5.1: Main Terms

Buccal route – drugs administered between the cheek and gum

Candidiasis – a fungal infection of the mouth

Chyme – food that has been mixed with digestive juices found in the stomach and small intestine

Constipation – infrequent or difficult bowel movements

Diarrhea – frequent passage of loose, watery stools

Enteral route – drugs administered via the digestive tract

Esophagus – a tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach

Feces – chyme after passing into the large intestine

Gastritis – inflammation of the stomach lining

GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease when stomach contents backflow into the esophagus

Hemorrhoids – swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus

Inflammatory bowel disease – chronic conditions characterized by inflammation and damage to the lining of the digestive tract

Oral herpes – a viral infection of the mouth

Oral route – drugs administered via the mouth

Peptic ulcer – open sores that develop on the stomach lining

Pharynx – the throat, a muscular tube-like structure in the head and neck

Rectal route – drugs administered into the rectum

Sphincter – a muscular ring that allows for the passage of liquids and solids and prohibits backflow

Sublingual route – drugs administered under the tongue

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