Digestive Health Special Report
Digestive Disorders Glossary
Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Digestive Health Digestive Disorders Glossary of Terms
Johns Hopkins Digestive Disorders Glossary
Derived from The Johns Hopkins White Paper 2007: Digestive Disorders
abscess
A localized accumulation of pus resulting from an infection.achalasia
A disorder of the esophagus caused by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and by abnormal esophageal contractions. Results in difficulty swallowing.acute cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder producing severe pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.anal fissure
A tear in the skin that lines the anal canal, the part of the rectum closest to the anus.antireflux barrier
A mechanical impediment created by the lower esophageal sphincter and the diaphragm that prevents the contents of the stomach from entering the esophagus.anus
The opening at the end of the digestive tract through which stool is expelled. It is controlled by two sphincters and is only open during defecation.autoimmune disease
A health problem in which the body’s immune system begins to attack its own tissues.barium x-ray
See upper GI series.Barrett’s esophagus
A disorder in which the cells that normally line the inside of the esophagus are replaced by more acid-resistant cells; associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.bile
A substance synthesized by the liver, stored and concentrated in the gallbladder, and then released into the duodenum to help in the digestion and absorption of dietary fat.bile ducts
Tubes that carry bile from the left and right lobes of the liver to the gallbladder.biliary colic
Intermittent episodes of sharp pain in the right upper portion of the abdomen that occur when gallstones block the flow of bile from the gallbladder.bilirubin
A component of bile made by the liver. Pigment gallstones are primarily made up of bilirubin.bowel
The lower digestive tract, which is about 25 feet long and consists of the small and large intestines.capsule endoscopy
A noninvasive test that allows for a full view of the small intestines, particularly the areas that are usually unreachable with an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. You ingest a capsule that contains a video camera, which takes pictures of the digestive tract and transmits these images to a recording device.cecum
The first part of the colon (large intestine).celiac disease
A disorder that occurs in people who are sensitive to gluten, a component of wheat and other grains. Can cause diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, anemia, and vitamin deficiencies.cholangitis
Infection and inflammation of the bile ducts.cholecystectomy
Surgical removal of the gallbladder.cirrhosis
A disease that causes the liver to slowly deteriorate and eventually malfunction as a result of the replacement of healthy tissue with scar tissue. Typically caused by alcohol abuse.colectomy
Surgical removal of part or all of the colon.colon
The part of the digestive tract that is connected to the small intestine. The colon absorbs water and electrolytes such as potassium from undigested foods before passing waste on to the rectum for release from the body. Also called the large intestine.colonoscopy
A diagnostic procedure in which an endoscope is inserted through the anus and rectum to view the colon and the final portion of the small intestine (terminal ileum).colorectal cancer
Cancer of the colon or rectum. Often preceded by the development of colorectal polyps.common bile duct
A tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.constipation
A common but typically benign condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stool.Crohn’s disease
A chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the small intestine but can involve any segment of the gastrointestinal tract.cystic duct
A tube that carries bile from the gallbladder to the common bile duct.diaphragm
The muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen; its movements play an important role in breathing.diarrhea
An increase in the number of bowel movements and a decrease in the consistency of stools.digital rectal exam
Insertion of a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for polyps and other abnormalities.diffuse esophageal spasm
Prolonged and excessive contractions of the esophagus.diverticulitis
A disorder in which small pouches in the wall of the large intestine (diverticula) become inflamed or infected.diverticulosis
The development of small pouches (diverticula) that bulge outward through weak points in the wall of the large intestine.duodenal bulb
The portion of the duodenum that is closest to the stomach.Posted in Digestive Health on April 14, 2007
