Common Word Roots for Digestive System

abdomin/o , celi/o or lapar/o is the combining form that refers to "abdomen" or "abdominal".

In the body, the abdomen (also known as the belly) is the space between the thorax (chest) and pelvis. A wide variety of organs are found in the abdomen, including the stomach, the small intestine (jejunum and ileum), the large intestine (colon), the liver, the spleen, the gallbladder, the pancreas, the uterus, the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the kidneys, the ureters, and the bladder.

an/o is the combining form that refers to "anus".

Located at the end of the gastrointestinal tract, the anus is the opening through which it exits. Stool is expelled from the body through this area.

antr/o is the combining form that refers to "antrum".

The antrum is the lower portion of the stomach that stores the broken-down food until it is ready to be absorbed by the small intestine.

append/o or appendic/o is the combining form that refers to "appendix".

In the human body, the appendix is a tube-like structure attached to the large intestine, whose function is unknown.

bil/i or chol/e is the combining form that refers to "bile (gall)".

Bile is a fluid produced and released by the liver that is stored in the gallbladder. In the digestive tract, bile breaks down fats into fatty acids that can be absorbed into the body.

bucc/o is the combining form that refers to "cheek".

The cheeks form the mouth's side wall.

cec/o is the combining form that refers to "cecum".

The cecum forms the first portion of the large intestine that connects the small intestine with the colon. Salts and electrolytes are absorbed in the cecum, while solid wastes are lubricated as they pass into the large intestine.

cholangi/o is the combining form that refers to "bile duct".

A series of thin tubes connects the liver to the small intestine called the bile ducts. By allowing bile to flow from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine, they help digest fats.

cholecyst/o is the combining form that refers to "gallbladder".

The gallbladder is an organ that stores and releases bile produced by the liver. It is shaped like a pear and is located under the liver.

choledoch/o is the combining form that refers to "common bile duct".

The common bile duct distributes bile from the liver and gallbladder to the pancreas, and then to the small intestine. In the small intestine, the common bile duct joins the ducts from the liver and gallbladder.

col/o or colon/o is the combining form that refers to "colon".

Colon, also known as large intestine or large bowel, is a large tube-shaped digestive organ. Among the principal functions of the large intestine are the absorption of water and electrolytes, the production and absorption of vitamins, and the formation and propulsion of feces toward the rectum.

dent/o, dent/i or odont/o is the combining form that refers to "tooth or teeth".

Mastication is the primary function of teeth, which consists of cutting, mixing, and grinding of food to allow the tongue and oropharynx to swallow it as a bolus.

diverticul/o is the combining form that refers to "diverticulum (plural: diverticula)" .

Your digestive system can develop small, bulging pouches known as diverticula. A majority of these tumors are found in the lower part of the large intestine (colon). A diverticulum usually forms when the weak spots in your colon give way due to pressure. As a result, small pouches protrude through the colon wall.

duoden/o is the combining form that refers to "duodenum".

Located in the small intestine near the stomach, the duodenum is the first part that connects to the stomach. Food from the stomach is also digested in the duodenum. The duodenum absorbs nutrients (such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) from food.

enter/o is the combining form that refers to "intestine (mostly small intestine)".

Small intestines are located between the stomach and large intestines. They absorb most nutrients from food. Food is broken down in the small intestine by bile and pancreatic juice.

esophag/o is the combining form that refers to "esophagus".

The esophagus is the muscular tube that attaches the pharynx (throat) to the stomach. It is responsible for carrying food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach.

gastr/o is the combining form that refers to "stomach".

The stomach is a muscle organ situated in the upper part of the abdomen. It is shaped like a J. The esophagus delivers food to the stomach. Upon taking in food, your stomach contracts and releases acids and enzymes that break it down. Your stomach passes food to your small intestine after it has been broken down.

gingiv/o is the combining form that refers to "gum".

Gums cover the bones of your mouth and teeth with a soft covering. The tissues around the teeth protect them from bacteria by providing a secure seal.

gnath/o is the combining form that refers to "jaw".

The jaw is a bone structure that anchors your teeth in place. Essentially, it consists of two parts. The upper part of the jaw is called the maxilla. It doesn't move. Mandible refers to the lower part of the jaw that can be moved.

hepat/o is the combining form that refers to "liver".

Located in the right upper abdomen below the rib cage, the liver is the largest internal organ in the body. As well as removing toxins from the body's blood supply, it regulates normal blood sugar levels, controls blood clotting, among other functions.

herni/o is the combining form that refers to "hernia".

Hernias happen when an organ or body part protrudes through the wall of muscle or tissue that normally surrounds it. Generally, hernias are caused by pressure and weakness in muscles or fascia; the pressure pushes an organ or tissue through.

ile/o is the combining form that refers to "ileum".

The ileum is last portion of the small intestine. The ileum helps to further digest food coming from the stomach and other parts of the small intestine.

jejun/o is the combining form that refers to "jejunum".

The jejunum is in the middle of the small intestine, between the duodenum (first part) and ileum (last part). Jejunum's primary function is to absorb sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids.

labi/o or cheil/o is the combining form that refers to "lip".

Lips are the visible part of the mouth. As well as opening the mouth, they allow the mouth to articulate sounds and speech.

lingu/o or gloss/o is the combining form that refers to "tongue".

The tongue is a muscular organ located in the mouth. It is responsible for shifting food around while you eat and for helping you pronounce clearly when you speak.

or/o, stoma or stomat/o is the combining form that refers to "mouth".

Located inside the skull, the mouth is an oval-shaped cavity. It is used for chewing and speaking.

palat/o is the combining form that refers to "palate".

Palate is the roof of the mouth between the mouth and nose. In this way, it serves as a barrier between the digestive and respiratory tracts by separating the mouth from the nose. Using this function, a person can breathe and eat simultaneously.

pancreat/o is the combining form that refers to "pancreas".

Pancreas is a flat pear-shaped gland surrounded by the stomach. The pancreas is responsible for two main functions: assisting the body in digesting food and regulating blood sugar levels.

peritone/o is the combining form that refers to "peritoneum".

Peritoneum is a membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity and surrounds and protects the abdominal organs.

pylor/o is the combining form that refers to "pylorus" or "pyloric sphincter".

Pylorus or pyloric part, connects stomach to duodenum (first part of small intestine). During digestion, the pylorus opens and closes, thus enabling partially digested food to pass from the stomach to the small intestine.

rect/o or proct/o is the combining form that refers to "rectum".

Located at the end of the colon is a structure known as the rectum. Rectum is responsible for storing feces, as well as controlling defecation.

sial/o is the combining form that refers to "saliva", "salivary gland" or "salivary duct".

Each salivary gland is located on one side of the face. They produce saliva (also called spit), which serves as the lubricating substance for the mouth and throat. Saliva contains enzymes that initiate digestion of foods as soon as they enter the mouth. Furthermore, it contains antibodies that protect against infections of the mouth and throat.

sigmoid/o is the combining form that refers to "sigmoid colon".

The sigmoid colon forms the last part of the large intestine, connecting to the rectum. The function of the sigmoid colon is to facilitate the movement of feces from the descending colon to the rectum and the anus.

steat/o is the combining form that refers to "fat".

Fats belong to a group of compounds known as lipids that are found in the body and are hydrophobic (insoluble in water). The fat in the body gives the body energy, protects the organs, supports cell growth, maintains cholesterol levels, and helps the body absorb nutrients.

uvul/o is the combining form that refers to "uvula".

The uvula is the elongated dangling ball at the back of the throat. Your uvula produces saliva to lubricate your mouth and throat. In addition, it facilitates eating and drinking.