Malabsorption Syndrome
Terms You Should Know
Absorption : The process of nutrients passing from the intestines into the blood stream.
Anus : Opening at the end of the rectum that allows solid waste to be eliminated.
Anaemia : A decrease in the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, characterized by pallor, loss of energy, and weakness.
Atrophy : Wasting away of a tissue or organ, often because of insufficient nutrition.
Cystic fibrosis : : A hereditary genetic disorder. Thick, sticky secretions from mucus-producing glands cause blockages in the pancreatic ducts and the airways.
Colon : The large intestine.
Digestion : The process of breaking down food into its simplest chemical compounds so that it can be absorbed.
Duodenum : The first portion of the small intestine. It connects the stomach to the small intestine.
Edema : From the Greek word meaning swelling, an excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissue spaces. Excessive generalized edema may also be referred to as ascites.
Glutan enteropathy : A hereditary malabsorption disorder caused by sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Also called non-tropical sprue or celiac disease.
Ileum:The last portion of the small intestine that connects to the large intestine.
Immune system : The body's natural defense system that fights against disease.
Inflammation : A response to tissue injury that causes redness, swelling and pain.
Jejunum : The middle portion of the small intestine.
Large intestine : Also known as the colon.
Rectum : Lowest portion of the colon.
Small intestine : Connects to the stomach and large intestine . It also absorbs nutrients.
Short bowel syndrome : A condition in which the bowel is not as long as normal, either because of surgery or because of a congenital defect. Because the bowel has less surface area to absorb nutrients, it can result in malabsorption syndrome.
Steatorrhea: An excessive amount of fat in the stool. Definition
Malabsorption refers to a clinical condition in which a number of nutrients are not normally absorbed from the intestines. Lipids absorption is almost always affected. At times absorption of single nutrients is selectively affected.