Acid reflux: a painful condition in which acids regurgitate from the stomach into the esophagus, also referred to as gerd (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
anus: the opening of the rectum through which solid waste leaves the body
barrett's esophagus: a pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus caused by chronic acid reflux
benign: non-cancerous
bile ducts: a network that transports digestive fluids from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine
biopsy: the cellular study of tissue removed from a living body
bronchoscope: a flexible instrument used to examine airways
cholangioscopy: examination of the bile ducts via endoscopy
colon: the main part of the large intestine
digestive system: comprised of the esophagus, small intestine, colon, rectum and anus
duodenum: the first part of the small intestine
endoscope: a long, narrow, flexible tube with a small light and camera at one end
endoscopy: the process of inserting an endoscope for diagnostic or preventive purposes
enteroscope: a tool used to examine the inside of the intestines
esophagus: the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach
gallbladder: the organ that works in conjunction with the liver and pancreas to assist with food digestion
gallstones: a small mass in the gallbladder that blocks the bile ducts
gastrointestinal: relating to the stomach and intestines
liver: the organ responsible for blood filtration, detoxification and metabolism
malignant: cancerous
pancreas: a gland that secretes digestive enzymes into the intestine
polyps: small, benign growths
proctoscope: a tool used to examine the anus and rectum
pulmonary: relating to the lungs
rectum: the area where the large intestine meets the anus
sigmoid colon: the part of the large intestine close to the rectum and anus
sigmoidoscope: an endoscope used to examine the last one-third of the colon
small intestine/bowel: the longest part of the digestive system
stent: a device that keeps tubes or vessels open
stomach: located in the upper abdomen, where the initial stages of digestion occur
strictures: the irregular narrowing of a passage or duct
trachea: also known as the 'windpipe,' a major connector that carries air to the lungs
ulcers: a painful, open sore on the skin or a mucous membrane
ultrasound: a procedure in which images are generated by sound vibrations
upper gi tract: the area of the digestive system that includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
varices: the irregular dilation or swelling of a vein or veins
