Anatomy and Physiology Prefixes

prefixes important for A&P

Ab

away from (abduction = move away from axis/ midline

Acou

having to do with hearing

Ad

toward (adduction = move toward axis/ midline)

Adip-/ Adipo-/ lip-/ lipo-

pertaining to fat

Alb

appearing white or of the lesser pigment

Ambi

of both sides

An-

without having, not, less

Artho

pertaining to a joint or articulation

Auri

ears

Auto

pertaining to self

Bi

having two, 2

Brachy

something short or fast

Brady

something long or slow

Bucc-/ Bucco

cheek

burs-/ burso- bursa

fluid filled sac at joint/ articulation

Chondrio-/ Chondro

cartilage

Circum

to go around

Contra

against

Costo-/ Costal

ribs

Dia

going through, or completely

Dueodeno

duodenum

Dys

bad or difficult

Ect-/ Ecto

outer, outside

Endo

within, internal

Entero

small intestine

Epi-

over/ covering, upon

Erythro

of or pertaining to red blood cells

Etio

the cause of

Exo

outside, outer

Fibr-/ fibro-

fiber, fiberous

Extra-

outside of, beyond, in a greater amount