Digestive & Gastrointestinal Terminology

Inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when digestive enzymes activate prematurely inside the gland itself.

A catastrophic medical and surgical emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists on its mesenteric axis, cutting off blood supply.

The passive, effortless expulsion of food or fluid from the esophagus or stomach without nausea or abdominal retching.

The active, coordinated muscular ejection of stomach and upper intestinal contents through the mouth preceded by nausea and abdominal contractions.

The passage of dark, black, sticky, tar-like feces containing digested blood originating from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

The passage of fresh, bright red blood in or on the stool, originating from the lower gastrointestinal tract (colon, rectum, or anus).

A liver enzyme found inside liver cells that leaks into the bloodstream when hepatocytes are damaged or inflamed.

A real-time, non-invasive imaging modality using high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal soft tissue organ architecture and fluid.

A surgical procedure that permanently attaches the stomach to the abdominal body wall to prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV / bloat).

A neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist antiemetic used to prevent and treat vomiting and motion sickness.

A potent proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that suppresses gastric acid secretion to treat and prevent stomach ulcers and acid reflux.

A synthetic nitroimidazole antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication with anti-inflammatory bowel properties.

A delicate, V-shaped organ nestled along the stomach and duodenum that has both digestive enzyme (exocrine) and hormone (endocrine) functions.

A vascular lymphoid organ located in the cranial abdomen that filters blood, stores red blood cells, and mounts immune responses.