Medical Terminology Prefixes and Examples

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering medical prefixes, their meanings, and clinical examples found in the lecture notes.

What is the meaning of the prefixes 'a-' and 'an-'?

Without

Define 'anoxia' as described in the notes.

Absence of oxygen, including environmental lack or inability to breathe such as choking or drowning.

What does the prefix 'ab-' mean, and what is an example?

'ab-' means away from; an example is abduction.

What does the prefix 'ad-' mean, and what is an example?

'ad-' means increase; an example is adduction.

What are the meanings for the prefixes 'ante-', 'pre-', and 'pro-'?

Before

What is the meaning of the prefix 'anti-'?

Against

Define 'apophysis' based on the prefix 'apo-'.

A natural outgrowth or projection, usually a bony outgrowth where muscles or tendons attach.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'auto-'?

Self

What do the prefixes 'bi-' and 'bin-' signify?

'bi-' means two or twice; 'bin-' means double.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'brady-', and what is the definition of 'bradycardia'?

'brady-' means slow; 'bradycardia' is a slower than normal heart rate.

What does the prefix 'cata-' mean, and how is it used in 'catalepsy'?

'cata-' means downwards or down. 'Catalepsy' is a physical condition with rigid muscles and decreased sensitivity to pain, often associated with downward movement.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'con-'?

With or together

What do the prefixes 'diplo-' and 'de-' mean?

'diplo-' means double or in pairs; 'de-' means down or without.

Define the prefix 'dia-' and the process of 'dialysis'.

'dia-' means complete or through. 'Dialysis' is the process of cleansing and separating substances by passing fluid through a specialized membrane.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'dys-', and what is 'dysphagia'?

'dys-' means abnormal or bad. 'Dysphagia' is difficulty or discomfort when swallowing.

What does 'ec-' mean, and what is an 'ectopic' pregnancy?

'ec-' means outside; 'ectopic' means occurring in an abnormal place or position.

What are the meanings of the prefixes 'endo-', 'intra-', and 'juxta-'?

'endo-' and 'intra-' mean within or inside; 'juxta-' means near or beside.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'epi-'?

On or upon

What does the prefix 'eu-' signify?

Normal or good

What do the prefixed 'ex-' and 'extra-' mean?

'ex-' means out or away from; 'extra-' means outside of or beyond.

What is 'extravasation'?

The leakage of fluids, such as intravenous medication, outside of a blood vessel into surrounding tissue.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'hemi-', and what is 'hemiplegia'?

'hemi-' means half or one side; 'hemiplegia' is paralysis affecting only one side of the body.

Distinguish between the prefixes 'hetero-' and 'homo-'.

'hetero-' means different or other, while 'homo-' means the same.

Define 'heterochromia' and 'homozygous'.

'heterochromia' is a condition where body parts usually the same color (e.g., irises) have different colors. 'Homozygous' means having two identical versions of the same gene ($alleles$).

What are the two different meanings for the prefix 'in-'?

It can mean 'location/direction within' (as in inhale) or 'negative/not' (as in incurable).

What do the prefixes 'infra-' and 'sub-' mean?

Beneath, below, or under.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'inter-'?

Between

What do the prefixes 'macro-' and 'mega-' mean?

Large, long, great, or large.

Define 'metastasis' based on the prefix 'meta-'.

The spread of cancer cells from or beyond the original site to another part of the body.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'micro-'?

Small

What do the prefixes 'mono-' and 'uni-' mean?

One or single

What is 'morphology'?

The scientific study of form or structure of things.

What do the prefixes 'multi-' and 'poly-' mean?

Many, multiple, or much.

What does 'neonatal' mean?

The time immediately following birth.

What is a 'nullipara'?

A woman who has never carried a pregnancy past the stage of viability, which is usually $20-28$ weeks.

What do the prefixes 'pachy-' and 'pan-' mean?

'pachy-' means thick or hard; 'pan-' means all or total.

Define 'pancytopenia'.

A condition where there is a low count of all types of blood cells ($red$, $white$, and $platelets$).

What is the meaning of the prefix 'para-'?

Beside or near

What do the prefixes 'per-' and 'peri-' mean?

'per-' means through; 'peri-' means surrounding.

What are the two definitions for 'post-' based on context?

As timing, it means after; as a location of structure, it means behind.

What are the two definitions for 'pre-' based on context?

As timing, it means before; as a location of structure, it means in front.

Define 'prophylactic' and 'pseudocyst'.

A 'prophylactic' is an action or medication used before to prevent disease. A 'pseudocyst' is a fluid-filled sac resembling a true cyst but lacking a cellular lining.

What do the prefixes 'quadric-' and 'tetra-' mean?

Four or having four parts.

What do the prefixes 're-' and 'retro-' mean?

're-' means again or backward; 'retro-' means backward or behind.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'semi-'?

Half or partially

What do the prefixes 'super-' and 'supra-' mean?

'super-' means above or beyond; 'supra-' means above or over.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'sym-'?

Together or joined

What is 'tachycardia'?

An abnormally fast heart rate.

What does the prefix 'trans-' mean, and what is an example?

Across or through; an example is transdermal (absorbed through skin).

What is the meaning of the prefix 'tri-'?

Three

What is the meaning of the prefix 'un-'?

Not or reversal