Glossary
Abdomen: The
large cavity between the chest and the pelvis containing the stomach, small
intestine, colon (large bowel), liver, gallbladder, and spleen.
Abdominoperineal resection: A
surgical procedure in which the end portion of the colon (sigmoid colon)
and the entire rectum and anus are removed. The end of the remaining colon
is brought to the surface of the body as a permanent colostomy
Abscess: A localized pocket
of pus.
Absorption: The process in
which food nutrients are taken from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream
for distribution to all cells in the body.
Adhesion: An internal growth
of scar tissue that may occur following abdominal surgery
Alcoholism: Chronic, excessive,
and compulsive drinking that interferes with social or economic functioning.
Alcoholism adversely affects the health of the alcoholic, particularly
in the nervous and gastrointestinal systems.
Amino acids: The basic building
blocks of proteins, made by all living cells. They are essential to life.
Anastomosis: The surgical
formation of a passageway between any two spaces or hollow organs in the
body.
Anemia: A condition in which
the number of red blood cells the amount of hemoglobin, or the volume of
packed red blood cells are less than normal.
Antacid: A medicine that
counteracts or neutralizes acids. usually in the stomach or duodenum.
Antidiarrheal drugs: Drugs
that help to control diarrhea.
Antispasmodic drugs: Drugs
that lessen the severity of intestinal muscle spasms (cramps).
Antrectomy: A surgical procedure
in which the portion of the stomach is removed that produces the hormones
that cause acid secretion.
Anus: The lower opening of
the digestive tract through which feces (bowel movements) are discharged.
Arteriography: A diagnostic
procedure used to detect disease in blood vessels or solid organs and to
diagnose and treat severe bleeding. A special dye injected into the blood
vessels allows them to be seen on x-ray.
Ascites: An accumulation
of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Autoimmunity: The condition
in which antibodies are produced against the body's own tissues.
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Barium: The main ingredient
of barium sulfate, given by mouth or rectum to patients undergoing one
or more of the tests in the barium studies. Barium sulfate outlines the
hollow organs of the digestive tract and makes them visible on x-ray
images and under the fluoroscope.
Barium enema: Lower gastrointestinal
(GI) series. A diagnostic procedure in which x-rays are taken after barium
sulfate is introduced into the patient by enema. The barium sulfate helps
to outline the colon and rectum so that they appear clearly on the x-rays.
Barium meal: Upper gastrointestinal
(Gl) series. A diagnostic procedure in which x-rays are taken after the
patient swallows barium sulfate. The barium sulfate helps to outline
the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum so that they appear dearly on the
x-rays.
Barrett's esophagus: A
change in the cell surface of the lower esophagus resulting from a long-term
irritation caused by the backwash of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.
Benign: Noncancerous, harmless.
Bernstein test: A diagnostic
procedure used to determine whether heartburn symptoms are caused by
acid coming up from the stomach and irritating the esophagus. The test
consists of dripping a rnild acid, resembling stomach acid, through a
tube that has been placed in the esophagus and waiting to see if discomfort
develops.
Bile: A complex fluid,
produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, that aids in the
digestion of fats and is used by the body to dispose of wastes that do
not dissolve in water.
Bile acids: Weak acids
(formed in the body from cholesterol) that are secreted by the liver
and act as detergents aiding in the digestion of fats.
Bile ducts: The system
of tubes that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and, when
needed, to the intestine.
Bilirubin: A yellow pigment
formed from hemoglobin when red blood cells are broken down. In jaundice,
there is an increased level of bilirubin in the blood and tissues. Jaundice
is most easily detected in the whites of the eyes.
Biopsy: A diagnostic procedure
in which a small piece of tissue is removed for examination under a microscope.
Bypass procedure: A surgical
procedure in which a detour is created from one part of the Gl tract
to another
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Carcinoma: A cancerous
growth that occurs in the tissues that cover the internal and external
surfaces of the body.
Cecum: A dilated pouch
that forms the first part of the large intestine and connects the colon
to the ileum.
Celiac sprue (celiac disease, gluten
intolerance, nontropical sprue, gluten sensitive enteropathy): An
inherited disorder in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged
when the affected individual eats wheat, rye, oats, or barley. Gluten,
a protein in these grains, is thought to be the offending agent.
Cholecystectomy: Surgical
removal of the gallbladder.
Cholecystitis: Inflammation
of the gallbladder.
Cholesterol: The most abundant
sterol in animal tissue, also abundant in bile and gallstones.
Chronic: Of long duration,
often years.
Chyme: The thick liquid
mixture of partly digested food and stomach juices that passes from the
stomach into the intestines.
Cimetidine (brand name Tagamet): A
drug used to control ulcer pain and to aid in the healing of pepticu
lcers by cutting down on the amount of acid the stomach secretes.
Cirrhosis: A chronic liver
condition characterized by the growth of fibrous scar tissue, liver cell
damage and regeneration, and distortion of liver structure. Cirrhosis
can lead to failure of the liver to perform some of its critically important
functions such as filtering out drugs and toxins, including alcohol,
from the blood.
Colitis: Inflammation of
the colon.
Collagen: The major protein
in connective tissue, for example, in cartilage and bone.
Colon: The part of the
large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum.
Colonoscope: A long, flexible,
narrow endoscope passed through the anus to look into the colon.
Colostomy: The surgical
procedure connecting an opening of the colon to a surgically created
hole on the body's surface.
Common bile duct obstruction: Blockage
of the tube that allows the bile to pass from the liver to the small
intestine
Computerized tomography (CT) scanning: A
diagnostic procedure in which the x-ray source rotates around the patient
so that an x-ray beam is sent through the patient from many different
angles. The x-rays are read by a computer, which constructs three-dirnensional
images of the body. CT is a painless procedure.
Congenital: Present at
the time of birth.
Constipation: Infrequent
and/or difficult passage of stools.
Crohn's disease (regional ententis,
ileitis): A chronic recurring inflammatory disease
that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract but most often
affects the ileum or colon.
Cystic duct obstruction: Blockage
of the tube that allows bile to flow from the gallbladder into the common
bile duct and on to the small intestine.
Cystic fibrosis (CF): An
inherited disease that affects the exocrine (outward secreting) glands,
which include mucous and sweat glands. CF affects the pancreas, causing
digestive problems, and respiratory system, causing difficulty in breathing
and susceptibility to respiratory infections. Its effect on sweat glands
can cause salt depletion in hot weather.
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Diagnostic imaging: The use of x-ray or ultrasound pictures
of the body organs to make diagnoses.
Diarrhea: A condition in
which bowel movements are passed more often than usual and in a more
or less liquid state.
Dietary fiber: The indigestible,
nonstarch material - such as hemicellulose, plant gums, pectins, celluloses-found
in the cell walls of plants. Dietary fiber is found in a wide variety
of plant foods, including whole grain breads and cereals, fresh fruits
and vegetables, and nuts. Because dietary fiber resists digestion in
the gastrointestinal tract, it accounts for a significant portion of
the solid matter in bowel movements.
Digestion: The process
of breaking down food into simpler chemical compounds that are capable
of being absorbed by the intestine.
Dilation: The condition
of being stretched out (distended) beyond normal size. Dilation is an
increase in the diameter of a segment of a hollow organ such as the intestine.
Distal: Farthest away from
the trunk, rnidline, heart, or other reference point.
Distention: A visible increase
in the waistline. Often occurring after meals.
Diverticula: Plural of
diverticulum.
Diverticulitis: A condition
in which diverticula become inflamed.
Diverticulosis: A condition
in which small sacs (diverticula) form in the wall of the colon. This
condition is common among older people.
Diverticulum: A small sac
that forms on the wall of a hollow organ (usually the colon). The plural
form is diverticula
Duodenum: The first part
of the small intestine.
Dyspepsia: Another name
for indigestion.
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Early satiety: Feeling full before completing a normal
sized meal. (The definition of "normal" varies with each individual.)
Edema: An accumulation
of too much fluid between cells, causing swelling of the involved area.
Edema is most often seen in the lower legs, feet, and around the eyes.
Endoscope: A small, flexible
tube-like instrument, with a light on the end of it and consisting of
thousands of tiny glass fibers, that allows a doctor to see into the
esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and colon. An endoscope also allows a doctor
to perform biopsies, take color photographs, and perform certain medical
procedures that would otherwise require surgery.
Endoscope papillotomy: After
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (see below) has been performed,
a catheter (tube) with a wire is placed into the bile duct draining into
the duodenum so that gallstones can be removed from the common bile duct.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A
diagnostic examination performed by a physician through an endoscope.
A catheter is placed through the endoscope into the opening where the
bile ducts and pancreas enter the duodenum and dye is injected. An x-ray
is taken during the injection to permit the doctor to see the system
of ducts.
Endoscopy: A procedure
in which an endoscope is used.
Enteritis: Inflammation
of the small intestine.
Enterostomal therapy (ET) nurse: A
nurse skilled in caring for and teaching ostomy patients.
Enzyme: A protein that
speeds up certain chemical processes. In the intestine, enzymes are needed
to break down many foods into simpler substances so that they can be
absorbed.
Esophagitis: Inflammation
of the esophagus.
Esophagus: The organ that
connects the mouth with the stomach.
Excrete: To discharge wastes
from the blood or body tissues.
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Failure to thrive: A condition
in which an infant does not develop or grow normally.
Familial polyposis: A rare,
inherited disease in which many growths (polyps) occur in the colon.
People who have this disease have an extremely high risk of developing
colon cancer.
Feces: Solid body wastes,
passed as bowel movements.
Fiber: The part of a plant
that is not digested. Fiber plays a role in controlling the consistency
of stool and the speed at which it is moved through the digestive system.
Fiber optics: A technology
that uses bundles of glass or plastic fibers to transmit light and/or
images; used widely in flexible viewing instruments such as an endoscope
to allow a doctor to see an organ.
Fissure: A deep crack.
Fistula: An abnormal hollow
connection between two internal organs or between an internal organ and
the outside of the body.
Flatulence: The passage
of gas through the rectum, a normal occurrence-but troublesome if the
frequency or volume is excessive or if the sound or odor is offensive.
Flatus: Gas that is passed
by the rectum.
Functional disorder: A
disorder in which there are no visible signs of disease, yet sometimes
the intestinal tract does not seem to function properly. Such a disorder
can cause discomfort but is not life threatening and never leads to serious
disease.
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Gallbladder: A sac located
beneath the liver that stores bile. The gallbladder can store about 1/2
pint of bile, which is emptied through the bile ducts to the duodenum
after food is eaten.
Gallstone disease (gallbladder disease): The
condition of having gallstones in the gallbladder or lodged in one of
the ducts leading to or from the gallbladder.
Gallstone: Solid masses
that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts. Stones are composed largely
of scholesterol and bilirubin in varied proportions.
Gastrectomy (partial): A
surgical procedure in which a portion of the stomach is removed.
Gastric: Located in the
stomach, as in "gastric ulcer"
Gastric juices: Liquids
produced in the stomach to aid digestion and kill bacteria.
Gastric mucosa: The inner
lining of the stomach.
Gastric resection: A surgical procedure in which part or
all of the stomach is removed.
Gastric ulcer: An open
sore on the lining of the stomach.
Gastritis: Inflammation
of the lining of the stomach .
Gastrocolic reflex: A mass
movement of the contents of the colon that causes the urge to have a
bowel movement 30 to 60 minutes after eating. The strength of the reflex
is directly related to the number of calories in a meal, especially the
amount of fat in a meal.
Gastroenteritis: Inflammation
of the lining of both the stomach and the intestine.
Gastroenterologist: A doctor
who specializes in treating diseases and disorders of the digestive system.
Gastroscopy: Visual inspection
of the stomach through a long, flexible tube with a light on the end
that is swallowed by the patient.
Gluten: A protein in cereal
grains. Wheat, rye, barley, and oats contain the gliadin subfraction
of gluten that is toxic to persons with celiac sprue.
Guaiac test (occult blood test): A
diagnostic test in which a tiny amount of the material to be tested (usually
feces) is rubbed on a slide. A chemical reaction is performed to assess
the presence or absence of blood, which may not be visible on direct
inspection of the specimen.
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Hemorrhoids: Dilation of
the veins in the anal area. The problems associated with hemorrhoids
occur when these veins become enlarged, prolapsed, or become plugged
or inflamed.
Hepatitis: A disease in
which the liver is inflamed. A virus infection usually is the cause of
hepatitis, although sometimes toxins or drugs are the cause.
Hepatitis B vaccine: A
newly developed preparation that is used to prevent virus B hepatitis
(formerly called serum hepatitis) by stimulating the body to develop
antibodies against the virus. The vaccine requires three injections to
be effective.
Hepatologist: A physician
who specializes in liver problems.
Hereditary: A term used
to describe conditions that are passed genetically from parents to children.
Hiatus hernia (hiatal hernia): A
condition in which part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm
into the chest cavity. Although usually symptomless - when symptoms do
occur they are usually due to a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
causing heartburn and not to the hiatal hernia itself. Hormones-Chemicals
formed in the body that help regulate body functions, including growth,
metabolism, and reproduction. They are produced by cells in one part
of the body and carried in the bloodstream to other cells where they
exert their effects.
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Ileoanal anastomosis: A
surgical procedure in which the entire colon together with the diseased
inner lining of the rectum is removed, leaving the outer muscle coats
of the rectum intact. The end of the ileum is tunneled through the remaining
rectum and joined to the anus. Because the rectal muscles and anal valve
are left intact, stools can be passed normally.
Ileocolitis: Inflammation
of the ileum and colon.
Ileostomy: The surgical
creation of an opening from the ileum to the surface of the body.
Ileum: The lowest part
or end of the small intestine.
Impaction: A hardened mass
of stool difficult to pass from the body.
Indigestion: A term used
to indicate any disruption in the digestive process. Symptoms commonly
include heartburn, nausea, bloating, and gas. Doctors often call it dyspepsia.
Infectious diarrhea (traveler's
diarrhea): A diarrheal illness caused by an infectious
agent: bacterial, viral, or protozoan.
Inflammation: A condition
in which the body is trying to respond to localized injury or destruction
of tissues. All or some of' these signs are present: redness, heat, swelling
pain, and loss of function.
Inflammatory bowel disease: A
name for a group of disorders in which various parts of the intestinal
tract are inflamed. The most common disorders are ulcerative colitis
and Crohn's disease.
Intestinal flora: The name
for the bacteria, yeasts, and fungi that normally grow in the intestinal
tract.
Intestinal mucosa (intestinal lining): The
surface lining of the intestines in which the process of absorption occurs.
Intravenous feeding: A
procedure in which necessary fluids, salts, and nutrients are supplied
to the body by way of the veins.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS, spastic
colon, mucous colitis): A common functional disorder
characterized by gas, abdominal pain, and by diarrhea or constipation
or alternately by both.
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Jaundice: A condition in
which the skin and eyes turn yellow because of increased levels of bilirubin
in the blood. This happens whenever the flow of bile from the liver to
the gallbladder is blocked, when the liver is severely diseased, or when
too much bilirubin is produced bv excessive red blood cell destruction.
Jejunum: The section of
the small intestine between the duodenum and ileum.
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Lactase: An intestinal
enzyme that is needed to digest lactose.
Lactose: A complex sugar
found in milk and milk products (also the principal sugar found in these
products). Lactose must be broken down into the simple sugars galactose
and glucose to be absorbed.
Lactose intolerance: A
common condition in which a person does not produce enough lactase to
digest the lactose in milk or milk products. It is commonly associated
with abdominal cramping and diarrhea after drinking milk or eating dairy
products. This problem is present in over 80 percent of nonwhite adults.
Laparoscope: An endoscope
that is used to examine the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity and the surface
the organs it contains.
Laparoscopy: Examination
of the interior of the abdominal cavity by a lighted tube.
Large intestin: The part
of the intestinal tract that extends from the ileum to the anus. The
large intestine is divided into the appendix, cecum, colon (ascending,
transverse, descending, and sigmoid), rectum, and anus.
Lateral: To the right or
left of the middle line of the body or other reference point.
Lesion: A wound or injury.
Lower esophageal sphincter (LES): Muscle
fibers near the junction of the esophagus and the stomach. which are
designated to function as a one-way valve. Normally the LES relaxes with
swallowing to allow food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach, but
stays tight the rest of the time to prevent the backflow of stomach contents
into the esophagus.
Lumen: A cavity or channel
within a tube or tubular organ. In the intestine, it is the channel through
which unabsorbed food, secretions, and wastes flow.
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Malabsorption: A condition
in which the intestine has a less than normal ability to digest or absorb
foodstuffs, which reduces the nutrients a person receives. Unabsorbed
food may cause diarrhea and gas.
Malignant: Cancerous
Megavitamin: A vitamin
dosage that far exceeds the amount needed for normal maintenance of life.
Megavitamin dosages may be dangerous and/or toxic.
Metabolism: All the chemical
reactions occurring within a living cell.
Metabolites: The products
of chemical reactions within body cells.
Metastasis: The spread
of disease from its original site to another part of the body.
Motility: The ability to
move; in this case, all movements of the intestines.
Mutual help group: A small
group of people having the same problem(s) who gather on a regular basis
to share information, experiences, fears, and tips on coping, and who
provide each other with emotional support.
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Nocturnal pain: Pain that
occurs during the night.
Noninvasive: A
term used to describe procedures that do not require any injection into or
surgical penetration of the body.
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Obstruction: Blockage or
clogging of a vessel, duct, etc., that prevents liquids or solids from
flowing through the area and results in a buildup of pressure above the
obstruction.
Occult bleeding (hidden bleeding): Bleeding
that is not visible on gross inspection.
Ostomy: A surgical procedure
in which a new body opening is created. Usually refers to an opening in
the abdomen for the discharge of stool or urine.
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Pancreas: A gland, located
next to the duodenum and behind the stomach, that produces the most important
juices to digest food.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation
of the pancreas.
Pectins: A kind of dietary
fiber. Pectins are chemicals related to carbohydrates and are found in
fruits and vegetables. The most common characteristic of pectins is that
they jell at room temperature when sugar is added.
Pepsin: An enzyme produced
in the stomach that breaks down protein into simpler molecules.
Peptic ulcer: An open sore
on the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. An ulcer in the stomach
is called a gastric ulcer: an ulcer in the duodenum, a duodenal ulcer.
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography: A
diagnostic test in which an x-ray is taken of the gallbladder and bile
ducts after a needle has been passed through the skin, ribs, and liver
so that dye can be injected into the liver's duct network.
Perforated ulcer: An ulcer
that has extended through the full thickness of the wall of the stomach
or the duodenum, allowing stomach juice to leak into the peritoneal cavity.
Perforation: An abnormal
hole in the wall of a hollow organ.
Perineal: Relating to the
perineum.
Perineum: The area between
the thighs, extending from the anus to the external genitals.
Peristalsis: Progressive
wavelike muscular contractions that move materials through the upper GI
tract
Peritoneum: The lining of
the abdominal cavity.
Peritonitis: Inflarnmation
of the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneums usually due to intestinal
perforation.
Polyposis: The presence of
several polyps.
Polyps: Any mass of tissue
that protrudes from the mucous lining of an organ such as the intestine.
Proctitis: Inflammation of
the rectum lining.
Proctologist: A doctor who
specializes in treating disorders of the anus and rectum.
Proctoscope: A short, rigid
metal tube that can be inserted into the rectum and anus, permitting an
internal examination of these organs.
Prognosis: The prediction
of what is likely to happen in a disease; a forecast of the outcome of
a disease.
Prolapse: The falling down
or slipping of a body part from its usual position.
Proximal: Nex to or nearest
to a point of reference.
Pylorus: The opening from
the stomach into the duodenum.
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Ranitidine: A drug used to
control ulcer pain and to aid in the healing of peptic ulcers by cutting
down on the amount of acid the stomach secretes
Rectum: The extreme lower
end of the large intestine leading to the anus.
Rectus muscles: The two abdominal
muscles that run from the lower ribs to the pelvis on either side of the
midline and are responsible for maintaining abdominal "tone"
Reflux: A backward flow:
regurgitation.
Reflux esophagitis: Inflammation
of the esophagus because of the backwash of stomach contents into the esophagus.
Regurgitation: The backward
flow of gas, gastric juice, or small amounts of food from the stomach to
the mouth.
Resection: A surgical procedure
in which something is removed. Whatever is removed is said to have been
resected.
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Sigmoidoscope: A rigid or
flexible endoscope used to look into the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon.
Silent gallstones: Gallstones
that cause no symptoms and are discovered by x-ray, ultrasound, or during
surgery.
Small bowel enema (enteroclysis
study): A diagnostic procedure in which a tiny
tube is passed through the nose or mouth and placed in the upper part of
the small intestine. A small amount of barium liquid is injected through
the tube and observed on a fluoroscope as it passes through the small intestine.
Small bowel follow - through: A
diagnostic procedure in which x-rays are taken of the small intestine as
the barium liquid passes through it.
Small intestine: The largest
part of the digestive tube that connects the stomach to the large intestine.
The small intestine is divided into the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum and
is the site where most of the digestion and food absorption occurs.
Sphincter: A ringlike band
of muscle that constricts a passage or closes a natural body opening.
Splenic flexure syndrome: Gaseous
distention in the left, upper portion of the colon leading to left, upper
abdominal discomfort, which may radiate to the left chest and be confused
with heart disease.
Steatorrhea: A condition
in which there is too much fat in the stool, usually leading to loose,
greasy, and odorous stools.
Stenosis: The pathologic
narrowing of a body opening, a hollow tube, or the digestive tract.
Stoma: An artificial opening.
For example, an opening in the abdominal wall created by surgery.
Stomach: The large, irregularly
shaped sac that is found between the esophagus and the small intestine.
Stool: Feces; the waste matter
discharged from the anus.
Stricture: A narrowing of
a hollow tube.
Sucralfate: A drug that forms
a protective coating around the base of an ulcer.
Sulfasalazine: A medication
combining a sulfa component with a drug in the aspirin family. Sulfasalazine
is used to treat mild to moderate attacks of inflammatory bowel disease
and also to maintain a state of remission between attacks. The drug is
thought to be more effective when the disease is in the colon than in the
ileum
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Total parenteral nutrition (TPN): The
intravenous infusion of all nutrients through a catheter placed in a large
vein near the collar bone. TPN is used to ensure that severely ill or malnourished
patients receive adequate nutrition, to rest the bowel, or to prepare poorly
nourished patients for surgery.
Toxin: A substance that has
harmful effects on the body.
Tropical sprue: A condition
of unknown cause in which abnormalities of the intestinal lining interfere
with the normal absorption of food. This leads to excess fat in the stool.
It is also characterized by anemia
Tumor: A swelling or enlargement
of body tissue that performs no useful function. It can be either harmless
(benign) or cancerous (malignant).
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Ulcer: An open sore on the
skin surface or on a mucous surface such as the lining of the stomach.
Ulcerative colitis: A chronic
inflammatory disease of the large intestine (colon) lining.
Ultrasound (ultrasonic imaging,
echoscanning, ultrasonography): A diagnostic test
in which sound pulses are sent into the body. The returning echoes are
collected and a picture is produced from them. Ultrasound uses the same
technology as sonar.
Upper GI series (barium meal): A
diagnostic procedure in which x-rays are taken after the patient swallows
a liquid containing barium. The barium liquid helps to outline the esophagus,
stomach, and duodenum so that they show us dearly on x-ray.
Ursodeoxycholic acid: A drug,
similar to chenodeoxycholic acid, that is being tested for safety and effectiveness
in dissolving gallstones.
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Vagotomy: A surgical procedure
in which the nerves to the stomach are severed.
Vagus nerve: The nerves to
the stomach that play a role in the production of stomach acid.
Varices: Abnormally dilated
(stretched) veins.
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Wilson's disease: An inherited
disorder in which increased copper can be found in the liver. The disorder
can lead to progressive destruction of the liver and cirrhosis and also
can have effects on the central nervous system.
