This document provides an overview of medical terminology related to the digestive system. It defines key word parts and their meanings used in terms associated with digestive structures and functions. The four major functions of the digestive system are described as well as the structures of the upper and lower digestive tract. Accessory organs, diagnostic tests, pathologies, and surgical interventions are also discussed. Terminology is analyzed using word parts and meanings are defined throughout.

1. Allied American University Gastropexy Medical Terminology Paper
Chapter 10 Digestive System Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier
Inc. All rights reserved. Lesson 10.1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. State the four major functions of the
digestive system, and analyze associated terminology. Write the meanings of the word parts
associated with the upper and lower digestive tract, and use them to build and analyze
terms. Write the names of the major structures of the digestive system, define the terms
associated with these structures, and label the structures. List the three classes of nutrients
and their functions. State the function of the accessory organs of digestion, and analyze
associated terms. Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights
reserved. 2 Four Functions of the Digestive
of food 3. Absorption of nutrients 4. Elimination of wastes Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
n of food Filtration of blood Breakdown of toxic compounds
Storage of iron and some vitamins Synthesis of plasma proteins Regulation of blood glucose
levels Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 4
Three Classe
bil(i), chol(e) Enzymes: lipase, lactase, proteinase, amylase Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 6 Word Parts for Digestion and
Nutrition Functions -dipsia -orexia -pepsia - ion contraction
Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 7 Word
Parts for Digestion and Nutrition Substances amyl(o) bil(i), chol(e) glyc(o) lact(o) lip(o)
opyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders,
an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 8 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an
imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 9 Word Parts: Major Structures Upper GI Tract
mouth pharynx or throat esophagus stoma
esophag(o) gastr(o) pylor(o) Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier
Inc. All rights reserved. 10 Word Parts: Major Structures Lower GI Tract: Small Intestine
small intestine enter(o)* duodenum duoden(o) jejunum jejun(o) ileum ile(o) *enter(o)
imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 11 Word Parts: Major Structures Lower GI Tract:
Large Intestine large intestine col(o), colon(o)* rectum rect(o) anus an(o) *col(o) and

2. Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 12
Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 13
Word Parts: Major Structures Accessory Organs gallbladder cholecyst(o) cholecystic
common bile duct choledoch(o) choledochal liver hepat(o) hepatic pancreas pancreat(o)
pancreatic sa
an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 14 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an
imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 15 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an
t © 2009, 2007
by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 17 Word Parts: Upper Digestive
Tract bucc(o) cheil(o) dent(i), dent(o), odont(o) gingiv(o) cheek lip teeth gums Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 18 Word Parts:
Upper Digestive Tract, (cont.) gloss(o), lingu(o) palat(o) mandibul(o) maxill(o) tongue
palate mandible (lower jaw) maxilla (upper jaw/cheekbone) Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 19 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 20 Quick Quiz! What is the name for
the most distal part of the stomach, which empties into the duodenum? A. antrum B. hard
palate C. pylorus D. submucosa Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier
upper and lower (cardiac) esophageal sphincters postesophageal Copyright © 2009, 2007
by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 22 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 23 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 24 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an imp
Intestines, bowels ➢ – 28 feet long total small intestine: 20-23 feet (digestion +
absorption) large intestine—larger diameter, shorter in length Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 26 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 27 Word Parts: Large Intestine
col(o), colon(o) cec(o) append(o), appendic(o) proct(o) sigmoid(o) diverticul(o) large
intestine or colon cecum appendix anus, rectum sigmoid colon diverticula Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 28 Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 29 Functions: Large
several vitamins forms and expels waste as feces Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an
imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 30 Accessory Organs of
gallbladder pancreas salivary glands Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of
the gall bladder lipid metabolism synthesis of plasma proteins involved in the regulation of
blood glucose Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights
compounds stores iron and certain vitamins excretion of bile pigments from the breakdown
of hemoglobin excretion of hormones and cholesterol Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders,

3. hepatic, hepatolytic, hepatotoxic extrahepatic, suprahepatic cholecystic, cholecystogastric,
choledochal Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights
reserved. 34 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights
reserved.
enzymes: amylase, lipase hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia glucagon, insulin Copyright © 2009,
2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 36 Lesson 10.2 6. Write the
names of the diagnostic tests and procedures for assessment of the digestive system when
given their descriptions, and match them with the digestive structures. 7. Match terms for
digestive system pathologies with their meanings, or write the names of the pathologies
when given their descriptions. 8. Match the pathologies of accessory organs of digestion
with their meanings, or write the names of the pathologies when given their descriptions.
Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 37
abdominal x-ray endoscopy Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier
Inc. All rights reserved. 38 Diagnostic Tests and Procedur
esophagram, esophagogram barium swallow, barium meal barium enema Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 39 Figure 10-10
From Carlson K, Eisenstat S: Primary care of women, 1995, Mosby. Copyright © 2009, 2007
by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 40 Diagnostic Tests and
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 41 Quick Quiz!
Which substance increases blood glucose levels? A. insulin B. barium C. lipase D. glucagon
Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 42
Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 43
Figure 10-12C From Aspinall RJ, Taylor-Robinson SD: Mosby’s Color Atlas and Text of
Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, London, 2002, Mosby, Ltd. Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 44 Diagnostic Tests and
➢➢➢➢
serum bilirubin alkaline phosphatase aspartate aminotransferase (AST or serum glutamic-
oxaloacetic transaminase [SGOT]) alanine transferase (ALT or serum glutamicpyruvic
transaminase [SGPT]) Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All
blood, hematochezia guaiac test malabsorption Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an
anorexia, anorexia nervosa emaciation bulimia malnutrition, malabsorption emesis,
hyperemesis, hematemesis Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
All rights reserved. 47 Figure 10-13 From Sapp JP, Eversole LR, and Wysocki GW:
Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, ed. 2, St. Louis, 2004, Mosby. Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 48 Pathologies:
polydipsia, diabetes mellitus, adipsia dyspepsia, eructation, hiccup (hiccough) Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 49 Pathologies:

4. simplex virus (HSV) stomatomycosis, Candida albicans Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 50 Figure 10-14 Lemmi FO, Lemmi
CAE: Physical assessment findings CD-ROM, Philadelphia, 2000, Saunders. Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 51 Pathologies:
Upper GI
gingivoglossitis glossitis, glossopathy, glossoplegia, glossopyrosis halitosis Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 52 Pathologies:
Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 53
Figure 10-15 Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary, ed 31, Philadelphia, 2007, Saunders.
Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 54
Figure 10-16 Callen JP, Greer KE, Hood et al: Color Atlas of Dermatology, Philadelphia, 1992,
Saunders. Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights
sialolithiasis parotitis, mumps cleft palate, cleft lip (congenital) Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 56 Figure 10-17 From Clark DA:
Atlas of Neonatology, 2000, Saunders. Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserv
Pathologies ➢➢➢➢➢neoplasms, esophagomalacia esophagitis, esophagodynia esophageal
achalasia esophageal atresia esophageal varices Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an
imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 58 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an
imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 59 Figure 10-20 From Damjanov I, Linder J:
Anderson’s pathology, ed. 10, 1996, St. Louis, Mosby. Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders,
an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 60 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an
imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 61 Quick Quiz! Which term means vomiting of
blood? A. B. C. D. hyperemesis hematemesis enterostasis hematoma Copyright © 2009,
2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 62 Pathologies: Lower
malabsorption syndrome, lipopenia Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of
colitis, ulcerative colitis Crohn disease, inflammatory bowel disease fistula, anal fistula
fissure Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
64 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 65
Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 66
ions: parasites, bacteria, viruses
food poisoning staphylococcal infection, Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection botulism,
salmonellosis Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights
reserved. 67 Pathologies: Lower Digestive Tr
ileitis, gastroduodenitis irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) impaction, enterostasis Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 68 Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 69 Copyright ©

5. 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 70 Pathologies:
HBV, HCV, HDV, HDE Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All
hepatopathy hepatosplenomegaly hepatoma, hepatic carcinoma Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an
cholestasis cholangitis, choledochitis choledocholithiasis, cholelithiasis cholecystitis
Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 73
pancreatolithiasis pancreatic carcinoma Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 74 Lesson 10.3 9. Match terms for surgical and therapeutic
10. 11. 12. 13. 14. interventions for digestive tract and accessory organ pathologies with
descriptions of the interventions, or write the names of the interventions when given their
descriptions. Use word parts from this chapter to determine meanings or answer questions
about the terms in a health care report. Spell the terms accurately. Pronounce the terms
correctly. Write the meanings of the abbreviations. Categorize terms as anatomy, a
diagnostic test or procedure, pathology, surgery, or therapy. Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 75 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by
utrician total parenteral nutrition alimentation,
hyperalimentation Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All
rights reserved. 77 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All
rights reserved. 78 Surgical Int
esophagogastrostomy, esophagogastroplasty gastropexy, gastrorrhaphy Copyright © 2009,
2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 79 Surgical & Therapeutic
lorrhaphy, glossorrhaphy cheiloplasty, stomatoplasty,
cheilostomatoplasty glossectomy, glossoplasty gingivectomy esopohagectomy,
esophagomyotomy Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All
rights reserved. 80 Surgical & Therapeutic
colonic irrigation enema Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
vagotomy pyloroplasty, pylorotomy gastrectomy Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an
imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 82 Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an
esophagojejunostomy esophagoduodenostomy jejunoileostomy ileostomy Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 84 Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 85 Surgical
Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 86
appendectomy Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights
hemorrhoidectomy antibiotics antidiarrheals, antiemetics laxatives Copyright © 2009, 2007

6. by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 88 Surgical Interventions, (cont.)
and weight -lowering agents (oral agents/insulin by injection) Copyright
© 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 89 Copyright ©
2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 90 Surgical &
by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 91 Quick Quiz! Which of the
following is an anastomosis between the esophagus and the duodenum? A.
esophagojejunostomy B. esophagoduodenostomy C. jejunoileostomy D. laparoenterostomy
Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 92
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 93 Abbreviations, (cont.) ALT AST LFT SGOT SGPT UGI
alanine transferase aspartate aminotransferase liver function test serum glutamic-
oxaloacetic transaminase (enzyme test of heart and liver function) serum glutamic-pyruvic
transaminase (enzyme test of liver function, now called ALT) upper GI or upper
gastrointestinal series Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All
HSV IBD IBS Copyright © 2009, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights
reserve
Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 96