Ch 1&2 - MedTerm

suffix

attached to the end of a word root to modify its meaning

prefix

attached to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning

word root

the core of the word

combining vowel

usually an o used to ease pronunciation

combining form

word root with a combining vowel attached, separated by a slash

arthr

joint

hepat

liver

ven

vein

oste

bone

-itis

inflammation

-ic

pertaining to

-ous

pertaining to

-pathy

disease

-megaly

enlargement

intra-

within

sub-

under

cell

basic unit of all living things

cell membrane

form the boundary of the cell

cytoplasm

gel-like fluid inside the cell

nucleus

largest structure within the cell, usually spherical and centrally located. it contains chromosomes for cellular reproduction and is the control center for cellular activity

chromosomes

located in the nucleus cell. there are 46 chromosomes in all normal human cells, with the exception of mature sex cells, which have 23

genes

regions within the chromosomes. each chromosome has several thousand genes that determine hereditary characteristics

DNA

comprises each gene; is a genetic material that regulates that activities of the cell. DNA abbreviates for deoxyribonucleic acid

tissue

group of similar cells that performs a specific function

muscle tissue

composed of cells that have a special ability to contract usually producing movement

nervous tissue

similarly specialized cells united in the performance of a particular function; found in the nerves, spinal cord, and brain. It is responsible for coordinating and controlling body activities

connective tissue

connects, supports penetrates, and encases various body structures. Adipose (fat), osseous (bone) tissues, and blood are types of connective tissue. Fibrous tissue is a type of connective tissue that provides strength and stability such as in ligaments and tendons.

epithelial tissue

the major covering of the external surface of the body; forms membranes that line body cavities and organs; and is the major tissue in glands. Glandular tissue is designed to secrete substances such as digestive enzymes.

organ

two or more types of tissues that together perform special body functions. for example, the skim is an organ composed of epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue

viscera

large internal organs contained in the body cavities, especially in the abdominal cavity

system

group of organs that work together to perform complex bodily functions. for example, the cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels and blood. its function is to transport nutrients and oxygen to the cells and remove carbon dioxide and other waste products

integumentary system

composed of skin, nails, and glands. forms a protective covering for the body, regulates body temperature, and helps manufacture vitamin D

respiratory system

composed of nose, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), bronchial tubes, and lungs. performs respiration, which provides for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the body

urinary system

composed of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. removes waste material (urine) from the body. regulates fluid volume, and maintains electrolyte concentration

reproductive system

female reproductive system is composed of ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, and mammary glands. male reproductive system is composed of testes, urethra, penis prostate gland, and associated tubes. responsible for heredity and reproduction

cardiovascular system

composed of the heart and blood vessels. pumps and transports blood throughout the body

lymphatic/immune system

composed of a network of vessels, ducts, nodes, and organs. provides for defense against infection and drainage of extracellular fluid

digestive system

composed of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and anus, plus accessory organs, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. prepares food for use by the body cells and eliminates waste

musculoskeletal system

composed of muscle, bones, and joints. provides movement and framework for the body, protects vital organs such as the brain, stores calcium, and produces red blood cells

nervous system

composed of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and sensory organs. regulates specific body cavities by sending and receiving messages. sensory organs, such as the eye and ear, are also part of the nervous system

endocrine system

composed of glands that secrete hormones. hormones regulate many specific body cavities

cranial cavity

space inside the skull (cranium) containing the brain

spinal cavity

space inside the spinal column containing the spinal cord

thoracic cavity

space containing the heart, aorta, lungs, esophagus, trachea, bronchi, and mediastinal area

abdominal cavity

space containing the stomach, intestines, kidneys, adrenal glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and ureters

pelvic cavity

space containing the urinary bladder, certain reproductive organs, parts of the small and large intestine, and the anus

abdominopelvic cavity

both the pelvic and abdominal cavities

aden/o

gland

cyt/o

cell

epitheli/o

epithelium

fibr/o

fiber

hemat/o

blood

hist/o

tissue

lip/o

fat

my/o

muscle

neur/o

nerve

organ/o

organ

sarc/o

flesh, connective tissue

system/o

system

viscer/o

internal organs

aut/o

self

bi/o

life

cancer/o

cancer

carcin/o

cancer

crypt/o

hidden

necr/o

death (cells, body)

eti/o

cause (of disease)

gno/o

knowledge

iatr/o

physician, medicine (also means treatment)

lei/o

smooth

onc/o

tumor, mass

path/o

disease

rhabd/o

rod-shaped, striated

somat/o

body

vir/o

virus

cyan/o

blue

erythr/o

red

leuk/o

white

melan/o

black

xanth/o

yellow

dia-

through, complete

dys-

painful, abnormal, difficult, labored

hyper-

above, excessive

hypo-

below, incomplete, deficient, under

meta-

after, beyond, change

micro-

small

neo-

new

pro-

before

-al, -ic, -ous

pertaining to

-cyte

cell

-gen

substance or agent that produces or causes

-genic

producing, originating, causing

-logist

one who studies and treats (specialist, physician)

-logy

study of

-megaly

enlargement

-oid

resembling

-oma

tumor, swelling

-opsy

view of, viewing

-osis

abnormal condition (means increase when used with blood cells word roots)

-pathy

disease