Advanced English: The study of Gastroenterology Lesson One (PRESENT PERFECT)

DEFINITION:

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, and their related disorders. A doctor specializing in this area is called a gastroenterologist. 

 

GRAMMAR Explanation (Present Perfect)

The present perfect tense is used to describe actions or situations that started in the past and continue to the present, or actions that have occurred at an unspecified time before now. It is formed using “have” or “has” followed by the past participle of the verb.

Example: 

1. I have performed this gastrointestinal surgery twice.  (The exact times are not specified, but the experience of performing the surgery is relevant to the present.)

Section One:  Introduction (Reading Section)  Present Perfect tense in RED

Gastroenterology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Over the years, gastroenterologists have developed advanced techniques to manage various conditions, and they have significantly improved patient outcomes by employing minimally invasive procedures. For instance, many practitioners have adopted endoscopic methods, which have created a less painful experience for patients. Furthermore, gastroenterologists have conducted extensive research that has led to groundbreaking treatments for diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and hepatitis. They have succeeded in identifying the role of gut microbiota in digestive health, which has opened up new avenues for therapy and prevention. Additionally, gastroenterologists have collaborated with other specialists to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex conditions, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach has been established in treatment protocols. As the field has evolved, it has also embraced telemedicine, allowing practitioners to reach patients who have not previously had access to specialized care.

Section Two:  New Vocabulary

1. **Gastroenterology**: The branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders.
2. **Endoscopy**: A procedure using a flexible tube with a camera to visually examine the digestive tract.
3. **Esophagus**: The muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, transporting food.
4. **Stomach**: A muscular organ that digests food through mechanical and chemical processes.
5. **Intestine**: The elongated tubular structure where most digestion and nutrient absorption occur; includes the small and large intestines.
6. **Liver**: A vital organ that processes nutrients, detoxifies substances, and produces bile for digestion.
7. **Pancreas**: A gland that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, crucial for digestion and blood sugar regulation.
8. **Dyspepsia**: A term used for discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often associated with indigestion.
9. **Colonoscopy**: A medical exam that allows the visualization of the inner lining of the large intestine, used for screening and diagnosis.
10. **Cirrhosis**: A chronic liver disease characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, leading to liver dysfunction.

Section Three: Grammar Section (Present Perfect Tense)

The present perfect tense is used to describe actions or situations that started in the past and continue to the present, or actions that have occurred at an unspecified time before now. It is formed using “have” or “has” followed by the past participle of the verb.

For example:

1. I have visited Paris three times. (The exact times are not specified, but the experience of visiting Paris is relevant to the present.)
2. She has finished her homework. (This indicates that the homework is completed at the present moment.)
3. They have lived in this city for five years. (This shows an ongoing situation that started in the past.)
4. We have seen that movie already. (The action of watching the movie is completed, but it relates to the present conversation.)
5. He has learned Spanish. (This emphasizes his current ability to speak the language.)
6. The team has won five games this season. (This indicates success in the past that contributes to their current standing.)

These examples above illustrate how the present perfect connects past experiences or actions to the present time.

Section Four:  Listening Section (watch the short video and then answer the seven questions below)

Questions:

1. Explain in  English the individual parts of the digestive system.
2. What is one reason patients complain of discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen?
3. The doctor mentioned the words “gas bloat.” What is a bloat?
4. Explain in English the role of the gallbladder.
5. During the video the doctor talks about acid reflux.  He explains that it’s the effect of regurgitation of sour liquid.  What do the words reflux, regurgitation & sour mean.
6. Explain the word “cramp”
7. Explain the word “stool”  What are two other meanings of the word stool?