NBCMI WRITTEN STUDY GUIDE
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Answers -Severe "heartburn" in laymen's
language. Weakness of the valve between the esophagus and stomach may allow
stomach acid to reflux (regurgitate, backup) into the esophagus and irritate and inflame
the lining. This results in chest pain which can mimic that of angina (pain of cardiac
ischemia or an MI).
Diverticulosis/diverticulitis - Answers -Small pouches may form along the walls of the
large intestine called diverticuli which if symptomatic, causing discomfort to the patient,
is called diverticulosis. These abnormal outpocketings may collect and not be able to
empty fecal material which can lead to inflammation, diverticulitis.
Portal hypertension - Answers -A potential complication of chronic alcoholism resulting
in liver damage and obstruction of venous blood flow through the liver. The rising blood
pressure in the veins between the gastrointestinal tract and liver causes engorgement of
veins around the umbilicus (navel). The characteristic radiating pattern of veins is called
a "caput medusae" (head of Medusa). Medusa was the "snake-haired lady" in Greek
mythology.
Esophageal varices - Answers -bulging, engorged veins in the walls of the esophagus
are often a complication of chronic alcoholism (see portal hypertension). The thin-
walled, swollen veins are at risk of tearing resulting in severe, possibly fatal, bleeding.
Dysphagia - Answers -Difficulty swallowing. May be related to GERD (see above),
esophageal tumor or other causes.
Crohn's Disease - Answers -a chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the bowel.
Typical symptoms are abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea. There may also be rectal
bleeding that can lead to anemia. Special X-rays and tests are needed to differentiate
Crohn's from other diseases with similar symptoms.
Peritonitis - Answers -Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity. Before
antibiotics, people would die from peritonitis if an inflamed appendix burst. Indications of
peritonitis are called "peritoneal signs": tender abdomen, rebound pain (pain when
manual pressure released from examining abdomen), board-like rigidity of abdominal
muscles, no bowel sounds (gurgles). The peritoneal membrane is very sensitive to
exposure to foreign substances. Contact with blood, bile, urine, pus will cause
peritoneal signs.
Gastroenterologist - Answers -a physician specializing in diseases of the digestive
system including esophagus, stomach and intestines. These specialists do not do
surgery. Patients needing surgery are referred to a general surgeon.
,Proctologist - Answers -a physician specializing in diseases of the rectum and anus.
Proctology is a surgical subspecialty.
Guaiac test (Hemoccult, Fecult) - Answers -special chemical test to identify blood in the
stool (feces). Blood in the stool may have many causes including cancer and
hemorrhoids.
Upper GI series - Answers -a series of X-rays of the esophagus and stomach and small
intestines having the patient swallow a "milkshake" of barium. The element barium is
opaque, i.e. blocks , X-rays. This procedure may be used to identify problems with
swallowing, stomach ulcers, twisting of the small intestines.
Lower GI series - Answers -a series of X-rays using a barium enema to show the large
intestine and rectum. This procedure can be used to identify problems such as
diverticulitis/diverticulosis, and tumors.
Endoscopy - Answers -use of a flexible fiberoptic instrument attached to a video
camera that can be used to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and large bowel.
Special names may be used for each area explored such as colonoscopy
Ultrasonography (ultrasound) - Answers -a procedure using high frequency sound
waves to visualize internal organs. Primarily used to visualize abdominal and pelvic
organs, such as the pregnant uterus.
Rhin/o - Answers -Nose
Laryng/o - Answers -Larynx, "voice box"*
Trache/o - Answers -Trachea, "windpipe"
Bronch/o - Answers -Lung air passageways
Pne/u, -pnea - Answers -Breath, air, lung
Pulmo/o - Answers -Lung
-ptysis - Answers -Spitting (coughing)
-plasty - Answers -Reconstruction
Pneumoconiosis - Answers -iterally, "an abnormal condition of dust in the lungs." A
generic name for conditions where toxic particles become trapped in the lungs and
cause symptoms and disability such a "black lung" or "miner's lung" disease. Terms
specific to the particulate matter may be given such as asbestosis.
Epistaxis - Answers -nosebleed
,Emphysema (COPD) - Answers -Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, of which
emphysema is one of, results in progressive destruction of the air sacs in the lungs and
loss of respiratory membrane for oxygen exchange. The bane of long term smokers.
Atelectasis - Answers -a collapsed lung
Nephr/o, ren/o - Answers -Kidney
Hydro/o - Answers -Water
Cyst/o - Answers -Bladder
Pyel/o - Answers -Renal collecting ducts
Ur/o, -uria - Answers -Urine
Olig/o - Answers -Scanty, less than normal
-pexy - Answers -To surgically reattach, fix in normal position
Nephrosis - Answers -a noninflammatory disease of kidneys.
Nephrolith - Answers -a kidney stone.
Urethritis - Answers -inflammation of the urethra, the final pathway for urine in both
sexes, and the common pathway for urine and semen in the male.
Nocturia - Answers -frequently getting up and urinating during the night.
Enuresis - Answers -involuntary release of urine, most often in reference to
"bedwetting."
Cystoscopy - Answers -looking into the urinary bladder with a fiberoptic instrument.
Intravenous pyelogram - Answers -special X-rays showing the drainage pattern of the
kidneys. A dye opaque to X-rays is injected into a vein. After a waiting period for the
blood and dye to pass through the kidneys, X-rays can be taken of the collecting system
of the kidney, ureter and bladder.
Retrograde pyelogram - Answers -In this procedure a dye opaque to X-rays is flushed
backwards up the urethra and bladder and up the ureters to the kidneys.
Voiding cystourethrogram - Answers -take this apart starting at the end of the word: an
imaging technique (X-ray) displaying the urethra and bladder while urinating! How did
the opaque dye get into the bladder? One guess then see retrograde pyelogram above.
, Dialysis - Answers -a procedure for cleansing the blood of waste products in individuals
with complete kidney failure or who have had kidneys removed by surgery. With the in-
hospital procedure, the patient's blood is circulated through a machine that removes
waste products. The blood is recirculated back into the patien
Lithotripsy - Answers -Crushing kidney stones with sound waves. Unlike cholelithotripsy
(crushing of gallstones), which is no longer done, the sludge from crushing kidney
stones has an easy direct pathway out of the body (down the ureter to the bladder and
out the urethra). Nephrolithotripsy is an elective procedure that may spare a patient
surgery.
Orchid/o, test/o - Answers -Testes
Balan/o - Answers -Head of the penis
Andr/o - Answers -Male
Prostat/o - Answers -Prostate
Vas/o - Answers -Vessel, duct
-rrhaphy - Answers -To suture
Hypospadias - Answers -literally "below the fleshy spike." A condition in which the
external urinary meatus (opening) opens anywhere below the tip of the penis rather
than at the tip.
Hydrocele - Answers -fluid filled sac partially surrounding the testis. Manifests itself as
a swelling on the side of the scrotum. May cause discomfort. Can be surgically
corrected. And, who would most likely be doing the surgery? A urologist!
Varicocele - Answers -dilated and twisted veins of the testis, sort of "hemorrhoids" of
the scrotum! Manifests itself as a swelling on the side of the scrotum which may look
and feel like a "bag of worms." May be surgically corrected if causing discomfort. This
condition may also cause reduced sperm count and male sterility due to sluggish blood
flow elevating testicular temperature
Cryptorchidism - Answers -literally "hidden testicle." A condition of lack of descent of
one or both testes into the scrotum. If not corrected, usually by surgery, before puberty,
can lead to sterility and increased risk of testicular cance
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) - Answers -swelling of the prostate gland which
surrounds the base of the male bladder and urethra causing difficulty urinating,
dribbling, and nocturia (remember that word? See urinary system). The bane of old
men! BPH becomes more common as men age.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Answers -Severe "heartburn" in laymen's
language. Weakness of the valve between the esophagus and stomach may allow
stomach acid to reflux (regurgitate, backup) into the esophagus and irritate and inflame
the lining. This results in chest pain which can mimic that of angina (pain of cardiac
ischemia or an MI).
Diverticulosis/diverticulitis - Answers -Small pouches may form along the walls of the
large intestine called diverticuli which if symptomatic, causing discomfort to the patient,
is called diverticulosis. These abnormal outpocketings may collect and not be able to
empty fecal material which can lead to inflammation, diverticulitis.
Portal hypertension - Answers -A potential complication of chronic alcoholism resulting
in liver damage and obstruction of venous blood flow through the liver. The rising blood
pressure in the veins between the gastrointestinal tract and liver causes engorgement of
veins around the umbilicus (navel). The characteristic radiating pattern of veins is called
a "caput medusae" (head of Medusa). Medusa was the "snake-haired lady" in Greek
mythology.
Esophageal varices - Answers -bulging, engorged veins in the walls of the esophagus
are often a complication of chronic alcoholism (see portal hypertension). The thin-
walled, swollen veins are at risk of tearing resulting in severe, possibly fatal, bleeding.
Dysphagia - Answers -Difficulty swallowing. May be related to GERD (see above),
esophageal tumor or other causes.
Crohn's Disease - Answers -a chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the bowel.
Typical symptoms are abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea. There may also be rectal
bleeding that can lead to anemia. Special X-rays and tests are needed to differentiate
Crohn's from other diseases with similar symptoms.
Peritonitis - Answers -Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity. Before
antibiotics, people would die from peritonitis if an inflamed appendix burst. Indications of
peritonitis are called "peritoneal signs": tender abdomen, rebound pain (pain when
manual pressure released from examining abdomen), board-like rigidity of abdominal
muscles, no bowel sounds (gurgles). The peritoneal membrane is very sensitive to
exposure to foreign substances. Contact with blood, bile, urine, pus will cause
peritoneal signs.
Gastroenterologist - Answers -a physician specializing in diseases of the digestive
system including esophagus, stomach and intestines. These specialists do not do
surgery. Patients needing surgery are referred to a general surgeon.
,Proctologist - Answers -a physician specializing in diseases of the rectum and anus.
Proctology is a surgical subspecialty.
Guaiac test (Hemoccult, Fecult) - Answers -special chemical test to identify blood in the
stool (feces). Blood in the stool may have many causes including cancer and
hemorrhoids.
Upper GI series - Answers -a series of X-rays of the esophagus and stomach and small
intestines having the patient swallow a "milkshake" of barium. The element barium is
opaque, i.e. blocks , X-rays. This procedure may be used to identify problems with
swallowing, stomach ulcers, twisting of the small intestines.
Lower GI series - Answers -a series of X-rays using a barium enema to show the large
intestine and rectum. This procedure can be used to identify problems such as
diverticulitis/diverticulosis, and tumors.
Endoscopy - Answers -use of a flexible fiberoptic instrument attached to a video
camera that can be used to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and large bowel.
Special names may be used for each area explored such as colonoscopy
Ultrasonography (ultrasound) - Answers -a procedure using high frequency sound
waves to visualize internal organs. Primarily used to visualize abdominal and pelvic
organs, such as the pregnant uterus.
Rhin/o - Answers -Nose
Laryng/o - Answers -Larynx, "voice box"*
Trache/o - Answers -Trachea, "windpipe"
Bronch/o - Answers -Lung air passageways
Pne/u, -pnea - Answers -Breath, air, lung
Pulmo/o - Answers -Lung
-ptysis - Answers -Spitting (coughing)
-plasty - Answers -Reconstruction
Pneumoconiosis - Answers -iterally, "an abnormal condition of dust in the lungs." A
generic name for conditions where toxic particles become trapped in the lungs and
cause symptoms and disability such a "black lung" or "miner's lung" disease. Terms
specific to the particulate matter may be given such as asbestosis.
Epistaxis - Answers -nosebleed
,Emphysema (COPD) - Answers -Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, of which
emphysema is one of, results in progressive destruction of the air sacs in the lungs and
loss of respiratory membrane for oxygen exchange. The bane of long term smokers.
Atelectasis - Answers -a collapsed lung
Nephr/o, ren/o - Answers -Kidney
Hydro/o - Answers -Water
Cyst/o - Answers -Bladder
Pyel/o - Answers -Renal collecting ducts
Ur/o, -uria - Answers -Urine
Olig/o - Answers -Scanty, less than normal
-pexy - Answers -To surgically reattach, fix in normal position
Nephrosis - Answers -a noninflammatory disease of kidneys.
Nephrolith - Answers -a kidney stone.
Urethritis - Answers -inflammation of the urethra, the final pathway for urine in both
sexes, and the common pathway for urine and semen in the male.
Nocturia - Answers -frequently getting up and urinating during the night.
Enuresis - Answers -involuntary release of urine, most often in reference to
"bedwetting."
Cystoscopy - Answers -looking into the urinary bladder with a fiberoptic instrument.
Intravenous pyelogram - Answers -special X-rays showing the drainage pattern of the
kidneys. A dye opaque to X-rays is injected into a vein. After a waiting period for the
blood and dye to pass through the kidneys, X-rays can be taken of the collecting system
of the kidney, ureter and bladder.
Retrograde pyelogram - Answers -In this procedure a dye opaque to X-rays is flushed
backwards up the urethra and bladder and up the ureters to the kidneys.
Voiding cystourethrogram - Answers -take this apart starting at the end of the word: an
imaging technique (X-ray) displaying the urethra and bladder while urinating! How did
the opaque dye get into the bladder? One guess then see retrograde pyelogram above.
, Dialysis - Answers -a procedure for cleansing the blood of waste products in individuals
with complete kidney failure or who have had kidneys removed by surgery. With the in-
hospital procedure, the patient's blood is circulated through a machine that removes
waste products. The blood is recirculated back into the patien
Lithotripsy - Answers -Crushing kidney stones with sound waves. Unlike cholelithotripsy
(crushing of gallstones), which is no longer done, the sludge from crushing kidney
stones has an easy direct pathway out of the body (down the ureter to the bladder and
out the urethra). Nephrolithotripsy is an elective procedure that may spare a patient
surgery.
Orchid/o, test/o - Answers -Testes
Balan/o - Answers -Head of the penis
Andr/o - Answers -Male
Prostat/o - Answers -Prostate
Vas/o - Answers -Vessel, duct
-rrhaphy - Answers -To suture
Hypospadias - Answers -literally "below the fleshy spike." A condition in which the
external urinary meatus (opening) opens anywhere below the tip of the penis rather
than at the tip.
Hydrocele - Answers -fluid filled sac partially surrounding the testis. Manifests itself as
a swelling on the side of the scrotum. May cause discomfort. Can be surgically
corrected. And, who would most likely be doing the surgery? A urologist!
Varicocele - Answers -dilated and twisted veins of the testis, sort of "hemorrhoids" of
the scrotum! Manifests itself as a swelling on the side of the scrotum which may look
and feel like a "bag of worms." May be surgically corrected if causing discomfort. This
condition may also cause reduced sperm count and male sterility due to sluggish blood
flow elevating testicular temperature
Cryptorchidism - Answers -literally "hidden testicle." A condition of lack of descent of
one or both testes into the scrotum. If not corrected, usually by surgery, before puberty,
can lead to sterility and increased risk of testicular cance
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) - Answers -swelling of the prostate gland which
surrounds the base of the male bladder and urethra causing difficulty urinating,
dribbling, and nocturia (remember that word? See urinary system). The bane of old
men! BPH becomes more common as men age.
