1.
abdominal computed tomography (CT): a radiographic procedure that produces a detailed cross-section of the tissue structure within the abdomen
2.
abdominal ultrasound: a noninvasive test used to visualize internal organs by using very high frequency sound waves
3.
absorption: the process by which completely digested nutrients are transported to the cells throughout the body
4.
acid reducers: decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach
5.
acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG): caused by the abnormal growth of bacteria in the mouth
6.
aerophagia: the excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking, and is a common cause of gas in the stomach
7.
amebic dysentery: an intestinal disorder caused by a parasite
8.
anabolism: the building up of body cells and substances from nutrients
9.
anal fissure: a small crack-like sore in the skin of the anus that cau cause severe pain during a bowel movement
10.
anastomosis: a surgical connection between two hollow or tubular structures
11.
anorexia: the loss of appetite for food, especially when caused by disease
12.
anorexia nervosa: an eating disorder characterized by a false perception of body appearance
13.
anoscoopy: the visual examination of the anal canal and lower rectum
14.
antacids: neutralize the acids in the stomach
15.
antiemetic: a medication that is administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting
16.
anus: the lower opening of the digestive tract
17.
aphthous ulcers: grey-white pits with a red border in the soft tissues lining the mouth; also known as canker sores or mouth ulcers
18.
ascending colon: travels upward from the cecum to the undersurface of the liver
19.
ascites: an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity
20.
bariatric surgery: performed to treat morbid obesity to restricting the amount of food that can enter the stomach and be digested
21.
bariatrics: the branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of obesity and associated diseases
22.
bile: a digestive juice secreted by the liver
23.
biliary tree: provides the channels through which bile is transported from the liver to the small intestine
24.
bilirubin: the pigment produced from the destruction of hemoglobin
25.
body mass index (BMI): a number that shows body weight adjusted for height
26.
bolus: a mass of food that has been chewed and is ready to be swallowed
27.
borborygmus: the rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine
28.
botulism: food poisoning characterized by paralysis and often death; caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum
29.
bowel incontinence: the inability to control the excretion of feces
30.
bruxism: the involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth that usually occurs during sleep and is associated with tension or stress
31.
bulimia nervosa: an eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting
32.
cachexia: a condition of physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass that occurs in patients with diseases such as advanced cancer or AIDS
33.
capsule endoscopy: a tiny video camera in a capsule that the patient swallows
34.
catabolism: the breaking down of body cells or substances, releasing energy and carbon dioxide
35.
cecum: a pouch that lies on the right side of the abdomen
36.
cheilosis: a disorder of the lips characterized by crack-like sores at the corners of the mouth
37.
cholangiography: a radiographic examination of the bile ducts with the use of a contrast medium
38.
cholangitis: an acute infection of the bile duct
39.
cholecystalgia: pain in the gallbladder
40.
cholecystectomy: the surgical removal of the gallbladder
41.
cholecystic: pertaining to the gallbladder
42.
cholecystitis: inflammation of the gallbladder; usually associated with gallstones
43.
choledocholithotomy: an incision into the common bile duct for the removal of gallstones
44.
cholelithiasis: the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts
45.
cholera: severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera
46.
chyme: the semifluid mass of partly digested food that passes out of the stomach, through the pyloric sphincter, and into the small intestine
47.
cirrhosis: a progressive degenerative disease of the liver
48.
cleft lip: a birth defect in which there is a deep groove of the lip running upward to the nose as a result of the failure of this portion of the lip to close during prenatal development
49.
cleft palate: the failure of the palate to close during the early development of the fetus
50.
colectomy: the surgical removal of all, or part of, the colon
51.
colon: the longest portion of the large intestine
52.
colonoscopy: the direct visual examination of the inner surface of the entire colon from the rectum to the cecum
53.
colorectal carcinoma: colon cancer
54.
colostomy: the surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the colon and the body surface
55.
constipation: having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week
56.
Crohn's disease: a chronic autoimmune disorder that is most often found in the ileum and in the colon
57.
defecation: the evacuation or emptying of the large intestine
58.
dehydration: a condition in which fluid loss exceeds fluid intake and disrupts the body's normal electrolyte balance
59.
dental calculus: dental plaque that has calcified (hardened) on the teeth
60.
dental caries: an infectious disease caused by bacteria that destroy the enamel and dentin of the tooth; also known as tooth decay or a cavity
61.
dental plaque: forms as soft deposits in sheltered areas near the gums and between the teeth
62.
dental prophylaxis: the professional cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque and calculus
63.
dentist: specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of teeth and tissues of the oral cavity
64.
dentition: refers to the natural teeth arranged in the upper and lower jaws
65.
descending colon: travels down the left side of the abdominal cavity to the sigmoid colon
66.
diarrhea: an abnormal frequent flow of loose or watery stools that can lead to dehydration
67.
digestion: the process by which complex foods are broken down into nutrients in a form the body can use
68.
diverticulectomy: the surgical removal of a diverticulum
69.
diverticulitis: the inflammation of one or more diverticula in the colon
70.
diverticulosis: the presence of a number of diverticula in the colon
71.
duodenum: the first portion of the small intestine; extends from the pylorus to the jejunum
72.
dyspepsia: pain or discomfort in digestion; also known as indigestion
73.
dysphagia: difficulty in swallowing
74.
edentulous: without teeth
75.
emesis: the reflex ejection of the stomach contents through the mouth; also known as vomiting
76.
endoscope: an instrument used for visual examination of internal structures
77.
enema: the placement of a solution into the rectum and colon to empty the lower intestine through bowel activity
78.
enteritis: an inflammation of the small intestine caused by eating or drinking substances contaminated with viral and bacterial pathogens
79.
epiglottis: a lid-like structure that closes off the entrance to the trachea (windpipe) to prevent food and liquids from moving from the pharynx during swallowing
80.
eructation: the act of belching or raising gas orally from the stomach
81.
esophageal varices: enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus
82.
esophagogastroduodenoscopy: an endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum
83.
esophagus: the muscular tube through which ingested food passes from the pharynx to the stomach
84.
feces: solid body wastes expelled through the rectum and anus
85.
flatulence: the passage of gas out of the body through the rectum
86.
gallbladder: a pear-shaped organ about the size of an egg located under the liver
87.
gallstone: a hard deposit formed in the gallbladder and bile ducts due to the concretion of bile components
88.
gastrectomy: the surgical removal of all or part of the stomach
89.
gastritis: a common inflammation of the stomach lining
90.
gastroduodenostomy: the removal of the pylorus of the stomach and the establishment of an anastomosis between the upper portion of the stomach and the duodenum
91.
gastroenteritis: an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestines
92.
gastroenterologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the stomach and intestines
93.
gastroesophageal reflux disease: the upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus
94.
gastrointestinal tract: the structures of the digestive system
95.
gastrorrhea: the excessive secretion of gastric juice or mucous in the stomach
96.
gastrostomy tube: a surgically placed feeding tube from the exterior of the body into the stomach
97.
gingiva: the specialized mucous membrane that surrounds the teeth, covers the bone of the dental arches, and lines the cheeks; also known as the gums
98.
gingivectomy: the surgical removal or diseased gingival tissue
99.
gingivitis: the earliest stage of periodontal disease, and the inflammation affects only the gums
100.
halitosis: an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth that can be caused by dental diseases or respiratory or gastric disorders; also known as bad breath
101.
hard palate: the bony anterior portion of the palate that is covered with specialized mucous membrane
102.
hematemesis: vomiting blood
103.
hemoccult test: a lab test for hidden blood in the stools
104.
hemorrhoidectomy: the surgical removal of hemorrhoids
105.
hemorrhoids: occur when a cluster of veins, muscles, and tissues slip near or through the anal opening
106.
hepatectomy: the surgical removal of all or part of the liver
107.
hepatitis: an inflammation of the liver
108.
hepatomegaly: the abnormal enlargement of the liver
109.
hepatorrhaphy: surgical suturing of the liver
110.
herpes labialis: blister-like sores on the lips and adjacent facial tissue that are caused by the oral herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1); also known as cold sores or fever blisters
111.
hiatal hernia: a condition in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest, through an opening in the diaphragm
112.
hyperemesis: extreme, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration
113.
ileectomy: the surgical removal of the ileum
114.
ileocecal sphincter: the ring-like muscle that controls the flow from the ileum of the small intestine into the cecum of the large intestine
115.
ileostomy: the surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the ileum, at the end of the small intestine, and the outside of the abdominal wall
116.
ileum: the last and longest portion of the small intestine; extends from the jejunum to the cecum of the large intestine
117.
ileus: the partial or complete blockage of the small and/or large intestine
118.
inflammatory bowel disease: the general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines
119.
inguinal hernia: the protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall or groin
120.
internist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the internal organs and related body systems
121.
intestinal obstruction: the partial or complete blockage of the small and/or large intesting caused by a physical obstruction
122.
intussusceptions: the telescoping of one part of the small intestine into the opening of an immediately adjacent part
123.
irritable bowel syndrome: a common condition of unknown cause with symptoms that can include intermittent cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea
124.
jaundice: a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and the eyes
125.
jejunum: the middle portion of the small intestine; extends from the duodenum to the ileum
126.
large intestine: extends from the small end of the small intestine to the anus
127.
laxatives: medications or foods given to stimulate bowel movements
128.
lips: form the opening to the oral cavity
129.
liver: a large organ located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen
130.
liver transplant: an option for a patient whose liver has failed for a reason other than liver cancer
131.
lower esophageal sphincter: a muscular ring that controls the flow between the esophagus and stomach
132.
malabsorption: a condition in which the small intestine cannot absorb nutrients from food that passes through it
133.
malnutrition: a lack of proper food or nutrients in the body due to a shortage of food, poor eating habits, or the inability of the body to digest, absorb, and distribute these nutrients
134.
malocclusion: any deviation from the normal positioning of the upper teeth against the lower teeth
135.
mastication: chewing; breaks food down into smaller pieces, mixes it with saliva, and prepares it to be swallowed
136.
maxillofacial surgery: specialized surgery of the face and jaws to correct deformities, treat diseases, and repair injuries
137.
melena: the passage of black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools
138.
metabolism: includes all of the processes involved in the body's use of nutrients
139.
morbid obesity: the condition of weighing two to three times, or more, than the ideal weight; also known as clinically severe obesity
140.
nasogastric intubation: the placementof a feeding tube through the nose and into the stomach
141.
nausea: the urge to vomit
142.
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: describes a range of conditions characterized by an accumulation of fat within the liver that affect people who drink little or no alcohol
143.
nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): consists of fatty accumulations plus liver-damaging inflammation
144.
obesity: an excessive accumulation of fat in the body
145.
occlusion: describes any contact between the chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth
146.
oral cavity: contains the lips, hard and soft palates, salivary glands, tongue, teeth, and the periodontium
147.
oral rehydration therapy (ORT): a treatment in which a solution of electrolytes is administered in a liquid preparation to counteract the dehydration that can accompany severe diarrhea
148.
oral thrush: develops when the fungus Candida albicans grows out of control
149.
orthodontist: a dental specialist who prevents or corrects malocclusion of the teeth and related facial structures
150.
ostomy: a surgical procedure to create an articial opening between an organ and the body surface
151.
palate: forms the roof of the mouth
152.
palatoplasty: surgical repair of a cleft lip and/or palate
153.
pancreas: a soft, 6 inch long oblong gland that is located behind the stomach
154.
papillae: small bumps found on the upper surface of the tongue
155.
peptic ulcers: sores that affect the mucous membranes of the digestive system
156.
periodontal disease: an inflammation of the tissues that surround and support the teeth
157.
periodontist: a dental specialist who prevents or treats disorders of the tissues surrounding the teeth
158.
periodontium: consists of the bone and soft tissues that surround and support the teeth
159.
peristalsis: a series of wave-like contractions of the smooth muscles in a single direction
160.
permanent dentition: consists of 32 teeth that are designed to last a lifetime
161.
pharynx: the common passageway for both respiration and digestion
162.
pica: an abnormal craving or appetite for nonfood substances, such as dirt, paint, or clay that lasts for at least 1 month
163.
primary dentition: consists of 20 teeth that are normally lost during childhood and are replaced by the permanent teeth
164.
proctectomy: the surgical removal of the rectum
165.
proctologist: a physician who specializes in disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus
166.
proctopexy: the surgical fixation of a prolapsed rectum to an adjacent tissue or organ
167.
proctoplasty: the surgical repair of the rectum
168.
pyloric sphincter: the ring-like muscle that controls the flow from the stomach to the duodenum of the small intestine
169.
pylorus: the narrow passage that connects the stomach with the small intestine
170.
pyrosis: the burning sensation caused by the return of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus; also known as heartburn
171.
rectum: the widest division of the large intestine
172.
regurgitation: the return of swallowed food into the mouth
173.
rugae: the folds in the mucosa lining the stomach
174.
saliva: a colorless liquid that moistens the mouth, begins the digestive process, and lubricates food during chewing and swallowing
175.
salivary glands: secrete saliva that is carried by ducts into the mouth
176.
salmonellosis: an infectious disease of the intestines that is transmitted by food contaminated with feces
177.
sigmoid colon: an S-shaped structure that continues from the descending colon above and joins with the rectum below
178.
sigmoidoscopy: the endoscopic examination of the interior of the rectum, sigmoid colon, and possibly a portion of the descending colon
179.
small intestine: a coiled organ up to 20 feet in length that extends from the pyloric sphincter to the first part of the large intestine
180.
soft palate: the flexible posterior portion of the palate
181.
steatosis: characterized by accumulations of fat within the liver that usually does not cause liver damage
182.
stomach: a sac-like organ composed of the fundus, body, and antrum
183.
stomatomycosis: any disease of the mouth due to a fungus
184.
stomatoplasty: the surgical repair of the mouth
185.
stomatorrhagia: bleeding from any part of the mouth
186.
stool samples: specimens of feces that are examined for content and characteristics
187.
strangulated hernia: occurs when a portion of the intestine is constricted inside the hernia and its blood supply is cut off
188.
temporomandibular disorder: part of the group of complex symptoms that include pain, headache, or difficulty in chewing athat are related to the functioning of the temporomandibular joint
189.
temporomandibular joint (TMJ): formed at the back of the mouth where the maxillary and mandibular arches come together
190.
total parenteral nutrition: administered to patients who cannot, or should not, get their nutrition through eating
191.
transverse colon: passes horizontally from right to left toward the spleen
192.
trismus: any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer
193.
ulcerative colitis: a chronic condition of unknown cause in which repeated episodes of inflammation in the rectum and large intestine cause ulcers and irritation
194.
upper and lower GI series: radiographic studies to examine the digestive system
195.
uvula: hangs from the free edge of the soft palate
196.
vermiform appendix: hangs from the lower portion of the cecum
197.
villi: finger-like projections that cover the mucosa that lines the small intestine
198.
volvulus: the twisting of the intestine on itself that causes an obstruction
199.
xerostomia: the lack of adequate saliva due to diminished secretions by the salivary glands; also known as dry mouth
