Digestive System (Gastrointestinal)

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Learning Objectives

  • Identify the anatomy and describe the main functions of the digestive system and accessory structures
  • Analyze, translate, and define medical terms and common abbreviations of the digestive system
  • Practice the spelling and pronunciation of digestive system medical terminology
  • Identify the medical specialties associated with the digestive system and explore common diseases, disorders, diagnostic tests and procedures

Key Word Components

Identify meanings of key word components of the digestive system:

Prefixes

  • hemi- (half)
  • endo- (within, in)
  • sub- (under, below)
  • dys- (painful, abnormal, difficult, labored)

Combining Forms

  • abdomin/o (abdomen, abdominal)
  • an/o (anus)
  • antr/o (antrum)
  • append/o (appendix)
  • appendic/o (appendix)
  • cec/o (cecum)
  • celi/o (abdomen, abdominal cavity)
  • cheil/o (lip)
  • cholangi/o (bile duct)
  • chol/e (gall, bile)
  • choledoch/o (common bile duct)
  • col/o (colon)
  • colon/o (colon)
  • diverticul/o (diverticulum)
  • duoden/o (duodenum)
  • enter/o (intestine)
  • esophag/o (esophagus)
  • gastr/o (stomach)
  • gingiv/o (gum)
  • gloss/o (tongue)
  • hepat/o (liver)
  • herni/o (hernia, protrusion of an organ through a membrane or cavity wall)
  • ile/o (ileum)
  • jejun/o (jejunum)
  • lapar/o (abdomen, abdominal cavity)
  • lingu/o (tongue)
  • or/o (mouth)
  • palat/o (palate)
  • pancreat/o (pancreas)
  • peritone/o (peritoneum)
  • polyp/o (polyp, small growth)
  • proct/o (rectum)
  • pylor/o (pylorus, pyloric sphincter)
  • rect/o (rectum)
  • sial/o (saliva, salivary gland)
  • sigmoid/o (sigmoid colon)
  • steat/o (fat)
  • stomat/o (mouth)
  • uvul/o (uvula)

Suffixes

  • -ac (pertaining to)
  • -al (pertaining to)
  • -cele (hernia, protrusion)
  • -centesis (surgical puncture to aspirate fluid)
  • -ectomy (excision)
  • -gram (the record, radiographic image)
  • -graph (instrument used to record)
  • -graphy (process of recording)
  • -ia (condition of, diseased state, abnormal state)
  • -iasis (condition)
  • -itis (inflammation)
  • -logist (specialist or physician who studies and treats)
  • -logy (study of)
  • -malacia (softening)
  • -oma (tumor)
  • -osis (abnormal condition)
  • -pathy (disease)
  • -pepsia (digestion)
  • -phagia (eating or swallowing)
  • -plasty (surgical repair)
  • -ptosis (prolapse, drooping)
  • -rrhaphy (suturing, repairing)
  • -rrhea (flow, discharge)
  • -scope (instrument used for visualization)
  • -scopy (process of viewing, visualization)
  • -stomy (creation of an artificial opening)
  • -tomy (incision, cut into)

Digestive System Words

Digestive System Medical Terms (Text Version)

Practice the following digestive system words by breaking into word parts and pronouncing.

  1. gastroenterology (gastr/o/enter/o/logy)
    • study of the stomach and intestines
  2. cholecystitis (chol/e/cyst/itis)
    • inflammation of the gallbladder
  3. proctoscope (proct/o/scope)
    • instrument used to view the rectum
  4. pyloroplasty (pylor/o/plasty)
    • surgical repair of the pylorus
  5. hepatomegaly (hepat/o/megaly)
    • enlarged liver
  6. gastric (gastr/ic)
    • pertaining to the stomach
  7. cholangiography (cholangi/o/graphy)
    • radiographic imaging of the bile duct
  8. gastroenterologist (gastr/o/enter/o/logist)
    • specialist who studies and treats stomach and intestines
  9. cholangiogram (cholangi/o/gram)
    • radiographic image of the bile duct
  10. hepatoma (hepat/oma)
    • tumour of the liver
  11. pancreatitis (pancreat/itis)
    • inflammation of the pancreas
  12. esophagogram (esophag/o/gram)
    • radiographic image of the esophagus
  13. steatosis (steat/osis)
    • abnormal condition of fat
  14. rectocele (rect/o/cele)
    • protrusion of the rectum
  15. endoscope (endo/scope )
    • instrument used to view within (hollow organs)
  16. abdominal (abdomin/al)
    • pertaining to the abdomen
  17. proctoptosis (proct/o/ptosis)
    • condition of prolapse of the rectum
  18. diverticulitis (diverticul/itis)
    • inflammation of the diverticulum
  19. oral (or/al)
    • pertaining to the mouth
  20. appendectomy (append/ectomy)
    • excision of the appendix
  21. esophagoscopy (esophag/o/scopy)
    • process of viewing the esophagus
  22. cheilorrhaphy (cheil/o/rrhaphy)
    • suturing of the lip
  23. glossorrhaphy (gloss/o/rrhaphy)
    • suturing of the tongue
  24. pyloromyotomy (pylor/o/my/o/tomy)
    • incision into the pyloric muscle
  25. gastroplasty (gastr/o/plasty)
    • surgical repair of the stomach
  26. colectomy (col/ectomy)
    • excision of the colon
  27. sigmoidoscopy (sigmoid/o/scopy)
    • process of viewing the sigmoid colon
  28. palatitis (palat/itis)
    • inflammation of the palate
  29. esophageal (esophag/eal)
    • pertaining to the esophagus
  30. colitis (col/itis)
    • inflammation of the colon
  31. ileocecal (ile/o/cec/al)
    • pertaining to the ileum and cecum
  32. gastrectomy (gastr/ectomy)
    • excision of the stomach
  33. anoplasty (an/o/plasty)
    • surgical repair of the anus
  34. cholelithiasis (chole/lith/iasis)
    • condition of gallstones
  35. gastroscopy (gastr/o/scopy)
    • process of viewing the stomach
  36. colostomy(col/o/stomy)
    • creation of an artificial opening in the colon
  37. polyposis (polyp/osis)
    • abnormal condition of (multiple) polyps
  38. laparoscopy (lapar/o/scopy)
    • process of viewing the abdominal cavity
  39. cholecystectomy (chole/cyst/ectomy)
    • excision of the gallbladder to remove stones
  40. glossitis (gloss/itis)
    • inflammation of the tongue
  41. cholangioma (cholangi/oma)
    • tumour of the bile duct
  42. pancreatic (pancreat/ic)
    • pertaining to the pancreas
  43. stomatitis (stomat/itis)
    • inflammation of the mouth
  44. ileocecal (ile/o/cec/al)
    • pertaining to the ileum and cecum
  45. nasogastric (nas/o/gastr/ic)
    • pertaining to the nose and stomach
  46. proctoscopy (proct/o/scopy)
    • process of viewing the rectum
  47. herniorrhaphy (herni/o/rrhaphy)
    • suturing of a hernia
  48. appendicitis (appendic/itis)
    • inflammation of the appendix
  49. gingivectomy (gingiv/ectomy)
    • excision of the gums
  50. gastroenterocolitis (gastr/o/enter/o/col/itis)
    • inflammation of the stomach, intestines, and colon
  51. choledocholithotomy (choledoch/o/lith/o/tomy)
    • incision into the common bile duct to remove stones
  52. gastroscope (gastr/o/scope)
    • instrument used to view the stomach
  53. diverticulosis (diverticul/osis)
    • abnormal condition of having diverticula
  54. uvulitis (uvul/itis)
    • inflammation of the uvula
  55. dysphagia (dys/phagia)
    • difficult swallowing
  56. gastrostomy (gastr/o/stomy)
    • creation of an artificial opening in the stomach
  57. hemicolectomy (hemi/col/ectomy)
    • excision of half of the colon
  58. choledocholithiasis (choledoch/o/lith/iasis)
    • condition of stones in the common bile duct
  59. uvulectomy (uvul/ectomy)
    • excision of the uvula
  60. peritoneal (periton/eal)
    • pertaining to the peritoneum
  61. ileostomy (ile/o/stomy)
    • creation of an artificial opening in the ileum
  62. steatorrhea (steat/o/rrhea)
    • discharge of fat
  63. sialolith (sial/o/lith)
    • stone in the salivary gland
  64. proctology (proct/o/logy)
    • study of disease and disorders of the rectum
  65. gastrojejunostomy (gastr/o/jejun/o/stomy)
    • creation of an artificial opening between the stomach and the jejunum
  66. rectal (rect/al)
    • pertaining to the rectum
  67. gingivitis (gingiv/itis)
    • inflammation of the gums
  68. colonoscopy (colon/o/scopy)
    • process of viewing the colon
  69. colorectal (col/o/rect/al)
    • pertaining to the colon and rectum
  70. anal (an/al)
    • pertaining to the anus
  71. duodenal (duoden/al)
    • pertaining to the duodenum
  72. abdominocentesis (abdomin/o/centesis)
    • surgical puncture to aspirate fluid from the abdomen
  73. hepatitis (hepat/itis)
    • inflammation of the liver
  74. laparoscope (lapar/o/scope)
    • instrument used to view the abdominal cavity
  75. antrectomy (antr/ectomy)
    • excision of the antrum (of the stomach)
  76. enterorrhaphy (enter/o/rrhaphy)
    • suturing of the intestine
  77. esophagitis (esophag/itis)
    • inflammation of the esophagus
  78. uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
    • uvul/o/palat/o/pharyng/o/plasty
    • surgical repair of the uvula, palate, and pharynx
  79. peritonitis (periton/itis)
    • inflammation of the peritoneum
  80. diverticulectomy (diverticul/ectomy)
    • excision of the diverticula
  81. enteropathy (enter/o/pathy)
    • disease of the intestines
  82. proctologist (proct/o/logist)
    • Specialist who studies and treats diseases of the rectum
  83. gastritis (gastr/itis)
    • inflammation of the stomach
  84. abdominoplasty (abdomin/o/plasty)
    • surgical repair of the abdomen
  85. celiotomy (celi/o/tomy)
    • incision into the abdominal cavity
  86. gastroenteritis (gastr/o/enter/itis)
    • inflammation of the stomach and intestines
  87. endoscopy (endo/scopy)
    • process of viewing within (hollow organs)
  88. palatoplasty (palat/o/plasty)
    • surgical repair of the palate
  89. laparotomy (lapar/o/tomy)
    • incision into the abdominal cavity
  90. colonoscope (colon/o/scope)
    • instrument used to view the colon
  91. polypectomy (polyp/ectomy)
    • excision of polyps
  92. gastrojejunostomy (gastr/o/jejun/o/stomy)
    • creation of an artificial opening between the stomach and the jejunum
  93. CT colonography (CT colon/o/graphy)
    • radiographic imaging of the colon using computed tomography
  94. esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
    • esophag/o/gastr/o/duoden/o/scopy
    • process of viewing the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
  95. stomatogastric (stomat/o/gastr/ic)
    • pertaining to the mouth and stomach
  96. celiac (celi/ac)
    • pertaining to the abdomen
  97. gastromalacia (gastr/o/malacia)
    • softening of the stomach
  98. dyspepsia (dys/pepsia)
    • difficult digestion
  99. esophagogastroplasty (esophag/o/gastr/o/plasty)
    • surgical repair of the esophagus and stomach
  100. sublingual (sub/lingu/al)
    • pertaining to under the tongue
  101. steatohepatitis (steat/o/hepat/itis)
    • inflammation of liver associated with fat

Activity source: Digestive System Medical Terms by Kimberlee Carter, from Building a Medical Terminology Foundation by Kimberlee Carter and Marie Rutherford, licensed under CC BY- 4.0. /Text version added.

Pronouncing and Defining Digestive System Medical Terms

Digestive System terms (Text Version)

Practice the following digestive system medical terms that are not easily broken into word parts.

  1. ascites
    • abnormal intraperitoneal accumulation of fluid with large number of proteins and electrolytes
  2. hemorrhoids
    • distended and swollen veins in the rectum and anus
  3. nausea
    • urge to vomit
  4. stoma
    • surgical opening between an organ and the surface of the body
  5. adhesion
    • band of scar tissue that binds anatomic surfaces to each other
  6. emesis
    • vomiting
  7. cirrhosis
    • chronic degenerative disease of the liver
  8. polyp
    • small tumour-like growth that extends from the surface of a mucous membrane
  9. feces
    • stool, fecal matter
  10. obesity
    • abnormal increase in the proportion of fat cells resulting in excess body weight for height
  11. dysentery
    • inflammation of the intestine presenting with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea
  12. melena
    • black tarry stool that contains blood from the GI tract
  13. flatus
    • gas in the GI tract
  14. reflux
    • abnormal backward flow
  15. palpate
    • physical examination technique: The examiner feels for texture, size, consistency, and location of body parts with hands.

Activity source: Digestive System terms not easily broken down into word parts by Kimberlee Carter, from Building a Medical Terminology Foundation by Kimberlee Carter and Marie Rutherford, licensed under CC BY- 4.0. /Text version added.

Pronouncing and Defining Commonly Abbreviated Digestive System Terms

Practice pronouncing and defining these commonly abbreviated digestive system terms:

  • APR (abdominoperineal resection)
  • BE (barium enema)
  • EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
  • ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
  • EUS (endoscopic ultrasound)
  • FOBT (fecal occult blood test)
  • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
  • GI (gastrointestinal)
  • H.pylori (Helicobacter pylori)
  • IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
  • N&V (nausea and vomiting)
  • PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy)
  • UC (ulcerative colitis)
  • UGI (upper gastrointestinal)
  • UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty)

Sorting Terms

Sort the terms from the word lists above into the following categories:

  • Disease and Disorder (terms describing any deviation from normal structure and function)
  • Diagnostic (terms related to process of identifying a disease, condition, or injury from its signs and symptoms)
  • Therapeutic (terms related to treatment or curing of diseases)
  • Anatomic (terms related to body structure)

Digestive System Structures

Label the following digestive system anatomy:

Digestive System Anatomy (Text Version)

Label the diagram with correct words listed below:

  1. Gallbladder
  2. Mouth
  3. Jejunum
  4. Tongue
  5. Ileum
  6. Sigmoid colon
  7. Liver
  8. Submandibular gland
  9. Anal canal
  10. Parotid gland
  11. Descending colon
  12. Duodenum
  13. Esophagus
  14. Tranverse colon
  15. Pharynx
  16. Anus
  17. Sublingual gland
  18. Ascending colon
  19. Cecum
  20. Stomach
  21. Spleen
  22. Rectum
  23. Appendix
  24. Pancreas

Illustration showing the anterior view of the human digestive system. A line extends from structures identifying location.

Digestive System Anatomy Diagram (Text Version)

This diagram shows an anterior view of the head and torso of the human body with the anatomical organs and structures comprising the digestive system identified. From the top working clockwise. Located in the mouth or oral cavity are three glands which secrete saliva containing enzymes to aid in digestion these include: _______[Blank 1], ______[Blank 2], and the _________[Blank 3]. When the ingested food is ready to leave the mouth, it is transferred to the throat to swallow, the throat is also known as the ________[Blank 4]. The ________[Blank 5] is a muscular hollow organ which aids in the digestive process by breaking down food for digestion. While the _______[Blank 6] located under the left portion of the diaphragm, helps to filter blood. The ______[Blank 7] is an accessory organ responsible for producing a hormone known as insulin and insulin is critical in the metabolism of sugars. The large intestines have many structural components ________[Blank 8],_________[Blank 9], ________[Blank 10], ________[Blank 11], and _______[Blank 12] with these structures responsible for the final stage of digestion known as elimination. A small finger-like projections hangs from the cecum known as the ________[Blank 13] and this structure has a role in the development of the immune system in early human development. As a continuation of the sigmoid colon a hollow structure known as the _________[Blank 14] is identified. Next, is the final segment of the digestive system and is a structure measuring about 3 to 4 cm long known as the _______[Blank 15]. Fecal matter is expelled through the terminal opening in the digestive system called the ______[Blank 16]. The small intestines divided into three distinct parts; the is the third part ______[Blank 17], the _______[Blank 18] is the second part, and the _______[Blank 19] is the first part. The _______[Blank 20] is an accessory organ of digestion and is responsible for storing bile for when it is needed to breakdown fats in the process of digestion. The _______[Blank 21] located in the upper right side of the abdomen is responsible for producing the bile to send to the gallbladder for storage until it the bile is released. The _______[Blank 22] connects the pharynx to the stomach it is responsible for gently moving the food from the pharynx to the stomach. The _______[Blank 23] located in the mouth is responsible for moving the food around in the mouth during the chewing or mastication process. The _______[Blank 24] also known as the oral cavity contains the saliva glands, the teeth and tongue and begins the process of digestion.

Check your answers [1]

Activity source: Digestive System Anatomy by Gisele Tuzon, from Building a Medical Terminology Foundation, illustration from Anatomy and Physiology (OpenStax), licensed under CC BY 4.0./ Text version added.

Medical Terms in Context

Place the following medical terms in context to complete the scenario below:

Digestive System(Text version)

Fill in the blanks using the following list of words:

  • polyp
  • palpate
  • obesity
  • hemorrhoids
  • emesis
  • melena
  • flatus
  • ascites
  • feces
  • reflux
  • nausea
  • cirrhosis
  • dysentery
  • adhesion
  • stoma

The Physician during an examination will ________[Blank 1] to feel for texture, size, consistency and location of body parts with hands.
A _______[Blank 2] is a small tumour-like growth that extend from the surface of a mucous membrane.
___________[Blank 3] is an abnormal increase in the proportion of fat cells resulting in excess body weight for height.
Distended and swollen veins in the rectum and anus are called ___________[Blank 4].
The medical term for vomiting is ____________[Blank 5].
__________[Blank 6] is black tarry stool that contains blood from the gastrointestinal tract.
_________[Blank 7] is the medical term for gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
Abnormal intraperitoneal accumulation of fluid with large amount of proteins and electrolytes is _________[Blank 8].
____________ is fecal matter.
Abnormal backward flow is called ____________[Blank 10].
The urge to vomit is __________[Blank 11].
__________[Blank 12] is a chronic degenerative disease of the liver due to alcohol abuse.
___________[Blank 13] is an inflammation of the intestine presenting with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.
A band of scar tissue that binds anatomic surfaces to each other is called an ___________[Blank 14].
The surgical opening between an organ and the surface of the body is called a ___________[Blank 15].

Check your answers: [2]

Activity source: Digestive System by Alyssa Arsenault, licensed under CC BY- 4.0 from “Digestive System” in Building a Medical Terminology Foundation by Kimberlee Carter and Marie Rutherford, licensed under CC BY- 4.0. / Converted to Text.

Medical Terms in Context

Place the following medical terms in context to complete the scenario below:

Digestive System – Consultation Report (Text version)

Use the words below to fill in the consultation report:

  1. diarrhea
  2. treatment
  3. electrolytes
  4. Glucose
  5. resists walking
  6. session
  7. vomiting
  8. stools
  9. eyes
  10. gait

PATIENT NAME: Alex WEBB
AGE: 30
DOB: November 10
SEX: Male
CONSULTANT: Louis D. Wainwright, MD, Gastroenterology
REQUESTING PHYSICIAN: Trevor Sharpe, MD, Family Medicine

REASON FOR CONSULTATION: Please evaluate GI distress.

I was asked to see this 30-year old male in consultation because of unremitting nausea, _______[Blank 1], __________[Blank 2], abdominal pain, dizziness, and low-grade fever. The patient has a poor appetite but reports no weight loss. He has noted some postprandial cramping, midepigastric pain, and unremitting diarrhea but no blood in the _________[Blank 3]. He states he is “healthier,” but he still has some dizziness.

Initial treatment consisted of IV fluids and control of __________[Blank 4]. Thereafter, the patient was progressed to clear fluids and soft diet. He has done well on this routine; however, his dizziness has persisted. Fever has resolved.

On admission, the patient’s lab data revealed CBC with hematocrit of 142, hemoglobin 25 with differential of neutrophils 51%, bands 8%, lymphocytes 26%, monocytes 6%, basophils none. Serum electrolytes were normal. Potassium was low at 3.5, BUN: creatinine ratio was normal. ________[Blank 5] was within normal range. Stool studies were within normal.

On examination, I find the patient to be lethargic and uncomfortable with mild nausea and dizziness. He prefers to keep his eyes closed. On examination of the ________[Blank 6], I find no nystagmus. There is pallor to the skin, and he seems cool to the touch. Upon standing by the bedside, the patient is unsteady. Although he _________[Blank 7], when he attempts to walk, his __________[Blank 8] is halting, and he tends to fall to the left side. Abdomen is flat and nontender. Bowel sounds are WNL. Rectal exam deferred.

RECOMMENDATIONS: I think we should continue essential ________[Blank 9] of this gentleman. Because of the symptoms of dizziness on admission, we may want to consider a CT scan to rule out an intracerebral bleed or subdural hematoma. My opinion at this time is that we are dealing with a resolving __________[Blank 10] of gastritis.

Thank you for asking me to see this patient. I will be glad to follow him with you throughout his hospital stay.

____________________________________
Louis D. Wainwright, MD, Gastroenterology

Note: Report samples (H5P and Pressbooks) are to encourage learners to identify correct medical terminology and do not represent the Association for Health Documentation Integrity (AHDI) formatting standards.

 

Check your answers: [3]

Activity source: Digestive System – Consultation Report by Heather Scudder, from Building a Medical Terminology Foundation by Kimberlee Carter and Marie Rutherford, licensed under CC BY- 4.0. / Text version added.

Medical Terms in Context

Place the following medical terms in context to complete the scenario below:

Digestive System – Operative Report (Text version)

Use the words listed below to fill in the operative report:

  • esophagitis
  • ulceration
  • lateral
  • stomach
  • GE
  • sporadic
  • retroflexion
  • bleeding
  • antrum
  • duodenum
  • lidocaine
  • duodenitis

PATIENT NAME: Bruce WEBSTER
AGE: 48
SEX: Male
DOB: September 23
DATE OF ADMISSION: July 2
DATE OF PROCEDURE: July 2
ADMITTING PHYSICIAN: Trevor Sharpe, MD, Family Medicine
SURGEON: Louis D. Wainwright, MD, Gastroenterology

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: GI Bleed.
POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:

  1. Severe _______[Blank 1].
  2. Gastroesophageal ________[Blank 2].
  3. No Significant bleeding seen in the stomach.

OPERATIVE PROCEDURE: Gastrointestinal endoscopy.
ANESTHESIA: _________[Blank 3] 1%.

PROCEDURE: The patient was placed into the left _________[Blank 4] position. A scope was introduced from the mouth, under visualization and advanced to the upper part of the _______[Blank 5], upper part of esophagus, middle of esophagus, ________[Blank 6] junction, and some __________[Blank 7] bleeding was seen at the GE junction. The scope was moved through the upper part of the stomach into the _________[Blank 8]. The __________[Blank 9] showed some inflammation and the scope was then brought out. ________[Blank 10] was not performed. The scope was then brought back slowly. Mild _________[Blank 11] was also seen and a little bit of ulceration noted at GE junction.

CONCLUSION: Severe esophagitis, may be some source of __________[Blank 12] from there, but no active bleeding at this time.

___________________________________
Louis D. Wainwright, MD, Gastroenterology

Note: Report samples (H5P and Pressbooks) are to encourage learners to identify correct medical terminology and do not represent the Association for Health Documentation Integrity (AHDI) formatting standards.

Check your answers: [4]

Activity source: Digestive System – Operative Report by Heather Scudder, from Building a Medical Terminology Foundation by Kimberlee Carter and Marie Rutherford, licensed under CC BY- 4.0. /Text version added.

Test Your Knowledge

Test your knowledge by answering the questions below:

Digestive System Glossary Reinforcement Activity (Text version)
  1. ______ [Blank 1] is a band of smooth muscle at the junction between the pylorus of the stomach and the duodenum of the small intestine.
    1. Ampulla
    2. Quadrate
    3. Pyloric sphincter
  2. Fatty tissue that stretches over the abdomen, plays a role in immune response and the growth of certain cancers is called _____[Blank 2].
    1. Fundus
    2. Convex
    3. Omentum
  3. The process of breaking down the fat into smaller blood cells which makes it easy for enzymes to function and digest food is called _____[Blank 3].
    1. Bicarbonate
    2. Malabsorption
    3. Emulsification
  4. ______[Blank 4] is the location where the diaphragm has a small opening through which the esophagus passes before connecting.
    1. Hiatal
    2. Lacteals
    3. Hilum
  5. Situated nearer to the center of the body or the point of attachment is the ____ [Blank 5].
    1. Proximal
    2. Distal
    3. Quadrate

Check your answers: [5]

Activity source: Digestive System Glossary Reinforcement Activity by Gisele Tuzon, from Building a Medical Terminology Foundation by Kimberlee Carter and Marie Rutherford, licensed under CC BY- 4.0. /Text version added.

Downloadable Worksheets

View or download & print the PDF or Word format worksheet below:

Worksheet – Digestive System – Chapter 12 [Word]

12. Digestive System –  Definitions Using Word Parts [Word]

12. Digestive System – Scenarios [Word]

Attribution

Except where otherwise noted, this book is adapted from Medical Terminology by Grimm et al. (2022), Nicolet College, CC BY 4.0 International. / A derivative of Building a Medical Terminology Foundation by Carter & Rutherford (2020), and Anatomy and Physiology by Betts, et al., CC BY 4.0, which can be accessed for free at OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology.

 

  1. Illustration showing the anterior view of the human digestive system. A line extends from structures identifying location. A textbox is located and the end of each line labelled to identify the name of each structure
    Check your answers: Digestive System Anatomy Diagram (Text Version)This diagram shows an anterior vies of the head and torso of the human body with the anatomical organs and structures comprising the digestive system identified. From the top working clockwise Located in the mouth or oral cavity are three glands which secrete saliva containing enzymes to aid in digestion these include: parotid gland, sublingual gland, and the submandibular gland. When the ingested food is ready to leave the mouth, it is transferred to the throat to swallow, the throat is also known as the pharynx. The stomach is a muscular hollow organ which aids in the digestive process by breaking down food for digestion. While the spleen located under the left portion of the diaphragm, helps to filter blood. The pancreas is an accessory organ responsible for producing a hormone known as insulin and insulin is critical in the metabolism of sugars. The large intestines have many structural components transverse colon, ascending colon, descending colon, cecum, and sigmoid colon with these structures responsible for the final stage of digestion known as elimination. A small finger-like projections hangs from the cecum known as the appendix and this structure has a role in the development of the immune system in early human development. As a continuation of the sigmoid colon a hollow structure known as the rectum is identified. Next, is the final segment of the digestive system and is a structure measuring about 3 to 4 cm long known as the anal canal. Fecal matter is expelled through the terminal opening in the digestive system called the anus. The small intestines divided into three distinct parts; the is the third part ileum, the jejunum is the second part, and the duodenum is the first part. The gall bladder is an accessory organ of digestion and is responsible for storing bile for when it is needed to breakdown fats in the process of digestion. The liver located in the upper right side of the abdomen is responsible for producing the bile to send to the gallbladder for storage until it the bile is released. The esophagus connects the pharynx to the stomach it is responsible for gently moving the food from the pharynx to the stomach. The tongue located in the mouth is responsible for moving the food around in the mouth during the chewing or mastication process. The mouth also known as the oral cavity contains the saliva glands, the teeth and tongue and begins the process of digestion.
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  2.  1. palpate, 2. polyp, 3. obesity, 4. hemorrhoids, 5. emesis, 6. melena, 7. flatus, 8.ascites, 9. feces, 10.  reflux, 11. nausea, 12. cirrhosis, 13. dysentery, 14. adhesion, 15. stoma ↵
  3. 1.diarrhea, 2.vomiting, 3.stools, 4. electrolytes, 5.Glucose, 6.eyes, 7.resists walking, 8.gail 9.treatment, 10.session ↵
  4. 1. esophagitis, 2.ulceration, 3. lidocaine, 4.lateral, 5.stomach, 6.GE, 7.sporadic, 8.antrum, 9.duodenum, 10.retroflexion, 11.duodenitis, 12.bleeding ↵
  5. 1. Pyloric sphincter, 2. Omentum, 3. Emulsification, 4. Hiatal, 5. Proximal, ↵

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Building a Medical Terminology 2e - Student Companion Workbook Copyright © 2024 by Kimberlee Carter; Marie Rutherford; and Connie Stevens is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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