Digestive System

Medical Terminology
A LIVING LANGUAGE
Fifth Edition
CHAPTER 5
Digestive System
Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Bonnie F. Fremgen • Suzanne S. Frucht
Digestive System
• Function of the Digestive System

 Mechanical and chemical digestion of
food
 Absorption of nutrient molecules
 Elimination of solid wastes

Digestive System Combining Forms
• an/o – anus
• append/o – appendix
• bucc/o – cheek
• cec/o – cecum
• cholangi/o – bile duct
• chol/e – bile, gall
• colon/o – colon
• cholecyst/o – gallbladder
• cirrh/o – yellow
• dent/o – tooth
• duoden/o – duodenum
• enter/o – small intestine
• esophag/o – esophagus
• gastr/o – stomach
• gingiv/o – gums
• gloss/o – tongue
• hepat/o – liver
• ile/o – ileum
• jejun/o – jejunum

• labi/o – lip
• lapar/o – abdomen
• lingu/o – tongue
• lith/o – stone
• or/o – mouth
• palat/o – palate
• pancreat/o – pancreas

• pharyng/o – throat, pharynx

• polyp/o – polyp
• proct/o – anus and rectum
• pylor/o – pylorus
• rect/o – rectum
• sigmoid/o – sigmoid colon

Digestive System Suffixes
• –emesis vomit
• –lithiasis stone
• –orexia appetite
• –pepsia digestion
• –phagia eat, swallow

Anatomy and Physiology
• Also called:
 Gastrointestinal system (GI)
 Gut
 Alimentary canal
• Approximately 30 feet of continuous
muscular tube between mouth and
anus

• Organs of the continuous gut tube in
order:
 Oral cavity
 Pharynx
 Esophagus
 Stomach
 Small intestine
 Colon (including rectum and anus)
• Accessory organs are connected to
gut tube by ducts
• Include:
 Salivary glands
 Pancreas
 Liver
 Gallbladder
Digestive System Animation

Digesting Food
• Physical and chemical breakdown of

large food particles
• Produces simple nutrient molecules
 Glucose
 Triglycerides
 Amino acids

Absorbing Nutrients
• Simple molecules are absorbed from

intestine
• Circulated through body by cardiovascular
system
• Used for growth and repair of cells, tissues,
and organs

Eliminating Waste
• Some ingested food cannot be

digested or absorbed
• Expelled from body as solid waste
 Feces

Oral Cavity
• Roof is palate
 Hard – bony anterior
 Soft – flexible
posterior
• Hanging down from
soft palate is uvula
 Speech production
 Location of gag
reflex

Figure 8.1
Anatomy of the oral cavity.

Oral Cavity
• Digestion begins when food enters mouth

 Mechanically broken up by chewing
• Tongue moves food within mouth
• Mixes with saliva
• Digestive enzymes
• Taste buds on tongue surface
 Detect bitter, sweet, salty, sour

Teeth
• Cutting teeth
 Bite
 Tear
 Cut
• Incisors
• Cuspids (canines)

Teeth
• Grinding teeth
 Bicuspids
(premolars)
 Molars

Figure 8.4
Internal structures of the crown and root.

Pharynx
• Swallowed food enters
oropharynx
• Proceeds down
pharynx into
laryngopharynx
• Epiglottis
 Covers larynx and
trachea
 Shunts food away
from lungs & into
esophagus
Figure 8.2
Structures of the oral cavity, pharynx, and esophagus.

Esophagus
• 10-inch long muscular tube

• Food enters from pharynx
• Delivered to stomach
• Propelled along by wavelike
muscular movements
 Called peristalsis

The Stomach
• J-shaped muscular
organ
• Collects & churns
food
 Mixes it with
hydrochloric
acid (HCl)

The Stomach
• Three regions
 Fundus –
upper
 Body – main
 Antrum –
lower

Sphincters
• Muscular valves
 Control flow of
food
• Lower
esophageal
(cardiac)sphinct
er
 Keeps food from
backing up into
esophagus
Sphincters
• Pyloric
sphincter
 Allows highly
acidic chyme
to enter small
intestine

Figure 8.5
The regions and internal structures of the stomach.

Small Intestine
• Longest portion of
alimentary canal
 Averages 20 feet
 Between pyloric
sphincter and colon
• Site of:
 Completion of
digestion
 Majority of
absorption
Three Sections of Small Intestine
• Duodenum
 First section – about 10-12 inches long
 Starts at pyloric sphincter
• Jejunum
 Second section – about 8 feet long
• Ileum
 Third section – about 12 feet long
 Connects to colon at ileocecal valve

•

Colon
• 5 feet long
• Extends from ileocecal valve to anus
• Fluid that remains after digestion and
absorption enters colon
• Most is water and is reabsorbed into
body
• Solid waste left over is feces
• Evacuated in bowel movements

Regions of the Colon
• Appendix
• Cecum
• Ascending colon
• Transverse
colon
• Descending
colon
• Sigmoid colon

Rectum and Anus
• Rectum is area for

storage of feces
• Leads to anus
 External opening
of alimentary
canal
• Feces are
evacuated
 Called defecation

Figure 8.7
The regions of the colon.

Accessory Organs
• Generally function by producing

substances necessary for chemical
breakdown of food
 Salivary glands
 Liver
 Gallbladder
 Pancreas

Salivary Glands
• Produce saliva
• Allows food to be
swallowed without
choking
• Saliva + food =
bolus
• Contains amylase
 Begins digestion of
carbohydrates

Salivary Glands
• Three pairs
 Parotid glands
 Sublingual glands
 Submandibular
glands

Figure 8.8
The salivary glands, parotid, sublingual, and submandibular.

Liver
• Located in right upper quadrant of

abdomen
• Processes nutrients
• Detoxifies harmful substances
• Produces bile

Gallbladder
• Lies under liver
• Stores bile produced
by liver
 Hepatic duct
 Cystic duct
• Common bile duct
carries bile to
duodenum

Figure 8.9
The accessory organs of the digestive system: the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Pancreas
• Digestive juices
include:
 Buffers – neutralize
acidic chyme
 Enzymes – digest
carbohydrates, lipids,
and proteins

Medical Specialties
Branch of healthcare involved with the

prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
dentistry
of conditions involving the teeth, jaw,
and mouth. Practitioner is a dentist.
Branch of medicine involved in

diagnosis and treatment of diseases
gastroenterology
and disorders of the digestive system.
Physician is a gastroenterologist.

Medical Specialties
Branch of dentistry that uses surgical

oral surgery means to treat dental conditions.
Specialist is an oral surgeon.

Medical Specialties
Branch of medicine involved in

diagnosis and treatment of diseases
proctology
and disorders of the anus and rectum.
Physician is a proctologist.

Signs and Symptoms
loss of appetite with other conditions;
anorexia
different from anorexia nervosa
aphagia being unable to swallow or eat
ascites collection of fluid in peritoneal cavity
bradypepsia having a slow digestive system
loss of weight and wasting occurring during

cachexia
chronic disease
cholecystalgia gallbladder pain
constipation difficult or infrequent defecation

Signs and Symptoms
dentalgia tooth pain
diarrhea frequent, watery bowel movements
dysphagia having difficulty swallowing or eating
emesis vomiting
gastralgia stomach pain
hematemesis vomiting blood

Signs and Symptoms
hyperemesis excessive vomiting
yellow cast to skin; caused by deposit of

jaundice bile pigment; often caused by liver
disease
passage of dark tarry stool, due to

melena
digested blood
nausea urge to vomit

Signs and Symptoms
obesity weight above healthy levels
polyphagia excessive eating
stomach acid splashing into esophagus;

pyrosis
heartburn
regurgitation backflow of stomach contents into mouth

Oral Cavity Pathology
aphthous ulcers ulcers in the mouth
congenital anomaly where upper lip

cleft lip and jaw fail to fuse in the midline,
leaving a gap
congenital anomaly where hard palate

cleft palate fails to fuse in the midline, leaving an
opening into nasal cavity
decay of tooth due to bacterial

dental caries
infection; tooth cavity
Oral Cavity Pathology
gingivitis inflammation of the gums
disease of supporting structures around

periodontal dis the teeth; especially the gums; most
ease common cause of tooth loss
sialadenitis inflammation of a salivary gland

Pharynx & Esophagus Pathology
varicose veins in the esophagus;

esophageal varices
hemorrhaging occurs if rupture
acid from stomach flows backward up

gastroesophageal r into esophagus causing inflammation
eflux disease (GER and pain
D)
pharyngoplegia paralysis of the throat muscles

Stomach Pathology
gastric carcinoma malignant tumor in stomach
inflammation of the stomach and small

gastroenteritis
intestine
gastritis inflammation of the stomach
protrusion of stomach through

hiatal hernia
diaphragm into thoracic cavity

Figure 8.10
A hiatal hernia or diaphragmatocele.

Stomach Pathology
ulcer in the lower portion of

esophagus, stomach, and/or
peptic ulcer diseas duodenum; caused by high acid of
e (PUD) stomach juices; may be a result of
Helicobacter pylori infection

Figure 8.11A
The location and appearance of a peptic ulcer in both the stomach and the duodenum.

Figure 8.11B
Photomicrograph of a gastric ulcer.
(Dr. E. Walker/Science Photo Library/Photo Researchers, Inc.)

Small Intestine & Colon Pathology
abnormal passageway from surface directly

anal fistula
into rectum; around anal opening
appendicitis inflammation of the appendix
bowel incontin inability to control defecation

ence
colorectal carc malignant tumor in the colon or rectum

inoma

inflammation of a diverticulum, an
diverticulitis outpouching off the colon; results from
food being trapped inside
diarrhea with mucus and blood, severe

dysentery abdominal pain, and fever; caused by
contaminated food or water
enteritis inflammation of the small intestine

Figure 8.12
Diverticulosis.

hemorrhoids varicose veins in the anal region
severe abdominal pain, inability to defecate,

ileus abdominal distension; caused by intestinal
blockage
protrusion of a loop of bowel through

abdominal muscle and into groin region;
inguinal herni
a may become incarcerated or strangulated if
muscle pinches the loop of bowel

Figure 8.13
An inguinal hernia.

disturbance in function of intestine for

unknown reason; causes abdominal
irritable bowel s cramping and alternating diarrhea and
yndrome (IBS) constipation; also called functional bowel
syndrome
having polyps, tumor with a stem-like

attachment, growing on the mucous
polyposis
membrane of the colon; may become
cancerous

Figure 8.14
Intussusception.

Figure 8.15
Endoscopic view of a polyp in the colon. Note the mushroom-like shape, an enlarged top
growing at the end of a stem. It is being removed by means of a wire loop slipped over
the polyp and then tightened to cut it off.
(David M. Martin, M.D./ Photo Researchers, Inc.)

chronic inflammatory condition with

numerous small ulcers on the lining of the
ulcerative co
litis colon; also called inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD)
bowel twists upon itself causing an

volvulus
obstruction

Figure 8.16
Volvulus.

Accessory Organ Pathology
inflammation of gallbladder; commonly

cholecystitis
caused by gallstones
presence of gallstones; may or may not

cholelithiasis
cause symptoms
cirrhosis chronic liver disease due to liver failure
inflammation of liver; usually due to a viral

hepatitis
infection
hepatoma tumor in the liver
pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas

Figure 8.17A
Common sites for cholelithiasis.

Figure 8.17B
A gallbladder specimen with multiple gallstones.
(Biophoto Associates/Photo Researchers, Inc.)

Clinical Laboratory Tests
examination of feces for presence of

ova and para
sites (O&P) parasites or their eggs
determines amount of bilirubin in

serum bilirub
in bloodstream; indicates liver disease
culture of feces to look for presence of

stool culture
pathogenic bacteria

Endoscopic Procedures
instrument used to visually examine

colonoscope
the colon
process of visually examining the

colonoscopy
colon
visual examine inside hepatic duct,

endoscopic retro common bile duct, and pancreatic
grade cholangiop duct
an-creatography
(ERCP)

using a scope to view inside the

esophagogastro-
duodenoscopy (E esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
GD)
gastroscope
the stomach
process of visually examining inside of

gastroscopy
stomach

laparoscope
inside the abdominal cavity


laparoscopy
abdominal cavity

sigmoidoscope
the sigmoid colon

sigmoidoscopy
sigmoid colon

Sigmoidoscopy Video
Click on the screenshot to view a video on the topic of sigmoidoscopy.

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Additional Diagnostic Procedures
insertion of needle into abdominal cavity

paracentesis
to withdraw fluid

Medical Procedures
washing out stomach using a nasogastric

lavage
tube
nasogastric intu flexible catheter inserted into nose and

bation down esophagus into the stomach
(NG tube)
providing 100% of patient nutrition; used

total parenteral
nutrition (TPN) when patient is unable to eat

Nasogastric Intubation Animation
Click on the screenshot to view an animation on nasogastric intubation.
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Surgical Procedures
surgical creation of a connection

anastomosis between two organs; like joining
together two sections of colon
appendectomy surgical removal of appendix
surgical procedures to treat

bariatric surgery morbid obesity; like stomach
stapling
cholecystectomy surgical removal of gallbladder

Surgical Procedures
colectomy surgical removal of the colon
surgical creation of opening into some

colostomy
portion of colon through abdominal wall
surgical procedure to examine the

exploratory lapa
rotomy abdominal organs

Figure 8.19A
The colon illustrating various –ostomy sites.

Figure 8.19B
Colostomy in the descending colon.

Surgical Procedures
fistulectomy removal of a fistula
gastrectomy surgical removal of the stomach
surgical procedure to create a new

gastrostomy opening into the stomach through
abdominal wall
hemorrhoidectomy surgical removal of hemorrhoids

Surgical Procedures
hernioplasty surgical repair of a hernia
surgical creation of a new opening

ileostomy
into the ileum
laparoscopic surgical removal of gallbladder

cholecystectomy through a laparoscopic incision
laparotomy to cut into the abdominal cavity
liver transplant implantation of a donor liver

Surgical Procedures
palatoplasty surgical repair of the palate
pharyngoplasty surgical repair of the pharynx
proctopexy surgical fixation of the rectum and anus

Digestive System Abbreviations
ac before meals
BE barium enema
BM bowel movement
BS bowel sounds

CBD common bile duct
endoscopic retrograde
ERCP
cholangiopancreatography
FOBT fecal occult blood test
GB gallbladder
GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease
GI gastrointestinal

HAV hepatitis A virus
HBV hepatitis B virus
HCl hydrochloric acid
HCV hepatitis C virus
HDV hepatitis D virus
HEV hepatitis E virus
HSV-1 herpes simplex virus type 1

IBD inflammatory bowel disease
IBS irritable bowel syndrome
NG nasogastric
NPO nothing by mouth
n&v nausea and vomiting

pc after meals
PO by mouth
PTC percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography
PUD peptic ulcer disease
TPN total parenteral nutrition

Combining Forms Match Up
1. bucc/o a. tooth
2. cirrh/o b. yellow
3. dent/o c. tongue
4. gloss/o d. cheek
5. or/o e. mouth


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Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

• Function of the Digestive System

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

• pharyng/o – throat, pharynx

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

• Physical and chemical breakdown of

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

• Simple molecules are absorbed from

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

• Some ingested food cannot be

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

• Digestion begins when food enters mouth

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

• 10-inch long muscular tube

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

• Rectum is area for

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

• Generally function by producing

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

• Located in right upper quadrant of

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Branch of healthcare involved with the

Branch of medicine involved in

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Branch of dentistry that uses surgical

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

Branch of medicine involved in

Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition

aphagia being unable to swallow or eat

ascites collection of fluid in peritoneal cavity

bradypepsia having a slow digestive system

loss of weight and wasting occurring during