| syndrome, nervous colon | See Syndrome, irritable bowel. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| descending colon | The fourth portion of the large intestine (colon) that communicates with the transverse colon in the left-upper quadrant of the abdomen and the rectum below. (27 Sep 1997) |
| diverticula of colon | Diverticula, which are herniations of mucosa and submucosa through or between fibres of the major muscle layer (muscularis propria) of the colon. Usually multiple, it occurs in 50% of western populations above the age of 70, but is much less common in other populations. Can cause bleeding and episodes of severe inflammation. Synonym: colonic diverticula. (05 Mar 2000) |
| diverticular disease of colon | <radiology> Overactivity of smooth muscle causing herniation of mucosa and submucosa through the muscle layers, incidence: 5-10% in 5th decade; 50% past 7th decade; M:F = 1:1, aetiology: decreased faecal bulk; diet high in refined fibre and low in roughage, location: sigmoid (80%): narrowest colonic segment with highest pressure, entire colon (17%), caecum/ascending colon (4-12%) see also: prediverticular disease of colon, colonic diverticulosis, colonic diverticulitis, colonic diverticular hemmorrhage (12 Dec 1998) |
| iliac colon | That portion of the descending colon which occupies the left iliac fossa, between the crest of the left ilium and the pelvic brim. Irritable colon, tendency to colonic hyperperistalsis, sometimes with colicky pains and diarrhoea. Lead-pipe colon, the scarred rigid colon of advanced ulcerative colitis. Mucosa of colon, the lining coat of the colon. Synonym: tunica mucosa coli. (05 Mar 2000) |
| irritable colon | A functional bowel disorder characterised by recurrent crampy abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Invasive gastrointestinal diagnostics are often unrevealing. (27 Sep 1997) |
| transverse colon | <anatomy> The third division of the colon (large intestine). It communicates with the ascending colon in the upper right-hand quadrant of the abdomen and the descending colon in the upper left-hand quadrant. (19 Jan 1998) |