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Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A painful, pus-filled infection near the anus or rectum, often caused by blocked glands or infection in the area.

The last part of the digestive tract, through which stool passes from the rectum to the anus during a bowel movement.

A small tear in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing large or hard stools, leading to pain and bleeding.

A group of muscles that surround the anus and control the passage of stool, ensuring continence.

Pertaining to both the anus and rectum, which are the last parts of the digestive system.

The opening at the end of the digestive tract through which stool leaves the body.

The longest part of the large intestine, which absorbs water from digested food and forms stool.

The process of flushing out the colon to remove stool and toxins, often through methods such as enemas or laxatives.

A medical procedure where a flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) is inserted through the anus to examine the colon and rectum for signs of disease.

A condition where bowel movements become infrequent and stools are hard, dry, or difficult to pass.

A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause inflammation in any part of the digestive tract, often affecting the colon and rectum.

The act of passing stool through the rectum and anus.

Frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements that may be caused by infection, digestive disorders, or certain medications.

Also known as fluid retention, it is a condition where fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, causing swelling.

A procedure in which liquid is inserted into the rectum through the anus to clear the colon, often used to relieve constipation or prepare for medical procedures.

The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unintentional loss of stool.

An abnormal connection or tunnel between the anus and surrounding skin or organs, often caused by an abscess.

Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding, often due to straining during bowel movements.

A group of chronic inflammatory conditions, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, that affect the digestive tract.

A functional disorder that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements, without visible damage to the digestive tract.

A substance or medication that stimulates bowel movements to relieve constipation.

Referring to the area surrounding the anus.

The area between the anus and the genitals, which may be affected by certain conditions or surgeries, especially after childbirth.

A cyst or abscess that develops near the tailbone at the top of the buttocks, often filled with hair and skin debris.

A small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum, some of which may develop into cancer over time.

A bulging or falling out of a body part, such as the rectum or vagina. This happens when the tissues and muscles weaken and overstretch.

Itching around the anus, which may be caused by irritation, infection, or certain conditions like hemorrhoids or eczema.

The final section of the large intestine, where stool is stored before it is expelled through the anus.

A condition where the wall between the rectum and vagina weakens, leading to a bulge into the vaginal wall, often seen in women after childbirth.

A procedure similar to a colonoscopy, where a flexible tube is inserted into the rectum to examine the lower part of the colon (the sigmoid colon).

A small, benign growth of excess skin, often around the anus, which may occur after hemorrhoids heal.

Medications that help soften the stool, making it easier to pass and often used to relieve constipation.

The feeling of needing to have a bowel movement or urinate even though your bowels or bladder are empty. This can cause pain, cramping, and straining.

A hemorrhoid where a blood clot forms, causing severe pain and swelling in the anal area.

A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.

The management of wounds in the anorectal or perineal area, which may be necessary after surgery or for certain conditions like abscesses or fistulas.

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