XI Glossary

Amylase: An enzyme, produced chiefly in the pancreas and salivary glands, that breaks down carbohydrates. (Chapter 11.2)

Anal canal: A three-inch long section at the end of the gastrointestinal tract that opens to the exterior of the body at the anus. (Chapter 11.2)

Anus: The opening at the end of the digestive tract where feces leave the body. (Chapter 11.2)

Appendectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix. (Chapter 11.5)

Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix. (Chapter 11.2)

Appendix: A small pouch attached to the end of the cecum. (Chapter 11.2)

Ascending colon: The first part of the colon that travels upward on the right side of the abdomen. (Chapter 11.2)

Ascites: Excessive fluid build-up in the abdomen. (Chapter 11.15)

Aspiration pneumonia: A type of lung infection caused by material from the stomach or mouth inadvertently entering the lungs. (Chapter 11.3)

Autodigestion: A process in which the enzymes of the pancreas digest pancreatic tissue. (Chapter 11.15)

Barium enema: Also known as a lower GI series. (Chapter 11.3)

Barium swallow: Also known as an upper GI series. (Chapter 11.3)

Barrett’s esophagus: Clients with chronic GERD whose esophagus is exposed to acidic stomach content and causes changes in the squamous epithelial cells that line the esophagus and transition into columnar epithelium. (Chapter 11.9)

Bile: A greenish-brown fluid that aids in digestion by breaking down lipids, secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. (Chapter 11.2)

Bilirubin: A yellowish pigment formed in the liver by the breakdown of red blood cells. (Chapter 11.2)

Borborygmus: Hyperperistalsis; often referred to as “stomach growling.” (Chapter 11.3)

Bowel obstruction: A blockage of the intestines caused by a mechanical or nonmechanical condition. (Chapter 11.13)

Cecum: The first section of the large intestine into which the ileum opens. (Chapter 11.2)

Chief cells: Cells in the glands of the stomach that secrete pepsinogen. (Chapter 11.2)

Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder. (Chapter 11.6)

Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder due to impaired bile flow. (Chapter 11.6)

Chyme: Partially digested food that passes from the stomach to the small intestine. (Chapter 11.2)

Colonoscopy: The insertion of a scope into the rectum to visualize the entire colon. (Chapter 11.3)

Descending colon: The part of the colon that travels downward on the left side of the abdomen. (Chapter 11.2)

Distention: An expansion of the abdomen caused by the accumulation of air or fluid. (Chapter 11.3)

Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula in the digestive tract. (Chapter 11.8)

Diverticulosis: The condition of having diverticula in the colon. (Chapter 11.8)

Diverticulum: A small, bulging pouch that can form in the lining of the colon. (Chapter 11.8)

Duodenum: The first section of the small intestine, immediately beyond the stomach, leading to the jejunum. (Chapter 11.2)

Dysphagia: Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing. (Chapter 11.3)

Endocrine: Relating to glands that secrete hormones or other products directly into the blood. (Chapter 11.2)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure that uses a scope to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. (Chapter 11.3)

Esophageal hiatus: This opening of the diaphragm in which the esophagus passes through on its way to the stomach. (Chapter 11.14)

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): A diagnostic test that uses a scope to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. (Chapter 11.3)

Esophagus: The muscular tube that conveys food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. (Chapter 11.2)

Exocrine: Pertaining to the secretion of a substance (such as digestive enzymes) out through a duct. (Chapter 11.2)

Extraintestinal manifestations: Signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease that are not confined to the gastrointestinal tract such as inflammation of the joints/bones, bile ducts, mouth, eyes, and skin. (Chapter 11.11)

Fecalith: A mass of hardened feces. (Chapter 11.5)

Feces: Waste matter discharged from the bowels; also known as stool. (Chapter 11.2)

Fistula: An abnormal connection between two organs. (Chapter 11.8, Chapter 11.11)

Flatus: Gas in the gastrointestinal tract, expelled through the anus. (Chapter 11.2)

Gallbladder: A small organ where bile is stored and concentrated before it is released into the small intestine. (Chapter 11.2)

Gastric juice: A digestive fluid secreted by the stomach, containing hydrochloric acid, pepsin, water, mucus, and intrinsic factor. (Chapter 11.2)

Gastric volvulus: A type of obstruction in which the stomach twists upon itself. (Chapter 11.14)

Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically resulting from bacterial toxins or viral infection. (Chapter 11.7)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Occurs when stomach contents flow backwards into the esophagus. (Chapter 11.9)

Haustra: Folds in the colon. (Chapter 11.11)

Heartburn: A retrosternal burning sensation or discomfort that may radiate into the neck and typically occurs after the ingestion of meals or when in a reclined position. (Chapter 11.9)

Hematemesis: Vomiting blood. (Chapter 11.2, Chapter 11.3)

Hematochezia: Passage of bloody stool. (Chapter 11.3)

Hepatic encephalopathy: Mental status changes due to buildup of toxins related to impaired liver function. (Chapter 11.15)

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver. (Chapter 11.15)

Hernia: When internal organs or tissues bulge through an inappropriate opening. (Chapter 11.14)

Hiatal hernia: A hernia in which part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragmatic opening. (Chapter 11.14)

Ileocecal valve: A sphincter muscle that separates the small intestine and the large intestine, controlling the passage of chyme. (Chapter 11.2)

Ileum: The third portion of the small intestine, between the jejunum and the cecum of the large intestine. (Chapter 11.2)

Incarcerated hernia: A hernia that cannot be reduced. (Chapter 11.14)

Incisional hernia: A hernia at the site of an incision. (Chapter 11.14)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A chronic disorder that is characterized by inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. (Chapter 11.11)

Inguinal canal: A passageway that contains the spermatic cord and blood vessels in men and the round ligaments in women. (Chapter 11.14)

Inguinal hernia: A hernia that occurs in the inguinal canal. (Chapter 11.14)

Intrinsic factor: A substance secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach that is needed for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. (Chapter 11.2)

Intussusception: A type of bowel obstruction where the intestine telescopes onto itself. (Chapter 11.13)

Involuntary guarding: The reflexive contraction of overlying abdominal muscles as the result of peritoneal inflammation. (Chapter 11.3)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A chronic gastrointestinal disorder in which there is abdominal discomfort, along with a change in bowel patterns. (Chapter 11.12)

Jejunum: The part of the small intestine between the duodenum and ileum. (Chapter 11.2)

Large intestine: The last part of the digestive system that runs from the cecum to the anus; absorbs water and electrolytes; forms, stores, and eliminates feces. (Chapter 11.2)

Lipase: An enzyme that breaks down lipids (fats). (Chapter 11.2)

Liver: A large lobed organ in the abdomen, involved in digestion, metabolism, blood clotting, protein creation, and cleansing the blood of toxins. (Chapter 11.2)

Liver cirrhosis: Chronic liver damage that is characterized by the development of liver nodules and liver fibrosis. (Chapter 11.15)

Liver fibrosis: Stiffening/scarring of the liver. (Chapter 11.5)

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): The use of an MRI with contrast to see the bile ducts and assess disorders of the gallbladder, pancreas, or liver. (Chapter 11.3)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI is an imaging technique that uses a combination of strong magnets and radio waves to produce in-depth views of the body. (Chapter 11.3)

Mechanical blockage: When something is physically blocking the inside of the bowel and inhibiting the passage of bowel contents. (Chapter 11.13)

Melena: Dark, tarry stools. (Chapter 11.3)

NPO: An abbreviation for “nil per os”; the Latin phrase that means “nothing by mouth.” (Chapter 11.3)

Oral cavity: The mouth area, encompassing the lips, cheeks, palate, and floor of the mouth. (Chapter 11.2)

Pancreas: A large gland behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum and hormones into the blood. (Chapter 11.2)

Pancreatic juice: Digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas and delivered to the duodenum. (Chapter 11.2)

Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas. (Chapter 11.15)

Parietal cells: Cells found in the glands of the stomach that produce and secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. (Chapter 11.2)

Pepsin: A digestive enzyme that breaks down protein; formed when pepsinogen is exposed to acid. (Chapter 11.2)

Peptic ulcer disease: Characterized by erosions or ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract. (Chapter 11.10)

Peristalsis: The involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles in the gastrointestinal system, creating wave-like movements that push food forward. (Chapter 11.2)

Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers and supports most of the abdominal organs. (Chapter 11.5)

Pharynx: The muscular tube extending from the back of the nasal cavities and the mouth to the esophagus; known as the throat. (Chapter 11.2)

Processus vaginalis: Forms in fetal development. In males it aids in the descent of the testicles through the inguinal canal, and in females it plays a role in the development of the round ligament. (Chapter 11.14)

Protuberant: Convex or bulging appearance of the abdomen. (Chapter 11.3)

Pyloric sphincter: A ring of smooth muscle at the end of the stomach, regulating the flow of partially digested food into the small intestine. (Chapter 11.2)

Rebound tenderness: Pain when hand is withdrawn during palpation. (Chapter 11.3, Chapter 11.5)

Rectum: The final section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus. (Chapter 11.2)

Reducible hernia: When a hernia and its contents can be pushed back into their normal anatomical space. (Chapter 11.14)

Regurgitation: Refers to backwards flow of acidic gastric contents into the esophagus or mouth. (Chapter 11.9)

Rigidity: Involuntary contraction of the abdominal musculature in response to peritoneal inflammation. (Chapter 11.3)

Rome IV criteria: A set of diagnostic criteria utilized to help diagnose IBS. (Chapter 11.12)

Salivary glands: Small glands in the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue that secrete saliva directly into the oral cavity or indirectly through salivary ducts. (Chapter 11.2)

Scaphoid: Sunken appearance. (Chapter 11.3)

Segmentation: The mechanical mixing of food with digestive juices. (Chapter 11.2)

Sigmoid colon: The last part of the colon that leads into the rectum; shaped like an “S.” (Chapter 11.2)

Skip lesions: Lesions that have normal areas of bowel between them; a hallmark symptom of Crohn’s disease. (Chapter 11.11)

Small intestine: The part of the intestine where most of the digestion and absorption of food occurs, extending between the stomach and large intestine. (Chapter 11.2)

Steatorrhea: The excretion of abnormal quantities of fat with the feces. (Chapter 11.2)

Stomach: A sac-like organ of the digestive system where food is mixed with gastric juice. (Chapter 11.2)

Strangulated hernia: When a hernia undergoes a reduction in oxygen supply due to reduced blood flow; considered a medical emergency. (Chapter 11.14)

Striae: White or silver markings from stretching of the skin; also known as stretch marks. (Chapter 11.3)

Strictures: Narrowing. (Chapter 11.11)

Tenesmus: The frequent urge to have a bowel movement or the sensation that the bowels are not empty. (Chapter 11.11)

Tongue: A muscular organ in the mouth, aiding in ingestion, digestion, sensation of food, swallowing, and speaking. (Chapter 11.2)

Total colectomy: Surgical removal of the entire colon. (Chapter 11.11)

Transverse colon: The middle part of the colon that travels across the abdomen. (Chapter 11.2)

Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the body. (Chapter 11.3)

Uvula: A fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate that hangs above the throat. (Chapter 11.2)

Varices: Enlarged veins in the esophagus that occur due to portal hypertension. (Chapter 11.15)

Ventral hernia: A hernia that occurs in the wall of the abdomen and is neither inguinal nor hiatal in origin. (Chapter 11.14)

Villi: Small, finger-like projections that protrude from the epithelial lining of the intestinal wall, increasing the surface area for absorption. (Chapter 11.2)

Voluntary guarding: Voluntary contraction of abdominal wall musculature; may be related to fear, anxiety, or presence of cold hands. (Chapter 11.3)

Volvulus: A type of bowel obstruction caused by twisting of the intestines. (Chapter 11.13)