cecum

(pouch located at the

beginning of the large intestine)

body mass index;

a measurement of body fat based on height and weight used to assess whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

esophagogastroduodenoscopy;

a diagnostic procedure in which a flexible endoscope is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. 

failure to thrive;

a condition in infants or children characterized by insufficient weight gain or growth, often caused by inadequate nutrition or underlying medical conditions. 

gastroesophageal reflux disease;

a chronic condition in which stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.

gastrointestinal;

referring to the digestive system, which includes the stomach, intestines, and associated organs involved in digestion and nutrient absorption.

inguinal hernia;

A condition in which a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, causing a bulge in the groin.

inflammatory bowel disease;

A group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, primarily including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. 

irritable bowel syndrome;

A common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or both)

nonalcoholic fatty liver disease;

A condition characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver not caused by alcohol consumption, often associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

nasogastric tube;

A tube inserted through the nose into the stomach, used for feeding, administering medications, or draining stomach contents.

peptic ulcer disease;

A condition characterized by open sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of NSAIDS. 

parenteral nutrition;

A method of providing nutrition intravenously, bypassing the digestive tract, often used in patients with severe gastrointestinal conditions or after surgery.

ulcerative colitis;

A form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.

Glands in the duodenum that secrete alkaline mucus to protect the intestinal lining. These glands help neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine, playing a key role in preventing damage to the intestinal mucosa.

(named after Johann Conrad Brunner)

A chronic inflammatory condition of the G.I. tract, often affecting the ileum and colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight, loss, and malnutrition. It is a type of IBD.

(named after Burrill Crohn)

A hereditary liver disorder, resulting in mildly elevated bilirubin levels, typically without significant symptoms. It is often detected incidentally during a routine blood tests and is usually benign.

(named after Augustin Nicolas Gilbert)

acute renal failure;

A sudden loss of kidney function, leading to the accumulation of waste products in the blood and an imbalance of electrolytes. It is often reversible with prompt treatment.

benign prostatic hyperplasia;

A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in older men, that can cause urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting urination or a weak urine stream.

catheterization;

The insertion of a catheter, a thin, flexible tube, into the bladder to drain urine, monitor output, or deliver medication directly to the urinary tract.

chronic kidney disease;

A long-term condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function overtime, potentially leading to end-stage renal disease if untreated.

cystoscopy;

A diagnostic procedure in which a thin, flexible scope is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urethra for abnormalities. 

digital rectal exam;

A manual exam where a healthcare provider inserts a finger into the rectum to check for abnormalities in the prostate gland or rectal area.

end-stage renal disease;

The final stage of chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys can no longer support the body’s needs, often requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.

extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy;

A non-invasive procedure that uses shockwaves to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass through the urinary tract.

polycystic kidney disease;

A genetic disorder characterized by the development of fluid filled cysts in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney enlargement and impaired function.

transurethral resection of the prostate;

A surgical procedure to remove part of the prostate gland through the urethra to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (BPH)

urinary tract infection;

An infection affecting any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, or kidneys, commonly causing symptoms like painful urination and frequent urges to urinate.

A rare genetic condition affecting the kidney’s ability to reabsorb sodium, leading to hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and dehydration. Symptoms include muscle weakness, growth delays, and excessive urination, typically diagnosed in childhood.

(named after Frederic Bartter)

A cup-shaped structure in the nephron of the kidney that surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtrate from blood plasma. They are integral to the filtration process in the kidneys, initiating urine formation.

(named after Sir William Bowman)