DigestionDigestionDigestionDigestion

Quick NotesQuick Notes

Vocabulary• Gingivitis-inflammation of the gingiva

(gums)• Caries- tooth decay (cavity)• Periodontitis- inflammation of the

periodontal membrane or periodontal ligament

• Ascites-abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal space

• Large intestine-colon• Emesis-vomiting• Flatulence-gas• Hepatitis-inflammation of the liver• Gastritis-inflammation of the

stomach• Deglutition-swallowing

• Colitis-any inflammatory condition of the large intestine

• Diverticulitis-inflammation of abnormal outpouchings in the large intestine

• Cirrhosis-degeneration of liver tissue; normal liver tissue becomes fatty and fibrous

• Mastication-chewing

Hiatal Hernia• Bulging out (hernia) of the

stomach through the opening (hiatus) of the diaphragm through which the esophagus normally passes

• Bottom of esophagus may be abnormally stretched

• Cardiac sphincter may be dilated• Backflow, or reflux, would more

likely occur when bending or reclining because gravity would pull the contents of the stomach toward the esophagus

• Barium swallow-upper GI study

Interesting Facts

• The liver performs over 500 functions and produces over 1000 enzymes to handle the chemical conversions necessary for survival.

• The human stomach lining replaces itself every 3 days.