Medical Terminology Simplified

Chronic liver disease characterized by destruction of liver cells that eventually leads

to ineffective liver function and jaundice

Cirrhosis is most commonly caused by chronic alcoholism. It may also be caused by hepa-

titis, toxins, infectious agents, and circulatory disorders.

Disorder that damages the lining of the small intestine in response to gluten (protein

found in barley, oats, and wheat) ingestion, which results in malabsorption of nutrients

Treatment for celiac disease consists of the adoption of a gluten-free diet. Patients gener-

ally recover by adhering to strict gluten-free dietary guidelines.

256 CHAPTER 6• Digestive System

Appendix

Diseased appendix

Navel

Incision

Incision site Excision of diseased appendix

Figure 6-9Ascites with removal of fluid from the abdominal

cavity using a catheter.

Figure 6-8Appendectomy.

Liver

Stomach

Rectum

Ascites

Ascites fluid

cirrhosis

sĭ-RŌ-sĭs

cirrh:yellow

-osis:abnormal condi-

tion; increase

(used primarily

with blood cells)

celiac disease

SĒ-lē-ăk