The Digestive System Index by MedicineNet.com

The Digestive System Index

Featured: The Digestive System Main Article

Digestion is the complex process of turning food you eat into the energy you need to survive. The digestive process also involves creating waste to be eliminated, and is made of a series of muscles that coordinate the movement of food.

Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes

Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) Pictures Slideshow Watch this slideshow on diverticulitis (diverticulosis) - a condition in which the diverticulum (small bulging sac) or...learn more »
Heartburn Pictures Slideshow: Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Learn which foods may help or worsen heartburn or GERD and habits that may worsen heartburn symptoms....learn more »
Picture of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) The stomach contents regurgitate and back up (reflux) into the esophagus The food in the stomach is partially digested by...learn more »
Picture of Intestines The intestines are a long, continuous tube running from the stomach to the anus. See a picture of the Intestines and learn more...learn more »
Picture of Esophagus The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) with the stomach. See a picture of the Esophagus and learn more...learn more »

Related Diseases & Conditions

Constipation Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week....learn more »
In This Article
Constipation Article
- Constipation facts
- What is constipation?
- What causes constipation?
- Medications that cause constipation
- Other causes of constipation
- How is constipation evaluated (diagnosed)?
- What treatments are available for constipation?
- Home remedies and OTC medications to treat constipation
- Prescription drugs to treat constipation
- Other treatments for constipation
- What is the approach to the evaluation and treatment of constipation?
- When should I seek medical care for chronic constipation?
- What's new in the treatment of constipation?
Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoid is an enlarged vein in the walls of the anus and sometimes around the rectum, usually caused by untreated...learn more »
In This Article
Hemorrhoids Article
- Hemorrhoid facts
- What are hemorrhoids?
- What causes hemorrhoids?
- What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
- How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for hemorrhoids?
- Diet
- Over-the-counter medications for hemorrhoids
- Nonoperative procedures for internal hemorrhoids
- Surgery
Abdominal Pain Abdominal pain is pain in the belly and can be acute or chronic. Causes include inflammation, distention of an organ, and loss of...learn more »
In This Article
Abdominal Pain Article
- Abdominal pain facts
- What is abdominal pain?
- What causes abdominal pain?
- How is the cause of abdominal pain diagnosed?
- Characteristics, symptoms, and signs of the abdominal pain
- Associated signs and symptoms of abdominal pain
- Physical examination
- Exams and tests
- Special problem in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain
- Why can diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain be difficult?
- How can I help my doctor to determine the cause of my abdominal pain?
Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis, Diverticular Disease) Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that...learn more »
In This Article
Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis, Diverticular Disease) Article
- Diverticulosis and diverticulitis facts
- What is diverticulosis?
- What is diverticulitis?
- What are diverticulitis symptoms?
- What causes diverticula and how do diverticula form?
- What are the more serious complications of diverticulitis?
- How are the diagnosis of diverticulitis and diverticulosis made?
- What is the treatment for diverticulitis and diverticulosis?
- Medical treatment of diverticulitis and diverticulosis
- Surgical treatment for diverticulitis
- What can be done to prevent diverticulitis and diverticulosis?
Rectal Bleeding (Blood in Stool, Hematochezia) Rectal bleeding (hematochezia) refers to the passage of bright red blood from the anus. Rectal bleeding may be moderate to severe...learn more »
In This Article
Rectal Bleeding (Blood in Stool, Hematochezia) Article
- Rectal bleeding (blood in stool) facts
- What does rectal bleeding (blood in stool) mean?
- What are the causes of blood in the stool (rectal bleeding)?
- What diseases and conditions can cause blood in the stool (rectal bleeding)?
- Anal fissure
- Hemorrhoids
- Diverticulosis
- Colon cancer and polyps
- Polypectomy
- Angiodysplasias
- Colitis and proctitis
- Meckel's diverticulum
- Rare causes of rectal bleeding
- How is the cause and site of rectal bleeding determined?
- History and physical examination
- Anoscopy
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Radionuclide scans
- Visceral angiogram
- Video capsule and small intestine enteroscopy
- MRI and CT tomographic angiography
- Nasogastric tube aspiration
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- Blood tests
- How is rectal bleeding treated?
Appendicitis Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis often causes fever, loss of appetite, and right lower quadrant...learn more »
In This Article
Appendicitis Article
- Appendicitis facts
- What is the appendix?
- What is appendicitis and what causes appendicitis?
- What are the complications of appendicitis?
- What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
- How is appendicitis diagnosed?
- Why can it be difficult to diagnose appendicitis?
- What other conditions mimic appendicitis?
- How is appendicitis treated?
- How is an appendectomy done?
- What are the complications of appendectomy?
- Are there long-term consequences of removing the appendix?
- What is new about appendicitis?