Medical Terminology & Anatomy Flashcards

Which anatomical term describes the region of the large intestine that curves from the ascending to the transverse colon?

Answer: Hepatic flexure

The hepatic flexure (right colic flexure) is the bend where the ascending colon transitions into the transverse colon, located near the liver.

The term 'peristalsis' refers to which type of movement in the gastrointestinal tract?

Answer: Wave-like muscular contractions that propel contents forward

Peristalsis is the coordinated, wave-like contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle that propels contents through the GI tract.

What does the prefix 'entero-' specifically refer to in medical terminology?

Answer: Intestine

The prefix 'entero-' derives from the Greek 'enteron,' meaning intestine, and is used in terms like enterocolitis and enterostomy.

In anatomy, the term 'lumen' as applied to the colon refers to:

Answer: The hollow interior space of the bowel

The lumen is the open, hollow channel running through a tubular organ such as the colon through which contents pass.

Which suffix means 'surgical creation of an opening' as used in terms like 'colostomy'?

Answer: -ostomy

The suffix '-ostomy' means the surgical creation of a permanent or semi-permanent opening, as in colostomy (opening into the colon).

The haustra of the colon are best described as:

Answer: Pouch-like sacculations that give the colon its segmented appearance

Haustra are the bulging pouches or sacculations of the colon wall created by the tenia coli contracting and gathering the colon wall.

What is the anatomical term for the junction between the ileum and the cecum?

Answer: Ileocecal valve

The ileocecal valve (also called Bauhin's valve) controls the flow of digested material from the small intestine (ileum) into the large intestine (cecum).