Chapter 5: Definitions

Diarrhea

Frequent passage of loose, watery stools.

Eructation

Gas expelled from the stomach through the mouth.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Group of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with stress and tension.

Periodontal Disease

Inflammation and degeneration of gums, teeth, and surrounding bone.

Viral Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by a virus.

Ileus

Loss of peristalsis with resulting obstruction of the intestines.

Esophageal Varices

Malignant tumor of the esophagus

Pancreatitis

Malignant tumor of the pancreas

Gastric Cancer

Malignant tumor of the stomach

Villi

Microscopic projections in the wall of the small intestine that absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.

Deglutition

Swallowing

Nausea

Unpleasant sensation in the stomach associated with a tendency to vomit.

Jaundice

Yellow-orange coloration of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia)

Ascites

Abnormal acumulation of fluid in the abdomen.

Diverticulosis

Abnormal outpouchings in the intestinal wall

Elimination

Act of removal of materials from the body in the digestive system, the removal of indigestible materials as feces.

Colerectal Cancer

Adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum or both

Peristgalsis

An involuntary, progressive, rhythmic contraction of muscles in the wall of the esophagus propelling a bolus down toward the stomach.

Digestion

Breakdown of complex foods to simpler forms.

Cirrhosis

Chronic degenerative disease of the liver.