhea in livestock |
Shunt | to bypass or divert |
Stenosis | narrowing of an opening |
Stomatitis | inflammation of the mouth |
Tenesmus | painful, ineffective defecation |
Torsion | axial twist, tist around the long axis of gut |
Trichobezoar | hairball |
Ulcer | erosion of tissue |
Volvulus | twisting in on itself |
Abdominocentesis | surgical puncture of the abdomen to remove fluid |
Abomasopexy | surgical fixation of the abomasum to the abdomen wall |
Anastomosis | surgical connection between two tubular or hollow structures |
Anoplasty | surgical repair of the anus |
Antidiarrheal | substance that prevents diarrhea |
Bolus | rounded mass of food or large pharmaceutical preparation or to give something rapidly |
Cholecystectomy | removal of the gallbladder |
Colectomy | removal of the colon |
Colostomy | adding a surgical hole between the colon and outsdie the body |
Colotomy | surgical incision into the colon |
Crown | restoration of teeth |
Drench | to give medication in liquid form by mouth and forcing animal to drink |
Emetic | producing vomit |
Enterostomy | surgical artificial opening between the small intesting and outside wall |
Esophagoplasy | surgical repair of the esophagus |
Extraction | removal |
Fistula | abnormal passage from an internal organ to the body surface |
Float | instrument used to file or rasp on an equine's premolar teeth |
Gastrectomy | surgical removal of the stomach, or just some of it |
Gastroduodenostomy | removal of all out part of the stomach and duodenum |
Gastropexy | surgical fixation of teh stomach to the abdominal wall |
Gastostomy | surgical production of an artificial opening |
Gastrotomy | surgical incision into the stomach |
Gavage | force feeding or irrigation through a tube passed into the stomach |
Gingivectomy | surgical removal of gum tissue |
Hepatotomy | surgical incision into the liver |
Ileectomy | surgical removal of the ileum |
Ileostomy | artificial opening between the ileum and abdominal wall |
Lapraotomy | incision into the abdomen |
Nasogastric Intubation | placement of a tube through the nose in to the stomach |
Orogastric Intubation | Passage of a tube from the mouth to the stomach |
Palatoplasty | surgical repair of a cleft plate |
Transfaunation | transferring microbes from one animal to another |
Trocarization | insertion of a pointed instrument into a body cavity or an organ |
BE | Barium Enema |
BM | bowel movement |
C | canine (tooth) |
DA | displaced abomasum |
EPI | exocrine pancreatic insufficiency |
GDV | gastric dilatation volvulus |
GERD | gastroesophageal reflux disease |
GI | gastrointestinal |
I | incisor (tooth) |
IBD | inflammatory bowel disease |
LDA | left displaced abomasum |
M | molar (tooth) |
NG | nasogastric |
NPO | nothing by mouth (no per os) |
P | premolar (tooth) |
PD | polydipsia |
PO | orally (per os) |
RDA | right displaced abomasum |
TPN | total parenteral nutrition |