XI Glossary
Amylase: An enzyme, produced chiefly in the pancreas and salivary glands, that breaks down carbohydrates. (Chapter 11.2)
Anal canal: A three-inch long section at the end of the gastrointestinal tract that opens to the exterior of the body at the anus. (Chapter 11.2)
Anus: The opening at the end of the digestive tract where feces leave the body. (Chapter 11.2)
Appendectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix. (Chapter 11.5)
Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix. (Chapter 11.2)
Appendix: A small pouch attached to the end of the cecum. (Chapter 11.2)
Ascending colon: The first part of the colon that travels upward on the right side of the abdomen. (Chapter 11.2)
Ascites: Excessive fluid build-up in the abdomen. (Chapter 11.15)
Aspiration pneumonia: A type of lung infection caused by material from the stomach or mouth inadvertently entering the lungs. (Chapter 11.3)
Autodigestion: A process in which the enzymes of the pancreas digest pancreatic tissue. (Chapter 11.15)
Barium enema: Also known as a lower GI series. (Chapter 11.3)
Barium swallow: Also known as an upper GI series. (Chapter 11.3)
Barrett’s esophagus: Clients with chronic GERD whose esophagus is exposed to acidic stomach content and causes changes in the squamous epithelial cells that line the esophagus and transition into columnar epithelium. (Chapter 11.9)
Bile: A greenish-brown fluid that aids in digestion by breaking down lipids, secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. (Chapter 11.2)
Bilirubin: A yellowish pigment formed in the liver by the breakdown of red blood cells. (Chapter 11.2)
Borborygmus: Hyperperistalsis; often referred to as “stomach growling.” (Chapter 11.3)
Bowel obstruction: A blockage of the intestines caused by a mechanical or nonmechanical condition. (Chapter 11.13)
Cecum: The first section of the large intestine into which the ileum opens. (Chapter 11.2)
Chief cells: Cells in the glands of the stomach that secrete pepsinogen. (Chapter 11.2)
Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder. (Chapter 11.6)
Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder due to impaired bile flow. (Chapter 11.6)
Chyme: Partially digested food that passes from the stomach to the small intestine. (Chapter 11.2)
Colonoscopy: The insertion of a scope into the rectum to visualize the entire colon. (Chapter 11.3)
Descending colon: The part of the colon that travels downward on the left side of the abdomen. (Chapter 11.2)
Distention: An expansion of the abdomen caused by the accumulation of air or fluid. (Chapter 11.3)
Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula in the digestive tract. (Chapter 11.8)
Diverticulosis: The condition of having diverticula in the colon. (Chapter 11.8)
Diverticulum: A small, bulging pouch that can form in the lining of the colon. (Chapter 11.8)
Duodenum: The first section of the small intestine, immediately beyond the stomach, leading to the jejunum. (Chapter 11.2)
Dysphagia: Difficulty or discomfort in swallow