X rays of the small intestine taken as barium liquid passes through the organ. Also called small bowel follow-through.

A rare type of ulcer in the rectum that can develop because of straining to have a bowel movement.

A hormone in the pancreas that helps the body know when to make the hormones insulin, glucagon, gastrin, secretin, and renin.

Muscle movements, such as those in the colon, that cause pain, cramps, and diarrhea.

A condition in which the body cannot absorb fat. It causes a buildup of fat in the stool and loose, greasy, and foul-smelling bowel movements.

A ringlike band of muscle that opens and closes an opening in the body. An example is the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach known as the lower esophageal sphincter.

the muscle between the common bile duct and pancreatic ducts.

The organ that cleans blood and makes white blood cells. White blood cells attack bacteria and other foreign cells.

The condition of having too much bilirubin in the blood, which occurs when the liver does not work normally or blood breaks down too quickly. Symptoms include jaundice.

Having too much hydrochloric acid in the stomach.