|
Abdomen
|
The
portion of the body between the diaphragm
and the pelvis.
|
|
Abscess
|
A
pus-filled cavity.
|
|
Ascites
|
The
collection of fluid in the peritoneal
cavity.
|
|
Acinar
cells
|
A
group of secretory cells surrounding a cavity (smallest
division of a gland).
|
| Adenomatous
Polyposis Coli (APC) |
The
gene located on chromosome 5. The mutated form of this gene
is responsible for the formation of multiple polyps in the
colon. |
|
Ampulla
of Vater
|
This
widening of the pancreatic duct is a landmark for physicians.
It is where the bile duct and pancreatic duct join before
draining into the abdomen (small intestine). Tumors in
the head of
the pancreas may squeeze this duct
partially or completely closed. This can lead to problems
with digestion and jaundice.
|
|
Amylase
|
An
enzyme
which breaks down or splits carbohydrates.
|
|
Anus |
The
muscular outlet of the rectum.
|
|
Analgesic
|
A
drug that aids in the relief of pain.
|
|
Anastomosis
|
A
surgical joining of two hollow structures. It is similar
to attaching two ends of a garden hose. For example, a
gastrojejunostomy
is a surgical procedure that connects the stomach and
the jejunum
(small intestine).
|
|
Anemia
|
A
condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells.
This can lead to fatigue among other symptoms.
|
|
Aneurysm
|
A
localized abnormal widening of a blood vessel due to a
congenital
defect
or wall weakness of the vessel.
|
|
Angiography
|
A
radiographic (X-ray) technique used to visualize blood
vessels. A contrast
medium (dye)
is usually injected into the vessels to make them appear
white on the x-rays.
|
|
Antrum
|
Any
nearly closed cavity or chamber
|
|
Aorta |
The
large artery that carries oxygen rich blood from the heart.
It descends into the abdomen where it gives off many branches
to supply the organs. The superior mesenteric artery is
a major branch of the aorta that is a common site of pancreatic
cancer metastases.
|
|
Arteriosclerosis
|
Thickening
and hardening of the wall of the arteries resulting in
loss of elasticity. This process compromises the diameter
of the vessel (lumen)
and may obstruct blood flow.
|
|
Atrophy
|
A
wasting or decrease in size of an organ or a tissue.
|
|
Ascites
|
The
collection of excess amounts of fluid in the abdominal
cavity.
|
|
Aspiration
|
To
draw in or out by suction. The withdrawal of fluid or
air from an affected area or cavity by means of suction
with a device called an aspirator.
|
|
Autosomal
dominant
|
Refers
to any dominant chromosome other than a sex (x and y)
chromosome.
|
|
Barium
enema
|
This
is an x-ray examination of the entire colon. A liquid,
barium, is inserted as an enema into the colon. The test
allows the colon to be outlined on an x-ray picture. If
polyps or cancer are present, they can usually be seen
on this x-ray.
|
|
Benign
tumors
|
Tumors
which are non-cancerous. These generally grow slowly and
do not invade adjacent organs or spread (metastasize).
Some benign tumors may become malignant.
|
|
Bilateral
|
Affecting
both right and left sides of the body or the right and
left portions of an organ.
|
|
Bile
|
A
green fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fats.
It is transported from the liver to the duodenum
by the bile duct. When the flow of bile is blocked, patients
may become jaundiced
(yellow skinned).
|
| Bile
Duct |
A duct or tube by which bile passes from the liver or gallblader
to the duodenum. |
|
Bilirubin
|
This
is a chemical produced when old or damaged blood cells
break down. The liver chemically processes the bilirubin
so that it can dissolve in water and be excreted through
the urine.
|
|
Biopsy
|
The
removal and microscopic examination of a tissue sample.
|
|
Body
of the pancreas
|
The
middle part of the gland between the neck and the tail.
The superior mesenteric blood vessels run behind this
part of the gland.
|
|
Bougie
|
A
flexible, tapered, tube-like instrument for enlarging
tube-like organs.
|
|
Bougienage
|
The
widening of a tubular cavity with a bougie.
|
|
Calcification
|
The
process in which organic tissue becomes hardened by deposition
of lime salts in the tissues.
|
|
Calculi
|
Commonly
called stones, they are an abnormal formation in the body.
A calculus is usually composed of mineral salts and can
occur in the kidneys, gallbaladder, bile duct, pancreas
or urinary tract.
|
|
Catheter
|
A
small, flexible tube inserted into the body to inject
or suck out fluids.
|
|
Cecum
|
An
area that forms the first part of the large intestine.
It is located below the entrance of the
ileum.
|
|
Celiac
plexus
|
The
celiac plexus (nerves) is located behind the stomach,
in front of the aorta
at the origin of the celiac artery. Injection of this
site with drugs may reduce abdominal pain.
|
| Cholangitis |
Inflammation
of the bile ducts. |
|
Choledochojejunostomy
|
The
surgical connection of the common bile duct and the jejunum.
|
| Cholestasis |
Reduction
in bile flow. |
| Chromosome |
The
carrier of genetic material of a cell (genes). The normal
number of chromosomes in the human Cell is 46 (23 pair).
|
|
Chymotrypsin
|
An
enzyme
present in the intestines which breaks down proteins when
combined with trypsin
(which is secreted by the pancreas). This enzyme is absent
or reduced in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
|
|
Cleaved
|
The
splitting of a complex molecule into two or more simpler
molecules.
|
|
Clubbing
|
A
condition with the most outstanding feature being a lateral
and longitudinal curvature presenting a bulb-like appearance
of the end of the fingers and toes.
|
|
Colon
and Rectum
|
The
colon and rectum make up the large intestine. The last
5-6 feet of the intestine is called the colon. After food
is digested, solid wastes move through the colon and rectum
to the anus where they are passed out of the body. The
primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water
from the intestinal contents, making the stool solid.
The rectum also acts as a storage reservoir for waste
materials before they leave the body.
|
|
Colonoscopy
|
This
is an exam to visualize the rectum and the entire colon.
It is performed with a colonoscope, a lighted, flexible,
tube. It allows the doctor to see the entire large intestine.
|
|
Computed
Tomography (CT) Scan
|
A
series of x-ray pictures taken by a machine that encircles
the body like a giant tube. Computers are then used to
generate cross-sectional images of the inside of the body.
|
|
Congenital
anomaly
|
The
intrauterine development of an organ or structure that
is abnormal with regard to form, structure, or position
(birth defect).
|
|
Contrast
agent (or medium)
|
A
dye, taken by mouth or injected, that is sometimes used
during x-ray examinations to highlight areas that might
otherwise not bee seen.
|
|
Cyst
|
A
fluid filled sac.
|
|
Cystoduodenostomy
|
The
joining of a cyst to the duodenum.
|
|
Cystogastrostomy
|
The
joining of a cyst (usually of the pancreas) to the stomach.
|
|
Cystojejunostomy
|
The
joining of a cyst to the jejunum.
|
|
Debridement
|
The
removal of dead, damaged tissue, or a foreign body, especially
from a wound
|
| Decompression |
A
reduction in the pressure or compression or an operation
or a technique employed to relieve pressure upon an organ
or within a hollow organ. |
|
Diabetes
Mellitus
|
The
condition or disease in which the body is unable to appropriately
control blood sugar (glucose) levels. This is usually
caused by failure of the pancreas to produce adequate
amounts of insulin.
|
|
Diaphragm
|
A
dome shaped muscle that separates the lungs and heart
from the abdomen.
This muscle assists in breathing.
|
|
Digital
Rectal Exam
|
This
is an examination to check the anal canal and rectum.
The doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the
rectum.
|
|
Dilatation
|
Refers
to the expansion of an opening by use of a dilator (for
example, a balloon during endoscopy). This also refers
to the expansion of an organ or a vessel.
|
| Distal
|
Located
away from the center of the body. |
|
Diuresis
|
The
secretion and passage of large amounts of urine. This
may be due to a variety of factors including ingestion
of large quantities of liquids, diabetes mellitus, nephritis,
or the action of drugs that cause diuresis.
|
|
Dormia
basket
|
An
accessory used in endoscopic therapy where a basket is
introduced through an endoscope to remove calculi
from internal organs (such as the pancreas, bile ducts,
etc.)
|
|
Dorsal
|
Pertaining
to the back or indicating a position toward the rear part.
|
|
Duke’s
System of Staging
|
This
is a staging system, which separates colorectal cancers
into four groups. The tumors are graded A – D, (A
being the least severe).
|
|
Duct
|
A
small anatomic structure. This is essentially a tube that
carries various bodily fluids.
|
|
Duct
of Santorini
|
An
accessory pancreatic duct (dorsal pancreatic duct).
|
|
Duct
of Wirsung
|
An
excretory duct or tube of the pancreas.
|
|
Duodenotomy
|
A
surgical cut into the duodenum.
|
|
Duodenum
|
The
first portion of the small intestine. It is about 1 foot
long.
|
|
-ectomy
|
Surgical
removal of a structure or part of a structure. For example,
pancreatectomy is the surgical removal of the pancreas
(or a portion of it).
|
|
Elastase
|
A
pancreatic enzyme
that, in the presence of trypsin,
cleaves
amino acids from proteins.
|
| Embryological
|
A
branch of biology which deals with development of organs
from the point of conception. |
|
Endocrine
function
|
Refers
to the production of secretions that are distributed in
the body by way of the blood stream.
|
| Endoluminal |
Referring
to the inside |
|
Endoprosthesis
|
A
device inserted into a body part (e.g. bile duct) using
the endoscope.
|
|
Endoscope
|
A
device consisting of a tube and optical system for observation
of the inside of a hollow organ or cavity. It is inserted
into the body through a natural opening or a small incision
|
|
Endoscopic
Ultrasound (EUS)
|
An
endoscopic procedure whereby an ultrasound
probe is introduced to visualize internal organs for diagnostic
and therapeutic measures.
|
|
Endoscopy
|
Inspection
of body organs or cavities by use of an endoscope.
|
|
Enzyme
|
Enzymes
are complex proteins that are capable of inducing chemical
changes in other substances without being changed themselves.
They are reaction-specific and act in one way to produce
the same result. Enzymes are present in digestive juices
and act to break down food substances into simpler compounds.
|
|
Epigastric
|
One
of the abdominal walls located in the upper middle portion.
|
|
Epithelium
|
A
layer of cellular tissue that covers the surface or lines
a tube or cavity in the body. Its function is to protect,
absorb and secrete.
|
|
Endoscopic
Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
|
A
test used to visualize and examine the pancreas and the
bile ducts. The endoscopie is inserted down the
esophagus
and stomach then into the small intestine (duodenum).
There, a small probe is inserted into the ampulla
of Vater. A dye is injected through
the probe and into the pancreatic and bile ducts. X-rays
are then taken.
|
| Esophagus |
Part
of the alimentary tract. A muscular tube that is about nine
inches long and passes from the pharynx down the neck between
the trachea and the spinal column and behind the left bronchus
and joins the stomach. |
|
Etiology
|
The
cause of a disease.
|
|
Exocrine
function
|
The
term applied to glands whose secretions reach the epithelial
surface either directly or through a duct.
|
|
Exacerbate
|
To
cause a disease or its symptoms to become more severe.
|
|
Extracorporeal
shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
|
A
technique for breaking up calcifications or stones. Shock
waves are focused on the stone to fragment it.
|
|
Familial
Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
|
FAP
is a condition in which the tendency to develop polyps
is inherited. People with this condition generally develop
hundreds to thousands of polyps throughout the colon at
a young age, usually as a teenager or young adult
|
|
Fecal
Occult Blood Test
|
This
is a test for hidden blood in the stool. A small amount
of stool is placed on a special test strip. The stool
may be tested in a doctor’s office or sent to a laboratory.
|
|
Fibrosclerosing
|
The
hardening of an organ due to excessive development of
fibrous tissue.
|
|
Fibrosis
|
The
abnormal formation of fibrous tissue or tissues containing
fibers.
|
| Fistula |
The
abnormal passage of pancreatic juice through a ductal disruption
existing in the parenchyma. |
|
Flexible
Sigmoidoscopy
|
This
is an exam to visualize the rectum and lower part of the
colon. The sigmoidoscope or endoscope is inserted into
the anus, through the rectum and into the large intestine.
|
|
Fluoroscopy
|
A
method of visualizing internal organs by use of an x-ray.
|
|
Gallbladder
|
A
green pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the
abdomen just under the liver. The gallbladder is essentially
a reservoir for holding bile.
|
|
Gastrojejunostomy
|
The
surgical anastomosis
between the stomach and the jejunum.
|
|
Gastrotomy
|
An
opening into the stomach.
|
| Gene |
The basic unit of hereditary, each one occupying A particular
place on a chromosome. |
|
Glucagon
|
A
hormone produced by the endocrine
(islets
of Langerhans) cells of the pancreas.
When blood sugar levels are low, glucagon acts to raise
blood sugar levels.
|
| Granulation |
The
process of forming minute masses of tissue that project
from the surface of an organ. |
|
Head
of the pancreas
|
The
widest part of the pancreas. It is found in the right
part of the abdomen, nestled in the curve of the duodenum.
|
| Hereditary |
Genetically
transmitted from parent to child. |
|
Histology
|
The
microscopic study of tissues. For example, tissues removed
at biopsy
may be studied to provide the physician information about
disease processes.
|
| Hormone |
A
product of living cells that circulates in bodily fluids
and produces a specific effect on the activity of cells
remote from its point of origin. |
|
Hypercalcemia
|
Excessive
amounts of calcium in the blood.
|
|
Hyperparathyroidism
|
An
increase in the secretion of parathyroid hormone which
regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body.
This results in a rise in blood calcium and a fall in
phosphorus levels. Patients experience increased fragility,
muscular weakness.
|
|
Hypoglycemia
|
A
deficiency of sugar in the blood. The glucose in the blood
is abnormally low.
|
|
Idiopathic
|
Referring
to conditions without a clear pathogenesis
or disease without a recognizable cause.
|
|
Ileum
|
The
lower three fifths of the small intestine. That area of
small intestine from the jejunum
to the ileocecal
valve.
|
|
Ileocecal
|
Relating
to the ileum
and the cecum
|
|
Inflammatory
|
The
changes that occur in living tissue when it is injured.
Inflammation causes pain, heat and redness or swelling
as well as impaired function. The inflamed area undergoes
continuous changes as the body repair processes begin
to heal and replace injured tissue.
|
|
Insulin
|
A
hormone produced by the endocrine
islets of
Langerhans cells of the pancreas. It
acts to lower blood sugar levels.
|
|
Intestine
|
The
alimentary canal extending from the
pylorus to the
anus. It is divided into the small and large intestine
(colon).
|
|
Intractable
|
Incurable
or resistant to treatment or therapy.
|
|
Intraductal
|
Inside
of a duct.
|
|
Interstitial
|
Pertaining
to spaces within an organ or tissue.
|
| Intubation |
Introduction of a tube into a hollow organ to keep it open
or restore patency if it is obstructed. |
|
Ischemia
|
A
temporary or localized deficiency of blood supply due
to an obstruction in the circulation to a part.
|
|
Islets
of Langerhans
|
Clusters
of cells in the pancreas which produce insulin.
Damage or destruction of the function of the islets of
Langerhans may result in diabetes
or hypoglycemia.
|
| Isoamylase
|
A
pancreatic specific enzyme. |
|
Jaundice
|
Yellowing
of the skin or whites of the eyes caused by the accumulation
of bile
pigments.
|
|
Jejunum
|
The
second part of the small intestine which extends from
the duodenum
to the ileum.
|
|
Jejunojejunostomy
|
A
surgical procedure that reconnects the jejunum
to restore continuity of the GI tract.
|
|
Lipase
|
A
digestive enzyme
that breaks down fat and is found in the blood, pancreatic
secretion and in the tissues.
|
|
Lithostatine
|
A
glycoprotein secreted by acinar
cells of the pancreas which acts as
a calcium stabilizer in pancreatic juice
|
|
Lithotripsy
|
The
process by which calculus
(stone formation) in the bladder, pancreas or kidneys
are crushed or fragmented so as to be more easily removed.
|
|
Liver
|
The
largest organ in the body, located in the right upper
part of the abdomen. It performs may life maintaining
functions including the production of bile.
It detoxifies the blood of drugs, alcohol and other harmful
chemicals. It processes nutrients absorbed by the intestine
and stores essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
The liver chemically processes bilirubin so it can dissolve
in water and be excreted through the urine. When this
process is disrupted, jaundice
can develop.
|
|
Lumen
|
Refers
to the diameter of a vessel, tube, or duct.
|
|
Magnetic
Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
|
A
painless, enhanced MRI
method to obtain images of the pancreas and bile ducts.
|
| Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) |
A
painless method for taking pictures of internal organs.
A tube-like machine with a powerful magnet generates images
of the inside of the body. |
|
Malabsorption
|
Inadequate
absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract, especially
the small intestine.
|
| Malignant |
Tending to metastasize or cancerous. Medial |
| Medial |
Lying or extending into the middle of the body. |
| Mesothelium |
Epithelium
which is derived from the mesoderm which lines the body
cavity and gives rise to epithelia (peritoneum, pericardium
and pleurae), striated muscle, heart muscle and several
minor structures. |
| Morbidity |
Refers
to untoward effects as a result of a medical intervention
or disease. |
|
Morphology
|
Structure
of organs, as distinct from their function.
|
|
Mortality
|
The
number of deaths in a given time or a given place.
|
| Multifocal
|
Arising
from or occurring in more than one location. |
|
Mutation
|
A
change genetic structure.
|
|
Neck
of the pancreas
|
The
section between the head and the body of the gland.
|
|
Neurolytic
|
Drugs
or medicines that break down nerve substances, thereby
decreasing or eliminating pain.
|
|
-ostomy
|
A
surgically created opening in an organ
|
|
Palliative
|
Any
treatment that reduces the severity of symptoms of a disease.
|
|
Pancreas
|
An
oblong organ located between the stomach and the spine.
The pancreas secretes enzymes
needed for the digestion of food and it also produces
hormones, such as insulin
and glucagon,
which help control blood sugar.
|
|
Pancreas
Divisum
|
A
congenital
anomaly in which the two portions of
the embryonic pancreas fail to unite resulting in the
majority of the pancreatic duct draining through the minor
papilla.
|
|
Pancreatectomy
|
A
surgical procedure where varying amounts of the body and
tail of the pancreas, as well as the spleen, are removed.
|
|
Pancreatoduodenectomy
|
A
surgical procedure where the head of the pancreas and
adjacent portion of the duodenum are removed.
|
|
Pancreatography
|
An
endoscopic
and radiographic procedure to view the pancreas after
the injection of contrast material into the pancreatic
duct
|
|
Pancreaticojejunostomy
|
A
surgical procedure where a passage is created between
the pancreatic duct and the jejunum.
|
|
Papilla
|
A
small projecting body part similar to a nipple in shape.
|
|
Papillectomy
|
Excision
of any papilla (a small nipple like protuberance).
|
|
Paracenteses
|
The
puncturing of a cavity for the removal of fluid.
|
|
Parenchyma
|
The
essential part of an organ concerned with its function.
|
| Patency |
Being
open or unobstructed. |
|
Pathogenesis
|
The
origin or development of a disease.
|
|
Pathologist
|
A
medical doctor specially trained to study the abnormal
changes (structure and function) in tissues removed at
operations or post-mortem .
|
| Pedigree |
A family tree or genealogy. |
|
Percutaneous
|
Effected
through the skin. A route by which medication is given,
or a procedure carried out for removal or injection.
|
|
Peri-ampullary
|
The
area around the ampulla
of Vater.
|
|
Peripancreatic
|
Pertaining
to the area around the pancreas.
|
|
Peritoneum
|
The
smooth transparent membrane that lines the cavity of the
abdomen. It is folded inward over the abdominal and pelvic
organs. It consists of an outer layer closely attached
to the abdominal wall and an inner layer that folds around
the internal organs.
|
|
Polyps
|
These
are abnormal growths which form on the inside of the gastrointestinal
tract.
|
|
Postprandial
|
Following
a meal.
|
| Precancerous |
A
condition of tissue, such as a polyp, that can turn into
cancer if not treated or removed. |
|
Prognosis
|
A
forecast for the probable outcome of a disease based on
the experience of large numbers of other patients with
similar stage disease. Importantly, making a prognosis
is not an exact science..
|
| Proximal |
Situated next to or near the point of attachment or origin
or toward the center of the body. |
|
Pseudocyst
|
A
dilatation
(expansion of a localized area) that resembles a cyst.
|
|
Puestow’s
procedure (pancreaticojejunostomy)
|
A
surgical procedure where the pancreatic duct is exposed
and attached to the jejunum
to allow adequate drainage of the pancreas.
|
|
Pylorus
|
A
thick ring of muscle (a sphincter) between
the stomach and duodenum.
This sphincter helps control the release of the stomach
contents into the small intestine.
|
|
Resection
|
The
surgical removal of part of an organ or structure.
|
|
Retroperitoneal
|
Refers
to behind the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity).
|
|
Roux-en
Y
|
Surgical
anastomosis of the distal divided end of the small bowel
to another organ (stomach, esophagus). The proximal end
is anastomosed to the small bowel below the anastomosis.
|
|
Secretin
|
A
hormone which stimulates stomach secretions
such as pepsinogen and acid. It also stimulates bicarbonate
secretion from the liver
and pancreas.
|
|
Sensitivity
|
A
term used to assess the value of a diagnostic test, procedure
or clinical observation. It is the proportion of people
who actually have a specific disease and are identified
by a particular test as such.
|
|
Sepsis
|
An
infection in the blood.
|
|
Small
intestine
|
A
long (20 foot) tube that stretches from the stomach to
the large intestine. It helps absorb nutrients from food
as the food is transported to the large intestine. There
are three sections: the duodenum,
the jejunum
and the ileum.
|
|
Specificity
|
A
term used to assess the value of a diagnostic test, procedure
or clinical observation. It is the proportion of people
who are free from a specific disease and are identified
as such by a particular test.
|
| Sphincter
|
A
ring like muscle surrounding and able to contract and close
a bodily opening. |
|
Sphincter
of Oddi
|
A
small, circular muscle where the main pancreatic duct
and common bile duct fuse together at the ampulla
of Vater.
|
|
Sphincterotomy
|
An
incision or a cut in the sphincter
muscle.
|
|
Spleen
|
A
maroon rounded organ in the upper left part of the abdomen.
This organ is part of the immune system and filters the
lymph and blood.
|
|
Steatorrhea
|
Excess
fat in the stools.
|
|
Stenosis
|
The
narrowing or constriction of a passage such as a
duct |
