| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Appendix | A coiled tube attached to the cecum measuring about 3 inches in length |
| Appendicitis | Inflammation of the appendix due to an obstruction by chyme, stenosis, inflammation, carcinoma of the cecum, or kinking of the organ; characterized by high fever, elevated WBC count, and neurtrophil count higher than 75% |
| Colon | A long tube that opens from the cecum and is divided into an ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid portion |
| Rectum | The last 8 inches of the GI tract in front of the sacrum and coccyx |
| Anal canal | The terminal (1 inch) of the rectum |
| Anus | The opening of the anal canal to the exterior of the body |
| Haustral churning | In this process, the haustra remain remain relaxed and become distended while they fill up; once distension reaches a certain point, the wall contract and squeeze the contents into the next haustrum |
| Peristalsis | Occurs in the large instestine, although at a slower rate (3-12 contractions per minute) than more proximal portions of the tract |
| Mass peristalsis | A final type of movement characterized by a strong peristalic wave that begins at about the middle of the transverse colon, and quickly drives the contents into the rectum; initiated by food in the stomach |
| Feces | A result of chyme remaining in the large intestine for 3-10 hours where water has been absorbed until it reaches a solid form |
| Defecation reflex | A result of distension of the rectal wall from mass peristalic movement of material into the colon that causes stretch receptors to empty the rectum |
| Diarrhea | Increase in frequency, volume, and fluid content of feces caused by increased motility of and decreased absorption by the intestines |
| Constipation | Infrequent or difficult defecation caused by decreased motility of the intestines |
Combine with other sets
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