Digestive System

Derived from Greek word "life." ___ refers to organisms and substances which contribute to intestinal microbial balance. They are beneficial or "friendly" intestinal bacteria.

Lack of nutrient absorption from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream.

A microflora (good bacteria) that acts as a digestive aid and lives in your intestines helping your body fight disease.

An enzymatic aid in the digestion of proteins, carbs, and fats. Helps promote intestinal health. The most commonly used ___ ___ are hydrochloric acid, pancreatin, and enzyme preparations. Without proper digestion, the molecules that have not been ingested completely can be inappropriately absorbed into the systemic circulation causing various diseases and the development of food allergies.

Microscopic germs. Some ___ are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" ___ protect the body from harmful invading organisms

A substance released by the liver into the intestines for the digestion of fats.

A process by which nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal tract into the bloodstream to be used by the body. If the nutrients are not absorbed, the body becomes deficient in building and healing substances.

Inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth.

Inflammation of the liver usually resulting in jaundice. May be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, parasitic infestation, alcohol, drugs, toxins, or transfusion of incompatible blood. Can be life-threatening. Severe ___ may lead to cirrhosis and chronic liver dysfunction.

An inorganic acidic compound, excreted by the stomach, that aids in digestion.

The "friendly" bacteria present in the intestines that are essential for the digestion and metabolism of certain nutrients.

Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Distention of the stomach or other intestinal tract parts with air or other gases.

Inflammation of the stomach lining.

Inflammation of the stomach and the intestines

Breach in lining of the digestive tract due to excess acid, occurring in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.

Feelling that one is about to vomit

A condition caused by elevation of bilirubin (yellowish bile pigment) in the body and characterized by yellowing of the skin.

Recurrent chronic abdominal pain with constipation and or diarrhea caused by abnormal contractions of colon muscles.

A condition in which the nutrients found in food are not absorbed by the body.

Insufficient gastric acid output

Enlargement of the liver

Pain rising from abdomen to throat, often accompanied by bitter fluid in the mouth.

Hard mass of bile pigments, cholesterol, and calcium salts in the gallbladder.

Infrequent, difficult, often painful bowel movements with hard feces: irregularity.

Any inflammation of the colon, causing diarrhea and lower abdominal pain.

The stagnation of bile within the liver

Presence of gallstones

Inflammation of the gallbladder

Psychogenic syndrome of overeating followed by vomiting.

Excess bile pigment in blood that causes jaundice.

Extreme loss of appetite, especially in adolescent females, causing severe weight loss and starvation.

Loss of appetite

Severe dysentery (diarrhea with blood and mucus in feces) caused by protozoan amoebas.

Swallowing of air.

Emergency condition caused by damage to one or more abdominal organs that results in intense pain and shock.

Leaving a burning sensation in the mouth.

Absence of hydrocholoric acid in the stomach

Periodontal disease

Vomiting

Watery, slightly acidic secretion of salivary glands that moistens food and initiates its breakdown.

An intestinal disease in the tropics, due to infestation of blood flukes, that causes anemia, diarrhea, dysentery, and cirrhosis; snail fever.

Benign growth on mucous membranes especially in the nose, ear, or stomach.

Successive contractions of tubular wall.

Successive muscular contractions of the intestines, which move food through the gastrointestinal tract.

Applied to gastric secretions and areas affected by them.

The microbial inhabitants of a particular region (eg. the colon)

Cavity within a tubular structure.

Pertaining to the liver

An enlarged vein in the anus wall, especially due to prolonged constipation or diarrhea, characterized by fissure, painful swelling, and bleeding.

Vomiting; vomited matter

Saclike out-pouching of the wall of the colon.

Process of breaking down large particles and high molecular-weight substances into small molecules.

Aids excretion of bile by the liver, so there is a greater flow of bile.

Agent that stimulates the contraction of the gallbladder.

Intestinal gas

Crack in membrane lining

Digestive waste products

Infection of the intestinal tract that causes severe diarrhea mixed with blood and mucus.

Digestive disorder with abdominal pain and gas after eating, sometimes with nausea and vomiting.

Condition characterized by the existence of diverticular sacs at weak points in the walls of the alimentary tract especially the intestine.

Colonic diverticulosis with inflammation.

Frequent bowel evacuation, especially of soft or liquid feces.

Natural anticoagulant produced by liver cells as a polysaccharide.

The cells in the pancreas, which manufacture insulin.