Digestive and Liver Disorders
Glossary - Digestive and Liver Disorders
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
abdominal ultrasound - a diagnostic imaging technique which creates images from the rebound of high-frequency sound waves in the internal organs.
abdominal x-ray - a simple study that will give the physician an idea of how the internal organs look.
absorption - the passage of nutrients in food from the small intestine into the cells in the body.
acute - severe; sharp; begins quickly.
allergy - a condition in which the body is not able to tolerate eating certain foods, or exposure to certain animals, plants, or other substances.
anal fissure - a small tear in the anus that can cause bleeding, itching, or pain.
anemia - not enough red blood cells in the body.
anorectal atresia - absence of a normal opening between the anus and the rectum.
antacids - medicines that neutralize stomach acid.
anticholinergics - medicines that help calm spasms in the intestine.
antidiarrheals - medicines that help control diarrhea.
antiemetics - medicines that help prevent and control nausea and vomiting.
antispasmodics - medicines that help reduce or stop muscle spasms in the intestines.
anus - the opening at the end of the digestive tract where bowel movements leave the body.
appendectomy - an operation to remove the appendix.
appendicitis - irritation, inflammation, and pain in the appendix, caused by infection, scarring, or obstruction (blockage).
appendix - a small pouch attached to the first portion of the large intestine (the cecum); it has no known function.
ascending colon - the portion of the large intestine that is on the right side of the abdomen.
ascites - fluid that fills the abdomen when the liver is not functioning properly.
atonic colon - lack of normal muscle strength in the large intestine; caused by overuse of laxatives.
atresia - lack of a normal opening, from the esophagus, the intestines, or the anus.
B
barium - a liquid used to coat the inside of organs so they will show up on an x-ray.
barium enema - a procedure done to evaluate the large intestine for abnormalities. A fluid called barium that shows up well on x-rays is given into the rectum as an enema. An x-ray of the abdomen shows strictures (narrowed areas), obstructions (blockages), and other problems.
Barrett's esophagus - A condition in which normal cells that line the esophagus, called squamous cells, turn into abnormal cells, called specialized columnar cells. Damage to the lining of the esophagus causes the cells to change; often occurs with long-term acid reflux.
bile - a digestive fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder which helps digest fats.
bile ducts - tubes that take bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine to aid in digestion.
biliary atresia - bile ducts do not have normal openings, preventing bile from leaving the liver. This causes jaundice (a yellow skin color) and liver damage known as cirrhosis. Biliary atresia is a birth defect.
bilirubin - a normal substance produced when red blood cells break down and are excreted by the liver. Bilirubin gives bile its yellow-green color. Too much bilirubin in the blood causes jaundice.
bowel - small and large intestine.
bowel movement - passage of stool (body wastes) from the large intestine through the rectum and anus.
C
candida - yeast that causes irritation and infection, especially of the mucous membranes of the body such as the mouth, vagina, and anus.
carbohydrates - one of three main types of foods, along with proteins and fats. Found in breads, cereals, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Changed into a simple sugar called glucose during digestion. Provides the body with a source of energy.
cecum - the beginning of the large intestine. Attached to the last section of the small intestine, known as the ileum.
cholangiography - x-rays of the bile ducts.
cholecystectomy - an operation to remove the gallbladder.
cholesterol - a substance normally made by the body, but also found in foods from animal sources, like beef, eggs, and butter. Too much cholesterol in the body can lead to narrowing and blockage of the arteries, especially those that feed the heart and keep it healthy. High cholesterol can also cause the formation of gallstones. Ideally, blood cholesterol levels should be less than 200mg/dL.
chronic - referring to a disease or disorder that usually develops slowly and lasts for a long period of time.
cirrhosis - a chronic problem makes it hard for the liver to remove toxins (poisonous substances) from the body. Alcohol, medications, and other substances may build up in the bloodstream and cause problems. Cirrhosis is a result of scarring and damage from other diseases, like biliary atresia and alcoholism.
clostridium difficile (Also known as C. diff or C. difficile.) - bacteria normally found in the large intestine, which can cause a serious intestinal infection and diarrhea in some people who are taking antibiotics.
colic - a condition in an otherwise healthy baby characterized by excessive crying.
colitis - irritation of the colon (large intestine).
colon - the large intestine.
colonoscopy - a test using a long, flexible tube with a light and camera lens at the end, which examines the large intestine.
colostomy - a procedure done when there is an abnormality in the large intestine or rectum that allows stool to leave the body by a different route. Through an operation, an opening is made in the abdomen and the colon (large intestine) is connected to it. Stool passes through the opening to a collection bag on the abdomen. A colostomy may be temporary or permanent, depending on the health of the colon.
common bile duct - a tube that moves bile from the liver to the small intestine.
computed tomography scan (Also called CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
constipation - hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass in a bowel movement, or having fewer than three bowel movements per week.
corticosteroids - medications that reduce irritation and inflammation.
Crohn's disease - A chronic illness that causes irritation in the digestive tract. It occurs most commonly in the ileum (lower small intestine) or in the colon (large intestine). It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease.
D
dehydration - when the bloodstream and the cells of the body contain less fluid than normal, often due to vomiting or diarrhea. The body's mineral balance may also be affected.
descending colon - the portion of the large intestine located on the left side of the body.
diaphragm - the muscle between the chest and the abdomen that plays an important role in how we breathe.
diarrhea - increase in frequency of stools compared to normal, or looser bowel movements than usual. Causes include infections of the digestive system, medicines such as antibiotics, malabsorption, and irritable bowel syndrome.
digestion - how the body breaks down food and uses it for energy, cell repair, and growth. Starts in the mouth, continues in the stomach and small intestine, and is completed in the large intestine. The liver and pancreas add enzymes and juices that aid in this process.
digestive tract - the organs that are involved in digestion; including the mouth, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, and large intestine.
distention - swelling or bloating, usually referring to the abdomen.
diverticulitis - occurs when one or more small pouches in the large intestine (called a diverticulum) become irritated or infected.
diverticulum - a small pouch in the wall of the large intestine, which usually do not cause a problem unless it becomes irritated or infected.
duodenal ulcer - an open sore in the duodenum (first part of the small intestine).
duodenum - the first part of the small intestine, nearest to the stomach.
dysphagia - difficulty swallowing food or liquid.
E
electrolytes - minerals in the bloodstream and in the cells of the body, such as sodium (salt), potassium, and calcium. Electrolytes must remain in proper balance for the body to function normally.
encopresis - constipation which can lead to an involuntary leakage of loose stool.
endoscope - a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end, used to examine the inside of the digestive tract. It can also be used to take tissue samples for testing from inside the digestive tract.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) - A test using endoscope to send dye through the digestive tract. The dye shows up on x-ray and gives the physician a look at the bile and pancreatic ducts.
endoscopy - a test that uses an endoscope to examine the inside of part of the digestive tract.
endothelium - the cells or membrane lining organs.
enema - a liquid placed into the rectum to either clear stool out of the large intestine, or to examine the large intestine with an x-ray (barium enema).
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) - A blood test used to detect bacteria that can cause ulcers known as Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori).
epithelium - the cells or membrane covering the outside of organs.
Escherichia coli (Also known as E. coli.) - A bacteria that can cause infection of the large intestine. E. coli is found in rare or undercooked meat, and can also be spread by using dirty cooking utensils or through contaminated water.
esophageal atresia - during pregnancy, the baby's esophagus does not develop properly, and ends before reaching the stomach. Food cannot pass from the mouth into the stomach.
esophageal manometry - a test that measures the muscle tone in the esophagus.
esophageal pH monitoring - a test used to monitor the amount of acid in the esophagus, which helps evaluate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
esophageal stricture - a narrowing in the esophagus, often caused by irritation from long-term presence of acid in the esophagus with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) - a test using an endoscope to look at the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. Tissue samples can also be taken to test for diseases.
esophagus - the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
excrete - remove waste from the body.
F
failure to thrive - a condition that occurs when a baby does not gain weight and grow normally; caused by many factors, including disease or poor nutrition.
fats - one of three main types of foods, along with proteins and carbohydrates. Provides the body with a source of energy. Needs bile in order to be digested properly and utilized for energy.
fecal fat test - assesses how well the body can break down and absorb fat. A fat free diet is eaten for two to three days, and then stool samples are collected and examined for the amount of fat they contain.
fecal occult blood test - checks for occult (hidden) blood in a random stool sample.
fiber - fiber is an ingredient in edible plants that aids in digestion. Fiber helps keep the stool soft, and keeps it traveling easily through the intestine. Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains.
fistula - an abnormal connection between two organs, or between an organ and the outside of the body.
G
gallbladder - stores bile made by the liver; sends bile into the small intestine to help digest fats.
gas - air that collects in the stomach and intestines as a natural result of digesting food. Passed out of the body via the rectum or the mouth.
gastric - related to the stomach.
gastritis - inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
gastroenteritis - irritation or infection of the stomach and intestines. May be caused by bacteria or parasites, irritating food, stress, or emotional upset.
gastroenterologist - a physician whose specialty is digestive diseases.
gastroenterology - medical specialty that deals with the digestive system.
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - movement of food, fluids, and digestive juices from the stomach back up into the esophagus; causes irritation of the esophagus with acid, resulting in discomfort. GERD occurs when the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, opens when it should stay closed, or is weak.
gastrointestinal - relating to the digestive tract.
gastrointestinal tract (Also called the digestive tract.) - the parts of the body that break down food into small particles, allowing nutrients from food to be used for energy and growth: the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, and large intestine.
gastroparesis - muscle or nerve damage in the stomach, which causes slow digestion and stomach emptying.
gastrostomy - a surgically created opening in the stomach and the abdominal muscles. A tube is passed through these openings, into the stomach, to allow for feeding of a person who cannot eat normally.
GERD - gastroesophageal reflux disease.
giardia lamblia - a parasite found in spoiled food or unclean water that can cause diarrhea.
glucose - a simple sugar made by the body from carbohydrates in food. Glucose is the body's main source of energy.
gluten - a protein in grains such as wheat, oats, rye, and barley.
H
H2 blockers - Medications used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that decrease the amount of acid made by the stomach. The stomach lining has sites that react to a chemical normally found in the body called histamine. When histamine attaches to these sites, the stomach produces acid that aids in digestion of food. H2 blockers prevent the stomach from reacting to histamine, thereby decreasing stomach acid.
heartburn - a burning feeling in the chest or area just above the stomach, caused by acid moving up the esophagus from the stomach.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) - Bacteria found in the stomach that can damage the lining of the stomach and upper small intestine, leading to ulcer formation.
hepatic - relating to the liver.
hepatitis - inflammation of the liver that sometimes causes permanent damage; caused by viruses, drugs, alcohol, or parasites. Hepatitis has the fo