Tag Archives: Glossary.

A feeling of a continuous need to have a bowel movement. It may be painful and associated with cramps and involuntary straining. It is common in conditions affecting the rectum, such as ulcerative colitis.

A layer of connective tissue underneath the mucosa, a layer of smooth muscle.

The abnormal narrowing of a body opening. Also called stenosis.

The organ located in the upper abdomen attached to the esophagus above and the small intestine below. This form changing muscular sac acts as a holding tank for  incoming food while powerful muscles churn and strong acid dissolves and breaks it down into ...

An opening in the abdomen that is created by an operation (ostomy).

Drugs that cause rhythmic muscle contractions in the intestines. (Brand names: Senokot, Correctol, Dulcolax.)

The abnormal narrowing of a normal opening in the esophagus, intestines, or anus.

A condition that occurs when air or gas collects in the upper parts of the colon and causes pain in the upper left abdomen. The pain often moves to the left chest and may be confused with heart problems.

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

the muscle between the common bile duct and pancreatic ducts.

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 buildup of fat in liver cells, commonly caused by alcoholism. Other causes include obesity, diabetes, and pregnancy. Also called fatty liver.

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.

Tissue in an organ such as the mouth or esophagus that consists of layers of flat cells.

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