DICTIONARY

Chemicals in the body fluids that are parts of salts, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride. For example, sodium and chloride form sodium chloride, a common salt found in sweat. Chloride has important functions in cells such as helping to ...

A procedure that uses an electrical current passed through an instrument to stop bleeding.

Problems with swallowing food or liquid, usually caused by blockage or injury to the esophagus.

Upper abdominal discomfort, often provoked by eating, that may be accompanied by fullness, bloating, nausea, or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Also called indigestion.

An infectious disease of the colon. Symptoms include bloody, mucus-filled diarrhea; abdominal pain; fever; and loss of fluids from the body.

The first part of the small intestine.

An irritation of the first part of the small intestine, also called the duodenum.

An ulcer in the lining of the first part of the small intestine, also called the duodenum.

Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that contains the genetic code for all life forms except for a few viruses. It consists of two long, twisted chains made up of nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains one base, one phosphate molecule, and ...

A condition that occurs when small pouches in the colon called diverticula push outward through weak spots.

The plural form of diverticulum. See diverticulum.

Bloating or swelling of the abdomen.

The organs in the body that break down and absorb food. Organs that make up the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Organs that help with digestion but are not part of ...

The process the body uses to break down food into simple substances for energy, growth, and cell repair.

Medicines that aid or stimulate digestion. Examples are digestive enzymes for people with lactase deficiency or damage to the pancreas. (Brand names: Lactaid, Ultrase.)