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abdomen - area between the chest and the hips that contains the
stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen.
absorption - the way nutrients from food move from the small intestine
into the cells in the body.
accessory digestive organs - organs that help with digestion but are
not part of the digestive tract. These organs include the tongue, pancreas, liver,
gallbladder, and glands in the mouth that
make saliva.
acute - severe; sharp; beings sharply.
anemia - blood disorder caused by a deficiency of red
blood cells or hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells).
angiography - x-ray that uses dye to detect bleeding in the
gastrointestinal tract.
ascites - fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity which
is usually caused by severe liver diseases, such as cirrhosis.
atresia - lack of a normal opening from the esophagus, intestines, or
the anus.
autoimmune hepatitis - liver disease caused when the body's immune
system destroys liver cells for no known reason.
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bile - fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile
helps break down fats and gets rid of wastes in the body.
bile acids - acids made by the liver that work with bile to break down
fats.
bile ducts - tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder
for storage and to the small intestine for use in digestion.
biliary atresia - condition present from birth in which the bile ducts
inside or outside the liver do not have normal openings. Bile becomes trapped in the
liver, causing jaundice and cirrhosis. Without surgery, the condition may cause death.
biliary stricture - narrowing of the biliary tract from scar tissue.
The scar tissue may result from injury, disease, pancreatitis, infection, or gallstones.
biliary tract (Also called biliary
system or biliary tree.) - gallbladder and the bile ducts.
bilirubin - a yellow-green color substance formed when hemoglobin breaks down. Bilirubin
gives bile its color. Bilirubin is normally passed in stool. Too much bilirubin causes
jaundice.
bloating - fullness or swelling in the abdomen that often occurs after
meals.
Budd-Chiari syndrome - Rare liver disease in which the veins that
drain blood from the liver are blocked or narrowed.
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calculi - stones or solid lumps such as gallstones.
catheter - thin, flexible tube that carries fluids into or out of the
body.
cholangiography - a
procedure in which dye (contrast) is deposited and
the bile duct structures can be viewed by x-ray.
cholangitis - irritated or infected bile ducts.
cholecystectomy - operation to remove the gallbladder.
cholecystitis - irritated gallbladder.
cholecystography (Also called oral cholecystography or gallbladder
series.) - a series of x-rays are taken of the gallbladder after a
special contrast dye is swallowed, making it possible to detect
gallstones, cholecystitis, and other abnormalities.
choledocholithiasis - gallstones in the bile ducts.
cholelithiasis - gallstones in the gallbladder.
cholestasis - blocked bile ducts often caused by gallstones.
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, such as biliary atresia and
alcoholism.
common bile duct - tube that carries bile from the liver to the small
intestine.
common bile duct obstruction - blockage of the common bile duct, often
caused by gallstones.
computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) - a diagnostic imaging
procedure using 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.
cystic duct - tube that carries bile from the gallbladder into the
common bile duct and the small intestine.
cystic duct obstruction - blockage of the cystic duct, often caused by
gallstones.
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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 - bloating or swelling; usually referring to
the abdomen.
duodenum - the first section of the small intestine.
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endoscope - small, flexible tube with a light and a lens on the end
used to look into the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, or rectum. It can also be used
to take tissue from the body for testing or to take color photographs of the inside of the
body. Colonoscopes and sigmoidoscopes are types of endoscopes.
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) -
a procedure that allows the physician to diagnose and treat problems in the
liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. The procedure combines x-ray
and the use of an endoscope - a long, flexible, lighted tube. The scope is
guided through the patient's mouth and throat, then through the esophagus,
stomach, and duodenum. The physician can examine the inside of these organs
and detect any abnormalities. A tube is then passed through the scope, and a
dye is injected which will allow the internal organs to appear on an x-ray.
endoscopic sphincterotomy - operation to cut the muscle between the
common bile duct and the pancreatic duct. Also called endoscopic papillotomy.
endoscopy - procedure that uses an endoscope to diagnose or treat
a condition.
enteral nutrition (Also called tube feeding.) - a way to provide food through a tube placed in the
nose, the stomach, or the small intestine. A tube in the nose is called a nasogastric or
nasoantral tube. A tube that goes through the skin into the stomach is called a
gastrostomy or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). A tube into the small intestine
is called a jejunostomy or percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ) tube.
esophageal varices - stretched veins in the esophagus that occur when
the liver is not working properly.
esophagogastroduodenoscopy (Also called EGD or upper endoscopy.) - a procedure that allows the physician to examine the inside of the
esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A thin, flexible, lighted tube, called an
endoscope, is guided into the mouth and throat, then into the esophagus,
stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope allows the physician to view the inside
of this area of the body, as well as to insert instruments through a scope
for the removal of a sample of tissue for biopsy (if necessary).
esophagus - organ that connects the mouth to the stomach.
excrete - to get rid of waste from the body.
extrahepatic biliary tree - bile ducts located outside the liver.
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fatty liver (Also called steatosis.) - buildup of fat in liver cells.
fecal fat test - test to measure the body's ability to break down and
absorb fat.
fibrosis - the growth of scar tissue due to infection, inflammation,
injury, or even healing.
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gallbladder - organ that stores the bile made in the
liver and sends bile into the small intestine to help digest fat.
gallstones - solid masses or stones made of cholesterol or bilirubin
that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
gastrectomy - operation in which part (subtotal or partial) or all
(total) of the stomach is removed.
gastritis - inflammation of the stomach lining.
gastroenteritis - infection or irritation of the stomach and
intestines, which may be caused by bacteria or parasites from spoiled food or unclean
water, or eating food that irritates the stomach lining and emotional upsets such as
anger, fear, or stress.
gastroenterologist - physician who specializes in digestive diseases.
glucagon - a hormone produced by the pancreas.
glycogen - converted glucose for storage. Glycogen plays a role
in controlling blood sugar levels.
glucose - a simple sugar, which is the body's main source of
energy.
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hepatic - related to the liver.
hepatitis - inflammation of the liver that sometimes causes
permanent damage; caused by viruses, drugs, alcohol, or parasites.
Hepatitis has the following forms:
hepatitis A - a form of infectious hepatitis caused by the
hepatitis A virus. The virus may be spread by fecal-oral contact,
fecal-infected food or water, and may also be spread by a blood-borne
infection (which is rare).
hepatitis B - a form of infectious hepatitis caused by the
hepatitis B virus. Transmission of the hepatitis B virus occurs
through blood and body fluid exposure such as blood, semen, vaginal
secretions, or saliva.
hepatitis C - a form of infectious hepatitis caused by the
hepatitis C virus. Transmission of the hepatitis C virus occurs
primarily from contact with infected blood, but can also occur from
sexual contact or from an infected mother to her baby.
hepatitis D - a form of infectious hepatitis caused by the
hepatitis (Delta) virus. This form of hepatitis can only occur in the
presence of hepatitis B. Transmission of hepatitis D occurs the same
way as hepatitis B.
hepatitis E - a form of infectious hepatitis caused by the
hepatitis E virus. This form of hepatitis is similar to hepatitis A.
Transmission occurs through fecal-oral contamination. Hepatitis E is
most common in poorly developed countries and is rarely seen in the
US.
hepatitis G - the newest form of infectious hepatitis.
Transmission is believed to occur through blood and is seen in IV drug
users, individuals with clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, and
individuals who require hemodialysis for renal failure.
hepatobiliary scintigraphy - an imaging technique of the liver,
bile ducts, gallbladder, and upper part of the small intestine.
hepatologist - physician who specializes in liver diseases.
hepatology - field of medicine concerned with the functions and
disorders of the liver.
hormones - chemical substances created by the body that
control numerous body functions.
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ileal - related to the ileum, the lowest end of the small intestine.
ileum - lower end of the small intestine.
insulin - a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin affects the
amount of glucose absorbed by the liver.
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jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes that is caused
by too much bilirubin in the blood.
jejunum - middle section of the small intestine between the duodenum
and ileum.
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laparoscopy - use of a viewing tube with a lens or camera (and a
light on the end), which is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen
to examine the contents of the abdomen and remove tissue samples.
laparotomy - a surgical incision into a cavity in the
abdomen, usually performed using general or regional anesthesia.
large intestine - part of the intestine that goes from the cecum to
the rectum.
liver - largest organ in the body, which carries out many important
functions, such as making bile, changing food into energy, and cleaning alcohol and
poisons from the blood.
liver biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples from the liver are removed
(with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a
microscope.
liver enzyme tests (Also called liver function tests.)
- blood tests to determine how well the liver and biliary system are
functioning properly.
lower GI (gastrointestinal) series (Also called barium enema.) - a
procedure that examines the rectum, the large intestine, and the lower part of
the small intestine. A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid
used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray) is
given into the rectum as an enema. An x-ray of the abdomen shows strictures
(narrowed areas), obstructions (blockages), and other problems.
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magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a
combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to
produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
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nausea - a feeling or sensation leading to the urge to
vomit.
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obstruction - blockage in the GI tract that prevents the flow of
liquids or solids.
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pancreas - gland that makes enzymes for digestion and the hormone
insulin.
pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas.
percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography
(PTC) - a needle is introduced through
the skin and into the liver where the dye (contrast) is deposited and
the bile duct structures can be viewed by x-ray.
perineum - area between the anus and the sex organs.
peritoneum - lining of the abdominal cavity.
peritonitis - infection of the peritoneum.
portal hypertension - high blood pressure in the portal vein that
carries blood into the liver caused by a blood clot.
portal vein - large vein that carries blood from the intestines and
spleen to the liver.
portosystemic shunt - operation to create an opening between the
portal vein and other veins around the liver.
postcholecystectomy syndrome (Also called biliary dyskinesia.)
- condition that occurs after gallbladder
removal in which the muscle between the gallbladder and the small intestine does not work
properly, causing pain, nausea, and indigestion.
primary sclerosing cholangitis - irritation, scarring, and narrowing
of the bile ducts inside and outside the liver.
proton pump inhibitors - medications that stop the stomach's acid
pump.
pyloric sphincter - muscle between the stomach and the small
intestine.
pyloric stenosis - narrowing of the opening between the stomach and
the small intestine.
pylorus - opening from the stomach into the top of the small intestine
(duodenum).
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rectum - lower end of the large intestine, leading to the anus.
rupture - break or tear in any organ or soft tissue.
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sclerotherapy - method of stopping upper GI bleeding. A needle is
inserted through an endoscope to bring hardening agents to the place that is bleeding.
small
intestine - the section of the digestive tract between the stomach and
the large intestine. Most of digestion occurs here as nutrients are absorbed
from food.
sphincter - ring-like band of muscle that opens and closes an opening
in the body.
sphincter of Oddi - muscle between the common bile duct and pancreatic
ducts.
spleen - organ that cleans blood and makes white blood cells.
stricture (Also called stenosis.) - abnormal narrowing of a body opening.
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tumor - an abnormal lump or
mass of tissue. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant
(cancerous).
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ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging
technique, which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create
images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view
internal organs of the abdomen such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys and to
assess blood flow through various vessels.
upper GI endoscopy - looking into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
with an endoscope.
upper GI (gastrointestinal) series (Also called barium swallow.)
- a diagnostic test
that examines the organs of the upper part of the digestive system: the
esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).
A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the
inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray) is swallowed. X-rays
are then taken to evaluate the digestive organs.
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varices - stretched veins such as those that form in the esophagus
from cirrhosis.
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x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic
energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs
onto film.
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