Tag Archives: Glossary.

A nonprescription medicine used to treat diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, and nausea. It can be part of the treatment for ulcers caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. (Brand name: Pepto-Bismol.)

A procedure in which a tiny piece of a body part, such as the colon or liver, is removed for examination with a microscope usually to establish a diagnosis.

A machine that measures physical responses. It is used to treat both physical and psychological problems, including motility disorders.

A reddish-yellow substance formed when hemoglobin breaks down. Bilirubin is found in bile and blood and is normally passed in stool. Too much bilirubin accumulating in the blood is the cause of jaundice.

Made up of the gallbladder and the bile ducts. Also called biliary system or biliary tree. Liver, Gallbladder, Duodenum, Hepatic ducts, Cystic duct, Pancreas, Common bile duct, and Pancreatic duct.

A narrowing of the biliary tract from scar tissue that results from injury, disease, pancreatitis, infection, gallstones, or cancer. See stricture.

Refers to a group of functional disorders of the biliary system and gallbladder.

Tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder for storage and to the small intestine for use in digestion.

Acids made by the liver that work with bile to break down fats.

Fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that helps break down fats and get rid of wastes in the body.

A ball of food, mucus, vegetable fiber, hair, or other material that cannot be digested in the stomach. Bezoars can cause blockage, ulcers, and bleeding.

A test used to find out if heartburn is caused by acid in the esophagus. The test involves dripping a mild acid, similar to stomach acid, through a tube placed in the esophagus.

A noisy release of gas from the stomach through the mouth. Also called burping or eructation.

A condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus is replaced by tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestine. It is commonly found in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

X rays of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The patient swallows barium before x rays are taken. Barium makes the organs show up on x rays. Also called upper GI series.