-itis
inflammation
tonsillitis, appendicitis
-osis
abnormal condition
cyanosis (of blueness, due to cold or low oxygen)
ectomy
to cut out (remove)
appendectomy, tonsillectomy
otomy
to cut into
tracheotomy (to cut into the windpipe)
ostomy
to make a "mouth"
colostomy (to make a permanent opening in colon)
a/an
without, none
anemia (literally no blood but means few red cells)
mega/ -megaly
enlarged
megacolon (abnormally large colon = large intestine)
-scopy/ -scopic
to look, observe
colonoscopy (look into colon)
-graphy/ -graph
recording an image
mammography (imaging the breasts)
-gram
the image (X-ray)
mammogram
-ology/ -ologist
study, specialize in
cardiologist, nephrologist (study
the heart, the kidneys)
Stomato
mouth
stomatitis
Glosso/linguo
tongue
glossitis, lingual nerve
Gingivo
gums
gingivitis
Encephalo
brain
encephalitis
Gastro
stomach
gastritis
Entero
intestine
gastroenteritis
Colo
large intestine
colitis, megacolon
Procto
anus/rectum
proctitis, proctologist
Hepato
liver
hepatitis, hepatomegaly
Nephro/rene
kidney
nephrosis, renal artery
Orchido
testis
orchiditis, orchidectomy
Oophoro
ovary
oophorectomy
Hystero/metro
uterus
hysterectomy, endometritis
Salpingo
uterine tubes
hysterosalpingogram
Masto/mammo
breast
mammography, mastectomy
Cysto
bladder
cystitis
Rhino
nose
rhinitis (runny nose!)
Phlebo/veno
veins
phlebitis, phlebotomy
Pneumo/pulmo
lung
pneumonitis, pulmonologist
Hemo/emia
blood
hematologist, anemia
Leuk/o
white
leukemia (overabundance of white blood cells)
melan/o
black
melanoma (black tumor of the skin)
cyan/o
blue cyanosis (blueness may be due to cold or not enough oxygen in blood)
xanth/o
yellow
xanthoma (yellow tumor)
Aden/o
gland
adenoma
Lip/o
fat
lipoma
Carcin/o
malignant
carcinoma
Endo
within, inside of
endoscopy (to inspect the inside of an organ or space with a lighted instrument)
Peri
around
perianal (around the anus)
Circum
around
circumcise (cut around)
Retro
behind
retrosternal (behind the breastbone)
Epi
upon, on top
epidermis (the top or outermost layer of skin)
Trans
through
transurethral (through the urinary exit duct)
Intra
within
intravenous (inside the veins, e.g. IV fluids)
Sub
below
subclavian (below the clavicle = collar bone)
Brady/tachy
slow/fast
Bradycardia (rate<60) tachycardia (rate>100)
Angi/o
vessel
Angiography, angiogram (X-ray of artery)
-stasis
to stop
Hemostasis (to stop bleeding), hemostat (a clamp-like instrument)
Echocardiography
using ultra high frequency sound waves (beyond human hearing), similar to "sonar," to form an image of the inside of the heart. This procedure can demonstrate valve damage, congenital (before birth) defects and other abnormalities.
Cephal/o
Head
Cephalgia (a headache)
Encephal/o
Inside the head (brain)
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Anencephalic (born without a brain)
Mening/o
Membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes)
Myel/o
Spinal cord
Myelogram (X-ray of the spinal cord)
Dys
Difficult, painful, abnormal
Dyslexia (difficulty reading)
cele
Hernia, abnormal protrusion of structure out of normal anatomical position
Meningomyelocele (protrusion of membranes and spinal cord)
pathy
Disease, abnormality
Encephalopathy (disease of the brain)
Neuropathy (disease of the nerves)
plasia
Development, formation, growth
Aplasia (no development)
Hyperplasia (over development)
plegia
Paralysis
Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body) Quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs)
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
stroke". A blood vessel in the brain may burst causing internal bleeding. Or, a clot may arise in a brain blood vessel (a thrombus), or arise elsewhere (embolus) and travel to get stuck in a brain vessel which then deprives brain tissue of oxygen.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Ischemia" was introduced previously in the circulatory diseases module referring to the heart. It literally means "not quite enough blood". A short period of insufficient blood supply to the brain can have the same signs and symptoms as a stroke such as
Computed tomography (CT)
a specialized X-ray machine that takes multiple images of a body area from different angles and has a computer that integrates the multiple images into "slices" of the body. The resolution is much better than standard X-rays and there is better differenti
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Although the image produces the "slices" through the body seen by CT (see above), no X-rays are involved. The patient's body is placed in a strong magnetic field. Radio pulses affect the resonance or "spin" of atoms in the tissues. A computer analyzes thi
Meningitis
inflammation of the membranes around the brain
Neuropathy
a noninflammatory disease of nerves
meningomyelocele
herniation of both protective membranes and spinal cord
anencephalic
A baby born without a brain
A patient may have a brain tumor, and the physician decides to use a procedure that will give the highest resolution of imaging soft tissues. He gives orders for
magnetic resonance imaging
meningioma
A tumor of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
A patient suddenly has difficulty speaking and her right arm feels stiff and weak. After four hours, she has complete return of normal speech and movement. This patient most likely suffered a/an
transient ischemic attack
myelodysplasia
Abnormal or lack of development of part of the spinal cord is termed
Chol/e
Gall, bile
Cholecystitis, cholecystectomy (inflammation of, removal of gallbladder)
Cyst/o
Bladder, sac
Emes/o
Vomit
Emesis (vomiting), emetic (stimulating vomiting), antiemetic (stopping vomiting)
Lith/o
Stone
Cholelithotomy (removal of gall stones)
Lapar/o
Abdominal wall
Laparotomy (cutting into the abdomen)
-centesis
To puncture
Abdominocentesis (puncturing and draining)
-tripsy
To crush Cholelithotripsy (smashing gall stones with sound waves)
-rrhea
Flow, discharge
Diarrhea
iasis
(-osis)
Abnormal condition
Cholelithiasis (presence of gall stones causing symptoms)
Jaundice
Literally means "yellow" in French. Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes from a backup of bile metabolic by-products from the blood into body tissues. May result from blockage of the ducts draining bile from the liver into the intestines or excess
Diverticulosis/diverticulitis
Small pouches may form along the walls of the large intestine called diverticuli which if symptomatic, causing discomfort to the patient, is called diverticulosis. These abnormal outpocketings may collect and not be able to empty fecal material which can
Portal hypertension
A potential complication of chronic alcoholism resulting in liver damage and obstruction of venous blood flow through the liver. The rising blood pressure in the veins between the gastrointestinal tract and liver causes engorgement of veins around the umb
Esophageal varices
bulging, engorged veins in the walls of the esophagus are often a complication of chronic alcoholism (see portal hypertension). The thin-walled, swollen veins are at risk of tearing resulting in severe, possibly fatal, bleeding.
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing. May be related to GERD (see above), esophageal tumor or other causes
Crohn's Disease
a chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the bowel. Typical symptoms are abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea. There may also be rectal bleeding that can lead to anemia. Special X-rays and tests are needed to differentiate Crohn's from other diseases
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity. Before antibiotics, people would die from peritonitis if an inflamed appendix burst. Indications of peritonitis are called "peritoneal signs": tender abdomen, rebound pain (pain when manual pressure rele
Proctologist
a physician specializing in diseases of the rectum and anus. Proctology is a surgical subspecialty.
Guaiac test (Hemoccult, Fecult)
a special chemical test to identify blood in the stool (feces). Blood in the stool may have many causes including cancer and hemorrhoids.
An emetic drug would have which of the following actions
Induce vomiting
Introduction of a fiberoptic instrument through the abdominal wall for diagnostic purposes is called
laparoscopy
Surgical removal of an inflamed gallbladder containing stones is termed
cholecystectomy
The guaiac test is used to determine presence of
blood in the stool
You read in a medical report that a patient had a proctoscopic examination. You conclude that the physician will be looking for, among other possibilities, a tumor in the
rectum
A patient from a car accident has a swollen belly and the surgeon suspects bleeding into the abdomen. He/she will puncture the belly and drain any fluid looking for blood. This procedure is termed
abdominocentesis
Cholangioenterostomy
surgically creates a passageway between the gallbladder duct to the intestine.
Laryng/o
Larynx, "voice box"
Laryngotomy, Laryngectomy (cutting into, surgically removing the larynx)
Bronch/o
Lung air passageways
Bronchoscopy (looking into the bronchi)
Pne/u, -pnea
Breath, air, lung
Tachypnea, dyspnea, apnea (accelerated, difficult/painful, cessation of breathing)
ptysis
Spitting (coughing)
Hemoptysis (spitting or coughing up blood from lungs)
Pneumoconiosis
literally, "an abnormal condition of dust in the lungs." A generic name for conditions where toxic particles become trapped in the lungs and cause symptoms and disability such a "black lung" or "miner's lung" disease. Terms specific to the particulate mat
Epistaxis
nose bleed
Cystic fibrosis
an inheritable disease that affects not only the lungs but other systems producing mucous such as the digestive system. Patients suffer frequent lung infections that are hard to treat because mucous is thick and sluggish and result in increased scarring (
Emphysema (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, of which emphysema is one of, results in progressive destruction of the air sacs in the lungs and loss of respiratory membrane for oxygen exchange. The bane of long term smokers.
Atelectasis
a collapsed lung. Literally, "an imperfect expansion" in Greek
Pulmonary angiography
special X-rays of the vessels of the lungs.
Endotracheal intubation
passing a special air-tube into the trachea so oxygen can be reliably supplied directly to the lungs without risk of inhaling vomit from the stomach. Typically done for surgery or whenever general anesthesia is administered among other situations where th
Surgical reconstruction or cosmetic alteration of the nose is termed
rhinoplasty
A faster than normal respiratory rate of breathing is termed
tachypnea
A patient with a foreign body trapped in a lung passageway would be a candidate for which procedure
Bronchoscopy
Patients with pneumonia often find it difficult or painful to take deep breaths. The term for this is
dyspnea
A tracheostomy is a procedure involving
a permanent opening cut into the trachea
Nephr/o, ren/o
Kidney
Nephritis, renal artery
Cyst/o
Bladder
Cystitis, cystectomy (inflammation of, removal of bladder)
Pyel/o
Renal collecting ducts
Pyelogram (X-ray of the collecting ducts)
Olig/o
Scanty, less than normal
Oliguria (reduced urine formation)
-pexy
To surgically reattach, fix in normal position Nephropexy (surgically attach kidney in normal anatomical position)
Nephrosis
a noninflammatory disease of kidneys.
Nephrolith
a kidney stone.
Nocturia
frequently getting up and urinating during the night.
Enuresis
involuntary release of urine, most often in reference to "bedwetting.
Nephrologist
physician specializing in kidney diseases
Intravenous pyelogram
special X-rays showing the drainage pattern of the kidneys. A dye opaque to X-rays is injected into a vein. After a waiting period for the blood and dye to pass through the kidneys, X-rays can be taken of the collecting system of the kidney, ureter and bl
Retrograde pyelogram
In this procedure a dye opaque to X-rays is flushed backwards up the urethra and bladder and up the ureters to the kidneys
Voiding cystourethrogram
an imaging technique (X-ray) displaying the urethra and bladder while urinating!
Lithotripsy
Crushing kidney stones with sound waves
Presence of a kidney "stone" is termed
nephrolithiasis
Nephrolithotomy is the term for
removing a kidney stone
Orchid/o, test/o
Testes (male gonad)
Balan/o
Head of the penis
Balanitis
Andr/o
Male
Androgenic (stimulating maleness),
androgynous (characteristics of male and female appearance)
Vas/o
Vessel, duct
Vas deferens, vasectomy (duct carrying semen from testes, cutting the duct)
-rrhaphy
To suture
Herniorrhaphy (surgical correction of inguinal hernia)
Hypospadias
literally "below the fleshy spike." A condition in which the external urinary meatus (opening) opens anywhere below the tip of the penis rather than at the tip.
Hydrocele
a fluid filled sac partially surrounding the testis. Manifests itself as a swelling on the side of the scrotum. May cause discomfort. Can be surgically corrected. And, who would most likely be doing the surgery? A urologist!
Varicocele
dilated and twisted veins of the testis, sort of "hemorrhoids" of the scrotum! Manifests itself as a swelling on the side of the scrotum which may look and feel like a "bag of worms." May be surgically corrected if causing discomfort. This condition may a
Cryptorchidism
literally "hidden testicle." A condition of lack of descent of one or both testes into the scrotum. If not corrected, usually by surgery, before puberty, can lead to sterility and increased risk of testicular cancer.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
swelling of the prostate gland which surrounds the base of the male bladder and urethra causing difficulty urinating, dribbling, and nocturia (remember that word? See urinary system). The bane of old men! BPH becomes more common as men age.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
the surgical cure for BPH. An instrument inserted through the penile urethra is used to partially cut away the prostate to relieve obstruction of the urinary tract.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
PSA is a marker protein for prostate cell secretions which can be detected with a lab test. A rising PSA may be an early sign of prostate cancer, although there may be other causes including false positive tests.
Priapism
A continuous, painful erection
Surgical repair of hypospadias using the foreskin of the head of the penis would be termed
balanoplasty
Surgical implantation of an undescended testicle into the scrotum and anchoring it in its correct anatomical position is termed
orchidopexy
Colp/o
Vagina
Colporrhaphy (suturing a tear), colpoplasty (surgical reconstruction), colposcopy (viewing the interior)
Oophor/o
Ovary
Oophorectomy, oophoropexy (surgery fixation, reattachment)
Men/o
Menstruation
Menarche (first), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
-pareunia, coitus
Intercourse
Dyspareunia (painful intercourse), precoital, postcoital (before and after intercourse)
Endometriosis
a condition involving colonization of the abdominal/pelvic cavity with islands of endometrial tissue. Endometrium is the lining layer of the uterus which sloughs off with each menstruation. If endometrial tissue flushes up the uterine tube and spills into
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
although males have a closed abdominal cavity, the female abdominal cavity has a direct anatomical path from the outside world via the female reproductive tract. Bacteria can make their way up the vagina, through the uterus, and traverse the uterine tubes
Episiotomy
a surgical procedure cutting into the perineal area, the area between the vagina and anus in order to prevent tearing of tissues when the baby's head traverses the vaginal opening.
Colposcopy
using a magnifying instrument to inspect the interior of the vagina and cervix, the entrance to the uterus.
Dilatation and curettage (D & C)
dilating the cervix, the entrance into the uterus, and passing instruments that enable scraping off superficial layers of the endometrium. May be done as an early therapeutic abortion, or following a normal pregnancy to remove residual tissue remaining in
gravida
Pregnancy Nulligravida (never pregnant), primigravida (first-time pregnant), multigravida (many pregnancies)
para
Live birth Nullipara (no live births), multipara (many live births)
Part/o, toc/o
Labor/birth/delivery Prepartum, postpartum (before and after delivery), dystocia (difficult delivery)
gravida 3, para 2
three pregnancies, two live births
Abruptio placentae
(Latin, "breaking off"). Premature separation of a normally implanted placenta before full term. Occurs in only about 1% of pregnancies. However, it has a 20-40% fetal mortality rate and is a significant contributor to maternal mortality.
Placenta previa
(Latin, "leading the way"). A placenta implanted over the cervical region of the uterus blocking the entrance to the birth canal. Occurs in less than one percent of pregnancies, but can cause significant bleeding and require a complicated delivery
Eclampsia
(toxemia of pregnancy )- a serious and life-threatening condition that may develop during pregnancy involving hypertension, convulsions and coma. A less severe form, preeclampsia, may develop but can be managed if identified and treated early.
Difficult, complicated, labor and delivery is termed
dystocia
herniation or prolapse of the urinary bladder into the vagina would be termed
colpocystocele
Chondr/o
Cartilage
Chondritis, chondroma, chondrocyte
Arthr/o
Joint
Arthritis, arthroplasty
Myel/o
Bone marrow
Myeloma
malacia
Softening
Osteomalacia, chondromalacia
asthenia
Weakness, loss of strength
Myasthenia gravis
trophy
Development, stimulation, maintenance
Atrophy (shriveling of muscles), hypertrophy (increase in size and strength of muscles)
-algia, algesia
Pain
Myalgia, arthralgia, analgesia (take away pain)
Osteomalacia
Soft bones." If not enough calcium is deposited during early childhood development, the bones do not become rock-hard, but rubbery. Both adequate calcium in the diet and vitamin D, primarily, from normal sunlight exposure or supplementation, are necessar
Muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases in which the muscles that control movement progressively weaken. The prefix, dys-, means abnormal. The root, -trophy, refers to maintaining normal nourishment, structure and function. The most common for
Myasthenia gravis
Muscular weakness, profound". This is an autoimmune disease that involves production of antibodies that interfere with nerves stimulating muscle contractions. Face and neck muscles are the most obviously affected, manifesting as drooping eyelids, double
Lupus erythematosus
An autoimmune disease wherein the body produces antibodies against a variety of organs, especially connective tissues of skin and joints. Mild Lupus may involve a distinctive butterfly-shaped rash over the nose and cheeks. Mild lupus may also involve myal
Orthopaedist
To straighten up children." Orthopaedics is a surgical subspecialty that in the past devoted much of its time to treating musculoskeletal deformities in children. Now with improved prenatal diagnosis and better nutrition, orthopaedists still treat childr
Rheumatologist
To study the flux of fluids." Say, what? Rheuma is an old medical term for a watery discharge. Among other diseases, rheumatologists treat joint diseases such as the various forms of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis. Inflamed joints accumulate "f
Electromyography
A big, scary word! But, you are experienced by now in taking them apart. I like to start at the end and work backward: "a recording of muscle electrical activity." Fine needles are introduced into muscles in order to make recordings of contractile activit
Tenorrhaphy is the term describing
surgically suturing a torn tendon
A bone marrow tumor is termed
myeloma
Sarcoma
A rare form of cancer arises from connective and supportive tissues, examples: bone, fat, muscle, and other connective tissues. Some names of this type of tumor would be: osteosarcoma (malignancy of bone), liposarcoma (fat) and gastrointestinal stromal tu
Tumor markers
Tumor markers are substances that are produced by tumors or the body's response to presence of a tumor. Tumor markers found in various body fluids, such as the blood, can be useful in the detection and response to treatment of certain cancers. However, mo