Medical Terminology Ch3&4 study guide

Anemia

A blood condition where blood lacks red blood cells (hemoglobin), reducing oxygen supply to tissues.

Thrombocytes

Another term for platelets, which are involved in blood clotting.

Leukopenia

A deficiency of white blood cells.

Hyperglycemia

A condition characterized by high blood sugar.

Eosinophil

A type of leukocyte that stains red and is elevated during allergic reactions.

Basophil

A leukocyte that stains blue and plays a role in inflammation.

Lymphocyte

A type of white blood cell that fights disease by making antibodies.

Streptococcus

Berry-shaped bacterium that grows in twisted chains.

Staphylococcus

Berry-shaped bacterium that grows in small clusters.

Diplococci

Berry-shaped bacteria organized in pairs.

Trachea

The windpipe, part of the respiratory system.

Pharynx

Throat; a part of both the digestive and respiratory systems.

Larynx

Voice box; involved in sound production.

Intercostal

Pertaining to the area between the ribs.

Dactyl

Refers to a finger or toe.

Glossy

Refers to the tongue.

Adenoids

Small masses of lymphatic tissue located in part of the pharynx.

Acromegaly

A condition marked by enlargement of extremities.

Necrosis

The process or condition of death of cells.

Multiple Myeloma

A tumor of bone marrow.

Pneumonia

A condition affecting the lungs.

Syndactyly

A condition where fingers or toes are joined together.

Syndrome

A group of symptoms or signs occurring together.

Dyspnea

Abnormal or painful breathing.

Sepsis

A severe infection that spreads through the bloodstream.

Rh condition

An antigen-antibody reaction that could be dangerous for a mother during childbirth.

Nephrologist

A medical specialist who focuses on kidneys.

Amniocentesis

A surgical puncture to remove fluid from the amniotic sac.

Ultrasonography

A diagnostic technique using ultrasound waves to create an image of organs or tissues.

Laparoscopy

The process of visually examining the abdomen.

Percutaneous

Referring to a procedure performed through the skin.

Transurethral resection

A procedure that removes a portion of the prostate gland using an instrument passed through the urethra.

Recombinant DNA

The process of taking a gene from one organism and inserting it into the DNA of another organism.

Polymerase chain reaction

A method used to produce multiple copies of a single gene.

Ptosis

Drooping, falling, or prolapse of a body part.

Cystocele

A hernia of the urinary bladder.

Rectocele

A hernia of the rectum.

Symphysis

Refers to a joint where two bones are connected by cartilage.

Contralateral

Refers to the opposite side.

Sublingual

Pertaining to the area under the tongue.

Abductor

A muscle that moves a body part away from the midline.

Dia-

A prefix meaning through or complete.

Brady-

A prefix meaning slow.

Tachy-

A prefix meaning fast (as in tachycardia).

Anti-/Ante-

Prefixes meaning against or before.

Ana-

A prefix meaning up.

Con-

A prefix meaning with or together.

Ad-

A prefix meaning towards.

Epi-

A prefix meaning above.

Hypo-

A prefix meaning below or deficient.

Poly-

A prefix meaning many.

Meta-

A prefix meaning beyond or change.

Para-

A prefix meaning abnormal or near.

Cata-

A prefix meaning down.

Neo-

A prefix meaning new.

Eu-

A prefix meaning good or normal.

Somno-

A prefix meaning sleep.

-therapy

A suffix meaning treatment.

-stomy

A suffix meaning opening to form a mouth.

-genesis

A suffix meaning condition of or producing.

-lysis

A suffix meaning breakdown, destruction, or separation.

-penia

A suffix meaning deficiency.

-malacia

A suffix meaning softening.

-phobia

A suffix meaning fear.

-sclerosis

A suffix meaning hardening.

-drome

A suffix meaning running.

-fusion

A suffix meaning coming together.

-partum

A suffix meaning birth or labor.

-stasis

A suffix meaning stopping or controlling.

-ectomy

A suffix meaning excision or removal.

-tomy

A suffix meaning incision.

-ule

A suffix meaning small or like.

Phago-

A combining form meaning to eat.

Carp/o-

A combining form referring to wrist bones.

Metamorphosis

A biological process of change in form or shape.

Hypertrophy

The condition of excessive growth.

Antigen

A foreign substance that stimulates the production of antibodies.