Tag Archives: Glossary.

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.

A test for lactose intolerance that measures breath samples for hydrogen levels. The body makes too much hydrogen when lactose is not broken down properly in the small intestine.

An odorless, colorless, flammable gas that combines chemically to form water.

An acid made in the stomach that works with pepsin and other enzymes to break down proteins.

A term that refers to antibody production. The aspect of immunity that is mediated by secreted antibodies that are produced by B cells. Secreted antibodies bind to antigens, flagging them for destruction.

A distinguishing series of proteins that exist on the surface of every white blood cell to help the cell discriminate between

A natural chemical produced in one part of the body and released into the blood to trigger or regulate particular functions of the body. The digestive system makes a large number of different hormones.

The study of diseased microscopic structure.

The study of The microscopic structure of tissue.

A birth defect in which some nerve cells are lacking in the large intestine, causing the intestine not to move stool and become blocked. It causes the abdomen to swell. See megacolon.

An opening in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest. It may cause heartburn from stomach acid flowing back up through the opening.

An operation to repair a hernia.

The part of an internal organ that pushes through an opening in the organ

Refers to damage a medicine or other substance does to the liver.

The field of medicine focusing on the functions and disorders of the liver.