Medical Terminology
This course deals with various medical nomenclatures and their usage as applied to specific systems, disease processes, and injuries. Discussions include principal medical root word, terms referring to some general aspects of the practice of medicine and its allied profession, medical terms referring to certain general pathological processes, infective diseases, diseases of various systems of the body, obstetric terms, and terms related to medical instruments and equipment.
I. Principal Medical Root Word
Rules of pronunciation
Medical words, prefixes, suffixes, and root word
Building medical vocabulary
Root words for each system
II. Terms Referring to Some General Aspects of Medicine, Medical Terminology and the Practice of Medicine and its Allied Profession
Medicine, disease, and medical terminology
Causes and classification of disease
Manifestation of disease
Practice of medicine and allied profession and technical occupation
Diagnosis of disease
Treatment of disease
Some drugs used in medicine
Branches of medicine and surgery
III. Medical Terms Referring to Certain General Pathological Processes
Manifestation of damage of tissue cells
Infection, antibody formation, inflammation and repair
Disorders of growth
Disorders in blood circulation
Allergy (Hypersensitivity)
IV. Medical Terms Referring to Certain Infective Diseases
Infectious fever
Pyogenic infection
Tuberculosis
Venereal disease
Some other infective disease
V. Medical Terms Referring to Diseases of Various Systems of the Body and Obstetric Terms
The cardiovascular system
The respiratory system
The digestive system
The urinary and male reproductive system
The female reproductive system
Obstetric conditions
The breast
The lymphatic and reticuloendothelial systems
The blood
The endocrine system
The teeth
The nervous system
The eye
The ear, nose and throat
The mid
VI. Medical Terms Referring to Certain Other Types of Disease
Connective tissue disease
Tropical disease
Nutritional disorders
Poisoning
Disorders due to physical agents
Radiation hazards and injury
VII. Medical Instruments and Equipment
Part I. Principal Medical Root Word
Rules of Pronunciation
A medical term is easier to understand and remember when you know how to pronounce it properly. Pronunciations may vary from country to country, even in different regions of the same country. The general rule is to include the most common pronunciation. The word gynecology is usually pronounced with a hard g in the United States, but in many areas a soft g is used, as in jin-e-KOL-o–-je–. Words pertaining to the cerebrum (largest part of the brain) may have an accent on different syllables. The adjective is usually pronounced with the accent on the second syllable (se-REbral), but in cerebrum (SER-e-brum) and cerebrospinal (ser-e-bro–-SPI -nal), the accented syllable differs. The name for the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) is often pronounced du–-o–-DE -num, although the pronunciation du–-O-de-num is also acceptable. When extreme, some alternate pronunciations can sound like a foreign language. The word we pronounce as SKEL-e-tal is pronounced in some other English-speaking countries as ske-LE-tal.
- ae and oe only second vowel is pronounced (bursae, pleurae, and roentgen).
- Soft sound of s and j are given to c and g, respectively, before e, I, and y in words of Greek and Latin origin (cerebrum, circumcision, cycle, gel, gingivitis, giant and gyrate).
- Before other letters c and g have a hard sound (cardiac, cast, gastric, and gonad).
- The letters ch are sometimes pronounced like k (cholesterol, cholera, cholemia).
- When pn appears at the beginning of a word, the p is silent and only the n are pronounced (pneumonia, and pneumotoxin).
- When ps appears at the beginning of a word, the p is silent and only the s is pronounced (psychology, psychosis).
- When forming the final letter or letters of a word, e and es are often pronounced separate syllables (syncope, systole, nares).
- When pn appears in the middle the p and the n are pronounced (orthopnea, hyperpnea).
- When i appears at the end of a word it is pronounced eye.
- All other vowels and consonants have normal English sounds.
2. Medical Words, Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Word
Medical Terminology (Medical Words) - is the language used by physicians and other members of health team. It includes the medical words that describe or define a disease, a condition or clinical signs and symptoms.
- it is language that is used to accurately describe the human body and associated components, conditions, processes and procedures in a science-based manner.
Medical terminology is essential and beneficial for
1- Students in medicine, pharmacy, nursing and in other allied health sciences.
2- Health professionals such as
a- Pharmacists,
b- Specialists in allied medical sciences
- Nurses
- Clinical laboratory professionals
- Biomedical technologists,
- Radiologists, Radiologic Technologist
- Community health specialists such as medical record administration, health educators and dieticians,
- Medical secretaries and librarians and
- People interested in translation and arabinisation of medical sciences.
The medical words consists of three parts
1- The word root,
2- The prefix and
3- The suffix
Root Word - The fundamental unit of each medical word. In medical term, the root word may be an organ, tissue, cell, fluid or cavity. This establishes the basic meaning of the word and is the part to which modifying prefixes and suffixes are added.
- Indicate the organ or part that is modified by a prefix or suffix or both.
- A vowel (a, I, or o) is often inserted between the combining forms to facilitate euphony.
*A root word cannot stand alone. A suffix must always be added of the end of the word to complete the term.
Prefixes - is a short word part added before a root to modify its meaning.
- The prefix is the part that preceeds the medical word and changes its meaning e.g. Tachy/cardia Brady/cardia.
*When a prefix is added, it is always place at the beginning of the word.
Suffixes - is a short word part or series of parts added at the end of a root to modify its meaning.
- The suffix means an ending of the word which will convert word into a noun such as port/er, adjective such as microscop/ic, or modify the meaning of the word such gaster/itis and gastro/logy.
Combining Word - Is formed of two word roots or more joined by a vowel such as Therm/o/meter, Micr/o/scope.
- The part of the word will retain its specific meaning irrespective of its presence in different words or positions in the words such as Gastr/o/enter/o/logy, Enter/o/col/itis. In this two words, enter- means the small intestine in spite of the different positions in the two words. Gastro- means stomach, while -logy means science, thus the meaning of gastroenterology is the science of digestive system (stomach and intestine). In the enterocolitis, the part col means colon and itis means inflammation, so the meaninig is inflammation of small intestine and colon. Therefore, in medical terminology, most of the words are built from : A combining word : + a word root or more + a suffix.
*The rules for creating a combining form by adding a vowel apply when a suffix beginning with a consonant is added to a root word.
4. Building Medical Vocabulary
It is a need to take a systematic approach to medical word building and term comprehension. In order to facilitate the building of this knowledge, you will first need to become familiar with the most common word roots, prefixes, and suffixes. In brief, a word root is a component derived from a source language such as Greek or Latin, and usually describes a body part. A prefix is a segment that can be added to the front of a term to modify a word root by giving additional information about the location of an organ, the number of parts, or time involved. Suffixes are segments attached to the end of a word root to add meaning such as condition, disease process, or procedure. If you can learn and understand the origins of medical terms and realize that complex words are just an assembly of smaller components, then building a medical vocabulary becomes much easier.
Below are some examples of how medical terms are build.
The word pericarditis can be broken down into its word elements as follows:
Peri (Prefix) + card (Root) + itis (Suffix) which means:
Around Heart Inflammation
Several roots may be combined along with a prefix and/or suffix to form a word. For example, the word bronchogenic can be broken into the following word elements with, for the sake of ease in pronunciation, a vowel (usually "o") linking the word elements:
bronch + o + gen + ic
(root) (combining vowel) (root) (suffix)
It means:
any large air passage of lungs o forming, producing, condition of
- A term may be composed of a root + a suffix. As examples:
carcinoma: (carcin(o) = crab) + (oma = tumor)
sarcoma: (sarc(o) = flesh) + (oma = tumor)
cerebral: (cerebr = brain) + (al = pertaining to)
- A word may be composed of a prefix + a root. As examples:
neoplasm: (neo = new) + (plasm = growth, formation)
biped: (bi = two) + (ped = foot)
dysfunction: (dys = bad, difficult, painful) + (function = normal action).
- Many medical terms are composed of a prefix + a root + a suffix. As examples:
hypoglycemia: (hypo = under) + (glyc = sugar) + (emia = blood)
encephalitis: (en = in) + (cephal = head) + (itis = inflammation of)
pericarditis: (peri = around) + (card = heart) + (itis = inflammation of)
- Some medical terms are composed of two roots. As examples:
biostatistics: (bio) = life) + (statistics = numerical facts)
erythroblast: (erythr(o) = red) + (blast = germ cell)
microfilm: (micr(o) = small) + film
Root Words for each System
Skeletal System
Major Structures Related Combining Forms Primary Functions
Bones Oss/e, oss/i, oste/o, ost/o Act as a framework for the body, protect the internal organs, and store the mineral calcium.
Bone Marrow Myel/o Red bone marrow forms some blood cells. Yellow bone marrow stores fat.
Cartilage Chondr/o Creates a smooth surface for motion within the joints and protects the ends of the bones.
Joints Arthr/o Work with the muscles to make a variety of motions possible.
Ligaments Ligament/o Connect one bone to another.
Synovial Membrane Synovi/o, synov/o Forms the lining of synovial joints and secretes synovial fluid.
Synovial Fluid Synovi/o, synov/o Lubricant that makes smooth joint movements possible.
Bursa Burs/o Cushions areas subject to friction during movement.
Roots of Skeletal System
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Crani/o Skull, cranium Craniostosis Ossification of the cranial sutures
Spondyl/o Vertebra Spondylolysis Destruction and separation of a
vertebra
Vertebr/o Vertebra, spinal column Paravertebral Before or in front of the spinal column
Rachi/o Spine Rachischisis Fissure of the spine; spina bifida
Cost/o Rib Costochondral Pertaining to a rib and its cartilage
Sacr/o Sacrum Presacral In front of the sacrum
Coccy, coccyg/o Coccyx Coccygeal Pertaining to the coccyx
Pelvi/o Pelvis Pelvimetry Measurement of the pelvis
Ili/o Ilium Iliopelvic Pertaining to the ilium and pelvis
Muscular System
Major Structures Related Combining Forms Primary Functions
Muscles Muscul/o, my/o, myos/o Make body movement possible, hold body erect, move body fluids, and produce body heat.
Fascia Fasci/o Cover, support and separate muscles.
Tendons Ten/o, tend/o, tendin/o Attach muscles to bones.
Roots of Muscular System
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
My/o Muscle Myositis Inflammation of muscle
Muscul/o Muscle Musculoskeletal Pertaining to muscle and skeleton
In/o Fiber Inotropic Acting on muscle fibers
Fasci/o Fascia Fasciodesis Suturing of a fascia to a tendon or other fascia
Ten/o, tendin/o Tendon Tenorrhaphy Suture of a tendon
Ton/o Tone Cardiotonic Having a strengthening action on the heart
Kine, kinesi/o
kinet/o Movement Dyskinesia Abnormality of movement
Cardiovascular System
Major Structures Related Combining Forms Primary Functions
Heart Card/o, cardi/o Receives blood from the veins and pumps blood into the arteries.
Blood vessels Angi/o, vas/o Transport blood to and from all areas of the body.
Arteries Arteri/o Transport blood away from the heart to all parts of the body.
Capillaries Capill/o Permit the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the blood and the cells.
Veins Phleb/o, ven/o Return blood from all body parts to the heart.
Blood Hem/o, hemat/o Brings oxygen and nutrients to the cell and carries away waste.
Roots of Cardiovascular System
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Cardi/o Heart Cardiomyopathy Any disease of the heart muscle
Atri/o Atrium Atriotomy Surgical incision of an atrium
Ventricul/o Cavity, ventricle Supraventricular Above a ventricle
Valv/o, valvul/o Valve Valvectomy Surgical removal of a valve
Angi/o Vessel Angiopathy Any disease of blood vessels
Vas/o, vascul/o Vessel, duct Vasodilation Widening of a blood vessel
Arter/o, arteri/o Artery Endarterial Within an artery
Arteriol/o Arteriole Arteriolar Pertaining to an arteriole
Aort/o Aorta Aortoptosis Downward displacement of the aorta
Ven/o, ven/i Vein Venous Pertaining to a vein
Phleb/o Vein Phlebectasia Dilatation of a vein
Lymphatic and Immune System
Major Structures Related Combining Forms Primary Functions
Lymph Lymph/o The fluids that removes cellular waste products, pathogens, and dead blood cells from the tissue.
Lymphatic vessels and ducts Lymphangi/o The capillaries, vessels and ducts that return lymph from the tissues to the venous bloodstream.
Lymph nodes Lymphaden/o Bean-shape structures of the lymphatic system where pathogens and other harmful substances are filtered from the lymph by specialized cells of the immune system.
Tonsils and adenoids Tonsill/o, adenoid/o Lymphoid structure of the lymphatic system that protect the entry to the respiratory system.
Spleen Splen/o A sac-like mass pf lymphoid tissue with protective roles in both the immune system and lymphatic system.
Bone marrow Myel/o Produce lymphocytes, which are specialized leukocytes (white blood cells).
Lymphocytes Lymphocyt/o Specialized leukocytes that play important role in the immune reactions.
Thymus Thym/o A gland located in the upper chest with specialized roles in both lymphatic and immune systems.
Roots of Lymphatic System
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Lymph/o Lymph, lymphatic system Lymphoid Resembling lymph or lymphatic tissue
Lymphaden/o Lymph node Lymphadenectomy Surgical removal of a lymph node
Lymphangi/o Lymphatic vessel Lymphangioma Tumor of lymphatic vessels
Splen/o Spleen Splenomegaly Enlargement of the spleen
Thym/o Thymus gland Athymia Absence of the thymus gland
Tonsill/o Tonsil Tonsillar Pertaining to a tonsil
Respiratory System
Major Structures Related Combining Forms Primary Functions
Nose Nas/o Exchanges air during inhaling and exhaling; warms, moisturizes, and filters inhaled air.
Sinuses Sinus/o Produce mucus for the nasal cavities, make bones of the skull lighter, aid in sound production.
Pharynx Pharyng/o Transport air back and forth between the nose and the trachea.
Larynx Laryng/o Makes speech possible.
Epiglottis Epiglott/o Closes off the trachea during swallowing.
Trachea Trache/o Transport air back and forth between the pharynx and the bronchi.
Bronchi Bronch/o, bronchi/o Transports air from the trachea into the lungs.
Alveoli Alveol/o Air sacs that exchange gases with the pulmonary capillary blood.
Lungs Pneum/o, pneumon/o, pulmon/o Bring oxygen into the body, and removes carbon dioxide and some water waste from the body.
Roots of Respiratory System
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Nas/o Nose Nasal Pertaining to the nose
Rhin/o Nose Rhinorrhea Discharge from the nose
Pharyng/o Pharynx Pharyngeal Pertaining to the pharynx
Laryng/o Larynx Laryngoscopy Endoscopic examination of the larynx
Trache/o Trachea Tracheotome Instrument used to incise the trachea
Bronch/o, bronch/i Bronchus Bronchogenic Originating in a bronchus
Bronchiol Bronchiole Bronchiolectasis Dilatation of the bronchioles
Phren/o Diaphragm Phrenic Pertaining to the diaphragm
Phrenic/o Phrenic nerve Phrenicotripsy Crushing of the phrenic nerve
Pleur/o Pleura Pleurodesis Fusion of the pleura
Pulm/o, pulmon/o Lungs Intrapulmonary Within the lungs
Pneumon/o Lung Pneumonectomy Surgical removal of a lung or lung
tissue (pneumectomy and pulmonectomy
also used)
Pneum/o, pneumat/o Air, gas; also
respiration, lung Pneumatocardia Presence of air in the heart
Spir/o Breathing Spirometer Instrument for measuring breathing
volumes
Digestive System
Major Structures Related Combining Forms Primary Functions
Mouth Or/o, stomat/o Begins preparation of food for digestion.
Pharynx Pharyng/o Transports food the mouth to the esophagus.
Esophagus Esophag/o Transport food from the pharynx to the stomach.
Stomach Gastr/o Breaks down food and mixes it with gastric juices.
Small intestine Enter/o Mixes chyme coming from the stomach with digestive juices to complete the digestion and absorption of most nutrients.
Large intestine Col/o, colon/o Absorbs excess water, and prepares solid waste for elimination.
Rectum and anus An/o, proct/o, rect/o Control the excretion of solid waste.
Liver Hepat/o Secretes bile and enzymes to aid in the digestion of fats.
Gallbladder Cholecyst/o Stores bile, and releases it into the small intestine as needed.
Pancreas Pancreat/o Secretes digestive juices and enzymes into the small intestine as needed.
Roots of Digestive System
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Or/o Mouth Perioral Around the mouth
Stoma, stomat/o Mouth Stomatitis Inflammation of the mouth
Gnath/o Jaw Prognathous Having a projecting jaw
Labi/o Lip Labiodental Pertaining to the lip and teeth
(dent/o)
Bucc/o Cheek Buccoversion Turning toward the cheek
Dent/o, dent/i Tooth, teeth Dentifrice A substance used to clean the teeth
Odont/o Tooth, teeth Periodontist Dentist who treats the tissues around
the teeth
Gingiv/o Gum (gingiva) Gingivectomy Excision of gum tissue
Lingu/o Tongue Sublingual Under the tongue
Gloss/o Tongue Glossopharyngeal Pertaining to the tongue and pharynx
Sial/o Saliva, salivary gland,
salivary duct Sialogram Radiograph of the salivary glands and
ducts
Palat/o Palate Palatorrhaphy Suture of the palate
Esophag/o Esophagus Esophageal Pertaining to the esophagus
Gastr/o Stomach Gastroparesis Partial paralysis of the stomach
Pylor/o Pylorus Pylorostenosis Narrowing of the pylorus
Enter/o Intestine Dysentery Infectious disease of the intestine
Duoden/o Duodenum Duodenoscopy Endoscopic examination of the duodenum
Jejun/o Jejunum Jejunotomy Incision of the jejunum
Ile/o Ileum Ileectomy Excision of the ileum
Cec/o Cecum Cecoptosis Downward displacement of the cecum
Col/o, colon/o Colon Colocentesis Surgical puncture of the colon
Sigmoid/o Sigmoid colon Sigmoidoscope An endoscope for examining the sigmoid colon
Urinary System
Major Structures Related Combining Forms Primary Functions
Kidneys Nephr/o, ren/o Filter the blood to remove waste products, maintain electrolyte concentration, and remove excess water to maintain the fluid volume within the body.
Renal pelvis Pyel/o Collect urine produce by the kidneys.
Urine Ur/o, urin/o Liquid waste products to be excreted.
Ureters Ereter/o Transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.
Urinary bladder Cyst/o Stores urine until it is excreted.
Urethra Urethr/o Transport urine from the bladder through the urethral meatus, where it is excreted.
Prostate Prostat/o A gland of the male reproductive system that surrounds the male urethra. Disorders of this gland can disrupt the flow of urine.
Roots of Urinary System
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Ren/o Kidney Infrarenal Below the kidney
Nephr/o Kidney Nephrosis Any noninflammatory disease condition of the kidney
Glomerul/o Glomerulus Juxtaglomerular Near the glomerulus
Pyel/o Renal pelvis Pyeloplasty Plastic repair of the renal pelvis
Cali-, calic Calyx Calicectasis Dilatation of a renal calyx
Ur/o Urine,
urinary tract Urosepsis Generalized infection that originates in the urinary
tract
Urin/o Urine Urination Discharge of urine
Ureter/o Ureter Ureterostenosis Narrowing of the ureter
Cyst/o Urinary bladder Cystotomy Incision of the bladder
Vesic/o Urinary bladder Intravesical Within the urinary bladder
Urethr/o Urethra Urethroscopy Endoscopic examination of the urethra
Nervous System
Major Structures Related Combining Forms Primary Functions
Brain Cerebr/o, encephal/o Coordinates all body activities by receiving and transmitting messages throughout the body.
Spinal cord Myel/o Transmit nerve impulses between the brain, arms and legs, and the lower part of the body.
Nerves Neur/i, neur/o Receive and transmit messages to and from all parts of the body.
Sensory organs and receptors Receive external stimulation and transmit this stimuli to the sensory neurons.
Roots of Nervous System
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Neur/o, neur/i Nervous system,
nervous tissue, nerve Neurotoxic Harmful or poisonous to a nerve
or nervous tissue
Gli/o Neuroglia Glioma A neuroglial tumor
Gangli/o, ganglion/o Ganglion Ganglionectomy Surgical removal of a ganglion
Mening/o, meninge/o Meninges Meningocele Hernia of the meninges through
the skull or spinal column
Myel/o Spinal cord (also bone
marrow) Myelodysplasia Abnormal development of the
spinal cord
Radicul/o Root of a spinal nerve Radiculopathy Any disease of a spinal nerve
root
Encephal/o Brain Encephalomalacia Softening of brain tissue
Cerebr/o cerebr/o Cerebrum (loosely, brain) Decerebrate Having no cerebral function
Cortic/o Cerebral cortex, outer
portion Corticospina Pertaining to the cerebral cortex
and spinal cord
Cerebell/o Cerebellum Intracerebellar Within the cerebellum
Thalam/o Thalamus Thalamotomy Incision of the thalamus
Ventricul/o Cavity, ventricle Supraventricular Above a ventricle
Medull/o Medulla oblongata (also
spinal cord) Medullary Pertaining to the medulla
Psych/o Mind Psychosomatic Pertaining to the mind and body
(soma)
Narc/o Stupor, unconsciousness Narcosis State of stupor induced by drugs
Somn/o, somn/i Sleep Somnolence Sleepiness
Special Senses: The Eyes and Ears
Major Structures Related Combining Forms Primary Functions
Eyes Opt/i, opt/o, optic/o Receptor organs for the sense of sight.
Iris Ir/i, ir/o, irid/o, irit/o Controls the amount of light entering the eye.
Lens Phac/o, phak/o Focuses rays of light on the retina.
Retina Retin/o Converts light images into electrical impulses and transmits them to the brain.
Lacrimal apparatus Dacryocyst/o, lacrim/o Accessory structures of the eyes that produce, store and remove tears.
Ears Acous/o, acoust/o, audi/o, audit/o, ot/o Receptor organs for the sense of hearing; also helps maintain balance.
Outer ear Pinn/i Transmits sound waves to the middle ear.
Middle ear Myring/o, tympan/o Transmits sound waves to the inner ear.
Inner ear Labyrinth/o Receives sound vibrations and transmit them to the brain.
Roots of Special Senses
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Audi/o Hearing Audition Act of hearing
Acous, acus, cus Sound, hearing Acoustic Pertaining to sound or hearing
Ot/o Ear Ototoxic Poisonous or harmful to the ear
Myring/o Tympanic membrane Myringotome Knife used for surgery on the
eardrum
Tympan/o Tympanic cavity (middle ear), tympanic membrane Tympanometry Measurement of transmission through the tympanic membrane and middle ear
Staped/o,
stapedi/o Stapes Stapedectomy Excision of the stapes
Labyrinth/o Labyrinth (inner ear) Labyrinthotomy Incision of the inner ear
(labyrinth)
Vestibul/o Vestibule, vestibular
apparatus Vestibulopathy Any disease of the vestibule of
the inner ear
Cochle/o Cochlea of inner ear Retrocochlear Behind the cochlea
Palpebr/o Eyelid Palpebral Pertaining to an eyelid
Blephar/o Eyelid Symblepharon Adhesion of the eyelid to the eyeball
Lacrim/o Tear, lacrimal apparatus Lacrimation Secretion of tears
Dacry/o Tear, lacrimal apparatus Dacryolith Stone in the lacrimal apparatus
Dacryocyst/o Lacrimal sac Dacryocystocele Hernia of the lacrimal sac
Opt/o Eye, vision Optometer Instrument for measuring the refractive
power of the eye
Ocul/o Eye Dextrocular Pertaining to the right eye
Ophthalm/o Eye Exophthalmos Protrusion of the eyeball
Scler/o Sclera Subscleral Below the sclera
Corne/o Cornea Circumcorneal Around the cornea
Kerat/o Cornea Keratoplasty Plastic repair of the cornea; corneal transplant
Lent/i Lens Lenticular Pertaining to the lens
Phak/o, phac/o Lens Aphakia Absence of a lens
Uve/o Uvea Uveitis Inflammation of the uvea
Chori/o, choroid/o Choroid Choroidal Pertaining to the choroid
Cycl/o Ciliary body,
ciliary muscle Cycloplegic Pertaining to or causing paralysis of the
ciliary muscle
Ir, irit/o, irid/o Iris Iridotomy Incision of the iris
Pupill/o Pupil Iridopupillary Pertaining to the iris and the pupil
Retin/o Retina Retinoschisis Splitting of the retina
Integumentary System
Major Structures Related Combining Forms Primary Functions
Skin Cutane/o, demat/o, derm/o Intact skin is the first line of defences for the immune system. Skin waterproofs the body and is the major receptor for the sense of touch.
Sebaceous gland Seb/o Secrete sebum (oil) to lubricate the skin and discourage the growth of bacteria on the skin.
Sweat glands Hidr/o Secrete water to regulate body temperature and water content, and these glands secrete some metabolic waste.
Hair Pil/i, pil/o Aids in controlling the loss of body heat.
Nails Onych/o, ungu/o Protects the dorsal surface of the last bone of each finger and toe.
Roots of Integumentary System
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Derm/o, dermat/o Skin Dermabrasion Surgical procedure used to resurface the
skin and remove imperfections
Kerat/o Keratin, horny layer of
the skin Keratosis Horny growth of the skin
Melan/o Dark, black, melanin Melanosome A small body in the cell that produces
melanin
Hidr/o, idr/o Sweat, perspiration Hyperhidrosis Abnormally high production of sweat
Seb/o Sebum, sebaceous
gland Seborrhea Excess flow of sebum
Trich/o Hair Trichomycosis Fungal infection of the hair
Onych/o Nail Onychia Inflammation of the nail and nail bed
(not an -itis ending)
Endocrine System
Major Structures Related Combining Forms Primary Functions
Adrenal glands Adren/o Regulate electrolyte levels, influence metabolism, and respond to stress.
Gonads Gonad/o Gamete (sex cell) producing glands.
Male: Testicles Testic/o Sperm-producing gland.
Female: Ovaries Ovari/o Ova (egg) producing gland.
Pancreatic islets Pancreat/o Control blood sugar levels and glucose metabolism.
Parathyroid glands Parathyroid/o Regulate calcium levels throughout the body.
Pineal gland Pineal/o Influences the sleep-wakefulness cycle.
Pituitary gland Pituit/o, pituitar/o Secrete hormones that control the activity of the other endocrine glands.
Thymus Thym/o Plays a major role in the immune system.
Thyroid gland Thyr/o, thyroid/o Stimulates metabolism, growth and the activity of the nervous system.
Roots of Endocrine System
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Endocrin/o Endocrine glands or
system Endocrinopathy Any disease of the endocrine glands
Pituitar Pituitary gland,
hypophysis Pituitarism Condition caused by any disorder of pituitary function
Hypophys Pituitary gland,
hypophysis Hypophyseal Pertaining to the pituitary gland
Thyr/o, thyroid/o Thyroid gland Thyrotropic Acting on the thyroid gland
Parathyr/o,
parathyroid/o Parathyroid gland Parathyroidectomy Excision of a parathyroid gland
Adren/o, adrenal/o Adrenal gland,
epinephrine Adrenergic Activated (erg-) by or related to epinephrine (adrenaline)
Adrenocortic/o Adrenal cortex Adrenocortical Pertaining to the adrenal cortex
Insul/o Pancreatic islets Insuloma Tumor of islet cells
Reproductive System
Major Structures Related Combining Forms Primary Functions
Male
Penis Pen/i, phall/i Used for sexual intercourse and urination.
Testicles Orch/o, orchid/o, test/i, test/o Produce sperm and the hormone testosterone.
Female
Ovaries Oophor/o, ovari/o Produce ova (egg) and female hormones.
Fallopian tubes Salping/o Catch the mature ovum (egg) and transport it to the uterus. Also the site of fertilization.
Uterus Hyster/o, metr/o, metri/o, uter/o Protects and supports the developing child.
Vagina Vagin/o, colp/o Used for sexual intercourse, acts as channel for menstrual flow, and functions as the birth canal.
Placenta Placent/o Exchange nutrients and waste between the mother and fetus during pregnancy.
Roots of Reproductive System
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Male
Test/o Testis, testicle Testicular Pertaining to a testicle
Orchi/o, orchid/o Testis Anorchism Absence of a testis
Semin Semen Inseminate To introduce semen into a woman
Sperm/i, spermat/o Semen, spermatozoa Oligospermia Deficiency of spermatozoa
Epididym/o Epididymis Epididymitis Inflammation of the epididymis
Vas/o Vas deferens; also vessel Vasorrhaphy Suture of the vas deferens
Vesicul/o Seminal vesicle Vesiculography Radiographic study of the seminal
vesicles
Prostat/o Prostate Prostatometer Instrument for measuring the
prostate
Osche/o Scrotum Oscheoma Tumor of the scrotum
Female
Gyn/o, gynec/o Woman Gynecology Study of diseases of women
Men/o, mens Month, menstruation Premenstrual Before a menstrual period
Oo Ovum, egg cell Oocyte Cell that gives rise to an ovum
Ov/o Ovum, egg cell Ovulation Release of an ovum from the ovary
Ovari/o Ovary Ovarian Pertaining to an ovary
Oophor/o Ovary Oophorotomy Incision of an ovary
Salping/o Oviduct, tube Salpingectomy Excision of an oviduct
Uter/o Uterus Uterine Pertaining to the uterus
Metr/o, metr/i Uterus Metrorrhagia Abnormal uterine bleeding
Hyster/o Uterus Hysteroscopy Endoscopic examination of the uterus
Cervic/o Cervix, neck Endocervical Pertaining to the lining of the cervix
Vagin/o Vagina Vaginoplasty Plastic repair of the vagina
Colp/o Vagina Colpocele Hernia of the vagina
Part II. Terms Referring to Some General Aspects of Medicine, Medical Terminology and the Practice of Medicine and its Allied Profession
Medicine, Disease, and Medical Terminology
Medicine - is the science and practice of the diagnosis, treatment, andprevention of disease. It is derived from Latin medicus, meaning "a physician".
Disease - is a particular abnormal condition, a disorder of a structure or function, that affects part or all of an organism. The causal study of disease is called pathology (which came from the Ancient Greek roots of pathos , meaning "experience" or "suffering", and -logia, "study of"). Disease is often construed as a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs.
Root for Disease
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Alg/o, algi/o,
algesi/o Pain Algesia Condition of having pain
Carcin/o Cancer, carcinoma Carcinogen Substance that produces cancer
Cyst/o, cyst/i Filled sac or pouch, cyst, bladder Cystic Pertaining to or having cysts
Lith Calculus, stone Lithiasis Stone formation
Onc/o Tumor Oncogene Gene that causes a tumor
Path/o Disease Pathogen Organism that produces disease
Py/o Pus Pyocyst A sac or cyst containing pus
Pyr/o, pyret/o Fever, fire Pyretic Pertaining to fever
Scler/o Hard Sclerosis Hardening of tissue
Tox/o, toxic/o Poison Exotoxin Toxin secreted by bacterial cells
Prefixes for Disease
Prefix Meaning Example Definition of Example
Brady- Slow Bradypnea Slow breathing (-pnea)
Dys- Abnormal, painful,
difficult Dysplasia Abnormal development of tissue
Mal- Bad, poor Maladaptive Poorly suited to a specific use or to the environment
Pachy- Thick Pachyemia Thickness of the blood (-emia)
Tachy- Rapid Tachycardia Rapid heart (cardi) rate
Xero- Dry Xerosis Dryness of the skin or membranes
Suffixes for Disease
Suffix Meaning Example Definition of Example
-algia, -algesia Pain Myalgia Pain in a muscle (my/o)
-cele Hernia, localized
dilation Hydrocele Localized dilation containing fluid
-clasis, -clasia Breaking Osteoclasis Breaking of a bone (oste/o)
-itis Inflammation Meningitis Inflammation of the membranes around the brain (meninges)
-megaly Enlargement Hepatomegaly Enlargement of the liver (hepat/o)
-odynia Pain Urodynia Pain on urination (ur/o)
-oma Tumor Blastoma tumor of immature cells
-pathy Any disease of Cardiopathy Any disease of the heart (cardi/o)
-rhage, -rhagia Bursting forth, profuse
flow, hemorrhage Hemorrhage Profuse flow of blood
-rhea Flow, discharge Mucorrhea Discharge of mucus
-rhexis Rupture Amniorrhexis Rupture of the amniotic sac (bag
of waters)
-schisis Fissure, splitting Retinoschisis Splitting of the retina of the eye
Medical Terminology - is language that is used to accurately describe the human body and associated components, conditions, processes and procedures in a science-based manner. Medical Terminology often uses words created using prefixes and suffixes in Latin and Ancient Greek. In medicine, their meanings, and their etymology, are informed by the language of origin.
Causes and Classification of Disease
Causes of Disease
Airborne
- An airborne disease is any disease that is caused by pathogens and transmitted through the air.
Infectious
- Infectious diseases, also known as transmissible diseases or communicable diseases, comprise clinically evident illness (i.e., characteristic medical signs and/or symptoms of disease) resulting from the infection, presence and growth of pathogenic biological agents in an individual host organism. Included in this category are:
Contagious – an infection, such as influenza or the common cold, that commonly spreads from one person to another
Communicable – an infection that can spread from one person to another, but is not usually spread through everyday contact, such as the viral hepatitis.
Non-communicable
- A non-communicable disease is a medical condition or disease that is non-transmissible. Non-communicable diseases cannot be spread directly from one person to another. Heart disease and cancers are examples of non-communicable diseases in humans.
Foodborne
- Food borne illness or food poisoning is any illness resulting from the consumption of food contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, toxins, viruses, prions or parasites.
Lifestyle
- A lifestyle disease is any disease that appears to increase in frequency as countries become more industrialized and people live longer, especially if the risk factors include behavioral choices like a sedentary lifestyle or a diet high in unhealthful foods such as refined carbohydrates, trans fats, or alcoholic beverages.
Classification of Disease
Diseases may be classified by etiology (cause), pathogenesis (mechanism by which the disease is caused), or by symptom(s). Alternatively, diseases may be classified according to the organ system involved, though this is often complicated since many diseases affect more than one organ.
Infectious diseases - caused by microorganisms and other parasites that live at the expense of another organism. Any disease-causing organism is described as a pathogen.
Prefixes and Roots for Infectious Diseases
Word Part Meaning Example Definition of Example
Prefixes
Staphyl/o Grapelike cluster Staphylococcus A round bacterium that forms clusters
Strept/o Twisted chain Streptobacillus A rod-shaped bacterium that forms chains
Roots
Bacill/i, bacill/o Bacillus Bacilluria Bacilli in the urine (-uria)
Bacteri/o Bacterium Bactericide Agent that kills (-cide) bacteria
Myc/o Fungus, mold Mycosis Any disease condition caused by a fungus
Vir/o Virus Viremia Presence of viruses in the blood (-emia)
Degenerative diseases - resulting from wear and tear, aging, or trauma (injury) that can result in a lesion (wound) and perhaps necrosis (death) of tissue. Common examples include arthritis, cardiovascular problems, and certain respiratory disorders such as emphysema. Structural malformations such as congenital malformations, prolapse (dropping), or hernia (rupture) may also result in degenerative changes.
Neoplasia - abnormal and uncontrolled growth of tissue.
Immune disorders - failures of the immune system, allergies, and autoimmune diseases, in which the body makes antibodies to its own tissues, fall into this category.
Metabolic disorders - resulting from lack of enzymes or other factors needed for cellular functions. Many hereditary disorders fall into this category. Malnutrition caused by inadequate intake of nutrients or inability of the body to absorb and use nutrients also upsets metabolism.
Hormonal disorders - caused by underproduction or overproduction of hormones or by inability of the hormones to function properly. One example is diabetes mellitus.
Mental and emotional disorders - disorders that affect the mind and adaptation of an individual to his or her environment.
Manifestation of Disease
Manifestations may be local (eg, cellulitis, abscess) or systemic, most often fever. Manifestations may develop in multiple organ systems. Severe, generalized infections may have life-threatening manifestations (eg, sepsis, septic shock).
Most infections increase the pulse rate and body temperature, but others (eg, typhoid fever, tularemia, brucellosis, dengue) may not elevate the pulse rate commensurate with the degree of fever. Hypotension can result from hypovolemia or septic shock. Hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis are common.
Alterations in sensorium (encephalopathy) may occur in severe infection regardless of whether CNS infection is present. Encephalopathy is most common and serious in the elderly and may cause anxiety, confusion, delirium, stupor, seizures, and coma.
Pulmonary compliance may decrease, progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory muscle failure.
Renal manifestations range from minimal proteinuria to acute renal failure, which can result from shock and acute tubular necrosis, glomerulonephritis, or tubulointerstitial disease.
Hepatic dysfunction, including cholestatic jaundice (often a poor prognostic sign) or hepatocellular dysfunction, occurs with many infections, even though the infection does not localize to the liver. Upper GI bleeding due to stress ulceration may occur during sepsis.
Endocrinologic dysfunctions include increased production of thyroid-stimulating hormone, vasopressin , insulin, and glucagon; breakdown of skeletal muscle proteins and muscle wasting secondary to increased metabolic demands; and bone demineralization. Hypoglycemia occurs infrequently in sepsis, but adrenal insufficiency should be considered in patients with hypoglycemia and sepsis. Hyperglycemia may be an early sign of infection in diabetics.
Practice of Medicine and Allied Profession and Technical Occupation
Medicine
Anesthesiologist or anesthetist is a physician trained in anesthesia and perioperative medicine.
Cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of the heart.
Dentist is a person who is qualified to look after teeth and gums.
Endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of endocrinology.
Gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the digestive system and its disorders.
Geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in the treatment or study of diseases of old people.
Gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases of women.
Hematologist is a doctor who specializes in hematology.
Nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of the kidney and its diseases.
Neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of the nervous system and the treatment of its diseases.
Obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in obstetrics.
Oncologist is a doctor who specializes in oncology, especially cancer.
Ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of the eye and its diseases. Also called eye specialist.
Orthodontist is a dental surgeon who specializes in correcting badly placed teeth.
Orthopedist is a surgeon who specializes in orthopedics.
Otorhinolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of the ear, nose and throat.
Pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases of children.
Psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and behavioral disorders.
Radiologist is a doctor who specializes in radiology.
Rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in rheumatology.
Surgeon is a doctor who specializes in surgery.
Urologist is a doctor who specializes in urology.
Allied Professions and Technical Occupation
Dietitian is someone who specializes in the study of diet, especially someone in a hospital who supervises dietaries as part of the medical treatment of patients. Also called nutritionist.
Medical Technologist is a healthcare professional who performs chemical, hematological, immunologic, histopathological, cytopathological, microscopic, andbacteriological diagnostic analyses on body fluids such as blood, urine, sputum, stool, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), peritoneal fluid,pericardial fluid, and synovial fluid, as well as other specimens.
Midwife is a professional person who helps a woman give birth to a child, often at home.
Nurse is a person who looks after sick people in a hospital or helps a doctor in a local surgery. Some nurses may be trained to diagnose and treat patients.
Pharmacist is a trained person who is qualified to prepare medicines according to the instructions on a doctor’s prescription.
Phlebotomists are people trained to draw blood from a patient for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research. Phlebotomists collect blood primarily by performing venipunctures, (or, for collection of minute quantities of blood, fingersticks).
Physical therapist or physiotherapist (often abbreviated to PT) is a trained and licensed professional to examine, evaluate, diagnose and treat impairment, functional limitations and disabilities in patients or clients.
Radiographers, also known as Radiologic Technologists, Diagnostic Radiographers, Medical Radiation Technologists are Healthcare Professionals who specialize in the imaging of human anatomy for the diagnosis and treatment of pathology.
Sonographer, or ultrasonographer, is a healthcare professional, frequently a radiographer but may be any healthcare professional with the appropriate training, who specialise in the use of ultrasonic imaging devices to produce diagnostic images, scans, videos, or 3D volumes of anatomy and diagnostic data.
Radiation Therapist, Therapeutic Radiographer or Radiotherapist is an allied health professional who works in the field of radiation oncology.
Diagnosis of Disease
Medical diagnosis, the determination of the nature and cause of an illness, begins with a patient history. This includes a history of the present illness with a description of symptoms, a past medical history, and a family and a social history.
A physical examination, which includes a review of all systems and observation of any signs of illness, follows the history taking. Practitioners use the following techniques in performing physicals:
• Inspection: visual examination.
• Palpation: touching the surface of the body with the hands or fingers.
• Percussion: tapping the body and listening to the sounds produced.
• Auscultation: listening to body sounds with a stethoscope.
Vital signs (VS) are also recorded for comparison with normal ranges. Vital signs are measurements that reflect basic functions necessary to maintain life and include:
• Temperature (T).
• Pulse rate, measured in beats per minute (bpm).
• Respiration rate (R), measured in breaths per minute.
• Blood pressure (BP), measured in millimeters mercury (mm Hg) and recorded when the heart is contracting (systolic pressure) and relaxing (diastolic pressure).
Sub-types of diagnoses include:
Clinical diagnosis
A diagnosis made on the basis of medical signs and patient-reported symptoms, rather than diagnostic tests
Laboratory diagnosis
A diagnosis based significantly on laboratory reports or test results, rather than the physical examination of the patient. For instance, a proper diagnosis of infectious diseases usually requires both an examination of signs and symptoms, as well as laboratory characteristics of the pathogen involved.
Radiology diagnosis
A diagnosis based primarily on the results from medical imaging studies. Greenstick fractures are common radiological diagnoses.
Principal diagnosis
The single medical diagnosis that is most relevant to the patient's chief complaint or need for treatment. Many patients have additional diagnoses.
Admitting diagnosis
The diagnosis given as the reason why the patient was admitted to the hospital; it may differ from the actual problem or from the discharge diagnoses, which are the diagnoses recorded when the patient is discharged from the hospital.
Differential diagnosis
A process of identifying all of the possible diagnoses that could be connected to the signs, symptoms, and lab findings, and then ruling out diagnoses until a final determination can be made.
Diagnostic criteria
Designates the combination of signs, symptoms, and test results that the clinician uses to attempt to determine the correct diagnosis. They are standards, normally published by international committees, and they are designed to offer the best sensitivity and specificity possible, respect the presence of a condition, with the state-of-the-art technology.
Prenatal diagnosis
Diagnosis work done before birth
Diagnosis of exclusion
A medical condition whose presence cannot be established with complete confidence from history, examination or testing. Diagnosis is therefore by elimination of all other reasonable possibilities.
Dual diagnosis
The diagnosis of two related, but separate, medical conditions or co-morbidities; the term almost always refers to a diagnosis of a serious mental illness and a substance addiction.
Self-diagnosis
The diagnosis or identification of a medical conditions in oneself. Self-diagnosis is very common and typically accurate for everyday conditions, such as headaches,menstrual cramps, and headlice.
Remote diagnosis
A type of telemedicine that diagnoses a patient without being physically in the same room as the patient.
Nursing diagnosis
Rather than focusing on biological processes, a nursing diagnosis identifies people's responses to situations in their lives, such as a readiness to change or a willingness to accept assistance.
Computer-aided diagnosis
Providing symptoms allows the computer to identify the problem and diagnose the user to the best of its ability. Health screening begins by identifying the part of the body where the symptoms are located; the computer cross-references a database for the corresponding disease and presents a diagnosis.
Overdiagnosis
The diagnosis of "disease" that will never cause symptoms, distress, or death during a patient's lifetime
Wastebasket diagnosis
A vague, or even completely fake, medical or psychiatric label given to the patient or to the medical records department for essentially non-medical reasons, such as to reassure the patient by providing an official-sounding label, to make the provider look effective, or to obtain approval for treatment. This term is also used as a derogatory label for disputed, poorly described, overused, or questionably classified diagnoses, such as pouchitis and senility, or to dismiss diagnoses that amount toovermedicalization, such as the labeling of normal responses to physical hunger as reactive hypoglycemia.
Retrospective diagnosis
The labeling of an illness in a historical figure or specific historical event using modern knowledge, methods and disease classifications.
Treatment of Disease
If diagnosis so indicates, treatment, also termed therapy, is begun. This may consist of counseling, drugs, surgery, radiation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatric treatment, or a combination of these. During diagnosis and throughout the course of treatment, a patient is evaluated to establish a prognosis, that is, a prediction of the outcome of the disease.
Surgery is a method for treating disease or injury by manual operations. Surgery may be done through an existing body opening, but usually it involves cutting or puncturing tissue with a sharp instrument in the process of incision.
Some of the purposes of surgery include:
• Treatment: For excision (cutting out) of diseased or abnormal tissue, such as a tumor or an inflamed appendix. Surgical methods are also used to repair wounds or injuries, as in skin grafting for burns or realigning broken bones. Surgical methods are used to correct circulatory problems and to return structures to their normal position, as in raising a prolapsed organ, such as the bladder, in a surgical fixation procedure.
• Diagnosis: To remove tissue for laboratory study in a biopsy, as described above. Exploratory surgery to investigate the cause of symptoms is performed less frequently now because of advances in noninvasive diagnostic and imaging techniques.
• Restoration: Surgery may compensate for lost function, as when a section of the intestine is redirected in a colostomy, a tube is inserted to allow breathing in a tracheostomy, a feeding tube is inserted, or an organ is transplanted. Plastic or reconstructive surgery may be done to accommodate a prosthesis, to restore proper appearance, or for cosmetic reasons.
• Relief: Palliative treatment is any therapy that provides relief but is not intended as a cure. Surgery is done to relieve pain or discomfort, as by cutting the nerve supply to an organ or reducing the size of a tumor to relieve pressure.
During the last century, the leading causes of death in industrialized countries gradually shifted from infectious diseases to chronic diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and cancer. In addition to advancing age, these conditions are greatly influenced by life habits and the environment. As a result, many people have begun to consider healing practices from other philosophies and cultures as alternatives and complements to conventional Western medicine. Some of these philosophies include osteopathy, naturopathy, homeopathy, and chiropractic. Techniques of acupuncture, biofeedback, massage, and meditation may also be used, as well as herbal remedies and nutritional counseling on diet, vitamins, and minerals.
Medical Abbreviations Pertaining to Diagnosis and Treatment
• AMA—against medical advice
• ac—before meals.
• ad lib—as desired.
• amt.—amount.
• ASAP—as soon as possible.
• ASD—atrial septal defect. A congenital defect in the heart between the atria.
• BID—twice a day (sometimes q12h or every 12 hours).
• BM—bowel movement.
• BP—blood pressure.
• BRP—bathroom privileges.
• CA—cancer.
• cal—calories.
• cath—catheterization.
• CBC—complete blood count
• cc—cubic centimeters.
• CC—chief complaint.
• CBC—complete blood count.
• CNS—central nervous system.
• c/o—complaints of
• COPD—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• CPAP—continuous positive airway pressure.
• CPR—cario-pulmonary resuscitation.
• CT—computed tomography, also referred to as CAT (computer axial tomography). Three dimensional image of a body structure constructed by computer from a series of cross-sectional images. CT scans reveal both bone and soft tissues, including organs, muscles and tumors.
• DNR—do not resuscitate.
• DOB—date of birth.
• Drsg—dressing.
• ECG or EKG—electrocardiogram. A graphic record of the action of the heart.
• EEG—(electroencephalogram) measures electrical activity of the brain.
• EKG—electrocardiogram.
• ENT—ear, nose and throat.
• ED—emergency department
• ER—emergency room
• Gastrosomy Tube—surgically placed tube that goes directly into the stomach for feedings and/or drainage.
• GB—gall bladder.
• GI—gastointestinal.
• gm—gram.
• gtt—drops
• H20—water.
• H/A—headache
• hct—hematocrit.
• hgb—hemoglobin.
• HOB—head of bed.
• ht—height.
• HTN—hypertension.
• hx—history.
• I & D—incision and drainage.
• I & O—intake and output. A measurement of fluids taken in and urinated out.
• ICU—intensive care unit.
• IM—intramuscular or into the muscle.
• IV—intravenous. The delivery of fluids and/or medication into the blood stream via a needle inserted into a vein.
• K—potassium.
• kg—kilogram.
• KVO— keep vein open.
• lb.—pound.
• LOC—loss of consciousness.
• LP—lumbar puncture.
• Max—maximum.
• mEq—milliequivalent.
•MRI—magnetic resonance imaging. Computerized images based on nuclear magnetic resonance of atoms within the body induced by the application of radio waves. An MRI scan provides 3-D images of the body's interior, delineating muscle, bone, blood vessels, nerves, organs and tumor tissue.
•MRSA—methicillin resistant staphylococcum aureus.
• MVA—motor vehicle accident.
• MVR—mitral valve replacement.
• n/a—not applicable.
• N/S—normal saline.
• Na—sodium.
• Nasogastric—a tube that leads from the nose or mouth into the stomach.
• neg—negative.
• NG—nasogastric.
• NKA—no known allergies.
• no. or #—number.
• NP—nurse practitioner.
• NPO—nothing by mouth; nothing to eat or drink usually within a defined time frame
• Nsg—nursing.
• NSR—normal sinus rhythm.
• NTG—nitrogylicerin.
• N&V—nausea and vomiting.
• NWB—non-weight bearing.
• O2—oxygen.
• OB—obstetrical.
• OB/GYN—obstetrics and gynecology.
• ODA—operating day admission. The patient is admitted to the hospital the day the surgery is scheduled.
• oint—ointment.
• OOB—out of bed.
• OR—operating room.
• OT—occupational therapy.
• oz—ounce.
• P—pulse.
• PA—physician's assistant.
• PAC—premature atrial contraction.
•PAT—paroxysmal atrial tachycardia or pre-admission testing (depending on context).
• pc—after meals
• PDA—patent ductus arteriosis.
• PE—physical examination.
• Ped—pediatric.
• per os—by mouth.
• PERL—pupils equal and reactive to light.
• PERLA—pupils equal and reactive to light & accommodation.
• PET Scan—positron emission tomography
• PFT—pulmonary function test.
• pH—symbol for expression of concentration of hydrogen ions (degree of acidity).
• PICC Line—(peripherally inserted central catheter) for delivery of medication into the
bloodstream.
• PIC-U—pediatric intensive care unit. A unit staffed by Pediatric Intensivists (pediatricians with special training in the care of critically ill infants and children) and other highly-skilled specialists.
•PIMU—pediatric intermediate or "step down" unit. A unit that admits less critically ill children and is also a transitional unit following a stay in the PICU.
• PM or p.m.—afternoon (post meridian).
• PMS—premenstrual syndrome.
• po—per os (by mouth).
• post-op—postoperative.
• Preop—preoperative.
• prep—prepare.
• PRN—when necessary; on request or when needed within time guidelines
• PROM—passive range of motion.
• PT—physical therapy.
• Pt or pt.—patient.
• PTA—prior to admission.
• PVC—premature ventricular contraction.
• PWB—partial weigth bearing.
• q—each, every (quauque).
• qd—every day (quaque die).
• qh—every hour (quaque hora).
• qid—four times daily (quater in die).
• QID—four times a day (sometimes q6h or every 6 hours).
• QD—once a day.
• QNS—quantity not sufficient.
• qod—every other day (quater otra die).
• qs—sufficient quantity (quantum sufficiat).
• Qt.—quart.
• q2h, q3h, etc—every two hours, every three hours, etc.
• Rehab—rehabilitation
• Resp.—respiration.
• RBC—red blood cells.
• RN— Registered Nurse.
• R/O—rule out.
• ROM—range of motion.
• R/R—respiratory rate.
• RR—recovery room.
• RT—radiation therapy.
• Rt—right.
• RTC—return to Clinic.
• Rx—prescription, treatment, or therapy.
• s [needs line over s]—without (sine).
• SG—specific gravity.
• sm—small.
• SNF—skilled nursing facility.
• SOB—shortness of breath.
• S/P—status post.
• sp gr—specific gravity.
• staph—staphylococcal, staphylococcus.
• Stat—immediately (statim).
• STD—sexually transmitted disease.
• Strep—streptococcus
• Sx—symptoms.
• T—temperature.
• tab—tablet.
• T&A—tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
• tbsp—tablespoon.
• TIA—transient ischemia attacks.
• tid—three times a day (sometimes q8h or every 8 hours).
• TLC—total lung capacity.
• TPR—temperature, pulse, respirations.
• tsp—teaspoon.
• UA—urinalysis.
• UGI—upper gastrointestinal
• URI—upper respiratory infection.
• UTI— urinary tract infection.
• Vol—volume.
• vs—against or versus.
• VS—vital signs.
• VSD—ventricular septal defect. A congenital defect in the septum of the heart.
• w/—with.
• WB—weight bearing.
• WBC—white blood cells.
• W/C—wheel chair.
• WNL—within normal limits.
• w/o—without.
• wt—weight.
• XR—x-ray.
• x-match—cross match.
• yo—year old.
• yr—year.
Some Drugs Used in Medicine
Drugs may be cited by either their generic or their trade names. The generic name is usually a simple version of the chemical name for the drug and is not capitalized. The trade name (brand name, proprietary name) is a registered trademark of the manufacturer and is written with an initial capital letter. The same drug may be marketed by different companies under different trade names.
Word Parts Pertaining Drugs
WORD PART MEANING EXAMPLE DEFINITION OF EXAMPLE
SUFFIXES
-lytic Dissolving, reducing, loosening Anxiolytic Agent that reduces anxiety
-mimetic Mimicking, simulating Sympathomimetic Mimicking the effects of the sympathetic nervous system
-tropic Acting on Inotropic acting on the force of muscle contraction (in/o means “fiber”)
PREFIXES
anti- Against Antidote Substance that counteracts a poison
Contra- Against Contraceptive Preventing conception
Counter- Opposite, against Countercurrent Flowing in an opposite direction
ROOTS
alg/o, algi/o,
algesi/o Pain Algesic Painful
chem/o Chemical Chemotherapy Treatment with drugs
hypn/o Sleep Hypnosis An altered state with increased responsiveness to suggestion
narc/o Stupor Narcotic Drug that induces stupor
pharmac/o Drug Pharmacy The science of preparing and dispensing drugs, or the place where these activities occur
pyr/o, pyret/o Fever Antipyretic Counteracting fever
tox/o, toxic/o Poison, toxin Toxic Poisonous
vas/o Vessel Vasomotor Pertaining to change in vessel diameter
ABBREVIATIONS
Drugs and Drug Formulations
APAP Acetaminophen
ASA Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
cap Capsule
elix Elixir
FDA Food and Drug Administration
INH Isoniazid (antitubercular drug)
MED(s) Medicine(s), medication(s)
ODS Office of Dietary Supplements
OTC Over-the-counter
Rx Prescription
supp Suppository
susp Suspension
tab Tablet
tinct Tincture
ung Ointment
Dosages and Directions
a Before (Latin, ante)
aa Of each (Greek, ana)
ac Before meals (Latin, ante cibum)
ad lib As desired (Latin, ad libitum)
aq Water (Latin, aqua)
bid Twice a day (Latin, bis in die)
c With (Latin, cum)
cc Cubic centimeter
D/C, dc Discontinue
ds Double strength
gt(t) Drop(s) (Latin, gutta)
hs At bedtime (Latin, hora somni)
IM Intramuscular(ly)
IU International unit
IV Intravenous(ly)
mcg Micrograms
mg Milligrams
LA Long-acting
NS Normal saline
p After, post
pc After meals (Latin, post cibum)
po By mouth (Latin, per os)
pp Postprandial (after a meal)
prn As needed (Latin, pro re nata)
qam Every morning (Latin, quaque ante
meridiem)
qd Every day (Latin, quaque die)
qh Every hour (Latin, quaque hora)
q ____ h Every ____ hours
qid Four times a day (Latin, quater in die)
qod Every other day (Latin, quaque [other] die)
s Without (Latin, sine)
SA Sustained action
SC, SQ, Subcutaneous(ly)
SR Sustained release
ss Half (Latin, semis)
tid Three times per day (Latin, ter in die)
U Unit(s)
x Times
Common Drugs and Their Actions
CATEGORY ACTIONS; APPLICATIONS GENERIC NAME TRADE NAME
Adrenergics
(sympathomimetics) Mimic the action of the sympathetic nervous system, which responds to stress Epinephrine
Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine
Dopamine Bronkaid
Neo-Synephrine
Sudafed
Intropin
Analgesics Alleviate pain
Narcotic decrease pain sensation in
central nervous system;
chronic use may lead to
physical dependence Meperidine
Morphine Demerol
Duramorph
Nonnarcotic Act peripherally to inhibit
prostaglandins (local hormones); they may also be anti-inflammatory and
antipyretic (reduce fever) aspirin (acetylsalicylic
acid; ASA)
acetaminophen
(APAP)
ibuprofen
Celecoxib
Tylenol
Motrin, Advil
Celebrex, Vioxx
Anesthetics Reduce or eliminate
sensation Local
Lidocaine
Procaine
General
Nitrous oxide
Midazolam
Xylocaine
Novocain
Anticoagulants Prevent coagulation and
formation of blood clots Heparin
Warfarin
Coumadin
Anticonvulsants Suppress or reduce the
number and/or intensity of seizures Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Carbamazepine
Valproic acid
Dilantin
Tegretol
Depakene
Antidiabetics Prevent or alleviate
diabetes Insulin
Chlorpropamide
Glyburide
Metformin
Acarbose Humulin (injected)
Diabinese (oral)
Micronase
Glucophage
Precose
Antiemetics Relieve symptoms of nausea and prevent vomiting (emesis) Ondansetron
Dimenhydrinate
Prochlorperazine
Scopolamine
Promethezine Zofran
Dramamine
Compazine
Transderm-Sco–p
Phenergan
Antihistamines Prevent responses mediated by histamine: allergic and inflammatory
reactions Diphenhydramine
Brompheniramine
Loratadine
Cetirizine Benadryl
Dimetane
Claritin
Zyrtec
Antihypertensives Lower blood pressure by
reducing cardiac output,
dilating vessels, or promoting excretion of water by the kidneys; see also calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and diuretics under cardiac drugs, below Clonidine
Prazosin
Minoxidil
Losartan
Captopril Catapres
Minipress
Loniten
Cozaar
Capoten
Anti-inflammatory drugs Counteract inflammation
and swelling
Corticosteroids Hormones from the cortex of the adrenal gland; used for allergy, respiratory, and blood diseases, injury, and malignancy; suppress the immune system dexamethasone
Cortisone
Prednisone
Hydrocortisone
Fluticasone Decadron
Cortone
Deltasone
Hydrocortone, Cortef
Flonase
Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) Reduce inflammation
and pain by interfering
with synthesis of
prostaglandins; also
Antipyretic Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Indomethacin
Naproxen
Diclofenac
Motrin, Advil
Indocin
Naprosyn, Aleve
Voltaren
Anti-infective agents Kill or prevent the growth
of infectious organisms
Antibacterials
Antibiotics Effective against bacteria Amoxicillin
Penicillin V
Erythromycin
Vancomycin
Linezolid
Gentamycin
Clarithromycin
Cephalexin
Sulfisoxazole
Tetracycline
Ciprofloxacin (acts
on ulcer-causing
Helicobacter pylori)
Isoniazid (INH)
(tuberculosis) Polymox
Pen-Vee K
Erythrocin
Vancocin
Zyvox
Garamycin
Biaxin
Keflex
Gantrisin
Achromycin
Cipro
Nydrazid
Antifungals Effective against fungi Amphotericin B
Miconazole
Nystatin
Fluconazole
Itraconazole Fungizone
Monistat
Nilstat
Diflucan
Sporanox
Antiparasitics Effective against parasites: protozoa, worms Iodoquinol (amebae)
Quinacrine Yodoxin
Atabrine
Antivirals Effective against viruses Acyclovir
Amantadine
Zanamivir (influenza)
Zidovudine (HIV)
Indinavir (HIV protease inhibitor) Zovirax
Symmetrel
Relenza
Retrovir
Crixivan
Antineoplastics Destroy cancer cells; they
are toxic for all cells but
have greater effect on
cells that are actively
growing and dividing;
hormones and hormone
inhibitors also are used to
slow tumor growth Cyclophosphamide
Doxorubicin
Methotrexate
Vincristine
Tamoxifen (estrogen inhibitor) Cytoxan
Adriamycin
Folex
Oncovin
Nolvadex
Cardiac drugs
Antiarrhythmics Correct or prevent abnormalities of heart rhythm Quinidine
Lidocaine
Digoxin Quinidex
Xylocaine
Lanoxin
Beta-adrenergic
blockers (beta blockers) Inhibit sympathetic nervous system; reduce rate and force of heart
contractions Propranolol
Metoprolol
Atenolol
Carvedilol Inderal
Lopressor
Tenormin
Coreg
Calcium channel blockers Dilate coronary arteries,
slow heart rate, reduce
contractions Diltiazem
Nifedipine
Verapamil
Nitroglycerin
Isosorbide Cardizem
Procardia
Calan
Nitrostat
Isordil
Hypolipidemics Lower cholesterol in
patients with high serum levels that cannot be controlled with diet alone;
hypocholesterolemics,
Statins Cholestyramine
Lovastatin
Pravastatin
Atorvastatin
Simvastatin Questran
Mevacor
Pravachol
Lipitor
Zocor
Nitrates Dilate coronary arteries
and reduce workload of
heart by lowering blood
pressure and reducing venous return; antianginal Nitroglycerin
Isosorbide Nitrostat
Isordil
CNS stimulants Stimulate the central
nervous system Methylphenidate
Amphetamine
(chronic use may
lead to drug
dependence) Ritalin
Adderall, Dexedrine
Diuretics Promote excretion of
water, sodium, and other
electrolytes by the kidneys; used to reduce edema and blood pressure Bumetanide
Furosemide
Mannitol
Hydrochlorothiazide
(HCTZ)
Triamterene + HCTZ Bumex
Lasix
Osmitrol
Hydrodiuril
Dyazide
Gastrointestinal drugs
Antidiarrheals Treat or prevent diarrhea
by reducing intestinal
motility or absorbing irritants and soothing the
intestinal lining Diphenoxylate
Loperamide
Attapulgite
Atropine Lomotil
Imodium
Kaopectate
Histamine H2
antagonists Decrease secretion of
stomach acid by interfering with the action of histamine at H2 receptors; used to treat ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems Cimetidine
Ranitidine Tagamet
Zantac
Laxatives promote elimination from the large intestine; types include:
Stimulants Hyperosmotics (retain
water)
Stool softeners
Bulk-forming agents
Bisacodyl
Lactulose
Docusate
Psyllium
Dulcolax
Constilac, Chronulac
Colace, Surfak
Metamucil
Hypnotics Induce sleep or dull the
senses; see antianxiety
agents (below, under
psychotropics)
Muscle relaxants Depress nervous system
stimulation of skeletal
muscles; used to control
muscle spasms and pain Baclofen
Carisoprodol
Methocarbamol Lioresal
Soma
Robaxin
Psychotropics Affect the mind, altering
mental activity, mental
state, or behavior
Antianxiety agents Reduce or dispel anxiety;
tranquilizers; anxiolytic
agents Lorazepam
Chlordiazepoxide
Diazepam
Hydroxyzine
Alprazolam
Buspirone Ativan
Librium
Valium
Atarax
Xanax
BuSpar
Antidepressants Relieve depression by raising brain levels of neurotransmitters
(chemicals active in the nervous system) Amitriptyline
Imipramine
Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Sertraline Elavil
Tofranil
Prozac
Paxil
Zoloft
Antipsychotics Act on nervous system to
relieve symptoms of
psychoses Chlorpromazine
Haloperidol
Clozapine
Risperidone
Olanzapine Thorazine
Haldol
Clozaril
Risperdal
Zyprexa
Respiratory drugs
Antitussives Suppress coughing Dextromethorphan Benylin DM
Bronchodilators Prevent or eliminate
spasm of the bronchi
(breathing tubes) by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle; used to treat asthma and bronchitis Albuterol
Epinephrine
Metaproterenol
Salmeterol
Theophylline
Montelucast
(prevents attacks) Proventil
Sus-Phrine
Alupent
Serevent
Theo-Dur
Singulair
Expectorants Induce productive coughing to eliminate respiratory secretions Guaifenesin Robitussin
Mucolytics Loosen mucus to promote
its elimination Acetylcysteine Mucomyst
Sedatives/hypnotics Induce relaxation and
sleep; lower (sedative)
doses promote relaxation
leading to sleep; higher
(hypnotic) doses induce
sleep; antianxiety agents
also used reduce mental Phenobarbital
Zolpidem
Ambien
Tranquilizers Reduce mental tension
and anxiety; see antianxiety agents (above,
under psychotropics)
8. Branches of Medicine and Surgery
Cardiology – branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart and the blood vessels.
Critical care medicine – focuses on life support and the intensive care of the seriously ill.
Dentistry – branch of medicine that deals with treatment of diseases in the oral cavity
Dermatology – branch of medicine that deals with the skin, hair, and nails.
Emergency medicine – focuses on care provided in the emergency department
Endocrinology – branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the endocrine system.
Gastroenterology – branch of medicine that deals with the study and care of the digestive system.
General practice (often called family medicine) is a branch of medicine that specializes in primary care.
Geriatrics – branch of medicine that deals with the general health and well-being of the elderly.
Hematology – branch of medicine that deals with the blood and the circulatory system.
Hepatology – branch of medicine that deals with the liver, gallbladder and the biliary system.
Infectious disease – branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and management of infectious disease, especially for complex cases and immunocompromisedpatients.
Neurology – branch of medicine that deals with the brain and the nervous system.
Nephrology – branch of medicine which deals with the kidneys.
Oncology – is the branch of medicine that studies of cancer.
Ophthalmology – branch of medicine that deals with the eyes.
Otolaryngology – branch of medicine that deals with the ears, nose and throat.
Pathology – branch of medicine that deals with the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of diseases.
Pediatrics – branch of medicine that deals with the general health and well-being of children.
Pulmonology – branch of medicine that deals with the respiratory system.
Psychiatry – branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders.
Radiology – branch of medicine that employs medical imaging to diagnose and treat disease.
Rheumatology – branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
Surgery – branch of medicine that uses operative techniques to investigate or treat both disease and injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.
Urology – branch of medicine that deals with the urinary system.
Part III. Medical Terms Referring to Certain General Pathological Processes
Manifestations of Damage to Tissue Cells
Disorders of the tissues, which are frequently due to unknown sources, can occur before birth as the tissues are forming or appear later in life.
Incomplete Tissue Formation
Aplasia - is the defective development, or the congenital absence, of an organ or tissue. (a means without, and -plasia means formation)
Hypoplasia - is the incomplete development of an organ or tissue usually due to deficiency in the number of cells. (hypo mean deficient, and -plasia means formation)
Abnormal Tissue Formation
Anaplasia - is a change in the structure of cells and in their orientation to each other. (ana means backward, and -plasia means formation)
Dysplasia - is the abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs. (dys means bad, and -plasia means formation)
Hyperplasia - is the enlargement of an organ or tissue because of an abnormal increase in the number of cells in the tissues. (hyper means excessive, and -plasia means formation)
Hypertrophy - is the general increase in the bulk of a body part or organ that is due to an increase in the size, but not in the number, of cells in the tissues. (hyper means excessive, and -trophy means development)
Common Word Parts Pertaining Damage to Tissue Cells
Word Part Meaning
Aden/o Gland
Adip/o Fat
Cyt/o, -cyte Cell
End-, endo- In, within, inside
Exo- Out of, outside, away from
Hist/o, histi/o Tissue
Path/o, -pathy Disease, suffering, felling, emotion
Plas/i, plas/o, -plastia Development, growth, formation
-stasis, -static Control, maintenance of a constant level
Roots for Cells and Tissues
Root Meaning Example Definition of Example
Morph/o Form Polymorphic Having many forms
Cyt/o, -cyte Cell Cytogenesis The formation (-genesis) of cells
Nucle/o Nucleus Nuclear Pertaining to a nucleus
Kary/o Nucleus Karyotype Picture of the chromosomes of a cell organized according to size
Hist/o, histi/o Tissue Histologist Specialist in the study of tissue
Fibr/o Fiber Fibrosis Abnormal formation of fibrous tissue
Reticul/o Network Reticulum A network
Aden/o Gland Adenoma Tumor (-oma) of a gland
Papill/o Nipple Papilliform Resembling a nipple
Myx/o Mucus Myxadenitis Inflammation of a gland that secretes
mucus
Muc/o Mucus, mucous
membrane Mucorrhea Increased flow (-rhea) of mucus
Somat/o, -some Body Somatic Pertaining to the body (as compared with the germ cells or the mind)
Infection, Antibody Formation, Inflammation and Repair
Infection - is the invasion of the body by a pathogenic (disease-producing) organism. The infection can remain localized (near the point of entry) or can be systematic (affecting the entire body). Signs and symptoms of infection include malaise, chills and fever, redness, heat and swelling, or exudate from a wound.
Medications to Control Infection
Antibiotics are medications capable of inhibiting growth or killing pathogenic bacterial microorganisms (anti means against, bio means life and -tic means pertaining to) .
A Bactericide substance that causes the death of bacteria (bacteri means bacteria, and -cide means causing death). This group of antibiotics includes penicillins and cephalosphorins.
Bacteriostatic agents slows or stops the growth of bacteria (bacteri means bacteria, -static means causing control). This group of antibiotics includes tetracycline, sulfonamide, and erythromycin.
An Antifungal is an agent that destroys or inhibit the growth of fungi (anti- means against, fung means fungus, and -al means pertaining to).
An antiviral drug is used to treat viral infections or to provide temporary immunity (anti means against, vir means virus, and -al means pertaining to).
An antigen-antibody reaction, also known as the immune reaction, involves binding antigens to antibodies. This reaction labels a potentially dangerous antigen so it can be recognized and destroyed by other cells of the immune system.
Antibody is a disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen.
Immunoglobulins bind with specific antigens in the antigen-antibody response. The five primary types of immunoglobulins, which are secreted by plasma cells, are also known as antibodies.
The Immunoglobulins and Their Roles
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant class of antibodies, and they are found in blood serum and lymph. These antibodies are active against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and foreign particles.
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the class of antibodies produced predominantly against ingested antigens. These antibodies are found in body secretions such as saliva, sweat, or tears, and function to prevent the attachment of viruses and bacteria to the epithelial surface that line most organs.
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is the class of antibodies that are found in circulating body fluids. These are the first antibodies to appear in response to an initial exposure to an antigen.
Immunoglobulin D (IgD) is the class of antibodies found only on the surface of B cells. These antibodies are important in B cell activation.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the class of antibodies produced in the lungs, skin, and mucus membranes. These antibodies are responsible for allergic reactions.
Inflammation is a localized response to an injury or to the destruction of tissues. They key indicators of inflammation are (1) erythema (redness), (2) hyperthermia (heat), (3) edema (swelling), and (4) pain. These are caused by extra blood flowing into the areas as part of the healing process. The suffix -itis indicates inflammation.
Phagocytosis
The body uses phagocytosis to get rid of invading microorganisms, damaged cells, and other types of harmful debris. Certain white blood cells are capable of engulfing these materials and destroying them internally. Phagocytic cells are found circulating in the blood, in the tissues, and in the lymphatic system. The remains of phagocytosis consist of fluid and white blood cells; this is called pus. (phago means eating/devouring, cyt- means cell, and -osis means process/condition).
Disorders of Growth
Growth disorders are problems that prevent children from developing normal height, weight, sexual maturity or other features. Very slow or very fast growth can sometimes signal a gland problem or disease. The pituitary gland makes growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bone and other tissues.
Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder disturbing normal growth of cartilage, resulting in a form of dwarfism characterized by a usually normal torso and shortened limbs, and usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait (a means less, chondr- means cartilage, and -plasia means formation).
Acromegaly is an excessive enlargement of the limbs due to thickening of bones and soft tissues, caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone, usually from a tumor of the pituitary gland (acro means extremity, and -megaly means enlargement).
Adiposogenital dystrophy is a condition which may be caused by tertiary hypogonadism originating from decreased levels in GnRH. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone is a tropic peptide hormone synthesized and released from GnRH neurons within the hypothalamus.
Dwarfism a condition in which the growth of a person has stopped, leaving him or her much smaller than average (dwarf means very short person , and -ism means condition).
Gigantism, also known as giantism, is a condition characterized by excessive growth and height significantly above average (gigas means giant, and -ism means condition).
Hemihypertrophy, now more commonly referred to as Hemihyperplasia in the medical literature, is a condition in which one side of the body or a part of one side of the body is larger than the other to an extent considered greater than the normal variation (hemi means half, hyper means excessive, and -trophy nutrition/growth).
Hypochondroplasia is a developmental disorder caused by an autosomal dominant genetic defect in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3) (hypo means deficiency, chondr- means cartilage, and -plasia means formation).
Macrodystrophia lipomatosis is a rare, congenital form of localized gigantism of fingers or toes. (macro means large, dys- means difficulty, trophy means growth, lipo- means fat, -osis means condition).
Mesomelia refers to conditions in which the middle parts of limbs are disproportionately short (meso means middle, and -melia means limb).
Overgrowth syndrome is a group of genetic disorders in which there is an abnormal increase in the size of the body or a body part that is often noted at birth
Pseudoachondroplasia is a type of short-limb dwarfism. It is a genetic autosomal dominant disorder (pseudo means false, chondro- means cartilage, and -plasia means condition).
The Seckel syndrome or microcephalic primordial dwarfism (also known as bird-headed dwarfism, Harper's syndrome,Virchow-Seckel dwarfism, and Bird-headed dwarf of Seckel) is a congenital nanosomic disorder.
Turner syndrome (TS) also known as Ullrich–Turner syndrome, gonadal dysgenesis, and 45,X, is a condition in which a femaleis partly or completely missing an X chromosome.
Disorders in Blood Circulation
Atherosclerosis
The accumulation of fatty deposits within the lining of an artery is termed atherosclerosis. This type of deposit, called a plaque, begins to form when a vessel receives tiny injuries, usually at a point of branching. Plaques gradually thicken and harden with fibrous material, cells, and other deposits, restricting the lumen (opening) of the vessel and reducing blood flow to the tissues, a condition known as ischemia. (athero means fatty, -sclero means hardness, and -osis means condition).
Thrombosis and Embolism
Atherosclerosis predisposes a person to thrombosis, the formation of a blood clot within a vessel. The clot, called a thrombus, interrupts blood flow to the tissues supplied by that vessel, resulting in necrosis (tissue death). Blockage of a vessel by a thrombus or other mass carried in the bloodstream is an embolism, and the mass itself is called an embolus. (thromb- means blood clot, and -osis means condition).
Aneurysm
An arterial wall weakened by atherosclerosis, malformation, injury, or other causes may balloon out, forming an aneurysm. If an aneurysm ruptures, hemorrhage results. Rupture of a cerebral artery is another cause of stroke.
Anemia, one of the more common blood circulation disorders, occurs when the number of healthy red blood cells decreases in the body. The disc-shaped red blood cells contain haemoglobin, a unique molecule that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. (an means without/less, -emia means blood)
Hypertension
High blood pressure, or hypertension (HTN), is a contributing factor in all of the conditions described above. In simple terms, hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure greater than 140 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure greater than 90 mm Hg. (hyper- means excessive, and -tension means pressure)
Allergy (Hypersensitivity)
Allergies, also known as allergic diseases, are a number of conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to something in the environment that usually causes little problem in most people. These diseases include hay fever, food allergies,atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, and anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include red eyes, an itchy rash, runny nose, shortness of breath, or swelling. Food intolerances and food poisoning are separate conditions.
Types of Allergies
Skin Allergy
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, affecting between 10 and 20 percent of children and 1 to 3 percent of adults. A common symptom of atopic dermatitis is dry, red, irritated and itchy skin. (a means without, and -tropic means turning forward, derma means skin and -itis means inflammation)
Hives (urticaria) are red bumps or welts that appear on the body. The condition is called acute urticaria if it lasts for no more than six weeks, and chronic urticaria if it persists beyond six weeks. Acute urticaria is most commonly caused by exposure to an allergen or by an infection.
Contact dermatitis is a reaction that appears when the skin comes in contact with an irritant or an allergen. Symptoms can include a rash, blisters, itching and burning.
Latex allergy usually develops after repeated exposure to latex products, including balloons or medical gloves. Symptoms may include hives, itching or a stuffy or runny nose. Some people may experience asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
Eye Allergy
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a more serious eye allergy than SAC or PAC. While it can occur year-round, symptoms may worsen seasonally. (kerato mean cornea, conjunctiva is a part of the eye and -itis means inflammation)
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis This type of allergy primarily affects older patients - mostly men with a history of allergic dermatitis. (atopic means allergy, kerato mean cornea, conjunctiva is a part of the eye and -itis means inflammation)
Contact allergic conjunctivitis This can result from irritation by contact lenses or by the proteins from tears that bind to the surface of the lens.
Giant papillary conjunctivitis Associated with wearing contact lenses, giant papillary conjunctivitis is a severe form of contact allergic conjunctivitis in which individual fluid sacs, or papules, form in the upper lining of the inner eyelid.
Respiratory Allergy
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. It is often caused by bacterial (germ) infection. (sinu means sinus and -itis means inflammation)
Allergic rhinitis inflammation in the nose and eyes caused by an allergic reaction to plant pollen, mould spores, dust mites or animal hair. (rhino means nose, and -itis means inflammation)
Part IV. Medical Terms Referring to Certain Infective Disease
Infectious diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi (yeasts and molds), protozoa (single-celled animals), and worms. In shape, bacteria may be round, rod-shaped, or curved. They may be named according to their shape and by the arrangements they form. They also are described according to the dyes they take up when stained in the laboratory. The most common laboratory bacterial stain is the Gram stain, with which gram positive organisms stain purple and gram-negative organisms stain red.
Microorganisms often produce disease by means of the toxins (poisons) they release. The presence of harmful microorganisms or their toxins in the body is termed sepsis.
Infectious Fevers
Fever, also known as pyrexia and febrile response, is defined as having a temperature above the normal range due to an increase in the body's temperature set-point.
Types of Infectious Fever
Dengue Fever, also known as breakbone fever, is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus.
The Viral Hemorrhagic (or haemorrhagic) Fevers (VHFs) are a diverse group of animal and human illnesses in which fever and hemorrhage are caused by a viral infection.
Typhoid Fever an infectious bacterial fever with an eruption of red spots on the chest and abdomen and severe intestinal irritation.
Typhus is any of several similar diseases caused by Rickettsia bacteria. The name comes from the Greek typhos meaning smoky or hazy, describing the state of mind of those affected with typhus.
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through mosquito bites. Symptoms take 3–6 days to develop and include fever, chills, headache, backache, and muscle aches.
Pyogenic Infection
Pyogenic Infection is an infection characterized by severe local inflammation, usually with pus formation, generally caused by one of the pyogenic bacteria. (pyo means pus, gen- means producing and -ic means pertaining to)
List of Some Pyogenic Infection
An abscess is an infection characterized by a collection of pus underneath a portion of the skin. Bacteria commonly causing abscesses are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. These bacteria enter the skin through any cracks or injury to the skin.
Empyema is the collection of pus in a cavity, especially in the pleural cavity.
Pyometra is an accumulation of pus in the uterus.
Pyonephrosis is the distension of the kidney with pus.
Pyopericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium due to infection with staphylococci, streptococci or pneumococci.
Pyopneumothorax is an accumulation of pus and gas or air in the pleural cavity.
Pyosalpinx is an inflammation and formation of pus in a Fallopian Tube.
Pyocolpos is an accumulation of pus in the vagina.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB (short for tubercle bacillus), in the past also called phthisis, phthisis pulmonalis, or consumption, is a widespread, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body.
Venereal Disease
Venereal Disease is a disease typically contracted by sexual intercourse with a person already infected; a sexually transmitted disease.
Types of Venereal Disease
Human Papillomavirus is a virus that causes genital warts in humans. (papilla means a small, nipple-shaped projection or elevation and -oma means tumor)
Chlamydia is a very small parasitic bacterium which, like a virus, requires the biochemical mechanisms of another cell in order to reproduce. Bacteria of this type cause various diseases including trachoma, psittacosis, and non-specific urethritis.
Herpes is an inflammation of the skin or mucous membrane, caused by a virus, where small blisters are formed.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease which produces painful irritation of the mucous membrane and a watery discharge from the vagina or penis. (gono means semen and rrhea means flow)
Syphilis a sexually transmitted disease caused by a spirochaete Treponema pallidum.
Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The infection is more common in women than men. Women often have few symptoms, but may develop a large amount of yellow, frothy, vaginal discharge.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. A person with AIDS is susceptible to diseases associated with a dramatically weakened immune system, including swollen glands, weight loss, pneumonia, nervous system disorders and cancer.
Some Other Infective Diseases
Common Infectious Organisms
TYPE OF
ORGANISM DESCRIPTION EXAMPLES OF DISEASES CAUSED
Bacteria Simple microscopic organisms that are widespread throughout the world, some of which can produce disease; singular, bacterium
Cocci Round bacteria; may be in clusters (staphylococci), chains (streptococci), and other formations; singular, coccus Pneumonia, rheumatic fever, food poisoning, septicemia, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea
Bacilli Rod-shaped bacteria; singular, bacillus Typhoid, dysentery, salmonellosis, tuberculosis, botulism, tetanus
Vibrios Curved rods Cholera, gastroenteritis
Spirochetes Corkscrew-shaped bacteria that move with a twisting motion Lyme disease, syphilis,
Vincent disease
Chlamydia Organisms smaller than bacteria that, like viruses, grow in living cells but are susceptible to antibiotics Conjunctivitis, trachoma, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Rickettsia Similar in growth to chlamydia Typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Viruses Submicroscopic infectious agents that can live and reproduce only within living cells Colds, herpes, hepatitis measles, varicella (chickenpox), influenza, AIDS
Fungi Simple, non-green plants, some of which are parasitic; includes yeasts and molds; singular, fungus Candidiasis, skin infections (tinea, ringworm, valley fever)
Protozoa Single-celled animals; singular, protozoon Dysentery, Trichomonas infection, malaria
Helminths Worms Trichinosis; infestations with roundworms, pinworms, hookworms
Part V. Medical Terms Referring to Diseases of Various Systems of the Body and Obstetric Terms
The Cardiovascular System
Cardiovascular Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Aneurysm A localized abnormal dilation of a blood vessel, usually an artery, caused by weakness of the vessel wall; may eventually burst
Angina pectoris A feeling of constriction around the heart or pain that may radiate to the left arm or shoulder, usually brought on by exertion; caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart
Arrhythmia Any abnormality in the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat (literally “without rhythm”; note doubled r). Also called dysrhythmia.
Atherosclerosis The development of fatty, fibrous patches (plaques) in the lining of arteries, causing narrowing of the lumen and hardening of the vessel wall. The most common form of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Root ather/o means “porridge” or “gruel.”
Bradycardia A slow heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute
Cerebrovascular
accident (CVA) Sudden damage to the brain resulting from reduction of blood flow. Causes include atherosclerosis, embolism, thrombosis, or hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm; commonly called stroke.
Clubbing Enlargement of the ends of the fingers and toes caused by growth of the soft tissue around the nails. Seen in a variety of diseases in which there is poor peripheral circulation.
Cyanosis Bluish discoloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Thrombophlebitis involving the deep veins
Diaphoresis Profuse sweating
Dissecting aneurysm An aneurysm in which blood enters the arterial wall and separates the layers. Usually involves the aorta
Dyslipidemia Disorder in serum lipid levels, which is an important factor in development of atherosclerosis. Includes hyperlipidemia (high lipids), hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides).
Dyspnea Difficult or labored breathing (-pnea)
Edema Swelling of body tissues caused by the presence of excess fluid.
Causes include cardiovascular disturbances, kidney failure, inflammation, and malnutrition.
Embolism Obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot or other matter carried in the circulation
Embolus A mass carried in the circulation. Usually a blood clot, but may also be air, fat, bacteria, or other solid matter from within or from outside the body.
Fibrillation Spontaneous, quivering, and ineffectual contraction of muscle fibers, as in the atria or the ventricles
Heart block An interference in the conduction system of the heart resulting in arrhythmia). The condition is classified in order of increasing severity as first-, second-, or third-degree heart block. Block in a bundle branch is designated as a left or right bundle branch block (BBB).
Heart failure A condition caused by the inability of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood
Hemorrhoid A varicose vein in the rectum
Hypertension A condition of higher-than-normal blood pressure. Essential (primary, idiopathic) hypertension has no known cause.
Infarct An area of localized necrosis (death) of tissue resulting from a blockage or a narrowing of the artery that supplies the area
Ischemia Local deficiency of blood supply caused by obstruction of the circulation (root hem/o)
Murmur An abnormal heart sound
Myocardial infarction (MI) Localized necrosis (death) of cardiac muscle tissue resulting from blockage or narrowing of the coronary artery that supplies that area. Myocardial infarction is usually caused by formation of a thrombus (clot) in a vessel
Occlusion A closing off or obstruction, as of a vessel
Patent ductus arteriosus Persistence of the ductus arteriosus after birth. The ductus arteriosus is a vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta in the fetus to bypass the lungs.
Phlebitis Inflammation of a vein
Plaque A patch. With regard to the cardiovascular system, a deposit of fatty material and other substances on a vessel wall that impedes blood flow and may block the vessel. Atheromatous plaque.
Rheumatic heart disease Damage to heart valves after infection with a type of streptococcus (group A hemolytic streptococcus). The antibodies produced in response to the infection produce scarring of the valves, usually the mitral valve.
Shock Circulatory failure resulting in inadequate supply of blood to the
heart. Cardiogenic shock is caused by heart failure; hypovolemic
shock is caused by a loss of blood volume; septic shock is caused by bacterial infection.
Stenosis Constriction or narrowing of an opening
Syncope A temporary loss of consciousness caused by inadequate blood flow to the brain; fainting
Tachycardia An abnormally rapid heart rate, usually over 100 beats per minute
Thrombophlebitis Inflammation of a vein associated with formation of a blood clot
Thrombosis Development of a blood clot within a vessel
Thrombus A blood clot that forms within a blood vessel (root thromb/o)
Varicose vein A twisted and swollen vein resulting from breakdown of the valves, pooling of blood, and chronic dilatation of the vessel (root varic/o); also called varix (VAR-iks) or varicosity
Diagnosis and Treatment
Procedure Definition
Angioplasty A procedure that reopens a narrowed vessel and restores blood flow. Commonly accomplished by surgically removing plaque, inflating a balloon within the vessel, or installing a device (stent) to keep the vessel open.
Artificial pacemaker A battery-operated device that generates electrical impulses to regulate the beating of the heart. It may be external or implanted, may be designed to respond to need, and may have the capacity to prevent tachycardia
Cardioversion Correction of an abnormal cardiac rhythm. May be accomplished pharmacologically, with antiarrhythmic drugs, or by application of electric current
Coronary angiography Radiographic study of the coronary arteries after introduction of an opaque dye by means of a catheter
Coronary artery
bypass graft (CABG) Surgical creation of a shunt to bypass a blocked coronary artery. The aorta is connected to a point past the obstruction with another vessel or a piece of another vessel, usually the saphenous vein of the leg or the left internal mammary artery
Defibrillation Use of an electronic device (defibrillator) to stop fibrillation by delivering a brief electric shock to the heart. The shock may be delivered to the surface of the chest or be delivered directly to the heart through wire leads.
Echocardiography (ECG) A noninvasive method that uses ultrasound to visualize internal
cardiac structures
electrocardiography Study of the electrical activity of the heart as detected by electrodes (leads) placed on the surface of the body. The components of the ECG include the P wave, QRS complex, T wave, ST segment, PR (PQ) interval, and the QT interval. Also abbreviated EKG from the German electrokardiography.
Lipoprotein A compound of protein with lipid. Lipoproteins are classified according to density as very low density (VLDL), low density (LDL), and high density (HDL). Relatively higher levels of HDLs have been correlated with health of the cardiovascular system.
Percutaneous
transluminal coronary
angioplasty (PTCA) Dilatation of a sclerotic blood vessel by means of a balloon catheter inserted into the vessel and then inflated to flatten plaque against the artery wall
The Respiratory System
Respiratory Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Acidosis Abnormal acidity of body fluids. Respiratory acidosis is caused by abnormally high levels of carbon dioxide in the body.
Adult respiratory
distress syndrome (ARDS) Pulmonary edema that can lead rapidly to fatal respiratory failure; causes include trauma, aspiration into the lungs, viral pneumonia, and drug reactions; shock lung
Alkalosis Abnormal alkalinity of body fluids. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by abnormally low levels of carbon dioxide in the body.
Aspiration The accidental inhalation of food or other foreign material into the lungs. Also used to mean the withdrawal of fluid from a cavity by suction.
Asthma A disease characterized by dyspnea and wheezing caused by spasm of the bronchial tubes or swelling of their mucous membranes
Atelectasis Incomplete expansion of a lung or part of a lung; lung collapse. May be present at birth (as in respiratory distress syndrome) or be caused by bronchial obstruction or compression of lung tissue (prefix atel/o means “imperfect”).
Bronchiectasis Chronic dilatation of a bronchus or bronchi
Bronchitis Inflammation of a bronchus
Chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease
(COPD) Any of a group of chronic, progressive, and debilitating respiratory diseases, which includes emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, and bronchiectasis
Cyanosis Bluish discoloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen in the blood (adjective, cyanotic)
Cystic fibrosis (CF) An inherited disease that affects the pancreas, respiratory system, and sweat glands. Characterized by mucus accumulation in the bronchi causing obstruction and leading to infection.
Dyspnea Difficult or labored breathing, sometimes with pain; “air hunger”
Emphysema A chronic pulmonary disease characterized by enlargement and
destruction of the alveoli
Empyema Accumulation of pus in a body cavity, especially the pleural space; pyothorax
Hemoptysis The spitting of blood from the mouth or respiratory tract (ptysis means “spitting”)
Hemothorax Presence of blood in the pleural space
Hydrothorax Presence of fluid in the pleural space
Hyperventilation Increased rate and depth of breathing; increase in the amount of air entering the alveoli
Hypoventilation Decreased rate and depth of breathing; decrease in the amount of air entering the alveoli
Influenza An acute, contagious respiratory infection causing fever, chills,
headache, and muscle pain
Pleural effusion Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. The fluid may contain blood (hemothorax) or pus (pyothorax or empyema).
Pleurisy Inflammation of the pleura; pleuritis. A symptom of pleurisy is sharp pain on breathing.
Pneumoconiosis Disease of the respiratory tract caused by inhalation of dust particles. Named more specifically by the type of dust inhaled, such as silicosis, anthracosis, asbestosis.
Pneumonia Inflammation of the lungs generally caused by infection. May involve the bronchioles and alveoli (bronchopneumonia) or one or more lobes of the lung (lobar pneumonia).
Pneumonitis Inflammation of the lungs; may follow infection or be caused by
asthma, allergy, or inhalation of irritants
Pneumothorax Accumulation of air or gas in the pleural space. May result from injury or disease or may be produced artificially to collapse a lung.
Pyothorax Accumulation of pus in the pleural space; empyema
Respiratory distress
syndrome (RDS) A respiratory disorder that affects premature infants born without enough surfactant in the lungs. It is treated with respiratory support and administration of surfactant.
Tuberculosis An infectious disease caused by the tubercle bacillus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Often involves the lungs but may involve other parts of the body as well.
Digestive System
Digestive Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Appendicitis Inflammation of the appendix
Ascites Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity; a form of edema. May be caused by heart disease, lymphatic or venous obstruction, cirrhosis, or changes in plasma composition.
Bilirubin A pigment released in the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells; mainly excreted by the liver in bile
Cholecystitis Inflammation of the gallbladder
Cholelithiasis The condition of having stones in the gallbladder; also used to refer to stones in the common bile duct
Cirrhosis Chronic liver disease with degeneration of liver tissue
Colic Acute abdominal pain, such as biliary colic caused by gallstones in the bile ducts
Crohn disease A chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract usually involving the ileum
Diarrhea The frequent passage of watery bowel movements
Diverticulitis Inflammation of diverticula (small pouches) in the wall of the digestive tract, especially in the colon
Diverticulosis The presence of diverticula, especially in the colon
Dysphagia Difficulty in swallowing
Emesis Vomiting
Fistula An abnormal passageway between two organs or from an organ to the body surface, such as between the rectum and anus (anorectal fistula)
Gastroenteritis Inflammation of the stomach and intestine
Hemorrhoids Varicose veins in the rectum associated with pain, bleeding, and
sometimes prolapse of the rectum
Hepatitis Inflammation of the liver; commonly caused by a viral infection
Hepatomegaly Enlargement of the liver
Hiatal hernia A protrusion of the stomach through the opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes
Icterus Jaundice
Ileus Intestinal obstruction. May be caused by lack of peristalsis
(adynamic, paralytic ileus) or by contraction (dynamic ileus).
Intestinal matter and gas may be relieved by passage of a tube
for drainage.
Intussusception Slipping of one part of the intestine into another part below it.
Occurs mainly in male infants in the ileocecal region. May be fatal if untreated for more than 1 day.
Jaundice A yellowish color of the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eye caused by bile pigments in the blood (from French jaune meaning “yellow”). The main pigment is bilirubin, a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells.
Nausea An unpleasant sensation in the upper abdomen that often precedes vomiting. Typically occurs in digestive upset, motion sickness, and sometimes early pregnancy.
Occult blood Blood present in such small amounts that it can be detected only microscopically or chemically; in the feces, a sign of intestinal bleeding (occult means “hidden”)
Pancreatitis Inflammation of the pancreas
Peptic ulcer A lesion in the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach, or
duodenum caused by the action of gastric juice
Peritonitis Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs. May result from perforation of an ulcer, rupture of the appendix, or infection of the reproductive tract, among other causes.
Polyp A tumor that grows on a stalk and bleeds easily
Portal hypertension An abnormal increase in pressure in the hepatic portal system. May be caused by cirrhosis, infection, thrombosis, or tumors.
Pyloric stenosis Narrowing of the opening between the stomach and the duodenum; pylorostenosis
Splenomegaly Enlargement of the spleen
Ulcerative colitis Chronic ulceration of the colon of unknown cause
Volvulus Twisting of the intestine resulting in obstruction. Usually involves the sigmoid colon and occurs most often in children and in the elderly. May be caused by congenital malformation, foreign body, or adhesion. Failure to treat immediately may result in death
Diagnosis and Treatment
Procedure Definition
Anastomosis A passage or communication between two vessels or organs. May be normal or pathologic, or may be created surgically.
Barium study Use of barium sulfate as a liquid contrast medium for fluoroscopic or radiographic study of the digestive tract. Can show obstruction, tumors, ulcers, hiatal hernia, and motility disorders, among others.
Cholecystectomy Surgical removal of the gallbladder
Dukes classification A system for staging colorectal cancer based on degree of penetration of the bowel wall and lymph node involvement; severity is graded from A to C
Endoscopy Use of a fiberoptic endoscope for direct visual examination. GI studies include esophagogastroduodenoscopy, proctosigmoidoscopy (rectum and distal colon), and colonoscopy (all regions of the colon)
ERCP Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; a technique for viewing the pancreatic and bile ducts and for performing certain techniques to relieve obstructions. Contrast medium is injected into the biliary system from the duodenum and radiographs are taken
Ostomy An opening into the body; generally refers to an opening created for elimination of body waste. Also refers to the operation done to create such an opening
Stoma A surgically created opening to the body surface or between two
organs (literally “mouth”)
The Urinary and Male Reproductive System
Urinary Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Acidosis Excessive acidity of body fluids
Bacteriuria Presence of bacteria in the urine
Cast A solid mold of a renal tubule found in the urine
Cystitis Inflammation of the urinary bladder, usually as a result of infection
Dysuria Painful or difficult urination
glomerulonephritis Inflammation of the kidney primarily involving the glomeruli. The acute form usually occurs after an infection elsewhere in the body; the chronic form varies in cause and usually leads to renal failure.
Hematuria Presence of blood in the urine
Hydronephrosis Collection of urine in the renal pelvis caused by obstruction; causes distention and atrophy of renal tissue. Also called nephrohydrosis or nephrydrosis.
Hyperkalemia Excess amount of potassium in the blood
Oliguria Elimination of small amounts of urine
Proteinuria Presence of protein, mainly albumin, in the urine
Pyelonephritis Inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidney, usually as a result of infection
Pyuria Presence of pus in the urine
Renal colic Radiating pain in the region of the kidney associated with the passage of a stone
Uremia Presence in the blood of toxic levels of nitrogen-containing substances, mainly urea, as a result of renal insufficiency
Urethritis Inflammation of the urethra, usually as a result of infection
Urinary stasis Stoppage or stagnation of the flow of urine
Diagnosis and Treatment
Procedure Definition
Catheterization Introduction of a tube into a passage, such as through the urethra into the bladder for withdrawal of urine
Cystoscope An instrument for examining the inside of the urinary bladder. Also used for removing foreign objects, for surgery, and for other forms of treatment.
Dialysis Separation of substances by passage through a semipermeable membrane. Dialysis is used to rid the body of unwanted substances when the kidneys are impaired or missing. The two forms of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis Removal of unwanted substances from the blood by passage through a semipermeable membrane
Intravenous
pyelography (IVP) Radiographic visualization of the urinary tract after intravenous administration of a contrast medium that is excreted in the urine; also called excretory urography or intravenous pyelography, although the latter is less accurate because the procedure shows more than just the renal pelvis. Also called Intravenous Urography (IVU)
Lithotripsy Crushing of a stone
Peritoneal dialysis Removal of unwanted substances from the body by introduction of a dialyzing fluid into the peritoneal cavity followed by removal of the fluid
Retrograde
pyelography Pyelography in which the contrast medium is injected into the kidneys from below, by way of the ureters
Specific
gravity (SG) The weight of a substance compared with the weight of an equal volume of water. The specific gravity of normal urine ranges from 1.015 to 1.025. This value may increase or decrease in disease.
Urinalysis Laboratory study of the urine. Physical and chemical properties and microscopic appearance are included.
Surgery
Cystectomy Surgical removal of all or part of the urinary bladder
Ileal conduit Diversion of urine by connection of the ureters to an isolated segment of the ileum. One end of the segment is sealed, and the other drains through an opening in the abdominal wall
Lithotomy Incision of an organ to remove a stone (calculus)
Renal transplantation Surgical implantation of a donor kidney into a patient
Male Reproductive Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH) Nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate; frequently develops with age; also called benign prostatic hypertrophy
Cryptorchidism Failure of the testis to descend into the scrotum
Epididymitis Inflammation of the epididymis. Common causes are UTIs and STDs.
Erectile dysfunction A lack of ability to perform intercourse in the man because of failure to initiate or maintain an erection until ejaculation; impotence
Infertility Decreased capacity to produce offspring
Inguinal hernia Protrusion of the intestine or other abdominal organ through the inguinal canal or through the wall of the abdomen into the scrotum
Orchitis Inflammation of a testis. May be caused by injury, mumps virus, or other infections.
Prostatitis Inflammation of the prostate gland. Often appears with UTI, STD, and a variety of other stresses.
Sexually transmitted
disease (STD) Disease spread through sexual activity
Sterility Complete inability to produce offspring
Urethritis Inflammation of the urethra; often caused by gonorrhea and chlamydial infections
Balanitis Inflammation of the glans penis and mucous membrane beneath it (root balan/o means “glans penis”)
Bladder neck
obstruction (BNO) Blockage of urine flow at the outlet of the bladder. The common
cause is benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Hydrocele The accumulation of fluid in a saclike cavity, especially within the covering of the testis or spermatic cord
Phimosis Narrowing of the opening of the prepuce so that the foreskin cannot be pushed back over the glans penis
Priapism Abnormal, painful, continuous erection of the penis, as may be
caused by damage to specific regions of the spinal cord
Seminoma A tumor of the testis
Spermatocele An epididymal cyst containing spermatozoa
Varicocele Enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord
Diagnosis and Treatment
Procedure Definition
Herniorrhaphy Surgical repair of a hernia
Prostatectomy Surgical removal of the prostate
Vasectomy Excision of the vas deferens. Usually done bilaterally to produce
Sterility. May be accomplished through the urethra (transurethral resection).
The Female Reproductive System
Female Reproductive Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Candidiasis Infection with the fungus Candida, a common cause of vaginitis
Dysmenorrhea Painful or difficult menstruation. A common disorder that may be caused by infection, use of an intrauterine device, endometriosis, overproduction of prostaglandins, or other factors.
Endometriosis Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, usually in the pelvic cavity
Pelvic inflammatory
disease (PID) Condition caused by the spread of infection from the reproductive tract into the pelvic cavity. Commonly caused by sexually transmitted gonorrhea and chlamydial infections.
Salpingitis Inflammation of the oviduct; typically caused by urinary tract or sexually transmitted infection. Chronic salpingitis may lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy (development of the fertilized egg outside of the uterus).
Vaginitis Inflammation of the vagina
Mastitis Inflammation of the breast, usually associated with the early weeks of breastfeeding
Cystocele Herniation of the urinary bladder into the wall of the vagina
Dyspareunia Pain during sexual intercourse
Fibrocystic disease
of the breast A condition in which there are palpable lumps in the breasts,
usually associated with pain and tenderness. These lumps or
“thickenings” change with the menstrual cycle and must be distinguished from malignant tumors by palpation, mammography, and biopsy.
Fibroid Benign tumor of smooth muscle
Leiomyoma Benign tumor of smooth muscle. In the uterus, may cause bleeding and pressure on the bladder or rectum. Surgical removal or hysterectomy may be necessary. Also called fibroid or myoma.
Leukorrhea White or yellowish discharge from the vagina. Infection and other disorders may change the amount, color, or odor of the discharge.
Prolapse of the uterus Downward displacement of the uterus with the cervix sometimes protruding from the vagina
Rectocele Herniation of the rectum into the wall of the vagina; also called proctocele
Diagnosis and Treatment
Procedure Definition
Colposcope Instrument for examining the vagina and cervix
Cone biopsy Removal of a cone of tissue from the lining of the cervix for cytologic examination; also called conization
Dilation and
curettage (D&C) Surgical removal of the uterus. Most commonly done because of tumors. Often the oviducts and ovaries are removed as well
Mammography Radiographic study of the breast for the detection of breast cancer
Mastectomy Excision of the breast to eliminate malignancy
Oophorectomy Excision of an ovary
Pap smear Study of cells collected from the cervix and vagina for early detection of cancer. Also called Papanicolaou smear or Pap test.
Salpingectomy Surgical removal of the oviduct
Obstetric Conditions
Obstetric Disorders
Disorder Meaning
Cephalopelvic disproportion The condition in which the head of the fetus is larger than the pelvic outlet; also called fetopelvic disproportion
Choriocarcinoma A rare malignant neoplasm composed of placental tissue
Galactorrhea Excessive secretion of milk or continuation of milk production after breastfeeding has ceased. Often results from excess prolactin secretion and may signal a pituitary tumor.
Hydatidiform mole A benign overgrowth of placental tissue. The placenta dilates and resembles grapelike cysts. The neoplasm may invade the wall of the uterus, causing rupture. Also called hydatid mole.
Hydramnios An excess of amniotic fluid; also called polyhydramnios
Oligohydramnios A deficiency of amniotic fluid
Patent ductus
arteriosus (PDA) Persistence of the ductus arteriosus after birth so that blood continues to shunt from the pulmonary artery to the aorta
Puerperal infection Infection of the genital tract after delivery
Diagnosis and Treatment
Procedure Definition
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) A fetal protein that may be at an elevated level in amniotic fluid and maternal serum in cases of certain fetal disorders
Apgar score A system of rating an infant’s physical condition immediately after birth. Five features are rated as 0, 1, or 2 at 1 minute and 5 minutes after delivery, and sometimes thereafter. The maximum possible score at each interval is 10. Infants with low scores require medical attention.
Artificial insemination Placement of active semen into the vagina or cervix for the purpose of impregnation. The semen can be from a husband, partner, or donor.
Cesarean section Incision of the abdominal wall and uterus for delivery of a fetus
Culdocentesis Puncture of the vaginal wall to sample fluid from the rectouterine space for diagnosis
Extracorporeal
membrane oxygenation
(ECMO) A technique for pulmonary bypass in which deoxygenated blood is removed, passed through a circuit that oxygenates the blood, and then returned. Used for selected newborn and pediatric patients in respiratory failure with an otherwise good prognosis.
In vitro fertilization
(IVF) Clinical procedure for achieving fertilization when it cannot be accomplished naturally. An oocyte (immature ovum) is removed, fertilized in the laboratory, and placed as a zygote into the uterus or fallopian tube (ZIFT, zygote intrafallopian transfer). Alternatively, an ovum can be removed and placed along with sperm cells into the fallopian tube (GIFT, gamete intrafallopian transfer).
Pelvimetry Measurement of the pelvis by manual examination or radiographic study to determine whether it will be possible to deliver a fetus through the vagina
Pitocin Trade name for oxytocin; used to induce and hasten labor
The Breast
Breast Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Fibroadenoma A tumour formed of mixed fibrous and glandular tissue, typically occurring as a benign growth in the breast.
Fibrocystic breast disease Commonly called fibrocystic breasts or fibrocystic change, is a benign (noncancerous) condition in which a woman has painful lumps in her breasts.
Galactorrhea A condition that occurs when one or both breasts make milk (or a milky discharge). The breasts may leak only when the breasts are touched or with no stimulation. It can occur in women or in men, but is less common in men. (galacto means milk, and -rrhea means flow or discharge)
Mastalgia Breast pain. Also known as mastodynia (mast means breast and algia means pain)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Procedure Definition
Mammoplasty Refers to a group of surgical procedures, the goal of which is to reshape or otherwise modify the appearance of the breast. (mammo means breast and -plasty means surgical repair)
Breast augmentation A plastic surgery terms for the breast-implant and the fat-graft mammoplastyapproaches used to increase the size, change the shape, and alter the texture of the breasts of a woman. (augmentation means the process of adding to make larger)
Breast reduction The plastic surgery procedure for reducing the size of large breasts.
Mastopexy Also called breast lift. A mammoplasty to fix sagging breast in a more elevated position. (masto means breast and -pexy means surgical fixation)
8. The Lymphatic and Reticuloendothelial Systems
Lymphatic Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Lymphoma Any neoplastic disease of lymphoid tissue
Lymphadenitis Inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes, usually as a result of infection
Lymphangiitis Inflammation of lymphatic vessels as a result of bacterial infection. Appears as painful red streaks under the skin. (Also spelled lymphangitis.)
Lymphedema Swelling of tissues with lymph caused by obstruction or excision of lymphatic vessels
The Blood
Blood Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Allergen A substance that causes an allergic response
Anaphylactic reaction An exaggerated allergic reaction to a foreign substance (root phylaxis means “protection”). It may lead to death caused by circulatory collapse, and respiratory distress if untreated. Also called anaphylaxis.
Anemia A deficiency in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood; may result from blood loss, malnutrition, a hereditary defect, environmental factors, and other causes
Angioedema A localized edema with large hives (wheals) similar to urticaria but involving deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Aplastic anemia Anemia caused by bone marrow failure resulting in deficient blood cell production, especially of red cells; pancytopenia
Autoimmune disorder A condition in which the immune system produces antibodies
against an individual’s own tissues (prefix auto means “self”)
Cooley anemia A form of thalassemia (hereditary anemia) in which the B (beta) chain of hemoglobin is abnormal
Delayed hypersensitivity
reaction An allergic reaction involving T cells that takes at least 12 hours to develop. Examples are various types of contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy or poison oak; the tuberculin reaction (test for TB); and rejections of transplanted tissue.
Disseminated
intravascular
coagulation (DIC) Widespread formation of clots in the microscopic vessels; may be followed by bleeding as a result of depletion of clotting factors
Ecchymosis A collection of blood under the skin caused by leakage from small vessels (root chym means “juice”)
Hemolysis The rupture of red blood cells and the release of hemoglobin (adjective, hemolytic)
Hemophilia A hereditary blood disease caused by lack of a clotting factor and resulting in abnormal bleeding
Hodgkin disease A neoplastic disease of unknown cause that involves the lymph
nodes, spleen, liver, and other tissues; characterized by the presence of giant Reed-Sternberg cells
Leukemia Malignant overgrowth of immature white blood cells; may be chronic or acute; may affect bone marrow (myelogenous leukemia) or lymphoid tissue (lymphocytic leukemia)
Philadelphia
chromosome (Ph) An abnormal chromosome found in the cells of most individuals with chronic granulocytic (myelogenous) leukemia
Pernicious anemia Anemia caused by failure of the stomach to produce intrinsic factor, a substance needed for the absorption of vitamin B12. This vitamin is required for the formation of erythrocytes.
Petechiae Pinpoint, flat, purplish-red spots caused by bleeding within the skin or mucous membrane (singular, petechia)
Purpura A condition characterized by hemorrhages into the skin, mucous membranes, internal organs, and other tissues (from Greek word meaning “purple”). Thrombocytopenic purpura is caused by a deficiency of platelets.
Sideroblastic anemia Anemia caused by inability to use available iron to manufacture hemoglobin. The excess iron precipitates in normoblasts (developing red blood cells).
Sickle cell anemia A hereditary anemia caused by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin. Red blood cells become sickle-shaped and interfere with normal blood flow to the tissues. Most common in black populations of West African descent.
Systemic sclerosis A diffuse disease of connective tissue that may involve any system causing inflammation, degeneration, and fibrosis. Also called scleroderma because it causes thickening of the skin.
Thalassemia A group of hereditary anemias mostly found in populations of Mediterranean descent (the name comes from the Greek word for “sea”).
Thrombocytopenia A deficiency of thrombocytes (platelets) in the blood
The Endocrine System
Endocrine Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Acromegaly Overgrowth of bone and soft tissue, especially in the hands, feet, and face, caused by an excess of growth hormone in an adult. The name comes from acro meaning “extremity” and megal/o meaning “enlargement.”
Addison disease A disease resulting from deficiency of adrenocortical hormones. It is marked by darkening of the skin, weakness, and alterations in salt and water balance.
Congenital
hypothyroidism A condition caused by congenital lack of thyroid secretion and marked by arrested physical and mental development; formerly called cretinism
Cushing disease Overactivity of the adrenal cortex resulting from excess production of ACTH by the pituitary
Cushing syndrome A condition resulting from an excess of hormones from the adrenal cortex. It is associated with obesity, weakness, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hirsutism (excess hair growth).
Diabetes insipidus A disorder caused by insufficient release of ADH from the posterior pituitary. It results in excessive thirst and production of large amounts of very dilute urine. The word insipidus means “tasteless,” referring to the dilution of the urine.
Diabetes mellitus A disorder of glucose metabolism caused by deficiency of insulin
production or failure of the tissues to respond to insulin. Type 1 is juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM); type 2 is adult-onset or non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The word mellitus comes from the Latin root for honey, referring to the sugar content of the urine.
Exophthalmos Protrusion of the eyeballs as seen in Graves disease
Gigantism Overgrowth caused by an excess of growth hormone from the pituitary during childhood; also called giantism
Glycosuria Excess sugar in the urine
Goiter Enlargement of the thyroid gland. May be toxic or nontoxic. Simple (nontoxic) goiter is caused by iodine deficiency.
Graves disease An autoimmune disease resulting in hyperthyroidism. A prominent symptom is exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyeballs). Also called exophthalmic goiter.
Hyperglycemia Excess glucose in the blood
Hypoglycemia Abnormally low level of glucose in the blood
Insulin shock A condition resulting from an overdose of insulin, causing hypoglycemia
Ketoacidosis Acidosis (increased acidity of body fluids) caused by an excess of
ketone bodies, as in diabetes mellitus; diabetic acidosis
Metabolic syndrome A state of hyperglycemia caused by cellular resistance to insulin, as seen in type 2 diabetes, in association with other metabolic disorders; syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome
Myxedema A condition caused by hypothyroidism in an adult. There is dry,
waxy swelling most notable in the face.
Panhypopituitarism Underactivity of the entire pituitary gland
Tetany Irritability and spasms of muscles; may be caused by low blood calcium and other factors
Diagnosis and Treatment
Procedure Definition
Radioactive iodine uptake
test (RAIU) A test that measures thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine as an evaluation of thyroid function
Radioimmunoassay (RIA) A method of measuring very small amounts of a substance, especially hormones, in blood plasma using radioactively labeled hormones and specific antibodies
Thyroid scan Visualization of the thyroid gland after administration of radioactive iodine
Transsphenoidal
adenomectomy Removal of a pituitary tumor through the sphenoid sinus (space in the sphenoid bone).
The Teeth
Teeth Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Dental Caries Also known as tooth decay,cavities, or caries, is a breakdown of teeth due to activities of bacteria. The word caries derives from the Latin for rotten.
Peridontal disease Infections of the structures around the teeth, which include the gums, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.
Gingivitis Inflammation of the gums.
Periodontitis Inflammation of the tissue around the teeth, often causing shrinkage of the gums and loosening of the teeth.
Oral Candidiasis
(also known as oral candidosis, oral thrush, oropharyngeal candidiasis, moniliasis, candidal stomatitis, muguet) iscandidiasis that occurs in the mouth. That is, oral candidiasis is a mycosis (yeast/fungal infection) of Candida species on the mucous membranes of the mouth.
The Nervous System
Nervous Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Alzheimer disease (AD) A form of dementia caused by atrophy of the cerebral cortex; presenile dementia
Amyloid A starchlike substance of unknown composition that accumulates in the brain in Alzheimer and other diseases
Aphasia Specifically, loss or defect in speech communication (from Greek phasis, meaning “speech”). In practice, the term is applied more broadly to a range of language disorders, both spoken and written. May affect ability to understand speech (receptive aphasia) or the ability to produce speech (expressive aphasia). Both forms are combined in global aphasia.
Astrocytoma A neuroglial tumor composed of astrocytes
Cerebrovascular
accident (CVA) Sudden damage to the brain resulting from reduction of cerebral blood flow; possible causes are atherosclerosis, thrombosis, or a ruptured aneurysm; commonly called stroke
Concussion Injury resulting from a violent blow or shock; a concussion of the
brain usually results in loss of consciousness
Contrecoup injury Damage to the brain on the side opposite the point of a blow as a result of the brain’s hitting the skull (from French, meaning “counterblow”)
Dementia A gradual and usually irreversible loss of intellectual function
Encephalitis Inflammation of the brain
Epidural hematoma Accumulation of blood in the epidural space (between the dura mater and the skull
Epilepsy A chronic disease involving periodic sudden bursts of electric activity from the brain resulting in seizures
Glioma A tumor of neuroglia cells
Hemiparesis Partial paralysis or weakness of one side of the body
Hemiplegia Paralysis of one side of the body
Hydrocephalus Increased accumulation of CSF in or around the brain as a result of obstruction to flow. May be caused by tumor, inflammation, hemorrhage, or congenital abnormality.
Insomnia Insufficient or nonrestorative sleep despite ample opportunity to sleep
Meningioma Tumor of the meninges
Meningitis Inflammation of the meninges
Multi-infarct dementia Dementia caused by chronic cerebral ischemia (lack of blood supply to the tissues) as a result of multiple small strokes. There is progressive loss of cognitive function, memory, and judgment as well as altered motor and sensory function.
Narcolepsy Brief, uncontrollable episodes of sleep during the day
Neurilemoma A tumor of the sheath (neurilemma) of a peripheral nerve;
Schwannoma
Paralysis Temporary or permanent loss of function. Flaccid paralysis involves loss of muscle tone and reflexes and degeneration of muscles. Spastic paralysis involves excess muscle tone and reflexes but no degeneration.
Parkinson disease A disorder originating in the basal ganglia and characterized by slow movements, tremor, rigidity, and masklike face. Also called Parkinsonism.
Seizure A sudden attack, as seen in epilepsy. The most common forms of seizure are tonic-clonic, or grand mal (gran mal; from French, meaning “great illness”); absence seizure, or petit mal, meaning “small illness”; and psychomotor seizure.
Shingles An acute viral infection that follows nerve pathways causing small lesions on the skin. Also called herpes zoster , and caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Sleep apnea Brief periods of cessation of breathing during sleep
Subdural hematoma Accumulation of blood beneath the dura mater
Tremor A shaking or involuntary movement
Diagnosis and Treatment
Procedure Definition
Carotid endarterectomy Surgical removal of the lining of the carotid artery, the large artery in the neck that supplies blood to the brain
Cerebral angiography Radiographic study of the blood vessels of the brain after injection of a contrast medium
Electroencephalography Amplification, recording, and interpretation of the electric activity of the brain
Lumbar puncture Puncture of the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the
spinal cord; spinal tap; done to remove spinal fluid for diagnosis or to inject anesthesia
Polysomnography Simultaneous monitoring of a variety of physiologic functions during sleep to diagnose sleep disorders
Sympathectomy Interruption of transmission by sympathetic nerves either surgically or chemically
The Eye
Eye Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Astigmatism An error of refraction caused by irregularity in the curvature of the cornea or lens
Cataract Opacity of the lens of the eye
Conjunctivitis Inflammation of the conjunctiva; pinkeye
Diabetic retinopathy Degenerative changes in the retina associated with diabetes mellitus
Glaucoma A disease of the eye caused by increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic disk and causes loss of vision. Usually results from faulty drainage of fluids from the anterior portion of the eye.
Hyperopia An error of refraction in which light rays focus behind the retina and objects can be seen clearly only when far from the eye; farsightedness; also called hypermetropia
Myopia An error of refraction in which light rays focus in front of the retina and objects can be seen clearly only when very close to the eye; nearsightedness
Ophthalmia neonatorum Severe conjunctivitis usually caused by infection with gonococcus during birth
Phacoemulsification Removal of a cataract by ultrasonic destruction and extraction of the lens
Presbyopia Changes in the eye that occur with age; the lens loses elasticity and the ability to accommodate for near vision
Retinal detachment Separation of the retina from the underlying layer of the eye
Senile macular
degeneration (SMD) Deterioration of the macula associated with aging; impairs central vision
Trachoma An infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis leading to inflammation and scarring of the cornea and conjunctiva; a common cause of blindness in underdeveloped countries
The Ear, Nose and Throat
Ear, Nose and Throat Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Acoustic neuroma A tumor of the eighth cranial nerve sheath; although benign, it can press on surrounding tissue and produce symptoms; also called a schwannoma or neurilemoma
Conductive hearing loss Hearing impairment that results from blockage of sound transmission to the inner ear
Ménière disease A disease associated with increased fluid pressure in the inner ear and characterized by hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus
Otitis externa Inflammation of the external auditory canal; swimmer’s ear
Otitis media Inflammation of the middle ear with accumulation of watery (serous) or mucoid fluid
Otosclerosis Formation of abnormal and sometimes hardened bony tissue in the ear. It usually occurs around the oval window and the footplate (base) of the stapes, causing immobilization of the stapes and progressive loss of hearing.
Sensorineural hearing loss Hearing impairment that results from damage to the eighth cranial nerve or to auditory pathways in the brain
Tinnitus A sensation of noises, such as ringing or tinkling, in the ear
Diagnosis and Treatment
Procedure Definition
Myringotomy Surgical incision of the tympanic membrane; performed to drain the middle ear cavity or to insert a tube into the tympanic membrane for drainage
Stapedectomy Surgical removal of the stapes; it may be combined with insertion of a prosthesis to correct otosclerosis
The Mind
Mind Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Anxiety A feeling of fear, worry, uneasiness, or dread
Anxiolytic Pertaining to relief of anxiety; a drug used to treat anxiety
Attention deficit–
hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) A condition that begins in childhood and is characterized by attention problems, easy boredom, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity
Autism A disorder of unknown cause consisting of self-absorption, lack of response to social contact and affection, preoccupations, stereotyped behavior, and resistance to change
Bipolar disorder A form of depression with episodes of mania (a state of elation); manic depressive illness
Delusion A false belief inconsistent with knowledge and experience
Depression A mental state characterized by profound feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, and lack of interest or pleasure in activities
Dysthymia A mild form of depression that develops in response to a serious life event
Hallucination A false perception unrelated to reality or external stimuli
Mania A state of elation, which may include agitation, hyperexcitability, or hyperactivity; adjective, manic
Neuroleptic Pertaining to relief of psychosis; an antipsychotic medication
Obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD) A condition associated with recurrent and intrusive thoughts, images, and repetitive behaviors performed to relieve anxiety
Panic disorder A form of anxiety disorder marked by episodes of intense fear
Paranoia A mental state characterized by jealousy, delusions of persecution, or perceptions of threat or harm
Phobia An extreme, persistent fear of a specific object or situation
Psychosis A mental disorder extreme enough to cause gross misperception of reality with delusions and hallucinations
Psychotropic Acting on the mind, as a drug used to treat mental disorders
Schizophrenia A poorly understood group of severe mental disorders with features of psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, and withdrawn or bizarre behavior (schizo means “split” and phren means “mind”)
Part VI. Medical Terms Referring to Certain Other Types of Disease
Connective Tissue Disease
Connective Tissue Disorder
Disorder Meaning
Chronic fatigue
syndrome (CFS) A disease of unknown cause that involves persistent fatigue along with muscle and joint pain and other symptoms; may be virally induced
Dermatomyositis A disease of unknown origin involving inflammation of muscles as well as dermatitis and skin rashes
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) A disorder associated with widespread muscular aches and stiffness and having no known cause
Muscular dystrophy A group of hereditary muscular disorders marked by progressive weakness and atrophy of muscles
Myasthenia gravis (MG) A disease characterized by progressive muscular weakness; an
autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction
Polymyositis A disease of unknown cause involving muscle inflammation and weakness
Tropical Disease
Tropical diseases are diseases that are prevalent in or unique to tropical and subtropical regions. The diseases are less prevalent in temperate climates, due in part to the occurrence of a cold season, which controls the insect population by forcing hibernation.
Tropical diseases encompass all diseases that occur solely, or principally, in the tropics. In practice, the term is often taken to refer to infectious diseases that thrive in hot, humid conditions, such as malaria, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis, and dengue.
Chagas Disease is a disease caused by a trypanosome transmitted by bloodsucking bugs, endemic in South and Central America and causing damage to the heart and central nervous system.
Dengue (pronounced DENgee) fever is a painful, debilitating mosquito-borne disease caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses.
Dracunculiasis, also called guinea worm disease (GWD), is an infection by the guinea worm. A person becomes infected when they drink water that contains water fleas infected with guinea worm larvae.
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by parasitic protozoans (a group of single-celled microorganisms) belonging to the genus Plasmodium.
Leishmaniasis is a tropical and subtropical disease caused by leishmania and transmitted by the bite of sandflies. It affects either the skin or the internal organs.
Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a painful and profoundly disfiguring disease. While the infection is usually acquired in childhood, its visible manifestations occur later in life, causing temporary or permanent disability. In endemic countries, lymphatic filariasis has a major social and economic impact.
Neglected tropical diseases are a medically diverse group of tropical infections which are especially common in low-income populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They are caused by a variety of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths.
Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness and Robles disease, is a disease caused by infection with the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. Symptoms include severe itching, bumps under the skin, and blindness.
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, snail fever, and Katayama fever, is a disease caused by parasitic flat worms of the Schistosoma type. It may infect the urinary tract or the intestines. Signs and symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea,bloody stool, or blood in the urine. In those who have been infected a long time, liver damage, kidney failure, infertility, or bladder cancer may occur. In children, it may cause poor growth and learning difficulty.
Nutritional Disorders
Nutritional deficiencies, known as malnutrition, are the result of your body not getting enough of the nutrients it needs. Children are more at risk for serious complications due to nutritional deficiencies than adults. Nutritional deficiencies can be prevented by making sure to get enough nutrients from the diet. Patient should talk to the doctor and dietitian to help make any decisions on dietary changes and before taking any nutritional supplements.
Types of Nutritional Deficiency
Iron deficiency (sideropenia or hypoferremia) is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. It a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. In iron deficiency anemia, the red cells appear abnormal and are unusually small (microcytic) and pale (hypochromic). The pallor of the red cells reflects their low hemoglobin content.
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a lack of vitamin A in humans. It is common in poorer countries but rarely seen in more developed countries. Nyctalopia (night blindness) is one of the first signs of VAD.
Thiamine deficiency, or beriberi, refers to the lack of thiamine pyrophosphate, the active form of the vitamin known as thiamine (also spelled thiamin), or vitamin B-1 . Thiamine pyrophosphate, the biologically active form of thiamine, acts as a coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism through the decarboxylation of alpha ketoacids. It also takes part in the formation of glucose by acting as a coenzyme for the transketolase in the pentose monophosphate pathway.
Niacin deficiency is a condition that occurs when a person doesn't get enough or can't absorb niacin or tryptophan. Also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, niacin is one of eight B vitamins. Like all B vitamins, niacin plays a role in converting carbohydrates into glucose, metabolizing fats and proteins, and keeping the nervous system working properly. Niacin also helps the body make sex- and stress-related hormones and improves circulation andcholesterol levels.
Folate deficiency can be caused by unhealthy diets that do not include enough fruits and vegetables, diseases in which folic acid is not well absorbed in the digestive system (such as Crohn's disease or Celiac disease), some genetic disorders that affect levels of folate, and certain medicines (such as phenytoin, sulfasalazine, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Folate deficiency is accelerated by alcohol consumption. Folate deficiency may lead to glossitis, diarrhea, depression, confusion, anemia, and fetal neural tube defects and brain defects (during pregnancy). Other symptoms include fatigue, gray hair, mouth sores, poor growth, and swollen tongue.
In Vitamin D Deficiency, about 40 percent of the population worldwide is affected by vitamin D deficiency. Dark skinned individuals are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones. It helps the body maintain the right levels of calcium in order to regulate the development of teeth and bones. A lack of this nutrient can lead to stunted or defective bone growth. Osteoporosis, caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D, can lead to porous and fragile bones that break very easily.
Calcium Deficiency - Calcium helps your body develop strong bones and teeth. It also helps your heart, nerves, and muscles work they way they should. A calcium deficiency often doesn’t show symptoms right away, but it can lead to serious health problems over time. If you aren’t consuming enough calcium, your body will use the calcium from your bones instead, leading to bone loss. Calcium deficiencies are related to low bone mass, weakening of bones due to osteoporosis, convulsions, and abnormal heart rhythms. They can even be life-threatening. Postmenopausal women experience greater bone loss due to changing hormones and have more trouble absorbing calcium.
Poisoning
Poisoning is injury or death due to swallowing, inhaling, touching or injecting various drugs, chemicals, venoms or gases. Many substances such as drugs and carbon monoxide that are poisonous only in higher concentrations or dosages. And others such as cleaners that are dangerous only if ingested. Children are particularly sensitive to even small amounts of certain drugs and chemicals.
Types of Poisoning
Food-borne illness, more commonly referred to as food poisoning, is the result of eating contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of heavy metals, in toxic amounts, in the soft tissues of the body. Symptoms and physical findings associated with heavy metal poisoning vary according to the metal accumulated. Many of the heavy metals, such as zinc, copper, chromium, iron and manganese, are essential to body function in very small amounts. But, if these metals accumulate in the body in concentrations sufficient to cause poisoning, then serious damage may occur. The heavy metals most commonly associated with poisoning of humans are lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Heavy metal poisoning may occur as a result of industrial exposure, air or water pollution, foods, medicines, improperly coated food containers, or the ingestion of lead-based paints.
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs after too much inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a toxic (poisonous) gas, but, being colorless, odorless, tasteless, and initially non-irritating, it is very difficult for people to detect. Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion of organic matter due to insufficient oxygen supply to enable complete oxidation to carbon dioxide (CO2).
Chemical poisoning is a condition in which the body is exposed to a potentially harmful chemical in an amount that causes symptoms, disease and/or damage to cells, organs and/or body systems. Chemical poisoning can be intentional or unintentional.
A drug overdose happens when a person take too much of a drug, whether it is an illegal substance, and over the counter medication, or a prescription drug. An overdose can lead to serious medical symptoms, including death. Drug overdoses may be intentional, but they can also be accidental.
Alcohol poisoning is a serious and sometimes deadly, consequence of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Drinking too much too quickly can affect your breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex and potentially lead to coma and death. Alcohol poisoning can also occur when adults or children accidentally or intentionally drink household products that contain alcohol.
Disorders Due to Physical Agents
Anaphylaxis .This is the highbrow term for serum poisoning or protein poisoning. Any protein introduced into the body through other channels than the digestive tract is a rank poison. All serums and vaccines are foreign proteins and therefore poisonous. Anaphylaxis follows every use of all serums.
Arsenic poisoning is a medical condition caused by elevated levels of arsenic in the body. The dominant basis of arsenic poisoning is from groundwater that naturally contains high concentrations of arsenic.
Toxicodendron radicans, commonly known as eastern poison ivy or poison ivy is a poisonous North American and Asian flowering plant that is well known for causing an itching, irritating, and sometimes painful rash in most people who touch it, caused by urushiol, a clear liquid compound in the sap of the plant. The species is variable in its appearance and habit, and despite its common name it is not a true ivy (Hedera). Toxicodendron radicans is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are consumed by birds, but poison ivy is most often thought of as an unwelcome weed.
Lead poisoning (also known as plumbism, colica pictorum, saturnism, Devon colic, or painter's colic) is a type of metal poisoning and a medical condition in humans and other vertebrates caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines,kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems.
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol dependence syndrome, is a broad term for any drinking ofalcohol that results in problems.
Chloralism is the Habitual use of chloral compounds as an intoxicant, or the symptoms caused thereby.
Cocainism. This is the morbid results of the habitual use of cocaine. The habit is comparatively rare, few cases existing except those complicating the 'morphine and alcohol habits.
Nicotinism is a pathological condition caused by excessive use of tobacco, and characterized by depression of the central and autonomic nervous systems; nicotine poisoning.
Radiation Hazards and Injury
Radiation injury is damage to tissues caused by exposure to ionizing radiation. Large doses of ionizing radiation can cause acute illness by reducing the production of blood cells and damaging the digestive tract. A very large dose of ionizing radiation can also damage the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular system), brain, and skin. Radiation injury due to large and very large doses is referred to as a tissue reaction. The dose needed to cause visible tissue injury varies with tissue type. Radiation exposure of sperm and egg cells carries little increased risk of genetic defects in offspring.
Acute radiation illness typically occurs in people whose entire body has been exposed to very high doses of radiation all at once or over a short period of time. Doctors divide acute radiation illness into three groups (syndromes) based on the main organ system affected, although there is overlap among these groups:
The hematopoietic syndrome is caused by the effects of radiation on the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes—the primary sites of blood cell production (hematopoiesis). Loss of appetite (anorexia), lethargy, nausea, and vomiting may begin 1 to 6 hours after exposure to 1 to 6 Gy of radiation. These symptoms resolve within 24 to 48 hours after exposure, and people feel well for a week or more.
The gastrointestinal syndrome is due to the effects of radiation on the cells lining the digestive tract. Severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may begin in less than 1 hour after exposure to 6 Gy or more of radiation. The symptoms may lead to severe dehydration, but they resolve within 2 days. During the next 4 or 5 days (latent stage), people feel well, but the cells lining the digestive tract, which normally act as a protective barrier, die and are shed. After this time, severe diarrhea—often bloody—returns, once more resulting in dehydration.
The cerebrovascular syndrome occurs when the total dose of radiation exceeds 20 to 30 Gy. People rapidly develop confusion, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, tremors, and shock. The latent phase is brief or absent. Within hours, blood pressure falls, accompanied by seizures and coma. The cerebrovascular syndrome is always fatal within a few hours to 1 or 2 days.
Part VII. Medical Instruments and Equipment
Medical equipment (also known as armamentarium) is designed to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring or treatment of medical conditions.
List of Some Medical Instrument and Equipment
Instrument/Equipment Definition
Endoscope An instrument for examining the inside of an organ or cavity through a body opening or small incision; most endoscopes use fiberoptics for viewing
Laparoscope An instrument for examining the interior of the abdomen
Defibrillator A device to correct arrhythmias of the heart or to start up a heart that is not beating
Sphygmomanometer The blood pressure apparatus or blood pressure cuff; pressure is read in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) when the heart is contracting (systolic pressure) and when the heart is relaxing (diastolic pressure) and is reported as systolic/diastolic
Stethoscope An instrument used for listening to sounds produced within the body (from the Greek root steth/o, meaning “chest”)
Speculum An instrument used to enlarge the opening of any canal or cavity to facilitate inspection of its interior.
Otoscope Instrument used to examine the ears
Ophthalmoscope An instrument for examining the interior of the eye
Proctoscope An instrument used to look inside anal canal and lower part of the rectum
Anesthesia machine A machine used by anaesthesiologists,nurse anaesthetists, and anaesthesiologist assistants to support the administration of anaesthesia.
Cineradiography Making of a motion picture of successive images appearing on a fluoroscopic screen
Computed tomography
(CT, CT scan) Use of a computer to generate an image from a large number of x-rays passed at different angles through the body; a three-dimensional picture of a cross-section of the body is obtained; reveals more about soft tissues than does simple radiography
Fluoroscopy Use of x-rays to examine deep structures; the shadows cast by x-rays passed through the body are observed on a fluorescent screen; the device used is called a fluoroscope
Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) Production of images through the use of a magnetic field and radio waves; the characteristics of soft tissue are revealed by differences in molecular properties; eliminates the need for x-rays and contrast media
Positron emission
tomography (PET) Production of sectional body images by administration of a natural substance, such as glucose, labeled with a positron-emitting isotope; the rays subsequently emitted are interpreted by computer to show the internal distribution of the substance administered; PET has been used to follow blood flow through an organ and to measure metabolic activity within an organ, such as the brain, under different conditions
Scintigraphy (Nuclear Scan) Production of an image of the distribution of radioactivity in tissues after internal administration of a radioactive substance (radionuclide); the images are obtained with a scintillation camera; the record produced is a scintiscan and usually specifies the part examined or the isotope used for the test, as in bone scan, gallium scan
Single photon
emission computed
tomography (SPECT) Scintigraphic technique that permits visualization of the cross-sectional distribution of a radioisotope
Ultrasound Generation of a visual image from the echoes of high-frequency sound waves traveling back from different tissues; also called sonography and echography
Suffixes for Medical Instrument and Equipment
Suffix Meaning Example Definition of Example
-graph Instrument for recording data Polygraph Instrument used to record many
physiologic responses simultaneously;
lie detector
-graphy Act of recording data Radiography Obtaining pictures using x-rays
-gram A record of data Sonogram Record obtained by use of ultrasound
(ultrasonography)
-meter Instrument for measuring Audiometer Instrument for measuring hearing
(audi/o)
Metry Measurement of Ergometry Measurement of work done
-scope Instrument for viewing or examining Endoscope Instrument for viewing the inside
of an organ or cavity
-scopy Examination of Laparoscopy Examination of the abdomen
through the abdominal wall
(lapar/o)
Suffixes for Surgery
Suffix Meaning Example Definition of Example
-centesis Puncture, tap Thoracentesis Puncture of the chest
-desis Binding, fusion Pleurodesis Binding of the pleural membranes
(around the lungs)
-ectomy Excision, surgical removal Hysterectomy Excision of the uterus (hyster/o)
-pexy Surgical fixation Cystopexy Surgical fixation of the bladder
(cyst/o)
-plasty Plastic repair, plastic surgery, reconstruction Rhinoplasty Plastic surgery of the nose
-rhaphy Surgical repair, suture Herniorrhaphy Surgical repair of a hernia (herni/o)
-stomy Surgical creation of an opening Colostomy Creation of an opening into the colon
-tome Instrument for incising (cutting) Microtome Instrument for cutting thin sections
of tissue for microscopic study
-tomy Incision, cutting Tracheotomy Surgical incision of the trachea
-tripsy Crushing Lithotripsy Crushing of a stone
Appendixes: Medical Prefixes, Suffixes and Combining Forms
a- not, without, less
ab- from, away from, off
abs- from, away from, off
acantho- thorn
acou- hearing
acro- extremity
acu- hearing
ad- increase, adherence,
motion toward, very
-ad toward, in the direction of,
-ward
adeno- gland
adip- fat
adipo- fat
-agogue, -agogue promoter,
stimulator
aidoio- genitals
-al pertaining to
alb- white
albo- white
alge- pain
algesi- pain
algio- pain
algo- pain
allo- other, different
ambi- around, on (both) sides, on all sides, both
ambly- dull
amblyo- dull
amyl- starch, polysaccharide
amylo-starch, polysaccharide
an- not, without, -less
ana- up, toward, apart
andro- male
angi- vessel
angio- vessel
ankylo- crooked
ante- before
anthraco- coal, carbon
anti- 1 against, opposing, 2
curative, 3 antibody
apo- separated from, derived
from
aque- water
aqueo- water
-ar pertaining to
-arche beginning
arteri- artery
arterio- artery
arthr- joint, articulation
arthro- joint, articulation
-ary pertaining to
-ase an enzyme
-ate a salt or ester of an “-ic”
acid
athero- pasty, fatty
atto- one quintillionth
audi- hearing
audio- hearing
aur- ear
auri- ear
auro- ear
aut- self, same
auto- self, same
bacteri- bacteria
bacterio- bacteria
balano- penis
bi- twice, double
bio- life
blasto- budding by cells or
tissue
blephar- eyelid
blepharo- eyelid
brachi- arm
brachio- arm
brachy- short
bronch- bronchus
bronchi- bronchus
broncho- bronchus
carcin- cancer
carcino- cancer
cardi- 1 heart, 2 esophageal
opening of stomach
cardio- 1 heart, 2 esophageal
opening of stomach
carpo- wrist
cata- down
caud- tail, lower part of body
caudo- tail, lower part of body
-cele hernia, swelling
celio- abdomen
-centesis surgical puncture
centi- one hundredth
cephal- the head
cephalo- the head
cervic- 1 neck, 2 uterine
cervix
cervico- 1 neck, 2 uterine
cervix
cheil- lip
cheilo- lip
cheir- hand
cheiro- hand
chem- 1 chemistry, 2 drug
chemo- 1 chemistry, 2 drug
chir- hand
chiro- hand
chlor- 1 green, 2 chlorine
chloro- 1 green, 2 chlorine
chol- bile
chondrio- 1 cartilage, 2
granular, 3 gritty
chondro- 1 cartilage, 2
granular, 3 gritty
chrom- color
chromat- color
chromo- color
chron- time
chrono- time
-cidal killing, destroying
-cide killing, destroying
cis- on this side, on the near
side
-clast breaker
-clysis washing
co- with, together, in
association, very, complete
col- with, together, in
association, very, complete
colp- vagina
colpo- vagina
com- with, together, in
association, very, complete
con- with, together, in
association, very, complete
conio- dust
cor- with, together, in
association, very, complete
coreo- pupil
cost- rib
costo- rib
crani- cranium
cranio- cranium
-crine secretion
cry- cold
cryo- cold
crypt- hidden
crypto- hidden
culdo- cul-de-sac
cyan- 1 blue, 2 cyanide
cyano- 1 blue, 2 cyanide
cycl- 1 circle, cycle, 2 ciliary
body
cyst- 1 bladder, 2 cyst,
3 cystic duct
cysti- 1 bladder, 2 cyst,
3 cystic duct
cysto- 1 bladder, 2 cyst,
3 cystic duct
cyt- cell
-cyte cell
cyto- cell
dacry- tears
dacryo- tears
dactyl- finger, toe
dactylo- finger, toe
de- away from, cessation
deca- ten
deci- one tenth
deka- ten
dent- tooth
denti- tooth
derm- skin
derma- skin
dermat- skin
dermato- skin
dermo- skin
-desis binding
dextr- right, toward or on the
right side
dextro- right, toward or on the right side
di- separation, taking apart,
reversal, not, undif- separation, taking apart,
reversal, not, undipso- thirst
dir- separation, taking apart,
reversal, not, undis-
separation, taking apart,
reversal, not, unduo- two
duodeno- duodenum
-dynia pain
dynamo- force, energy
dys- bad, difficult
ect- outer, on the outside
-ectasia dilatation, stretching
-ectasis dilatation, stretching
ecto- outer, on the outside
-ectomy excision
-emphraxis obstruction
encephal- brain
encephalo- brain
end- within, inner
endo- within, inner
enter- intestine
entero- intestine
ent- inner, within
ento- inner, within
epi- upon, following,
subsequent to
ergo- work
erythr- red, redness
erythro- red, redness
eso- inward
esthesio-sensation, perception
eu- good, well
ex- out of, from, away from
exo- exterior, external,
outward
extra- outside of, without
ferri- ferric ion (Fe3+)
ferro- 1 metallic iron, 2
ferrous ion (Fe2+)
fibr- fiber
fibro- fiber
-form in the form or shape of
galact- milk
galacto- milk
gastr- 1 stomach, 2 belly
gastro- 1 stomach, 2 belly
-gen 1 producing, coming to
be, 2 precursor
gen- 1 producing, coming to
be, 2 precursor
giga- one billion
gingiv- gums
gingivo- gums
gloss- tongue
glosso- tongue
gluco- glucose
glyco- sugars
gnath- jaw
gnatho- jaw
gon- seed, semen
gonio- angle
gono- seed, semen
-gram a recording
granul- granular, granule
granulo- granular, granule
-graph recording instrument
gyn- woman
gyne- woman
gyneco- woman
gyno- woman
hecto- one hundred
hem- blood
hema- blood
hemat- blood
hemato- blood
hemi- one half
hemo- blood
hepat- liver
hepatico- liver
hepato- liver
hept- seven
hepta- seven
hidr- sweat
hidro- sweat
hist- tissue
histio- tissue
histo- tissue
homeo- same, constant
hydr- water, hydrogen
hydro- water, hydrogen
hyper- excessive, above
normal
hypo- beneath, diminution,
deficiency, the lowest
hyster- 1 uterus, hysteria,
2 late, following
hystero- 1 uterus, hysteria,
2 late, following
-ia a condition
-iasis condition, state
-ic pertaining to
-ics organized knowledge,
practice, treatment
ileo- ileum
ilio- ilium
in- 1 in, 2 not
-in chemical suffix
-ine chemical suffix
infra- below
inguino- groin
inter- between, among
intra- within
intro- within
irid- iris
irido- iris
ischi- ischium
ischio- ischium
-ism 1 condition, disease,
2 practice, doctrine
-ismus spasm, contraction
iso- 1 equal, like, 2 isomer,
3 sameness
-ite the nature of, resembling
-ites -y, -like
-itides plural of -itis
-itis inflammation
kal- potassium
kali- potassium
karyo- nucleus
kerat- cornea
kerato- cornea
kilo- one thousand
kin- movement
kine- movement
kinesi- motion
kinesio- motion
kineso- motion
kino- movement
labio- lip
lacrim- tears
lacrimo- tears
lact- milk
lacti- milk
lacto- milk
laparo- abdomen, abdominal
wall
laryng- larynx
laryngo- larynx
lateri- lateral, to one side, side
latero- lateral, to one side, side
-lepsis seizure
-lepsy seizure
lepto- light, slender, thin, frail
leuk- white
leuko- white
linguo- tongue
lip- fat, lipid
lipo- fat, lipid
lith- stone, calculus,
calcification
litho- stone, calculus,
calcification
-log speech, words
log- speech, words
logo- speech, words
-logy 1 study of; 2 collecting
lymph- lymph
lympho- lymph
lys- lysis, dissolution
lyso- lysis, dissolution
macr- large, long
macro- large, long
mal- bad, deficient
-malacia softening
mamm- breast
mamma- breast
mammo- breast
mast- breast
masto- breast
meg- large, oversize
mega- 1 large, oversize, 2 one million
megal- large
megalo- large
-megaly, enlargement
melan- black
melano- black
men- menstruation
mening- meninges
meningo- meninges
meno- menstruation
ment- chin
mento- chin
-mer member of a series
mes- 1 middle, mean,
intermediate, 2 attaching
membrane
meso- 1 middle, mean,
intermediate, 2 attaching
membrane
meta- 1 after, behind, 2 joint
action, sharing
-meter measurement,
measuring device
metr- uterus
metro- uterus
micr- small, microscopic
micro- 1 small, microscopic,
2 one-millionth
milli- one-thousandth
mon- single
mono- single
morph- form, shape, structure
morpho- form, shape,
structure
my- muscle
myo- muscle
myel- 1 bone marrow,
2 spinal cord
myelo- 1 bone marrow,
2 spinal cord
myring- tympanic membrane
myringo- tympanic membrane
myx- mucus
myxo- mucus
nano- 1 dwarf, 2 one billionth
nas- nose
naso- nose
natr- sodium
natri- sodium
necr- death, necrosis
necro- death, necrosis
neo- new
nephr- kidney
nephro- kidney
neur- nerve, nervous system
neuri- nerve, nervous system
neuro- nerve, nervous system
norm- normal
normo- normal
octo- eight
oculo- eye, ocular
odont- tooth
odonto- tooth
odyn- pain
odyno- pain
-oid resemblance to
olig- few, little
oligo- few, little
-oma tumor, neoplasm
-omata plural of -oma
oncho- oncoonco-
tumor, bulk, volume
-one ketone (–CO– group)
onych- fingernail, toenail
onycho- fingernail, toenail
oo- egg, ovary
oophor- ovary
oophoro- ovary
ophthalm- eye
ophthalmo- eye
-opia vision
-opsia vision
or- mouth
orchi- testis
orchido- testis
orchio- testis
ori- mouth
oro- mouth
-ose sugar
-oses plural of -osis
-osis process, condition, state
ossi- bone
osseo- bony
ost- bone
oste- bone
osteo- bone
ovari- ovary
ovario- ovary
ovi- egg
ovo- egg
oxa- oxygen
oxo- oxygen
oxy- 1 sharp, acid, 2 acute,
shrill, quick, 3 oxygen
pachy- thick
pan- all, entire
pant- all, entire
panto- all, entire
para- 1 abnormal,
2 involvement of two like
parts
pari- equal
path- disease
patho- disease
-pathy disease
ped- 1 child, 2 foot
pedi- 1 child, 2 foot
pedo- 1 child, 2 foot
-penia deficiency
penta- five
per- through, thoroughly,
intensely
peri- around, about
-pexy fixation, usually
surgical
phaco- lens
-phage eating, devouring
-phagia eating, devouring
phago- eating, devouring
-phagy eating, devouring
phako- lens
phanero- visible, evident
pharmaco- drugs, medicine
pharyng- pharynx
pharyngo- pharynx
phil- 1 attraction, 2 chemical
affinity
-philia 1 attraction,
2 chemical affinity
philo- 1 attraction, 2 chemical
affinity
phleb- vein
phlebo- vein
-phobia fear
phon- sound, speech
phono- sound, speech
phor- carrying, bearing
phoro- carrying, bearing
phos- light
phot- light
photo- light
phren- 1 diaphragm, 2 mind, 3 phrenic
phreni- 1 diaphragm, 2 mind, 3 phrenic
-phrenia of mind
phrenico- 1 diaphragm,
2 mind, 3 phrenic
phreno- 1 diaphragm, 2mind,
3 phrenic
-phylaxis protection
phyll- leaf
phyllo- leaf
physi- 1 physical, 2 natural
physio- 1 physical, 2 natural
physo- 1 swelling, inflation,
2 air, gas
phyt- plants
phyto- plants
pico- one trillionth
plan- flat
plani- flat
plano- flat
-plasia formation
plasma- plasma
plasmat- plasma
plasmato- plasma
plasmo- plasma
platy- wide, flat
-plegia paralysis
pleo- more
plesio- near, similar
pleur- rib, side, pleura
pleura- rib, side, pleura
pleuro- rib, side, pleura
pluri- several, more
-pnea breath, respiration
pneo- breath, respiration
pneum- 1 air, gas, 2 lung,
3 breathing
pneuma- 1 air, gas, 2 lung,
3 breathing
pneumat- 1 air, gas, 2 lung,
3 breathing
pneumato- 1 air, gas, 2 lung, 3 breathing
pod- foot, foot-shaped
-pod foot, foot-shaped
podo- foot, foot-shaped
-poiesis production
poikilo- irregular, variable
polio- gray
poly- 1 multiplicity,
2 polymer
post- after, behind, posterior
pre- anterior, before
presby- old
pro- 1 before, forward,
2 precursor
proct- anus, rectum
procto- anus, rectum
prot- first
proto- first
pseud- false
pseudo- false
psych- mind
psyche- mind
psycho- mind
-ptosis sagging, falling
pyel- (renal) pelvis
pyelo- (renal) pelvis
pykn- dense, compact
pykno- dense, compact
pyo- suppuration, pus
pyreto- fever
pyro- fire, heat, fever
quadr- four
quadri- four
rachi- spinal column
rachio- spinal column
radio- 1 radiation, x-ray,
2 radius
re- again, backward
rect- rectum, straight
recto- rectum, straight
ren- kidney
reno- kidney
retro- backward, behind
rhin- nose
rhino- nose
-rrhagia discharge
-rrhaphy surgical suturing
-rrhea flow
-rrhexis rupture
salping- tube
salpingo- tube
sarco- flesh, muscle
schisto- split, cleft
schiz- split, cleft, division
schizo- split, cleft, division
scler- hardness (induration),
sclerosis, ocular sclera
sclero- hardness (induration), sclerosis, ocular sclera
scolio- crooked
-scope instrument for viewing
-scopy viewing
scot- shadow, darkness
scoto- shadow, darkness
semi- one-half, partly
sept- 1 seven, 2 septum,
3 sepsis, infection
septi- seven
septo- 1 seven, 2 septum,
3 sepsis, infection
sial- saliva, salivary gland
sialo- saliva, salivary gland
sider- iron
sidero- iron
sigmoid- 1 S-shaped,
2 sigmoid colon
sigmoido- 1 S-shaped,
2 sigmoid colon
sin- sinus
sino- sinus
sinu- sinus
sito- food, grain
somat- body, bodily
somato- body, bodily
somatico- body, bodily
somno- sleep
son- 1 sound, 2 ultrasound
sono- 1 sound, 2 ultrasound
spasmo- spasm
spermato- semen,
spermatozoa
spermo- semen, spermatozoa
sperma- semen, spermatozoa
sphygmo- pulse
spir- breathing
spiro- breathing
splanchn- viscera
splanchni- viscera
splanchno- viscera
splen- spleen
spleno- spleen
staphyl- grape, bunch of
grapes, staphylococci
staphylo- grape, bunch of
grapes, staphylococci
-stasis stopping
-stat arresting change or
movement
steno- narrowness,
constriction
stereo- solid
stheno- strength, force, power
stom- mouth
stoma- mouth
stomat- mouth
stomato- mouth
sub- beneath, less than
normal, inferior
super- in excess, above,
superior, in the upper part
supra- above
sy- together
syl- together
sym- together
syn- together
sys- together
tachy- rapid
tel- distant
tele- distant
ten- tendon
tendin- tendon
teno- tendon
tenont- tendon
tenonto- tendon
tera- one quadrillion
thel- nipple
thelo- nipple
therm- heat
thermo- heat
thorac- chest, thorax
thoracico- chest, thorax
thoraco- chest, thorax
thromb- blood clot
thrombo- blood clot
thyr- thyroid gland
thyro- the thyroid gland
toco- childbirth
-tome 1 cutting instrument,
2 segment, section
-tomy cutting operation
tono- tone, tension, pressure
top- place, topical
topo- place, topical
tox- toxin, poison
toxi- toxin, poison
toxico- toxin, poison
toxo- toxin, poison
trache- trachea
tracheo- trachea
trans-across,through, beyond
tri- three
trich- hair
trichi- hair
-trichia hair
tricho- hair
tris- three
-trophic food, nutrition
tropho- food, nutrition
-trophy food, nutrition
-tropia turning
-tropic turning toward, affinity
ultra- beyond
uni- one, single
uri- uric acid
-uria urine, urination
uric- uric acid
urico- uric acid
uro- 1 urine, 2 urinary tract
vas- duct, blood vessel
vasculo- blood vessel
vaso- duct, blood vessel
vesic-urinary bladder, vesicle
vesico- urinary bladder,
vesicle
xanth- yellow, yellowish
xantho- yellow, yellowish
xero- dry
zo- 1 animal, 2 life
zoo- 1 animal, 2 life
zym- fermentation, enzymes
zymo-fermentation, enzymes
References:
Chabner, Davi-Ellen. Medical Terminology: A Short Course. 4th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders, 2005.
Cohen, Barbara Janson. Terminology: An Illustrated Guide. 4th ed. 2003
Dictionary for Medical Terms. 4th ed. London: A & C Black Publishers Ltd., 2004.
Ehrlich, Ann, Carol L. Schroeder. Medical Terminology for Health Professions. 7th ed. Delmar: Cengage Learning, 2013.
Gylys, Barbara A., Mary Ellen Wedding. Medical Terminology System: A Body System Approach. 5th ed. Philadelphia: F. A. Davies Company, 2005.
Mosby’s Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary. 6th ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 2002.
Rice, Jane. The Terminology of Health And Medicine. 2nd ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2003.
Sormuneu, Carolee. Terminology for Allied Health Professionals. 4th ed. Albany: International Thompson Publishing, 1999.
Steadman’s Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005
Steiner, Shirley. Quick Medical Terminology: A Self-Teaching Guide. 4th ed. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2003.
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