Edema - the accumulation of
excessive amounts of fluid in the tissues, which results in
swelling.
Elemental diet - a specially
formulated liquid meal that contains all the necessary nutrients.
Electrolytes - acids, bases,
and salts essential for maintaining life.
Endocrine regulation - a control
mechanism in the GI tract in which cells respond to a hormonal
stimulus by releasing their contents into the bloodstream.
Endoscopy - the examination
of the inside of a hollow organ using lighted tubes.
Enema - the injection of fluid
into the rectum and colon to induce a bowel movement.
Enteral nutrition - when nutrients
are provided through a tube placed in the nose, stomach, or
small intestine.
Enteric nervous system - the
autonomic nervous system within the walls of the digestive
tract.
Enteritis - an inflammation
of the small intestine.
Enterocolitis - an inflammation
of nerve cells in the intestine.
Enterocyte - an intestinal
cell.
Enzyme - a complex protein
produced by the body's cells, which is involved in the numerous
chemical reactions necessary for metabolism.
Epidemiology - the study of
the frequency and distribution of diseases in specific groups
of people.
Epithelial cells - cells that form
the surface layer of mucus membranes.
Epithelium - the inner and
outer tissue covering digestive tract organs.
Esophagus - the hollow tube
leading from the mouth to the stomach.
Etiology - cause.
Excision - surgical removal.
This information
is provided as a general educational service
and is not intended to recommend any particular treatment plan
or to replace the advice of physicians. It is important that patients
seek and rely on the advice of a healthcare professional
about their individual medical conditions.
