The core vocabulary of the gut, liver and pancreas — defined in clear English for healthcare learners.
Last updated: September 9, 2026
The digestive system breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. This page defines the terms you will meet most often, from anatomy to common conditions, in plain English.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Esophagus | The muscular tube carrying food from the throat to the stomach. |
| Stomach | The organ that mixes food with acid and enzymes to begin digestion. |
| Duodenum | The first part of the small intestine, just after the stomach. |
| Jejunum | The middle section of the small intestine. |
| Ileum | The final section of the small intestine. |
| Colon | The large intestine, which absorbs water and forms stool. |
| Rectum | The final section of the large intestine before the anus. |
| Liver | The organ that processes nutrients and filters toxins from the blood. |
| Gallbladder | The small sac that stores bile produced by the liver. |
| Pancreas | The gland that makes digestive enzymes and insulin. |
| Peristalsis | The wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the gut. |
| Bile | A fluid made by the liver that helps digest fats. |
| Gastritis | Inflammation of the stomach lining. |
| Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) | Acid flowing back from the stomach into the esophagus. |
| Peptic ulcer | A sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. |
| Dysphagia | Difficulty swallowing. |
| Nausea | The feeling of being about to vomit. |
| Jaundice | Yellowing of the skin and eyes from excess bilirubin. |
| Cirrhosis | Scarring of the liver from long-term damage. |
| Hepatitis | Inflammation of the liver. |
| Appendicitis | Inflammation of the appendix. |
| Colonoscopy | A camera examination of the colon. |
| Endoscopy | A camera examination of the upper digestive tract. |
| Cholecystectomy | Surgical removal of the gallbladder. |
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Yes. This vocabulary is core to US health programs — nursing school and NCLEX prep, pre-med, and medical assistant training. MediLearn lets you drill these terms with quizzes and flashcards using spaced repetition.
The middle section of the small intestine.
Inflammation of the stomach lining.
Inflammation of the liver.