Anatomy, Physiology & Medical Terminology Flashcards

What is the name of the smooth muscle sphincter at the distal end of the stomach that controls emptying into the duodenum?

Answer: Pyloric sphincter

The pyloric sphincter is located between the gastric antrum and the duodenum, regulating the rate of gastric emptying.

Which medical term describes an abnormal pouch or sac in the wall of the colon?

Answer: Diverticulum

A diverticulum is a herniation of the mucosa through the muscularis propria, forming a pouch; multiple diverticula constitute diverticulosis.

The Auerbach (myenteric) plexus is located between which two layers of the GI wall?

Answer: Circular and longitudinal muscle layers

Auerbach's myenteric plexus lies between the circular and longitudinal layers of the muscularis propria, controlling GI motility.

What does the medical term 'proctitis' mean?

Answer: Inflammation of the rectum

Proctitis refers to inflammation of the rectum; 'procto' means rectum and '-itis' means inflammation.

Which part of the duodenum is retroperitoneal and fixed to the posterior abdominal wall?

Answer: Third and fourth portions

The third (horizontal) and fourth (ascending) portions of the duodenum are retroperitoneal and fixed, while the first and second are partially mobile.

The abbreviation 'GI' in medical terminology stands for:

Answer: Gastrointestinal

GI stands for gastrointestinal, referring to the stomach and intestines as a system.

Which structure in the large intestine serves as a landmark for the endoscopist to identify the cecum during colonoscopy?

Answer: Appendiceal orifice and ileocecal valve

The appendiceal orifice (crow's foot) and the ileocecal valve are the key landmarks confirming cecal intubation during colonoscopy.