Medical Terminology and Abbreviations Flashcards
Most medical terms derive from what origins?
Greek or Latin
The component that goes at the beginning of a word to modify its meaning.
Denoted by a hyphen after the word
Prefix
The component found at the end of a word and completes the medical term. Can change the word from a noun to an adjective.
Denoted by a hyphen before the word
Suffix
The foundation of the word that identifies the structure or anatomy being described. A suffix or prefix is added to this.
Word roots and combining forms.
Word roots contain a vowel that is added when necessary to make the terms easier to pronounce.
Combining forms are word roots that have a vowel added to the end of the word root
A-, an-
Without
Ante-, pre-, pro-
Before
Anti-, contra-
Against
Bi-, diplo-
Two
Brady-
Slow
Circum-
Around
De-
Away from
Dia-, trans-
Through
Dys-
Abnormal, painful, difficult
Ecto-
Outside
Endo-
Within
Epi-
Upon, over
Eu-
Normal, good
Ex-, exo-, extra-
Out of, away from, outside
Hemi-, semi-
Half
Hyper-, poly-
Above normal, excessive
Hypo-,sub-
Below normal, below, underneath, inferior, deficient
Inter-
Between
Intra-
Within, into
Iso-
Same
Mal-
Bad, not adequate
Megalo-, mega-, macro-
Large, big
Micro-
Small, tiny
Mono-
One
Multi-, pluri-
Many
Oligo-
Few, scanty, sparse
Pan-
All
Peri-
Around
Post-
After, following
Quadra-, quardri-
Four
Re-
Again, backwards
Super-, supra-
Above, superior, more
Tachy-
Fast, abonormally fast
Ultra-
Beyond
Uni-
One, single
-ac, -al, -ar, -ary, -eal, -ia, -ic, -ory, -ous -tic, -i, -ae
Pertaining to, condition (of), relating to
-ad
Toward
-algia, dynia
Pain
-ase
Enzyme
-asthenia
Weakness
-blast
Baby, immature
-cele
Hernia, abnormal protrusion
-cide, -cidal
Killing, destroying
-crine
To secrete
-cyte
Cell
-derma
Skin
-ectasia, -ectasis
Stretching, dilating
-ectomy
Surgical removal
-edema
Swelling, fluid accumulation
-ema, -iasis, -ism, -lepsy, -osis
Condition, abnormal condition
-emesis
Vomiting
-emia
Blood
-esthesia
Sensation, feeling
-gen, -genesis, -genic
Producing, production, production of, formation
-globin, -globulin
Protein
-gram
Recording
-graph
Instrument used to record
-graphy
Process of recording
-itis
Inflammation
-kinesia, -kinesis
Movement
-logist
One who studies
-logy
The study of
-lysis, -lytic
Destruction
-malacia
Softening
-mania, -manic
Abnormal preoccupation or obsession
-megaly
Enlargement of
-meter, -metry
Measuring device, process of measuring
-oid
Resembling
-oma
Tumor
-opia
Vision
-ose
Sugar
-ostomy
Formation of a new opening
-para, -parous
Bearing, producing child
-pathy
Disease
-penia
Deficiency
-pepsia
Digestion
-pexy
Surgical fixation
-phage, -phagy, -phagia
To eat or digest
-phasia
Speaking
-phil, -philia
To love
-phobia
Abnormal fear
-phonia
Sound
-phrenia, -phrenic
Mind, diaphragm
-plasty
Surgical repair
-plegia, plegic
Paralysis
-pnea
Breath or breathing
-poiesis
Formation
-ptosis
Sagging or drooping
-rrhage, -rrhagia
Heavy discharge
-rrhaphy
Suturing (to stitch up a wound or incision)
-rrhea
Discharge, flowing
-rrhexis
Rupture
-scope, -scopy
Instrument, process of using the instrument
-somnia
Sleep
-stasis
Stopping
-stenosis
Narrowing
-stomy
Opening
-tome
Intrument used for cutting
-tomy
The process of cutting
-trophic, -trophy
Nutrition, nourishment
-uria
Urine, urination
-version
Turning
Cardi/o
heart
Cyan/o
Integumentary System: Blue
Cyanosis of the nail beds or lips is a bluish tint due to the lack of oxygen.
Muscul/o, my/o, myos/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Muscle
Muscular pertains to muscles; the myocardium is the muscular portion of the heart.
Neur/o, Neur/i
Nerve
Nervous System:
Neuralgia is a generalized term meaning pain in a nerve.
Ren/o, nephr/o
Kidney
Gastr/o
Stomach
Ur/o, urin/o
Urine
Urinary System:
Pyuria is an abnormal condition of pus in the urine; a urinometer is an antiquated device that was used to measure the specific gravity of urine.
Oss/e, Oste/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Bone
Osteitis is inflammation of a bone.
Leuk/o
White
Leukemia is an abnormal increase of white blood cells.
Colp/o, vagin/o
Vagina
Reproductive system:
A colposcopy is examination of the vagina with a lighted instrument; vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina, usually bacterial or fungal.
Singular to Plural:
Singular ending -a
Plural ending
-ae
Singular to Plural:
Singular ending -ex, -ix
Plural ending
-ices
Singular to Plural:
Singular ending -is
Plural ending -es
Singular to Plural:
Singular ending -nx
Plural ending -nges
Singular to Plural:
Singular ending -um
Plural ending -a
Singular to Plural:
Singular ending -us
Plural ending -i
Adip/o, Lip/o
Integumentary System: Fat
Adipose tissue is the layer just below the skin, consisting primarily of fat cells.
A lipoma is a benign fatty tumor.
Albin/o, leuk/o
Integumentary System: White, without color
Albinism is a condition in which there are no melanocytes to provide color to the skin, giving the person a white appearance.
Leukoderma is abnormal patches of white skin.
Cutane/o
Derm/o
Dermat/o
Integument/o
Integumentary System: Skin
The subcutaneous injection is given beneath the skin’s layers.
Erythem/o
Integumentary System: Red
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease often characterized by a red butterfly rash on the face.
Melan/o
Integumentary System: Black
Malignant melanoma is a black tumor of the skin.
Onych/o
Nail
Integumentary System:
Onychomycosis is an abnormal fungal infection of the nails.
Scler/o
Integumentary System: Hard, hardening
Scleroderma is a condition of hardened skin.
Xanth/o, icter/o
Integumentary System: Yellow
Xanthoderma is yellowish-appearing skin. A patient described as being icteric has a yellow discoloration of the skin from a liver disorder. Sometimes the word jaundice is used for the same condition.
Xer/o
Integumentary System: Dry
Xeroderma is a condition of extremely dry skin
Patell/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Patella (kneecap)
The patellar reflex is solicited when striking a patient’s leg right below the kneecap.
Pelv/i
The Musculoskeletal System: Pelvis
The pelvic cavity is housed within the bony structure of the pelvis.
Phalang/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Fingers or toes
Phalangitis is inflammation of a finger or a toe.
Rachi/o, spondyl/o, vertebr/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Vertebra(e), spine
Rachiotis and spondylitis are both inflammation of the vertebrae or spine. The vertical column is composed of the bones of the spine.
Stern/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Sternum (breastbone)
Substernal chest pain is pain described as being just below the breastbone, often indicating a heart attack.
Ten/o, tend/o, tendin/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Tendon
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon.
Tibi/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Tibia (shin)
A tibial contusion, caused by striking the shin, is quite painful.
Orth/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Straight, straighten
An orthopedist is one that specializes in straightening bones.
Ankylos/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Stiffening
Ankylosing spondylitis is an abnormal stiffening of the spine That results in a lack of mobility.
Arthr/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Joint
Arthritis is inflammation of a joint.
Carp/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Wrist (bones)
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the nerves in the wrist.
Cervic/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Neck
The cervical spine is the group of vertebrae that compose the neck.
Reproductive system: Cervix (neck) of the uterus
Cervical cancer may be revealed with the use of a pap smear.
Chondr/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Cartilage
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage around the ribs that often mimics the pain of a heart attack.
Cost/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Ribs
When performing an electrocardiogram, the medical assistant must locate the intercostal spaces for proper electrode placement.
Crani/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Skull, head
The cranial cavity is located within the skull.
Dactyl/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Digit
Dactylography is the process of taking someone’s fingerprints.
Femor/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Femur (thighbone)
The femoral artery is located near the femur in the upper part of the leg.
Fibul/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Fibula (smaller bone in the calf)
A fibular fracture would be a break of the fibula
Humer/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Humerus (upper bone in the arm)
When one hits the humeral nerve, it is often described as hitting the funny bone.
Ili/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Ilium (pelvic bones)
The iliac crest of the pelvis is used as a landmark for administering intramuscular injections.
Lamin/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Lamina of a vertebra
A laminectomy, removing a portion of the vertebra, may be performed by a surgeon to relieve back pain.
Mandibul/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Mandible (lower jaw, the only moveable bone in the skull)
Temporomandibular join (TMJ) pain occurs when the bone of the mandible does not align correctly with the temporal bone to which it is attached.
Maxilli/o
The Musculoskeletal System: Maxilla (upper jaw)
Maxillary sinuses are located just above the maxilla of the face.
Aden/o
The Cardiovascular System: Gland
Lymphadenopathy is often found with viral illnesses such as infectious mononucleosis.
Gastrointestinal System: Gland
Sialadenitis is inflammation of the salivary glands.
Angi/o, vas/o
The Cardiovascular System: Vessel
Angioplasty may be performed to repair or remove a blockage found in a blood vessel.
Aort/o
The Cardiovascular System: Aorta
An aortic aneurysm is a ballooning out of this major vessel and is frequently life-threatening.
Arteri/o
The Cardiovascular System: Artery
Temporal arteritis is an inflammation of the temporal artery.
Ather/o
The Cardiovascular System: Yellow, fatty, plague
Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries due to deposits of yellow, fatty plaque.
Atri/o
The Cardiovascular System: Atrium (atria), upper chambers of the heart
The atrioventricular node is located between the atrium and ventricle of the heart and provides stimulation for the heart’s beat.
Cardi/o
The Cardiovascular System: Heart
Cardiac surgery pertains to surgery on the heart.
Erythr/o
The Cardiovascular System: Red
Erythrocytes are the red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen.
Hem/o, hemat/o
Blood
The Cardiovascular System:
Hemodialysis is the cleansing of the blood by a machine; a hematologist is one who specializes in blood disorders.
Urinary System:
In some cases of nephrolithiasis, hematuria, or blood in the urine, is present.
Leuc/o, leuk/o
The Cardiovascular System: White
Leukocytes are the white cells that help protect the body from infections
Lymph/o
The Cardiovascular System: Lymph
Clear white fluid.
Lymphoma is a tumor found in the lymph system.
Phleb/o, ven/o
The Cardiovascular System: Vein
A phlebotomist or venipuncture is a person who draws a patient’s blood for diagnostic testing.
Splen/o
The Cardiovascular System: Spleen
When a person’s spleen becomes overactive and removes too many blood cells, a splenectomy, the removal of the spleen, might have to be performed.
Thromb/o
The Cardiovascular System: Clot
Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein due to a blood clot.
Ventricul/o
The Cardiovascular System: Ventricle, lower chambers of the heart
Ventricular bigeminy is an abnormal heart rhythm involving the ventricles of the heart.
Aer/o
The Respiratory System: Air
Anaerobic microorganisms prefer a lack of air for growth.
Atel/o
The Respiratory System: Imperfect
Atelectasis means imperfect stretching. In premature infants, atelectasis indicates that the lungs cannot expand fully.
Bronch/o, bronchi/o
The Respiratory System: Bronchus (bronchi)
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi found in upper respiratory tract infections; bronchiectasis is an abnormal stretching of the bronchi
Bronchiol/o
The Respiratory System: Bronchioles (little bronchi)
Toddlers are often diagnosed with bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the bronchioles.
Laryng/o
The Respiratory System: Larynx (voice box)
A laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the larynx, usually due to cancer.
Lob/o
The Respiratory System: Lobes
Lobar pneumonia indicates an infection in only one lobe of a lung. A lobectomy is the surgical removal of a lobe of a lung.
Muc/o
The Respiratory System: Mucus
The mucous membranes are responsible for secreting mucus in the respiratory tract.
Nas/o, rhin/o
The Respiratory System: Nose
Nasal sprays are used in the nose to alleviate symptoms of rhinitis, an inflammation of the nose and nasal passages.
Ox/o
The Respiratory System: Oxygen
Hypoxia is a condition of below-normal oxygen levels.
Pharyng/o
The Respiratory System: Pharynx (throat)
The pharyngeal tonsils are the lymph glands found in the back of the throat.
Pleur/o
The Respiratory System: Pleura (membrane surrounding each lung)
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura around one of the lungs.
Pneum/o, pnemon/o
The Respiratory System: Lung, air
A pneumothorax is a collapsed lung from air rushing in; pneumonitis is an inflammation of a lung, more commonly known as pneumonia.
Pulmon/o
The Respiratory System: Lung
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that affects the lungs and the oxygen levels.
Sinus/o
The Respiratory System: Sinus(es)
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, often from an allergic reaction.
Spir/o
The Respiratory System: To breathe
A spirometer is a device that measures the amount of air a patient breathes in and out. Respiratory literally means “pertaining to repeated breathing.”
Tonsill/o
The Respiratory System: Tonsil(s)
In repeated cases of strep throat, a tonsillectomy, a surgical removal of the tonsils, may be performed.
Trache/o
The Respiratory System: Trachea (windpipe)
A tracheotomy is performed when a person is unable to breathe through the mouth or nose; this involves creating a new opening for air to pass.
-Ptysis
The Respiratory System: to spit
Hemoptysis is spitting up blood.
Viscera
Collective term that means internal organs.
Ascites
Abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
-Eum
Membrane
Abdomin/o
Abdomen
Aliment/o
Nourishment, food
Gastrointestinal system:
Hyperalimentation is the process of providing more or additional nourishment.
Amyl/o
Starch
Gastrointestinal system:
Amylase is an enzyme secreted by the pancreas that breaks down starches into simple sugars.
An/o
Anus
Gastrointestinal system:
An anal fissure is a tear in the anus, the terminal portion of digestive (GI) tract.
Append/o,
Appendic/o
Appendix
Gastrointestinal system:
An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small projection of the cecum; appendicitis is the condition most frequently leads to this operation.
Bucc/o
Cheek
Gastrointestinal system:
Dentists frequently administer local anesthetic into the buccal (cheek) area.
cec/o
Cecum (the first segment of the large intestine)
Gastrointestinal system:
The ileocecal junction is where the small intestine merges with the large intestine.
Cheil/o
Lip(s)
Gastrointestinal system:
Cheilitis is an inflammation of the lip.
Cholecyst/o
Gallbladder
Gastrointestinal system:
Cholecystolithiasis is the condition most commonly referred to as gallstones.
Choled/o
Common bile duct
Gastrointestinal system:
Choledolithomy is the process of removing stones from the common bile duct.
Col/o, colon/o
(large) intestine, colon
Gastrointestinal system:
A colostomy is the formation of a new opening into the colon; a colonoscopy is the process of using a lighted instrument to visualize the colon.
Dent/i, dent/o, odont/o
Tooth
Gastrointestinal system:
A dentist is a tooth specialist.
Duoden/o
Duodenum (first section of small intestine)
Gastrointestinal system:
Duodenal ulcers develop as a result of too much stomach acid passing from the stomach into the duodenum
Enter/o
(Small) intestine
Gastrointestinal system:
Enteral stasis is a condition that occurs when digestion fails to take place in the small intestine
Epiglott/o
Epiglottis
Gastrointestinal system:
Epiglottitis is an inflammation of the epiglottis, the structure that closes over the trachea to prevent food from passing into the respiratory system.
Esophag/o
Esophagus (food tube)
Gastrointestinal system:
Esophageal ulcers can occur when a patient has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid backs up into the esophagus.
Gastro/o
Stomach
Gastrointestinal system:
A gastrectomy is a partial surgical removal of the stomach.
Gloss/o, lingu/o
Tongue
Gastrointestinal system:
Ankyloglossia is a condition of being “tongue tied.”
Hepat/o
Liver
Gastrointestinal system:
Hepatitis is a viral inflammation of the liver; at least five viruses cause hepatitis.
ile/o
Ileum (last section of the small intestine)
Gastrointestinal system:
The Ileocecal junction is where the ileum joins with the first section of the large intestine, the cecum.
Intestin/o
Intestine
Gastrointestinal system:
Gastrointestinal pertains to the stomach and intestines.
jejun/o
Jejunum (second section of the small intestine)
a jejunectomy is the surgical removal of the jejunum.
Lith/o
Stone, calculus
Gastrointestinal system:
Sialolithectomy is the surgical removal of the salivary stones.
Urinary System:
Nephrolithiasis is a condition of having kidney stones
Or/o, stomat/o
Mouth
Gastrointestinal system:
Oral means pertaining to the mouth.
Pancreat/o
Pancreas
Gastrointestinal system:
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that causes the patient a good deal of pain; pancreatic secretions include amylase, lipase, and insulin.
Periton/o
Peritoneum
Gastrointestinal system:
The peritoneal cavity is lined by the peritoneum and houses the viscera.
Pharyng/o
Pharynx (throat)
Gastrointestinal system:
Oropharyngeal means “pertaining to the mouth and the throat.”
Proct/o, rect/o
Rectum
Gastrointestinal system:
A rectal examination involves a digital examination of the rectum; a proctologist is a specialist in rectal diseases.
Sial/o
Saliva
Gastrointestinal system:
Sialolithiasis is a condition of having stones in a salivary (gland).
Sigmoid/o
Sigmoid colon
Gastrointestinal system:
A sigmoidectomy is the surgical removal of the sigmoid colon, part of the large intestine.
Sigm-
Means an S shape
-ase
Enzyme
Gastrointestinal system:
Amylase, protease, and lipase are all enzymes that break down food products for assimilation into the body.
Cerebell/o
Cerebellum
Nervous System:
If there is an interruption of cerebellar nerve impulses, voluntary movements of the body become difficult.
Electr/o
Electricity
Nervous System:
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of the electrical impulses transmitted by the brain.
Encephal/o, cerebr/o
Brain, cerebrum
Nervous System:
Viral encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain by a virus; the cerebral part of the brain is what gives each individual unique personalities and thought processes.
Mening/o
Meninges
Nervous System:
Meningococcal encephalitis is an infection of the meninges resulting in inflammation of the brain.
Phas/o
Speech
Nervous System:
Occasionally when a patient has a stroke, aphasia, or inability to speak can occur.
Gluc/o, glyc/o
Sugar, sweet
Endocrine system:
Glucosuria and glycosuria both mean “sugar in the urine.”
Parathyroid/o
Parathyroid glands
Endocrine system:
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition of excessive parathyroid activity.
Thym/o
Thymus gland
Endocrine system:
Thymosin is a hormone secreted by the thymus gland.
Thyr/o
Thyroid gland, shield
Endocrine system:
Thyrotoxicosis is a serious condition of the thyroid being “poisoned.”
Toxic/o
Poison
Endocrine system:
Thyrotoxicosis is a serious condition of the thyroid being “poisoned.”
-oid
Resembling
Endocrine system:
Thyroid means “resembling a shield”
-ose
Sugar
Endocrine system:
Sucrose and lactose are different types of sugars than glucose.
Bacteri/o
Bacteria
Urinary System:
Bacteriuria indicates the presence of bacteria in the urine, usually from a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Cyst/o
Bladder, sac
Urinary System:
A cystoscopy is the viewing of the interior of the bladder with a lighted instrument.
Glomerul/o
Glomerulus, filtering unit of a nephron
Urinary System:
Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomerulus of the nephrons.
Nephr/o, ren/o
Nephron, functional cell of the kidney, kidney
Urinary System:
A nephrectomy is the removal of a kidney; the renal artery supplies blood to the kidney.
Noct/o
Night
Urinary System:
Older patients frequently complain of nocturia a condition of having to get up during the night to void.
Py/o
Pus
Urinary System:
Pyuria is the presence of pus in the urine.
Pyel/o
Renal pelvis
Urinary System:
Pyelolithotomy is the surgical removal of kidney stones from the renal pelvis.
ureter/o
Ureter
Urinary System:
A ureteroscopy is the procedure of viewing the ureter (s) with a scope.
Urethr/o
Urethra
Urinary System:
A voiding cystourethrogram is an examination that is done while a patient is voiding, which allows visualization of the bladder and the urethra.
Audi/o
Sound, hearing
An audiogram is a record of how well a patient is able to hear various pitches of sound.
Aur/o, ot/o
Ear
Aural and otic drops are used in the ear to soften earwax.
Microtia is a condition of very small ears.
Blephar/o
Eyelid
Blepharoptosis is a sagging (drooping) eyelid.
Conjunctiv/o
Conjunctiva(e)
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the eye, commonly referred to as pinkeye.
Corne/o
Cornea
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the corner of the eye.
Myring/o, tympan/o
Eardrum
A myringotomy is often performed on children to relieve pressure on the eardrum; a tympanic thermometer is one inserted into the ear canal to measure temperature.
Ocul/o, ophthalm/o
Eye
Ocular implants are placed in the eye; an ophthalmologist is a specialist in the eye and associated diseases.
Retin/o
Retina
Retinal surgery would be performed to repair a detached retina.
Presby-
Aging, Elderly
Presbyopia and presbycusis are medical terms given to diminished vision and hearing associated with the aging process.
-cusis
Hearing
Presbycusis is the medical term given to hearing loss that occurs as a result of the aging process.
-ptosis
Sagging or drooping
Blepharoptosis is a sagging (drooping) eyelid.
Olfact/o
Smell
The olfactory nerve endings in the nose provide the sense of smell.
Amni/o
Amnion
Reproductive system:
Amniocentesis is a surgical puncture of the amnion (amniotic sac) for diagnostic testing for birth defects.
Embry/o
Embryo
Reproductive system:
Embryology is the study of human development through the eighth week after conception.
Gravida
Pregnancy
Reproductive system:
The term nulli gravida indicates a woman has never been pregnant.
Gyn/o, gynec/o
Female, woman
Reproductive system:
A gynecologist is a specialist in the anatomy of the female reproductive system.
Hyster/o, metr/o, uter/o
Uterus
Reproductive system:
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus; a ureteroscopy might be performed prior to the surgery. Metrorrhagia is uterine bleeding at the time other than the monthly cycle.
Lact/o
Milk
Reproductive system:
Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary glad so a mother can nurse her baby by producing milk.
Mammo/o, mast/o
Breast
Reproductive system:
A mammogram is a common radiologic test for the detection of breast cancer; a mastopexy may be done to correct sagging breasts.
Men/o
Month, menstruation
Reproductive system:
Menopause is when a women no longer has monthly periods.
Nat/o
Birth
Reproductive system:
A neonate is a newborn; the prenatal period pertains to the months prior to the baby’s birth.
Oophor/o, ovari/o
Ovary
Reproductive system:
An oophorectomy, surgical removal of an ovary, may be performed in the case of an ovarian cyst.
Orch/o, orchi/o, orchid/o, test/o
Testes
Reproductive system:
Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both testes have not descended in the male and can require an orchiopexy to correct. Testosterone is the hormone produced by the testes in the male.
Ov/o
Egg
Reproductive system:
Ov/o means “pertaining to an egg”; an oval is shaped like an egg.
Prostat/o
Prostate
Reproductive system:
A prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate.
Salping/o
Tube (fallopian)
Reproductive system:
Salpingitis is an inflammation of the fallopian tube that can impede pregnancy.
Sperm/o, spermat/o
Sperm
Reproductive system:
A spermicide kills sperm and prevents pregnancy.
Abbreviation:
Abd, abdo
Abdomen
Abbreviation:
AF
Atrial fibrillation
Abbreviation:
ASHD
Arteriosclerotic heart disease
Abbreviation:
BP
Blood pressure
Abbreviation:
CA, ca
Cancer, carcinoma
Abbreviation:
CAD
Coronary artery disease
Abbreviation:
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Abbreviation:
CSF
Cerebrospinal fluid
Abbreviation:
CVA
Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
Abbreviation:
DM
Diabetes mellitus
Abbreviation:
ECG, EKG
Electrocardiogram
Abbreviation:
EEG
Electroencephalogram
Abbreviation:
EGD
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Abbreviation:
FBS
Fasting blood sugar
Abbreviation:
Fx
Fracture
Abbreviation:
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Abbreviation:
GI
Gastrointestinal
Abbreviation:
GU
Genitourinary
Abbreviation:
GYN
Gynecology
Abbreviation:
HPV
Human papilloma virus
Abbreviation:
IV
Intravenous
Abbreviation:
MI
Myocardial infarction
Abbreviation:
OA
Osteoarthritis
Abbreviation:
OP
Osteroporosis
Abbreviation:
PVD
Peripheral vascular disease
Abbreviation:
THR
Total hip replacement
Abbreviation:
TKR
Total knee replacement
Abbreviation:
TMJ
Temporomandibular joint
Abbreviation:
UA
Urinalysis
Abbreviation:
UGI
Upper GI (series)
Abbreviation:
URI
Upper respiratory infection
Abbreviation:
UTI
Urinary tract infection
Abbreviation:
VF
Ventricular fibrillation
Abbreviation
QID
Four times a day
Abbreviation
TID
Three times a day
Abbreviation
BID
Twice a day
Abbreviation
ESRD
End stage renal disease
-ectasis
Stretching, dialating
Ana-
apart
-tom
Cutting
-y, -tion, -ate
Process of
Ana/tom/y
Anatomy is the process of cutting apart. It is the study of body parts by dissection.
-ology
Study of
Bio
life
Bio/logy
study of life
Physio
Nature
Physi/ology
Study of nature or natural function of body.
Ante
In front of
Anter/ior
in the front
Poster
Behind
Poster/ior
in back of
Super/ior
above a part
Infer
below
Infer/ior
Below a part
Caud
tail
Caud/al
pertaining to the tail
Crani/al
Pertaining to the skull
Dist
distant
Dist/al
pertaining to a distant part
Dors
Back
Dors/al
Pertaining to the back
Later-
side
Later/al
Pertaining to the side
Medi/al
Pertaining to the middle
Medi-
Middle
Proxim-
Near
Proxim/al
Pertaining to nearness or closeness
Ventr–
Belly, front side
Ventri/al
Pertaining to the belly or front side
-saccharide
Sugar containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
-Cellular
Pertaining to cell(s)
Poly-
many, much
Uni-
One
Di-
Two
Alopec
Baldness
Vascul
Blood Vessels
-ia
Abnormal condition, condition of
a/vascul/ar
Being without blood vessels
Decubit
Bedsore
-us, -a, -um
Presence of, pertaining to
Decubit/us
Presence of bedsore, pressure sore
Dermat-
Skin
Dermat/itis
Inflammation of the skin
epi/dermis
upon the skin, top layer of skin
-Thermia
heat
hyper/thermia
Above normal heat
Hypo/thermia
below normal heat
Melan
black
Papill
Pimple
Melan/oma
Tumor of blackness, usually malignant
Sebac
Grease or oil
Sebac/e/ous
Pertaining to oil glands
Stratum
Layer
Corneum
Horny
Stratum Corneum
Horny layer of skin
