Anatomy Glossary

The large dark-red gland in the upper part of the abdomen on the right side, just beneath the diaphragm. Its functions include storage and filtration of blood, secretion of bile, conversion of sugars into glycogen, and many other metabolic activities. (source)

an unpleasant sensation in the back of the throat, or throughout the abdomen, that may or may not lead to vomiting. Nausea may be a symptom of a variety of disorders, some minor and some more serious. (Source)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen that decrease pain and inflammation. Many can now be obtained without a doctor's prescription. (Source)

A large, elongated gland lying behind the stomach, between the spleen and duodenum. Its external secretion contains digestive enzymes that are secreted into the duodenum to aid in protein digestion. Its internal secretions include insulin and glucagon. (source)

An organism that lives and feeds on or in an organism of a different species and causes harm to its host. (Source) 

The two main types of intestinal parasites are helminths (such as tapeworms) and protozoa (such as giardia and cryptosporidium). (Source)

An area on the inner surface of the stomach, duodenum or esophagus, in which stomach acid and digestive enzymes have acted to erode the surface and expose the underlying layers of muscle. (Source)

Also called gastric ulcer.

The wormlike movement by which the alimentary canal or other tubular organs...propel their contents, consisting of a wave of contraction passing along the tube for variable distances. Source

A growth or tumor protruding from the mucous lining of an organ such as the nose, bladder, or intestine, sometimes causing obstruction. (Source)

Polyps bleed easily; if there is a possibility that they will become malignant, they should be removed surgically. (Source)

An instrument consisting of a thin tube with a light source, used to examine the inside of the rectum. (Source)

A rectal speculum. (Source)

The ring of muscle that controls the passage of material from the stomach into the small intestine (Source)