Medical Terminology & Anatomy Flashcards

The term 'peritoneum' refers to which anatomical structure?

Answer: The serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering its organs

The peritoneum is a double-layered serous membrane: the parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal wall, and the visceral peritoneum covers the abdominal organs.

In anatomy, 'proximal' describes a location that is:

Answer: Closer to the point of origin or central body

Proximal means nearer to the point of origin or attachment; in the colon, the cecum is proximal and the rectum is distal.

Which medical term describes the involuntary passage of stool?

Answer: Fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, resulting in unexpected passage of stool, often due to sphincter weakness or nerve damage.

The tenia coli are three bands of muscle running longitudinally along the colon. They are composed of which muscle type?

Answer: Smooth (involuntary) muscle

The tenia coli are thickened bands of the outer longitudinal smooth muscle layer of the colon wall, under involuntary autonomic control.

What does the medical term 'anastomosis' mean in the context of gastrointestinal anatomy?

Answer: A connection or joining between two tubular structures

An anastomosis is a natural or surgically created connection between two hollow structures, such as joining two ends of bowel after a resection.

The term 'colonoscopy' is constructed from which roots?

Answer: 'colon' (large bowel) + 'scope' (viewing instrument) + '-y' (procedure)

Colonoscopy combines 'colon' (large intestine), '-scope' (viewing instrument), and '-y' (procedure suffix), meaning visual examination of the colon with a scope.

Which term describes the study of the rectum and anus?

Answer: Proctology

Proctology is the medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the rectum, anus, and sigmoid colon.