Medical Terminologies Related to the Gastrointestinal Tract

What is the Gastrointestinal tract? 

It is a part of the body that is collectively known as digestive system. It is composed of different organs that process food. The functions are digestion and absorption. The organs of the gastrointestinal tract are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum and anus. Gastro means stomach and intestinal pertains to the intestines. Gastrointestinal is a medical terminology about the major organs of the digestive system (stomach and intestines) joined together to simplify the entire digestive system.

The Process of Digestion and Absorption

Food enters the mouth and the oral cavity (known as the buccal cavity). The food is acted upon by chewing through the action of the teeth. This process is also called mastication. Saliva is secreted together with enzymes such as amylase. The tongue helps in gustatory sensation and in moving the food through the teeth. After some time when the food is chewed into smaller sizes, it is swallowed. The process of swallowing is also called deglutition. The chewed food passes through the pharynx. The epiglottis closes over the trachea to ensure that the food does not enter the bronchial tube of the respiratory system.

After passing through the pharynx it goes to the esophagus. The typical size of an esophagus is about 20 - 30 centimeters in length and ends with cardia of the stomach. A peristaltic motion by the muscles of esophagus pushes the food down to the stomach. The stomach mixes the food with gastric acid, pepsin and other enzymes to break down protein and other nutrients. After a period of time, the food is transformed into a semi liquid form known as chyme. Peristalsis and the pyloric sphincter of the stomach enable the movement of the food from the stomach to the duodenum of the small intestine. This process is also called gastric emptying. The pyloric sphincter of the stomach is the part that is attached to the small intestines.

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine that receives the chyme. The chyme is mixed with bile, intestinal and pancreatic juices. Bile is a substance that is produced by the liver whereas pancreatic juices are made by the pancreas. The bile and the juices act on the chyme to break down and filter the nutrients. After some time, the chyme passes to the jejunum and ileum of the small intestine.

The villi of the small intestines and the rich blood supply enable the absorption of nutrients such as amino acids and sugar directly to the blood stream. A villus is a microscopic projection in the wall of the intestine that has capillaries that directly aid in absorption. Jejunum is the middle portion of the small intestine while the ileum is at the end. Through peristalsis, food is transported to the large intestine. The large intestine has four parts. These are the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid colons. The villi of the intestines absorb the nutrients needed by the body. Water from the chyme is absorbed mainly in the sigmoid colon and stored as feces until it is eliminated. The fecal mater is stored in the rectum and is eliminated through the contraction and relaxation of the anus.

Pathological Conditions of the Digestive System

Achalasia (ak-ah-lae-ze-a) = is a condition where there is a failure of the lower muscles of the esophagus to relax resulting in the absence of peristaltic movement.

Achlorhydria (a-chlor-hai-dre-a) = is a condition where there is low or absent production of gastric acid in the stomach.

Anal fistula (ae-nal fis-tu-la) = is a condition where an abnormal passageway near the anus occurs.

Anorexia (an-o-rek-se-a) = is a condition where there is lack of appetite. It is a sign of a liver disease, cancer or emotional problems.

Aphthous stomatitis (af-thus sto-ma-tai-tis) = is a condition where there is an inflammation of the mouth that creates small ulcers. It is also called canker (kank-er) sore.

Appendicitis (ap-en-di-sai-tis) = is a condition where there is inflammation of the appendix.

Ascites (a-sai-tez) = is a condition where there is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. It arises from the fluid that seeps out from the blood stream and into the peritoneal cavity where it accumulates.

Borborygmus (bor-bo-rig-mus) = is a condition where there are rumbling and gurgling noises that are produced by either a gas or a fluid or even both.

Cholangiectasis (kol-anje-ek-ta-sis) = is a condition where there is dilation of the bile ducts.

Choledocholithiasis (ko-led-o-ko-li-thai-a-sis) = is a condition where there is calculus anywhere in the ducts of the biliary tract. A calculus is a stone that is made up of mineral salts.

Cholelithiasis (ko-le-li-thai-a-sis) = is a condition where there is a presence of calculus in the gallbladder.

Cirrhosis (sir-ho-sis) = is a condition where there is scarring and necrosis of the liver cells resulting in its degeneration. It is usually due to chronic alcoholism.

Colonic polyposis (ko-lon-ik pol-i-po-sis) = is a condition where there are small benign growths that protrude into the mucous membrane of the colon. The protrusions are called polyps and classified as either pedunculated or sessile. A pedunculated polyp is attached to the membrane through a stalk while a sessile is implanted directly on top of the mucous membrane.

Colorectal cancer (ko-lo-rek-tal kan-ser) = is a condition where there is an adenocarcinoma somewhere between the colon and the rectum. Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor of the epithelial cells of the colorectal mucosa.

Constipation (con-sti-pae-shun) = is a condition where there is difficulty and delay in the elimination of fecal material in the colon.

Crohn disease (kron di-zez) = is a condition where there is a chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. It is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases.

Diarrhea (dai-ah-re-a) = is a condition where the feces is eliminated frequently and is loose  and watery in consistency. It is usually a sign of infection and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Diverticula (dai-ver-tik-u-la) = is a condition where there are outpouchings and side pockets in the intestinal wall. It usually occurs in the sigmoid colon.

Dysentery (dis-en-ter-e) = is a condition where the intestines are swollen and painful. This is due to bacteria, viruses or a protozoas.

Dyspepsia (dis-pep-se-a) = is a condition where there is an impairment in digestion. It is characterized by chronic recurrent pain and abdominal fullness in the upper abdomen. It is also called indigestion.

Dysphagia (dis-phae-je-a) = is a condition where there is difficulty in swallowing due to obstruction and motor disorder.

Enterocolitis (en-ter-o-ko-lai-tis) = is a condition where there is inflammation of the digestive tract due to infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Esophageal varices (e-sof-ah-je-al var-i-sez) = is a condition where there are swollen and tortuous veins in the lower part of the esophagus. Portal vein hypertension and liver diseases usually cause this.

Flatus (fla-tus) = is the gas that is expelled out from the intestine and into the anus.

In certain conditions, a gas from the stomach is expelled to the mouth. This is known as eructation or belching.

Gastric carcinoma (gas-trik kar-si-no-ma) = is a condition where there is a malignant tumor at any point in the stomach.

Gastroenteritis (gas-tro-en-te-rai-tis) = is a condition where there is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract resulting in diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (gas-tro-e-sof-a-je-al re-flux di-zez) = is a condition where food materials and fluid substances regurgitates to the oral cavity from the stomach. This condition produces heartburn; a burning sensation in the esophagus due to the regurgitation of hydrochloric acid from the stomach.

You can find out more about these medical terminologies in my book "Medical Terminology: A Guide for Nurses, Medical Assistants, Other Healthcare Professionals and Well Informed Patients". It is available in 2 formats; paperback and kindle @ Amazon.com. Link : http://www.amazon.com/Medical-Terminology-Assistants-Healthcare-Professionals/dp/148206832X

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See you next time.

Solomon Barroa  R.N.

Home Health Nurse and Medical Author