Gastroenterologist: Glossary of Terms

Colon: The long, coiled, tube-like organ that removes water from feces.

Colonoscopy: An examination in which the doctor looks at the colon.

Digestion: the process of breaking down a substances into smaller components that can be absorbed.

Digestive tract: system where the body processes food and eliminates waste.

Ingestion: taking in of a substance, for example eating and drinking.

Large Intestine: final stage of the digestive system that removes water from indigestible food.

Polyp: An abnormal, fleshy growth of tissue.

Rectum: The last portion of the large intestine it temporarily stores solid waste until it leaves the body.

Sigmoidoscopy: an examination in which the doctor looks at the large intestine.

Small Intestine: between the stomach and large intestine where food is digested.