Panacrine regulation - a control
mechanism in the GI track in which cells release a chemical
substance that diffuse into the space between them and influences
of the function of neighboring cells.
Pancreas - an organ behind
the stomach, next to the duodenum with two basic functions:
the production of enzymes that help digest food and of hormones
(such as insulin) that regulate nutrient storage and use in
the body.
Pancreatitis - a rare condition
in which the pancreas becomes inflamed.
Paracentesis - the removal
of accumulated fluid in the abdomen.
Pathogen - a bacterium or virus
that causes disease.
Pathology - the study of the
characteristics, causes and effects of disease.
Perforation - the formation
of a hole in the bowel wall, which allows intestinal contents
to enter the abdominal cavity.
Perianal - the area around
the anal opening that often becomes inflamed and irritated
in IBD.
Peristalsis - the normal rhythmic
muscle contractions of the esophagus, stomach and intestine
by which food is propelled through the digestive tract.
Pernicious anemia - a severe form
of anemia, a condition in which there is a reduction in the
number of circulating red blood cells.
Peristomal - the area surrounding
a stoma.
Peritoneum - a membrane that
lines the abdomen and envelops all of the organs in it.
Peritonitis - an inflammation
of the peritoneum that most often results from intestinal
perforation.
Polyps - in the colon, small,
non-cancerous growths on the inner colon lining that may develop
into cancer.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
(PSC) - a chronic inflammation of the bile ducts in the
liver.
Proctocolectomy - the removal
of the entire colon and rectum.
Proctitis - inflammation of
the rectum.
Proctoscope - a lighted tube
used to view the interior of the rectum.
Proctosigmoidectomy - the surgical
removal of a diseased section of the rectum and sigmoid colon.
Prokinetic - drugs that enhance
the propulsion of intestinal contents.
Prolapse - the falling or protrusion
of an organ such as the rectum or uterus.
Pulse oximetry - the measurement
of oxygenation in the blood and the heart rate through a photoelectric
device in a clip placed on the finger.
Pylorus - a valve at the lowest part
of the stomach to the small intestine.
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.
