Chapter 8: Digestive System Abbreviations and Terms

By Stacie Hauenstein

Nasogastric (NG)

• Pertaining to the nose (nas/o) and stomach

(gastr/o)

• A nasogastric tube is a flexible tube, which is

inserted into the nose, through the esophagus,

and down into the stomach

• A nasogastric tube can be used for pumping food

into the stomach or sucking fluids out of the

stomach.

Example of Nasogastric (NG) tube

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

• A Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a test to

determine if there is any blood in the feces.

• Some conditions that could cause blood in

the stool are colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids,

anal fissures, colon polyps, peptic ulcers,

ulcerative colitis, gastroesophageal reflux

disease (GERD) , Crohn’s disease.

Example of a FOBT

Aspartate Transaminase (AST)

• Aspartate Transaminase (AST) is an enzyme that is

normally present in the blood

• It is also a diagnostic procedure that tests for the

AST enzyme

• The levels of this enzyme are increased in people

with liver disease or damage

• The normal level of AST is 5-40 units per liter of

serum

Examples of Livers

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when

the stomach acids comes back up into the esophagus.

• Usually occurs if the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

is not closing properly

• GERD can cause inflammation, pain, dental problems,

Barrett’s esophagus, brochospasms, esophageal ulcers

• Some risk factors include alcohol, pregnancy, obesity,

and smoking

GERD

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• Fremgen, Bonnie F., and Suzanne S. Frucht. "Chapter 8: Digestive System." Medical Terminology: A Living

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