Liver Disease

Glossary of Terms

ascites - fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity.

bile - yellowish-brown or green fluid secreted by the liver; this liquid carries away waste and helps in the digestive process.

bile ducts - ducts that carry bile away from the liver to the gallbladder, followed by the duodenum.

bilirubin - bile pigment.

blood plasma - the fluid part of blood that contains nutrients, salts, proteins and more.

cholangiography - x-ray of the bile ducts.

cholestasis - reduced or stopped bile flow.

cholesterol - an important component of body cells, cholesterol is involved in the formation of hormones and bile salts, as will as the transport of fats in the bloodstream.

cirrhosis - a long term disease of the liver in which the liver becomes covered with fiber-like tissue.

cholecystitis - inflammation of the gallbladder wall.

cholelithiasis - a condition in which gallstones are present in the gallbladder.

computerized tomography (CT scan) - a diagnostic technique in which a computer and x-rays are used to create cross-sectional images of the body.

cystic duct - the duct that connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct.

duodenum - the first section of the small intestine.

endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) - this procedure involves inserting an endoscope (viewing tube) through the stomach and into the small intestine. A special dye injected during this procedures shows the ducts in the biliary system.

enzymes - proteins that regulate chemical reaction in the body.

esophagus - the pipe that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

fibrosis - the growth of scar tissue due to infection, inflammation, injury, or even healing.

glucose - a simple sugar, which is the body's main source of energy.

glucagon - a hormone produced by the pancreas.

glycogen - converted glucose for storage. Glycogen plays a role in controlling blood sugar levels.

hepatitis - inflammation of the liver, resulting in liver cell damage and destruction.

hepatomegaly - enlarged liver.

insulin - a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin affects the amount of glucose absorbed by the liver.

jaundice - a yellow discoloration of the skin and eye whites due to abnormally high levels of bilirubin (bile pigmentation) in the bloodstream.

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic technique that provides high-quality cross-sectional images of organs and structures without using x-rays or radiation.

pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas.

portal hypertension - abnormally high blood pressure in the portal vein, which supplies the liver with blood from the intestine.

ultrasound scan - a diagnostic technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs.

This page was last updated on: May 25, 2006.

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