fatass word list

Adenoma: A benign tumor of glandular tissue

  • Prefix: Aden- – gland

  • Suffix: -oma – tumor

Gastrectomy: Surgical removal of part or all of the stomach

  • Prefix: Gastr- – stomach

  • Suffix: -ectomy – surgical removal

Nephrectomy: Surgical removal of a kidney

  • Prefix: Nephr- – kidney

  • Suffix: -ectomy – surgical removal

Arthralgia: Joint pain

  • Prefix: Arthr- – joint

  • Suffix: -algia – pain

Gastroenterology: Study of the stomach and intestines

  • Prefix: Gastro- – stomach

  • Suffix: -enterology – study of the intestines

Neuralgia: Nerve pain

  • Prefix: Neur- – nerve

  • Suffix: -algia – pain

Biopsy: Removal of tissue for diagnostic examination

  • Prefix: Bio- – life

  • Suffix: -opsy – to view

Gastrotomy: Surgical incision into the stomach

  • Prefix: Gastr- – stomach

  • Suffix: -tomy – incision

Oncology: Study of tumors (especially cancer)

  • Prefix: Onco- – tumor

  • Suffix: -logy – study of

Cephalic: Pertaining to the head

  • Prefix: Cephal- – head

  • Suffix: -ic – pertaining to

Gynecology: Study of female reproductive organs

  • Prefix: Gynec- – woman/female

  • Suffix: -logy – study of

Ophthalmoscope: Instrument for examining the eye

  • Prefix: Ophthalm- – eye

  • Suffix: -scope – instrument for viewing

Cerebral: Pertaining to the brain

  • Prefix: Cerebr- – brain

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Hematology: Study of blood

  • Prefix: Hemat- – blood

  • Suffix: -logy – study of

Pathogenic: Causing disease

  • Prefix: Patho- – disease

  • Suffix: -genic – producing

Cystoscopy: Visual examination of the bladder

  • Prefix: Cysto- – bladder

  • Suffix: -scopy – visual examination

Hematoma: Localized collection of blood outside vessels

  • Prefix: Hemat- – blood

  • Suffix: -oma – mass or tumor

Pathologist: Specialist in the study of disease

  • Prefix: Patho- – disease

  • Suffix: -logist – one who studies

Cytology: Study of cells

  • Prefix: Cyto- – cell

  • Suffix: -logy – study of

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver

  • Prefix: Hepat- – liver

  • Suffix: -itis – inflammation

Pericardium: Membrane surrounding the heart

  • Prefix: Peri- – around

  • Root: Cardi- – heart

  • Suffix: -um – structure

Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin

  • Prefix: Dermat- – skin

  • Suffix: -itis – inflammation

Hypogastric: Below the stomach

  • Prefix: Hypo- – below

  • Root: Gastr- – stomach

  • Suffix: -ic – pertaining to

Prognosis: Prediction of the course of a disease

  • Prefix: Pro- – before

  • Root: -gnosis – knowledge

Diagnosis: Identification of a disease

  • Prefix: Dia- – through

  • Root: -gnosis – knowledge

Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar

  • Prefix: Hypo- – low

  • Root: Glyc- – sugar

  • Suffix: -emia – blood condition

Psychology: Study of the mind

  • Prefix: Psycho- – mind

  • Suffix: -logy – study of

Electroencephalogram: Recording of brain's electrical activity

  • Prefix: Electro- – electricity

  • Root: Encephalo- – brain

  • Suffix: -gram – record

Incision: A surgical cut

  • Prefix: In- – into

  • Suffix: -cision – cutting

Radiology: Study of X-rays and imaging

  • Prefix: Radio- – radiation

  • Suffix: -logy – study of

Epigastric: Above the stomach

  • Prefix: Epi- – upon/above

  • Root: Gastr- – stomach

  • Suffix: -ic – pertaining to

Iatrogenic: Induced by medical treatment

  • Prefix: Iatro- – physician

  • Suffix: -genic – produced by

Retrocardiac: Behind the heart

  • Prefix: Retro- – behind

  • Root: Cardi- – heart

  • Suffix: -ac – pertaining to

Erythrocyte: Red blood cell

  • Prefix: Erythro- – red

  • Suffix: -cyte – cell

Leukocyte: White blood cell

  • Prefix: Leuko- – white

  • Suffix: -cyte – cell

Rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal passages

  • Prefix: Rhin- – nose

  • Suffix: -itis – inflammation

Excision: Removal by cutting out

  • Prefix: Ex- – out

  • Suffix: -cision – cutting

Leukemia: Cancer of white blood cells

  • Prefix: Leuk- – white

  • Suffix: -emia – blood condition

Thrombocyte: Blood clotting cell (platelet)

  • Prefix: Thrombo- – clot

  • Suffix: -cyte – cell


Mod 2

Adipose: Relating to fat

  • Prefix: Adip- – fat

  • Suffix: -ose – pertaining to

Dorsal: Pertaining to the back

  • Prefix: Dors- – back

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Anabolism: Constructive metabolism

  • Prefix: Ana- – up

  • Suffix: -bolism – metabolism/process

Histology: Study of tissues

  • Prefix: Histo- – tissue

  • Suffix: -logy – study of

Anterior: Front side of the body

  • Prefix: Anter- – front

  • Suffix: -ior – pertaining to

Inferior: Below or lower

  • Prefix: Infer- – below

  • Suffix: -ior – pertaining to

Metabolism: The body's chemical processes

  • Prefix: Meta- – change

  • Suffix: -bolism – metabolism/process

Posterior: Back side of the body

  • Prefix: Poster- – back

  • Suffix: -ior – pertaining to

Prone: Lying face down

  • (No prefix/suffix breakdown – root word)

Body Cavities: Spaces in the body that house organs

  • (Descriptive phrase – not a compound word)

Inguinal: Pertaining to the groin

  • Prefix: Inguin- – groin

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Proximal: Closer to the point of origin

  • Prefix: Proxim- – nearest

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Catabolism: Breakdown of complex substances

  • Prefix: Cata- – down

  • Suffix: -bolism – metabolism/process

Intervertebral: Between the vertebrae

  • Prefix: Inter- – between

  • Root: Vertebr- – spine

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Cytoplasm: Cell substance between the nucleus and membrane

  • Prefix: Cyto- – cell

  • Suffix: -plasm – formed substance

Karyotype: Chromosomal composition of a cell

  • Prefix: Karyo- – nucleus

  • Suffix: -type – classification

Supine: Lying on the back

Craniotomy: Surgical opening of the skull

  • Prefix: Cranio- – skull

  • Suffix: -tomy – incision

Larynx: Voice box

Superior: Above or higher

  • Prefix: Super- – above

  • Suffix: -ior – pertaining to

Lateral: Pertaining to the side

  • Prefix: Later- – side

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Ventral: Pertaining to the belly/front

  • Prefix: Ventr- – belly/front

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Distal: Farther from the point of origin

  • Prefix: Dist- – distant

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Mediastinum: Central compartment of the thoracic cavity

  • Prefix: Media- – middle

  • Suffix: -stinum – partition

Visceral: Pertaining to the internal organs

  • Prefix: Viscer- – internal organs

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Acromegaly: Enlargement of extremities due to hormone overproduction

  • Prefix: Acro- – extremities

  • Suffix: -megaly – enlargement

Anemia: Deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin

  • Prefix: An- – without

  • Suffix: -emia – blood condition

Angioplasty: Surgical repair or unblocking of a blood vessel

  • Prefix: Angio- – vessel

  • Suffix: -plasty – surgical repair

Angiography: Imaging of blood vessels

  • Prefix: Angio- – vessel

  • Suffix: -graphy – process of recording

Arteriole: Small branch of an artery

  • Prefix: Arteri- – artery

  • Suffix: -ole – small

Chronic: Long-lasting or recurrent condition

  • Prefix: Chron- – time

  • Suffix: -ic – pertaining to

Hemolysis: Destruction of red blood cells

  • Prefix: Hemo- – blood

  • Suffix: -lysis – breakdown

Hemostasis: Stoppage of bleeding

  • Prefix: Hemo- – blood

  • Suffix: -stasis – stopping/control

Hypertrophy: Increase in size of an organ or tissue

  • Prefix: Hyper- – excessive

  • Suffix: -trophy – growth/development

Ischemia: Reduced blood flow

  • Prefix: Isch- – to hold back

  • Suffix: -emia – blood condition

Myeloma: Tumor of the bone marrow

  • Prefix: Myel- – bone marrow

  • Suffix: -oma – tumor

Necrosis: Death of body tissue

  • Prefix: Necr- – death

  • Suffix: -osis – condition

Nephrologist: Kidney specialist

  • Prefix: Nephr- – kidney

  • Suffix: -logist – specialist

Neuralgia: Nerve pain

  • Prefix: Neur- – nerve

  • Suffix: -algia – pain

Osteomalacia: Softening of bones

  • Prefix: Osteo- – bone

  • Suffix: -malacia – softening

Abductor: Muscle that moves a limb away from the body

  • Prefix: Ab- – away from

  • Suffix: -ductor – one who leads

Dysplasia: Abnormal growth or development

  • Prefix: Dys- – bad/difficult

  • Suffix: -plasia – formation/growth

Percutaneous: Through the skin

  • Prefix: Per- – through

  • Root: Cutane- – skin

  • Suffix: -ous – pertaining to

Adductor: Muscle that moves a limb toward the body

  • Prefix: Ad- – toward

  • Suffix: -ductor – one who leads

Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing

  • Prefix: Dys- – difficult

  • Suffix: -pnea – breathing

Prolapse: Drooping or falling of an organ

  • Prefix: Pro- – forward

  • Suffix: -lapse – to fall

Apnea: Absence of breathing

  • Prefix: A- – without

  • Suffix: -pnea – breathing

Endocardium: Inner lining of the heart

  • Prefix: Endo- – inside

  • Root: Cardi- – heart

  • Suffix: -um – structure

Relapse: Return of a disease or symptoms

  • Prefix: Re- – again

  • Suffix: -lapse – to fall/slip

Benign: Non-cancerous and not harmful

  • (No prefix/suffix breakdown – descriptive term)

Epithelium: Layer of cells covering surfaces

  • Prefix: Epi- – upon

  • Root: Theli- – nipple or surface

  • Suffix: -um – structure

Remission: Disappearance of symptoms

  • Prefix: Re- – again/back

  • Suffix: -mission – send

Bifurcation: Division into two branches

  • Prefix: Bi- – two

  • Root: Furc- – fork

  • Suffix: -ation – process

Hyperplasia: Increased cell production

  • Prefix: Hyper- – excessive

  • Suffix: -plasia – growth/formation

Retroperitoneal: Behind the peritoneum (abdominal lining)

  • Prefix: Retro- – behind

  • Root: Peritone- – peritoneum

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Bilateral: Affecting both sides

  • Prefix: Bi- – two

  • Root: Later- – side

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Infracostal: Below the ribs

  • Prefix: Infra- – below

  • Root: Cost- – rib

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Subcutaneous: Under the skin

  • Prefix: Sub- – under

  • Root: Cutane- – skin

  • Suffix: -ous – pertaining to

Bradycardia: Abnormally slow heartbeat

  • Prefix: Brady- – slow

  • Root: Cardi- – heart

  • Suffix: -ia – condition

Malaise: General feeling of discomfort

  • (No prefix/suffix – French origin word)

Symbiosis: Living together of two different organisms

  • Prefix: Sym- – together

  • Suffix: -biosis – life condition

Congenital anomaly: An irregularity present at birth

  • Prefix: Con- – with/together

  • Root: Gen- – birth/origin

  • Suffix: -ital – pertaining to

Intercostal: Between the ribs

  • Prefix: Inter- – between

  • Root: Cost- – rib

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Symmetry: Equal arrangement

  • Prefix: Sym- – together

  • Suffix: -metry – measurement

Contraindication: A reason not to take a treatment

  • Prefix: Contra- – against

  • Suffix: -indication – sign or reason

Metamorphosis: Transformation

  • Prefix: Meta- – change

  • Root: Morph- – form

  • Suffix: -osis – process

Symphysis: Joint in which bones grow together

  • Prefix: Sym- – together

  • Suffix: -physis – growth

Contralateral: On the opposite side

  • Prefix: Contra- – opposite

  • Root: Later- – side

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Neonatal: Newborn period

  • Prefix: Neo- – new

  • Root: Nat- – birth

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Tachypnea: Rapid breathing

  • Prefix: Tachy- – fast

  • Suffix: -pnea – breathing

Dehydration: Excessive loss of water

  • Prefix: De- – removal

  • Root: Hydr- – water

  • Suffix: -ation – process

Neoplasm: New growth or tumor

  • Prefix: Neo- – new

  • Suffix: -plasm – growth

Unilateral: One-sided

  • Prefix: Uni- – one

  • Root: Later- – side

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Abdominoplasty: Surgical repair of the abdominal wall

  • Prefix: Abdomino- – abdomen

  • Suffix: -plasty – surgical repair

Celiac: Pertaining to the abdomen

  • Root: Celi- – abdomen

  • Suffix: -ac – pertaining to

Colostomy: Surgical opening into the colon

  • Prefix: Colo- – colon

  • Suffix: -stomy – surgical opening

Anorexia: Lack or loss of appetite

  • Prefix: An- – without

  • Root: -orexia – appetite

Cholangiography: Imaging of the bile ducts

  • Prefix: Cholangio- – bile ducts

  • Suffix: -graphy – process of recording

Crohn Disease: Chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract

  • (Eponym – no prefix/suffix breakdown)

Appendectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix

  • Root: Append- – appendix

  • Suffix: -ectomy – removal

Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder

  • Prefix: Chole- – bile

  • Root: Cyst- – bladder

  • Suffix: -ectomy – removal

Duodenum: First part of the small intestine

  • (Anatomical term – no breakdown required)

Appendix: A small structure attached to the cecum

  • (Anatomical term – Latin origin)

Choledochotomy: Incision into the common bile duct

  • Prefix: Choledocho- – common bile duct

  • Suffix: -tomy – incision

Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity

  • (No prefix/suffix – Greek origin)

Cholelithiasis: Gallstones

  • Prefix: Chole- – bile

  • Root: -lith – stone

  • Suffix: -iasis – condition

Dyspepsia: Indigestion

  • Prefix: Dys- – bad/difficult

  • Root: -pepsia – digestion

Atresia: Absence or closure of a normal opening

  • Prefix: A- – without

  • Root: -tresia – opening

Cholestasis: Stoppage of bile flow

  • Prefix: Chole- – bile

  • Suffix: -stasis – stopping

Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing

  • Prefix: Dys- – difficult

  • Suffix: -phagia – swallowing

Bile: Digestive fluid from the liver

  • (Basic term – no prefix/suffix)

Cirrhosis: Chronic liver disease with scarring

  • (No prefix/suffix – Greek origin)

Emulsification: Breakdown of fat

  • Root: Emuls- – to suspend in liquid

  • Suffix: -ification – process of making

Etiology: Study of causes (of disease)

  • Prefix: Etio- – cause

  • Suffix: -logy – study of

Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin due to bilirubin

  • (Descriptive term – French origin)

Postprandial: After a meal

  • Prefix: Post- – after

  • Root: Prandial – meal

Flatus: Gas expelled from the anus

  • (Basic term – Latin origin)

Lower GI Series: X-ray of the lower gastrointestinal tract

  • (Descriptive phrase – no breakdown needed)

Pyloric Sphincter: Muscle between stomach and small intestine

  • (Anatomical term – no breakdown needed)

Gastrorrhagia: Stomach bleeding

  • Prefix: Gastro- – stomach

  • Suffix: -rrhagia – excessive flow/bleeding

Mastication: Chewing

  • (Root term – Latin origin)

Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mouth

  • Root: Stomat- – mouth

  • Suffix: -itis – inflammation

Hematemesis: Vomiting of blood

  • Prefix: Hemat- – blood

  • Suffix: -emesis – vomiting

Nasogastric Intubation: Insertion of a tube through nose into stomach

  • Prefix: Naso- – nose

  • Root: Gastr- – stomach

  • Suffix: -ic – pertaining to

Stool Guaiac: Test for blood in stool

  • (Descriptive phrase – stool = feces, Guaiac = test reagent)

Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood

  • Prefix: Hemo- – blood

  • Suffix: -ptysis – spitting

Palatoplasty: Surgical repair of the palate

  • Root: Palato- – palate

  • Suffix: -plasty – surgical repair

Sublingual: Under the tongue

  • Prefix: Sub- – under

  • Root: Lingu- – tongue

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Hepatomegaly: Enlarged liver

  • Prefix: Hepato- – liver

  • Suffix: -megaly – enlargement

Paracentesis: Removal of fluid from a body cavity

  • Prefix: Para- – beside

  • Suffix: -centesis – surgical puncture

Villi: Finger-like projections in the small intestine

  • (Anatomical term – Latin origin)

Herniorraphy: Surgical repair of a hernia

  • Root: Hernio- – hernia

  • Suffix: -rrhaphy – suture

Parenteral: Administered outside the digestive tract

  • Prefix: Par- – beside

  • Root: Enter- – intestine

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Upper GI Series: X-ray of upper gastrointestinal tract

  • (Descriptive phrase – no breakdown needed)

Hiatal Hernia: Stomach protrudes through diaphragm

  • (Descriptive term – no breakdown needed)

Peristalsis: Wave-like muscle contractions of digestive tract

  • Prefix: Peri- – around

  • Root: Stalsis – contraction

Volvulus: Twisting of the intestine

  • (Descriptive term – Latin origin)

Hypoglossal: Under the tongue (cranial nerve)

  • Prefix: Hypo- – below

  • Root: Gloss- – tongue

  • Suffix: -al – pertaining to

Pharyngeal: Pertaining to the pharynx (throat)

  • Root: Pharyng- – pharynx

  • Suffix: -eal – pertaining to

Idiopathic: Of unknown cause

  • Prefix: Idio- – unknown/self

  • Suffix: -pathic – disease-related

Polyphagia: Excessive eating

  • Prefix: Poly- – many

  • Suffix: -phagia – eating

lbuminuria: Albumin in the urine

  • Root: Albumin- – albumin (protein)

  • Suffix: -uria – urine condition

Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of kidney glomeruli

  • Root: Glomerulo- – glomerulus

  • Root: Nephr- – kidney

  • Suffix: -itis – inflammation

Renal Calculi: Kidney stones

  • Root: Renal – kidney

  • Root: Calculi – stones

Anuria: Absence of urine

  • Prefix: An- – without

  • Suffix: -uria – urine condition

Glycosuria: Sugar in the urine

  • Root: Glycos- – sugar

  • Suffix: -uria – urine condition

Renal Tubules: Small tubes in the kidneys

  • Root: Renal – kidney

  • Root: Tubules – small tubes

Bacteriuria: Bacteria in the urine

  • Root: Bacteri- – bacteria

  • Suffix: -uria – urine condition

Glomerulus: Network of capillaries in kidney

  • (Anatomical term – Latin origin)

Retrograde Pyelogram: X-ray of kidney via backward dye flow

  • Prefix: Retro- – backward

  • Root: Pyelo- – renal pelvis

  • Suffix: -gram – record

Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder

  • Root: Cyst- – bladder

  • Suffix: -itis – inflammation

Hematuria: Blood in the urine

  • Prefix: Hemat- – blood

  • Suffix: -uria – urine condition

Trigone: Triangular area of the bladder

  • (Anatomical term – Greek origin)

Diabetes Mellitus: Metabolic disorder with high blood sugar

  • (Latin/Greek descriptive term – no breakdown)

Hemodialysis: Filtering of blood through a machine

  • Prefix: Hemo- – blood

  • Suffix: -dialysis – separation

Urea: Waste product formed in liver

  • (Basic chemical term)

Diabetes Insipidus: Condition with dilute urine

  • (Latin/Greek descriptive term – no breakdown)

Hydronephrosis: Swelling of kidney due to fluid

  • Prefix: Hydro- – water

  • Root: Nephr- – kidney

  • Suffix: -osis – condition

Uremia: Urea in the blood

  • Root: Ur- – urine

  • Suffix: -emia – blood condition

Dialysis: Removal of waste from blood

  • Prefix: Dia- – through

  • Suffix: -lysis – separation

Nocturia: Excessive urination at night

  • Prefix: Noct- – night

  • Suffix: -uria – urine condition

Ureter: Tube from kidney to bladder

  • (Anatomical term – Greek origin)

Diuresis: Increased urine production

  • Prefix: Di- – through

  • Root: Ur- – urine

  • Suffix: -esis – condition

Oliguria: Low urine output

  • Prefix: Olig- – few/little

  • Suffix: -uria – urine condition

Urethra: Tube from bladder to outside

  • (Anatomical term – Greek origin)

Dysuria: Painful urination

  • Prefix: Dys- – difficult

  • Suffix: -uria – urine condition

Polydipsia: Excessive thirst

  • Prefix: Poly- – many/excessive

  • Suffix: -dipsia – thirst

Urinalysis: Examination of urine

  • Root: Ur- – urine

  • Suffix: -analysis – examination

Edema: Swelling caused by fluid retention

  • (Descriptive term – Greek origin)

Polyuria: Excessive urination

  • Prefix: Poly- – many/excessive

  • Suffix: -uria – urine condition

Urinary Incontinence: Inability to control urination

  • (Descriptive phrase – "incontinence" means lack of control)

Enuresis: Involuntary urination

  • (Greek origin – no prefix/suffix breakdown)

Pyuria: Pus in the urine

  • Prefix: Py- – pus

  • Suffix: -uria – urine condition

Amenorrhea: absence of menstruation

  • a-: without

  • -rrhea: flow, discharge

Amniocentesis: surgical puncture of the amniotic sac

  • amnio-: amnion (sac surrounding embryo)

  • -centesis: surgical puncture to remove fluid

Apgar: test to evaluate newborn health
(Proper noun; not broken into prefix/suffix)

Corpus Luteum: hormone-secreting body in the ovary

  • corpus: body

  • luteum: yellow

Dysmenorrhea: painful menstruation

  • dys-: painful, difficult

  • men/o: menstruation

  • -rrhea: flow

Ectopic Pregnancy: pregnancy outside the uterus

  • ec- / ecto-: outside

  • -ic: pertaining to

Embryo: early stage of development
(Root word; no prefix/suffix)

Endometriosis: abnormal growth of uterine tissue outside uterus

  • endo-: within

  • metri/o: uterus

  • -osis: condition

Episiotomy: incision into the vulva

  • episi/o: vulva

  • -tomy: incision

Fibrocystic Breast Disease: benign lumps in breast

  • fibr/o: fibrous tissue

  • cystic: pertaining to cysts

Fibroids: benign tumors of the uterus

  • fibr/o: fibrous tissue

  • -oid: resembling

Gestation: period of pregnancy

  • gest-: carry

  • -ation: process

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): hormone of pregnancy
(Abbreviation; no breakdown needed)

Hydrocephalus: fluid in the brain

  • hydr/o: water

  • cephalus: head

Hysterectomy: removal of the uterus

  • hyster/o: uterus

  • -ectomy: removal

Lactation: production of milk

  • lact/o: milk

  • -ation: process

Laparoscope: instrument to view abdominal cavity

  • lapar/o: abdomen

  • -scope: instrument to view

Mammoplasty: surgical repair of the breast

  • mamm/o: breast

  • -plasty: surgical repair

Mastitis: inflammation of the breast

  • mast/o: breast

  • -itis: inflammation

Menarche: first menstrual period

  • men/o: menstruation

  • -arche: beginning

Menorrhagia: excessive menstrual bleeding

  • men/o: menstruation

  • -rrhagia: excessive flow

Metrorrhagia: bleeding from the uterus at times other than menstruation

  • metr/o: uterus

  • -rrhagia: bursting forth

Multipara: woman who has given birth more than once

  • multi-: many

  • -para: to bear (offspring)

Neonatal: pertaining to the newborn

  • neo-: new

  • nat/o: birth

  • -al: pertaining to

Oligomenorrhea: infrequent menstruation

  • oligo-: scanty

  • men/o: menstruation

  • -rrhea: flow

Ovarian Follicles: structures in the ovaries containing eggs

  • ovari/o: ovary

  • follicle: small sac

Pap Smear: test for cervical cancer
(Proper name; no prefix/suffix breakdown)

Parturition: act of giving birth

  • part-: labor

  • -urition: process

Primigravida: woman pregnant for the first time

  • primi-: first

  • -gravida: pregnancy

Placenta: organ that nourishes the fetus
(Root word; no breakdown)

Retroversion: tipping backward of an organ (e.g., uterus)

  • retro-: backward

  • -version: turning

Placenta Previa: placenta blocks the cervical opening

  • pre-: before

  • via: way/path

Preeclampsia: pregnancy disorder with high blood pressure

  • pre-: before

  • eclampsia: convulsions (from Greek)

Androgen: male hormone

  • andr/o: male

  • -gen: producing

Prostatitis: inflammation of the prostate

  • prostat/o: prostate

  • -itis: inflammation

Azoospermia: absence of sperm

  • a-: without

  • zo/o: life

  • spermia: sperm

Prostate Specific Antigen: protein marker for prostate health
(Phrase; not broken down into roots)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: non-cancerous enlargement of prostate

  • benign: not malignant

  • prostat/o: prostate

  • -ic: pertaining to

  • hyper-: excessive

  • -plasia: growth

Purulent: containing pus

  • pur-: pus

  • -ulent: full of

Carcinoma of the Prostate: cancer of prostate gland

  • carcin/o: cancer

  • -oma: tumor

Seminiferous Tubules: sperm-producing tubes in testes

  • semin/o: semen

  • -ferous: bearing

Chancre: ulcer from syphilis
(Root word; no breakdown)

Seminoma: tumor of the testis

  • semin/o: semen

  • -oma: tumor

Cryptorchism: undescended testicle

  • crypt-: hidden

  • orch/o: testis

  • -ism: condition

Spermatogenesis: formation of sperm

  • spermat/o: sperm

  • -genesis: creation

Epididymis: structure atop testis where sperm mature

Spermolytic: destroying sperm

  • sperm/o: sperm

  • -lytic: destruction

Orchiopexy: surgical fixation of testicle

  • orchi/o: testis

  • -pexy: fixation

Testosterone: male hormone

Perineum: area between anus and genitalia

Vas deferens: tube that carries sperm

  • vas: vessel

  • deferens: carrying away

Prepuce: foreskin

Vasectomy: removal of part of vas deferens

  • vas/o: vessel

  • -ectomy: remova

Analgesia: absence of pain

  • an-: without

  • -algesia: sensitivity to pain

Epidural: above or outside the dura mater (outermost meningeal layer)

  • epi-: upon, above

  • -dural: pertaining to dura mater

Hematoma: collection of blood outside vessels

  • hemat/o: blood

  • -oma: tumor, mass

Neuropathy: disease of nerves

  • neur/o: nerve

  • -pathy: disease

Aneurysm: bulging or ballooning of a blood vessel
(Root word; Greek origin, not broken into prefix/suffix)

Epilepsy: neurological disorder with seizures

  • epi-: upon

  • -lepsy: seizure

Neurotransmitter: chemical messenger between neurons

  • neur/o: nerve

  • trans-: across

  • -mitter: one who sends

Aphasia: loss of ability to speak or understand language

  • a-: without

  • -phasia: speech

Hemiparesis: weakness on one side of the body

  • hemi-: half

  • -paresis: partial paralysis

Paraplegia: paralysis of the lower limbs

  • para-: beside, abnormal

  • -plegia: paralysis

Ataxia: lack of muscle coordination

  • a-: without

  • -taxia: order, coordination

Hemiplegia: complete paralysis on one side of the body

  • hemi-: half

  • -plegia: paralysis

Paresis: partial paralysis or weakness
(Root word; no prefix/suffix breakdown)

Bradykinesia: slow movement

  • brady-: slow

  • -kinesia: movement

Hyperkinesis: excessive movement

  • hyper-: excessive

  • -kinesis: movement

Paresthesia: abnormal sensation (e.g., tingling)

  • para-: abnormal

  • -esthesia: sensation

Causalgia: burning pain

  • caus/o: burn

  • -algia: pain

Meninges: protective membranes around brain and spinal cord
(Root word; plural of “meninx” – no breakdown)

Polyneuritis: inflammation of many nerves

  • poly-: many

  • neur/o: nerve

  • -itis: inflammation

Comatose: in a state of coma

  • coma: deep unconsciousness

  • -ose: pertaining to (or full of)

Meningioma: tumor of the meninges

  • meningi/o: meninges

  • -oma: tumor

Quadriplegia: paralysis of all four limbs

  • quadri-: four

  • -plegia: paralysis

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA): stroke; disruption of blood flow to the brain

  • cerebr/o: brain

  • vascul/o: vessel

  • -ar: pertaining to

Meningitis: inflammation of the meninges

  • mening/o: meninges

  • -itis: inflammation

Spina Bifida: congenital defect where spinal cord doesn't close properly

  • spin/o: spine

  • bifida: split

Myasthenia Gravis: autoimmune disease causing muscle weakness

  • my/o: muscle

  • -asthenia: weakness

  • gravis: severe

Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): procedure to remove spinal fluid
(Common name; no breakdown needed beyond general explanation)

Dementia: loss of intellectual brain function

  • de-: without

  • -mentia: mind

Myoneural: relating to muscles and nerves

  • my/o: muscle

  • neur/o: nerve

  • -al: pertaining to

Dendrite: branching part of a neuron

  • dendr/o: tree

  • -ite: segment or part

Narcolepsy: condition of uncontrolled sleep episodes

  • narc/o: sleep

  • -lepsy: seizure

Synapse: junction between two neurons
(Root word; Greek origin – not broken into prefix/suffix)

Dyslexia: reading disorder

  • dys-: difficult

  • -lexia: reading

Neuralgia: nerve pain

  • neur/o: nerve

  • -algia: pain

Syncope: fainting
(Root word; Greek origin – no affixes to break down)

Embolus: a traveling blood clot or debris

  • embol/o: plug

  • -us: structure

Neurasthenia: nerve weakness

  • neur/o: nerve

  • -asthenia: weakness

Encephalitis: inflammation of the brain

  • encephal/o: brain

  • -itis: inflammation

Neuron: nerve cell

  • neur/o: nerve

  • -on: structure

Angioplasty: surgical repair or unblocking of a blood vessel

  • angi/o: vessel

  • -plasty: surgical repair

Electrocardiography: process of recording electrical activity of the heart

  • electr/o: electricity

  • cardi/o: heart

  • -graphy: process of recording

Petechiae: small pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin
(Root word; no prefix/suffix breakdown)

Arrhythmia: irregular heartbeat

  • a-: without

  • -rrhythmia: rhythm

Endocarditis: inflammation of the inner lining of the heart

  • endo-: within

  • card/i: heart

  • -itis: inflammation

Pulmonary Artery: blood vessel carrying blood from the heart to the lungs

  • pulmon/o: lung

  • -ary: pertaining to

  • artery: blood vessel

Atherosclerosis: hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup

  • ather/o: fatty plaque

  • scler/o: hardening

  • -osis: condition

Endocardium: inner lining of the heart

  • endo-: within

  • cardi/o: heart

  • -um: structure

Septum: wall dividing two cavities
(Root word; Latin origin – no affix breakdown)

Aneurysm: localized dilation of a blood vessel
(Root word; Greek origin – no affix breakdown)

Endothelium: inner lining of blood vessels

  • endo-: within

  • theli/o: nipple (used here for cellular layer)

  • -um: structure

Sinoatrial Node: heart's natural pacemaker

  • sin/o: sinus

  • atri/o: atrium

  • -al: pertaining to

Angiogram: imaging of blood vessels

  • angi/o: vessel

  • -gram: record

Hemorrhoids: swollen veins in the rectum/anus

  • hem/o: blood

  • -rrhoid: resembling flow

Sinus Rhythm: normal heart rhythm originating from the sinoatrial node
(Term of anatomy/function – no affix breakdown)

Auscultation: listening to internal body sounds
(Root word; Latin – auscultare: to listen)

Hypoxia: deficiency of oxygen in tissues

  • hypo-: below

  • -oxia: oxygen

Sphygmomanometer: instrument for measuring blood pressure

  • sphygm/o: pulse

  • man/o: pressure

  • -meter: instrument for measuring

Capillary: smallest blood vessel
(Root word; Latin – capillus: hair)

Ischemia: inadequate blood supply

  • isch/o: to hold back

  • -emia: blood condition

Superior Vena Cava: large vein returning blood to the heart

  • superior: above

  • vena cava: large vein

Cardiomegaly: enlarged heart

  • cardi/o: heart

  • -megaly: enlargement

Myocardial Infarction: heart attack; death of heart muscle

  • my/o: muscle

  • cardi/o: heart

  • -al: pertaining to

  • infarct: area of dead tissue

Systole: phase when the heart contracts
(Root word; Greek origin – sustole: contraction)

Cardiomyopathy: disease of heart muscle

  • cardi/o: heart

  • my/o: muscle

  • -pathy: disease

Myocardium: muscular tissue of the heart

  • my/o: muscle

  • cardi/o: heart

  • -um: structure

Tachycardia: abnormally fast heartbeat

  • tachy-: fast

  • -cardia: heart condition

Coronary Arteries: arteries supplying blood to the heart

  • coron/o: crown or heart

  • -ary: pertaining to

Murmur: abnormal heart sound
(Root word; onomatopoeic origin – no affix breakdown)

Thrombolysis: dissolution of a clot

  • thromb/o: clot

  • -lysis: destruction

Cyanosis: bluish skin color due to lack of oxygen

  • cyan/o: blue

  • -osis: condition

Palpitations: awareness of rapid or irregular heartbeat
(Root word; Latin – palpitare: to flutter)

Thrombophlebitis: inflammation of a vein with clot formation

  • thromb/o: clot

  • phleb/o: vein

  • -itis: inflammation

Diastole: relaxation phase of the heart
(Root word; Greek – diastole: dilation)

Pericarditis: inflammation of the membrane around the heart

  • peri-: around

  • cardi/o: heart

  • -itis: inflammation

Tricuspid Valve: valve between right atrium and ventricle

  • tri-: three

  • -cuspid: point

Echocardiography: ultrasound imaging of the heart

  • echo-: reflected sound

  • cardi/o: heart

  • -graphy: process of recording

Pericardium: sac surrounding the heart

  • peri-: around

  • cardi/o: heart

  • -um: structure

Vegetations: abnormal growths on heart valves
(Root word; used metaphorically – no affix breakdown)


Mod 9: Respiratory System

Alveolus (Alveoli): air sac in the lung
(Root word; Latin – alveus: cavity)

Empyema: pus in a body cavity

  • em-: in

  • py/o: pus

  • -ema: condition

Pleura: membrane surrounding the lungs
(Root word; Greek – pleuron: side)

Apical: pertaining to the apex (top or tip)

  • apic/o: apex

  • -al: pertaining to

Epistaxis: nosebleed

  • epi-: upon

  • -staxis: dripping, oozing

Pneumonectomy: surgical removal of a lung

  • pneumon/o: lung

  • -ectomy: surgical removal

Apnea: absence of breathing

  • a-: without

  • -pnea: breathing

External Respiration: gas exchange between lungs and blood

  • extern-: outside

  • -ation: process

Pneumonia: lung inflammation usually due to infection

  • pneumon/o: lung

  • -ia: condition

Asphyxia: lack of oxygen

  • a-: without

  • -sphyxia: pulse

Hemoptysis: coughing up blood

  • hem/o: blood

  • -ptysis: spitting

Pneumothorax: air in the chest cavity

  • pneum/o: air or lung

  • -thorax: chest

Atelectasis: collapse of lung tissue

  • atel/o: incomplete

  • -ectasis: expansion

Hemothorax: blood in the chest cavity

  • hem/o: blood

  • -thorax: chest

Rales: abnormal lung sounds (crackles)
(Descriptive term; no affix breakdown)

Bronchoscopy: visual examination of bronchi

  • bronch/o: bronchus

  • -scopy: visual examination

Hilum: entrance point of vessels/nerves into organ
(Anatomical term – Latin origin)

Rhinorrhea: nasal discharge

  • rhin/o: nose

  • -rrhea: flow

Bronchioles: small branches of bronchi

  • bronchi/o: bronchus

  • -ole: small

Hyperpnea: increased breathing

  • hyper-: excessive

  • -pnea: breathing

Rhonchi: coarse rattling respiratory sounds
(Descriptive term – Greek origin)

Cor Pulmonale: heart failure due to lung disease

  • cor: heart

  • pulmonale: lungs

Internal Respiration: gas exchange between blood and tissues

  • intern-: within

  • -ation: process

Sputum: mucus from respiratory tract
(Root word – Latin origin)

Diaphragm: muscle separating chest and abdomen
(Root word – Greek: diaphragma)

Lobectomy: removal of a lobe of an organ

  • lob/o: lobe

  • -ectomy: surgical removal

Tachypnea: rapid breathing

  • tachy-: fast

  • -pnea: breathing

Dyspnea: difficulty breathing

  • dys-: difficult

  • -pnea: breathing

Orthopnea: ability to breathe only in upright position

  • orth/o: straight

  • -pnea: breathing

Thoracentesis: surgical puncture of the chest

  • thorac/o: chest

  • -centesis: surgical puncture

Emphysema: lung condition with air trapping and alveolar damage

  • em-: in

  • phys/o: inflate

  • -ema: condition

Paroxysmal: occurring suddenly or episodically

Anisocytosis: Condition of unequal cell sizes

  • prefix: an- = without, not

  • root: iso = equal

  • suffix: -cytosis = condition of cells

Antibody: Protein that neutralizes antigens

  • prefix: anti- = against

  • root: body = body (immunity component)

Antigen: Substance that stimulates immune response

  • prefix: anti- = against

  • root: gen = producing

Aplastic anemia: Failure of bone marrow to produce blood cells

  • prefix: a- = without

  • root: plast = formation

  • suffix: -ic = pertaining to

Dyscrasia: Abnormal condition of the blood

  • prefix: dys- = bad, abnormal

  • root: crasia = mixture (blood condition)

Eosinophil: White blood cell stained by eosin

  • root: eosin = rosy, dawn-colored

  • suffix: -phil = attraction for

Fibrin: Protein forming blood clots

  • root: fibrin = fiber

Hematocrit: Percentage of blood volume from red cells

  • root: hemat = blood

  • suffix: -crit = to separate

Hemoglobin: Oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells

  • root: hemo = blood

  • root: globin = protein

Hemolysis: Breakdown of red blood cells

  • root: hemo = blood

  • suffix: -lysis = breakdown, destruction

Hemophilia: Genetic disorder affecting blood clotting

  • root: hemo = blood

  • suffix: -philia = affinity for (tendency to bleed)

Heparin: Anticoagulant (blood thinner)

  • root: heparin = liver-derived compound

Hypochromic: Lacking color (as in RBCs)

  • prefix: hypo- = low, deficient

  • root: chrom = color

  • suffix: -ic = pertaining to

Leukemia: Cancer of white blood cells

  • root: leuk = white

  • suffix: -emia = blood condition

Leukopenia: Deficiency of white blood cells

  • root: leuko = white

  • suffix: -penia = deficiency

Lymphocyte: White blood cell in the lymphatic system

  • root: lymph = lymph

  • suffix: -cyte = cell

Macrophage: Large phagocytic white blood cell

  • prefix: macro- = large

  • suffix: -phage = eater

Microcytosis: Presence of small red blood cells

  • prefix: micro- = small

  • root: cyt = cell

  • suffix: -osis = condition

Mononucleosis: Disease with many mononuclear leukocytes

  • prefix: mono- = one

  • root: nucle = nucleus

  • suffix: -osis = condition

Myeloblast: Immature bone marrow cell

  • root: myel = bone marrow

  • suffix: -blast = immature cell

Pancytopenia: Deficiency of all blood cells

  • prefix: pan- = all

  • root: cyt = cell

  • suffix: -penia = deficiency

Phagocyte: Cell that engulfs foreign substances

  • root: phag = eat

  • suffix: -cyte = cell

Plasma: Liquid component of blood

  • root: plasma = something formed

Relapse: Return of disease symptoms

  • prefix: re- = again

  • root: lapse = slip or fall

Remission: Lessening or disappearance of symptoms

  • prefix: re- = again

  • root: miss = send

  • suffix: -ion = process

Serum: Plasma without clotting factors

  • root: serum = whey (liquid)

Stem cells: Undifferentiated cells with growth potential

  • root: stem = main part

  • root: cell = basic unit of life


Adaptive immunity: Immunity developed from exposure

  • root: adapt = to adjust

  • suffix: -ive = pertaining to

AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

  • acronym breakdown:

    • Acquired = not inherited

    • Immuno- = immune

    • Deficiency = lack

    • Syndrome = group of symptoms

Allergy: Immune reaction to harmless substance

  • root: all = other

  • suffix: -ergy = work

Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reaction

  • prefix: ana- = up, back

  • root: phylaxis = protection

Cytotoxic T cells: T cells that kill infected cells

  • prefix: cyto- = cell

  • root: toxic = poisonous

Hypersensitivity: Excessive immune response

  • prefix: hyper- = over

  • root: sensitivity = responsiveness

Immunoglobulin: Antibody protein

  • root: immuno- = immune

  • suffix: -globulin = protein

Interferons: Proteins interfering with virus replication

  • prefix: inter- = between

  • root: fer = carry

Interleukins: Proteins mediating immune communication

  • prefix: inter- = between

  • root: leukin = white (WBC related)

Interstitial fluid: Fluid between cells

  • root: inter- = between

  • root: stitial = standing/place

Kaposi Sarcoma: Cancer linked to AIDS

  • proper name: Kaposi

  • root: sarcoma = connective tissue tumor

Lymphadenopathy: Disease of lymph nodes

  • root: lymph = lymph

  • root: aden = gland

  • suffix: -pathy = disease

Lymphoid: Resembling lymph tissue

  • root: lymph = lymph

  • suffix: -oid = resembling

Natural immunity: Immunity present at birth

  • root: natur = birth

  • suffix: -al = pertaining to

Palliative: Relieving symptoms, not curing

  • root: palliat = cloaked, hidden

  • suffix: -ive = pertaining to

Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count

  • root: thrombo = clot

  • root: cyto = cell

  • suffix: -penia = deficiency

Thrombosis: Formation of a blood clot

  • root: thromb = clot

  • suffix: -osis = condition

Toxic: Poisonous

  • root: tox = poison

  • suffix: -ic = pertaining to

T cells: White blood cells that manage immunity

  • letter T = derived from thymus

Thymoma: Tumor of the thymus

  • root: thym = thymus

  • suffix: -oma = tumor

Vaccinations: Administration of antigen to induce immunity

  • root: vaccin = cow (origin, smallpox)

  • suffix: -ation = process

Abduction: Movement away from midline

  • prefix: ab- = away from

  • root: duct = to lead

  • suffix: -ion = action

Adduction: Movement toward midline

  • prefix: ad- = toward

  • root: duct = to lead

  • suffix: -ion = action

Arthrocentesis: Puncture of a joint

  • root: arthro = joint

  • suffix: -centesis = surgical puncture

Arthroscopy: Visual examination of a joint

  • root: arthro = joint

  • suffix: -scopy = visual examination

Articulation: Joint or joining point

  • root: articul = joint

  • suffix: -ation = process

Atrophy: Wasting away of tissue

  • prefix: a- = without

  • root: trophy = nourishment, development

Bursa: Fluid-filled sac to reduce friction

  • root: bursa = purse, sac

Crepitus: Grating sound in joints

  • root: crepit = crackling

Dorsiflexion: Bending foot backward

  • root: dorsi = back

  • root: flex = bend

  • suffix: -ion = action

Epiphysis: End part of a long bone

  • prefix: epi- = on, upon

  • root: physis = growth

Extension: Straightening a limb

  • root: extend = to stretch

  • suffix: -ion = action

Flexion: Bending a limb

  • root: flex = bend

  • suffix: -ion = action

Fractures: Breaks in bones

  • root: fract = break

  • suffix: -ure = process

Kyphosis: Humpback curvature

  • root: kyph = hump

  • suffix: -osis = condition

Laminectomy: Removal of a vertebral lamina

  • root: lamin = lamina

  • suffix: -ectomy = surgical removal

Ligament: Connective tissue binding bones

  • root: lig = to bind

Lordosis: Swayback curvature

  • root: lord = curve

  • suffix: -osis = condition

Muscular dystrophy: Inherited muscle wasting

  • root: muscul = muscle

  • root: dys = abnormal

  • suffix: -trophy = nourishment

Myasthenia gravis: Chronic muscle weakness

  • root: my = muscle

  • root: asthenia = weakness

  • root: gravis = severe

Myositis: Inflammation of muscle

  • root: myos = muscle

  • suffix: -itis = inflammation

Ossification: Bone formation

  • root: oss = bone

  • suffix: -fication = process of making

Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease

  • root: osteo = bone

  • root: arthr = joint

  • suffix: -itis = inflammation

Osteomalacia: Softening of bones

  • root: osteo = bone

  • suffix: -malacia = softening

Osteomyelitis: Infection of bone and marrow

  • root: osteo = bone

  • root: myel = marrow

  • suffix: -itis = inflammation

Osteoporosis: Decrease in bone density

  • root: osteo = bone

  • root: por = passage

  • suffix: -osis = condition

Polymyalgia: Pain in several muscles

  • prefix: poly- = many

  • root: myalgia = muscle pain

Polymyositis: Inflammation of many muscles

  • prefix: poly- = many

  • root: myos = muscle

  • suffix: -itis = inflammation

Pronation: Turning palm downward

  • root: pron = bent forward

  • suffix: -ation = process

Reduction: Realignment of broken bone

  • prefix: re- = again

  • root: duct = lead

  • suffix: -ion = process

Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune joint inflammation

  • root: rheumat = watery flow

  • root: arthr = joint

  • suffix: -itis = inflammation

Rheumatologist: Specialist in joint diseases

  • root: rheumat = flow

  • suffix: -logist = specialist

Scoliosis: Lateral spinal curvature

  • root: scoli = crooked

  • suffix: -osis = condition

Supination: Turning palm upward

  • root: supin = lying backward

  • suffix: -ation = process

Synovial joints: Freely movable joints

  • root: synov = synovial membrane

  • suffix: -ial = pertaining to

Tendon: Connects muscle to bone

  • root: tend = to stretch

"Adipose": Fatty; relating to fat tissue

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -ose = full of, pertaining to

"Albino": A person lacking pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes

  • Prefix: albin- = white

  • Suffix: -o = noun form (often used for a person or thing)

"Alopecia": Absence or loss of hair

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -ia = condition

"Causalgia": Burning pain due to nerve damage

  • Prefix: caus- = burn, heat

  • Suffix: -algia = pain

"Collagen": Fibrous protein in connective tissue

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -gen = producing

"Decubitus Ulcer": Bedsore from prolonged pressure

  • Prefix: de- = down, away

  • Suffix: -itus = condition (inflammation)

"Diaphoresis": Profuse sweating

  • Prefix: dia- = through

  • Suffix: -phoresis = carrying, transmission

"Eczema": Inflammatory skin condition causing itching/redness

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -ema = condition

"Epidermis": Outermost skin layer

  • Prefix: epi- = upon

  • Suffix: -dermis = skin

"Erythema": Redness of the skin

  • Prefix: erythr- = red

  • Suffix: -ema = condition

"Gangrene": Tissue death from lack of blood

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -ene = condition

"Ichthyosis": Skin disorder causing dry, scaly skin

  • Prefix: ichthy- = fish, dry

  • Suffix: -osis = condition

"Impetigo": Contagious bacterial skin infection

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -igo = condition

"Keloid": Overgrowth of scar tissue

  • Prefix: kel- = tumor, swelling

  • Suffix: -oid = resembling

"Keratin": Protein in skin, hair, nails

  • Prefix: kerat- = horny tissue

  • Suffix: -in = substance

"Lipoma": Benign fatty tumor

  • Prefix: lip- = fat

  • Suffix: -oma = tumor

"Melanocyte": Pigment-producing skin cell

  • Prefix: melano- = black/dark

  • Suffix: -cyte = cell

"Melanoma": Malignant tumor of melanocytes

  • Prefix: melano- = black/dark

  • Suffix: -oma = tumor

"Petechia": Small skin or mucosal hemorrhage

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -ia = condition

"Pruritus": Severe itching

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -itus = inflammation, condition

"Psoriasis": Chronic skin disease with itchy, scaly patches

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -iasis = abnormal condition

"Scabies": Contagious skin disease from mites

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -ies = condition

"Squamous Epithelium": Flat, scale-like cells covering surfaces

  • Prefix: squam- = scale

  • Suffix: -ous = pertaining to

"Subcutaneous": Beneath the skin

  • Prefix: sub- = under

  • Suffix: -aneous = pertaining to

"Subungual": Beneath a fingernail or toenail

  • Prefix: sub- = under

  • Suffix: -al = pertaining to

"Urticaria": Hives; itchy wheals on the skin

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -aria = condition

"Vesicle": Small fluid-filled sac

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -cle = small

"Vitiligo": Skin depigmentation disorder

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -igo = condition

"Wheal": Raised red skin lesion due to allergic reaction

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: None

"Xerosis": Abnormal skin dryness

  • Prefix: xero- = dry

  • Suffix: -sis = condition


Mod 13

"Accommodation": Eye adjusting to focus

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -ation = process

"Acoustic": Relating to hearing

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -ic = pertaining to

"Amblyopia": Lazy eye; reduced vision

  • Prefix: ambly- = dull

  • Suffix: -opia = vision condition

"Anisocoria": Unequal pupil sizes

  • Prefix: an- = not, without

  • Root: iso = equal

  • Suffix: -coria = pupil

"Aqueous humor": Watery eye fluid in anterior chamber

  • Prefix: aque- = water

  • Suffix: -ous = pertaining to

"Astigmatism": Blurred vision due to irregular cornea

  • Prefix: a- = without

  • Root: stigma = point

  • Suffix: -ism = condition

"Audiogram": Chart showing hearing test results

  • Prefix: audio- = hearing

  • Suffix: -gram = recording

"Auricle": External part of the ear

  • Prefix: auri- = ear

  • Suffix: -cle = small

"Cataract": Clouding of the eye lens

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -act = process

"Cochlea": Spiral-shaped ear structure for hearing

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -ea = structure

"Conjunctivitis": Inflammation of the eye membrane

  • Prefix: conjunctiv- = conjunctiva

  • Suffix: -itis = inflammation

"Cornea": Transparent front part of the eye

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -ea = tissue

"Diplopia": Double vision

  • Prefix: dipl- = double

  • Suffix: -opia = vision condition

"Glaucoma": Increased eye pressure causing nerve damage

  • Prefix: glauc- = gray

  • Suffix: -oma = condition/tumor

"Hemianopsia": Loss of half of visual field

  • Prefix: hemi- = half

  • Root: an- = without

  • Suffix: -opsia = vision

"Hyperopia": Farsightedness

  • Prefix: hyper- = excessive

  • Suffix: -opia = vision condition

"Lacrimal": Relating to tears

  • Prefix: lacrim- = tears

  • Suffix: -al = pertaining to

"Mastoiditis": Inflammation of the mastoid bone

  • Prefix: mastoid- = mastoid process

  • Suffix: -itis = inflammation

"Miosis": Pupil constriction

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -osis = condition

"Mydriasis": Pupil dilation

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -iasis = condition

"Myopia": Nearsightedness

  • Prefix: my- = shut

  • Suffix: -opia = vision condition

"Nyctalopia": Night blindness

  • Prefix: nyct- = night

  • Suffix: -alopia = blindness

"Otitis Media": Middle ear infection

  • Prefix: ot- = ear

  • Suffix: -itis = inflammation

"Otopyorrhea": Ear discharge containing pus

  • Prefix: oto- = ear

  • Root: pyo- = pus

  • Suffix: -rrhea = flow/discharge

"Otoscopy": Ear examination using a scope

  • Prefix: oto- = ear

  • Suffix: -scopy = visual examination

"Photophobia": Light sensitivity

  • Prefix: photo- = light

  • Suffix: -phobia = fear/sensitivity

"Presbyopia": Age-related vision loss

  • Prefix: presby- = old age

  • Suffix: -opia = vision condition

"Refraction": Bending of light in the eye

  • Prefix: re- = back/again

  • Root: fract- = break/bend

  • Suffix: -ion = process

"Strabismus": Misalignment of the eyes

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -ismus = condition

"Tinnitus": Ringing or buzzing in the ears

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -us = condition

"Tympanoplasty": Surgical repair of the eardrum

  • Prefix: tympano- = eardrum

  • Suffix: -plasty = surgical repair

"Vertigo": Sensation of spinning

  • Prefix: None

  • Suffix: -igo = condition

"Tympanic membrane": Eardrum

  • Prefix: tympan- = eardrum

  • Suffix: -ic = pertaining to

"Adenectomy": Surgical removal of a gland

  • Root: aden- = gland

  • Suffix: -ectomy = removal

"Adrenaline": Hormone from adrenal glands; also known as epinephrine

  • Root: adrenal- = adrenal gland

  • Suffix: -ine = substance

"Adrenalectomy": Surgical removal of adrenal gland

  • Root: adrenal- = adrenal gland

  • Suffix: -ectomy = removal

"Aldosterone": Hormone regulating sodium and water balance

  • Root: ald- = salt

  • Root: -sterone = steroid hormone

"Cortisol": Steroid hormone from adrenal cortex

  • Root: cortis- = cortex

  • Suffix: -ol = alcohol/steroid

"Electrolyte": Substance conducting electricity in solution

  • Root: electro- = electricity

  • Suffix: -lyte = dissolved substance

"Endocrinologist": Specialist in hormone disorders

  • Root: endo- = within

  • Root: crin- = secrete

  • Suffix: -ologist = specialist

"Epinephrine": Another name for adrenaline

  • Prefix: epi- = above

  • Root: nephr- = kidney

  • Suffix: -ine = substance

"Euthyroid": Normal thyroid function

  • Prefix: eu- = good, normal

  • Root: thyroid = thyroid gland

"Exophthalmos": Bulging of the eyes

  • Prefix: exo- = out

  • Root: ophthalm- = eye

  • Suffix: -os = condition

"Glycosuria": Sugar in the urine

  • Root: glycos- = sugar

  • Suffix: -uria = urine condition

"Goiter": Enlargement of the thyroid gland

  • Root: None

  • Suffix: None (from Latin guttur = throat)

"Graves’ Disease": Autoimmune hyperthyroidism

  • Eponym: Named after Robert Graves

"Hirsutism": Excessive body hair

  • Root: hirsut- = hairy

  • Suffix: -ism = condition

"Homeostasis": Maintaining internal balance

  • Prefix: homeo- = same

  • Suffix: -stasis = standing still

"Hormone": Chemical messenger in the body

  • Root: horm- = to excite/stimulate

  • Suffix: -one = hormone/substance

"Hypercalcemia": High calcium in the blood

  • Prefix: hyper- = excessive

  • Root: calc- = calcium

  • Suffix: -emia = blood condition

"Hyperglycemia": High blood sugar

  • Prefix: hyper- = excessive

  • Root: glyc- = sugar

  • Suffix: -emia = blood condition

"Hyperthyroidism": Excessive thyroid activity

  • Prefix: hyper- = excessive

  • Root: thyroid = thyroid gland

  • Suffix: -ism = condition

"Hypocalcemia": Low blood calcium

  • Prefix: hypo- = low

  • Root: calc- = calcium

  • Suffix: -emia = blood condition

"Hypogonadism": Decreased sex gland function

  • Prefix: hypo- = low

  • Root: gonad- = sex gland

  • Suffix: -ism = condition

"Hypoinsulinism": Deficiency of insulin

  • Prefix: hypo- = low

  • Root: insulin = insulin

  • Suffix: -ism = condition

"Hypokalemia": Low blood potassium

  • Prefix: hypo- = low

  • Root: kal- = potassium

  • Suffix: -emia = blood condition

"Hyponatremia": Low sodium in the blood

  • Prefix: hypo- = low

  • Root: natr- = sodium

  • Suffix: -emia = blood condition

"Insulin": Hormone that lowers blood glucose

  • Root: insul- = island (Islets of Langerhans)

  • Suffix: -in = substance

"Oxytocin": Hormone that stimulates uterine contraction and milk ejection

  • Root: oxy- = quick

  • Root: toc- = labor

  • Suffix: -in = substance

"Panhypopituitarism": Deficiency of all pituitary hormones

  • Prefix: pan- = all

  • Root: hypo- = low

  • Root: pituitar = pituitary gland

  • Suffix: -ism = condition

"Parathyroid hormone": Hormone controlling calcium levels

  • Prefix: para- = beside

  • Root: thyroid = thyroid gland

  • Suffix: None (hormone = substance)

"Polydipsia": Excessive thirst

  • Prefix: poly- = many

  • Root: dips- = thirst

  • Suffix: -ia = condition

"Steroid": Lipid hormone structure

  • Root: ster- = solid

  • Suffix: -oid = resembling

"Sympathomimetic": Mimicking the sympathetic nervous system

  • Root: sympatho- = sympathetic

  • Suffix: -mimetic = mimicking

"Target tissue": Tissue affected by a hormone

  • Root: None

  • Suffix: None

"Tetany": Muscle spasms from low calcium

  • Root: None

  • Suffix: -y = condition

"Thyroid gland": Gland regulating metabolism

  • Prefix: thyro- = shield

  • Suffix: -oid = resembling

"Thyrotoxicosis": Toxic condition due to thyroid hormone excess

  • Root: thyro- = thyroid

  • Root: toxic- = poison

  • Suffix: -osis = condition

"Thyroxine": Main thyroid hormone

  • Root: thyro- = thyroid

  • Suffix: -xine = substance


Mod 15 – Radiology/Nuclear Medicine

"Angiogram": X-ray image of blood vessels

  • Root: angio- = vessel

  • Suffix: -gram = record/image

"Anteroposterior": Direction from front to back

  • Prefix: antero- = front

  • Suffix: -posterior = back

"Computed tomography (CT)": X-ray slices compiled by a computer

  • Prefix: None

  • Root: tom- = cut/section

  • Suffix: -graphy = process of recording

"Contrast Studies": Imaging using a contrast medium

  • Root: contrast = difference in density

  • Suffix: studies = procedures

"Echocardiography": Ultrasound imaging of the heart

  • Prefix: echo- = sound

  • Root: cardio- = heart

  • Suffix: -graphy = recording

"Fluoroscopy": Continuous X-ray imaging on a monitor

  • Root: fluoro- = light

  • Suffix: -scopy = viewing

"In vitro": Outside the living body

  • Latin: in = in, vitro = glass

"In vivo": Inside the living body

  • Latin: in = in, vivo = life

"Interventional Radiology": Imaging to guide minimally invasive procedures

  • Prefix: inter- = between

  • Root: vention = come

  • Suffix: -al = pertaining to

"Lateral decubitus": Lying on the side

  • Root: lateral = side

  • decubitus = lying down

"Myelography": Imaging of the spinal cord

  • Root: myelo- = spinal cord

  • Suffix: -graphy = recording process

"Nuclear Medicine": Imaging using radioactive substances

  • Root: nuclear = nucleus (radioactivity)

  • Suffix: medicine = treatment/science

"Oblique": Angled X-ray view

  • Root: None

  • Suffix: None

"Posteroanterior": Direction from back to front

  • Prefix: postero- = back

  • Suffix: anterior = front

"Pyelogram": X-ray of renal pelvis and urinary tract

  • Root: pyelo- = renal pelvis

  • Suffix: -gram = record/image

"Radiolucent": Permitting X-rays to pass through

  • Root: radio- = radiation

  • Suffix: -lucent = clear/light-passing

"Radioopaque": Blocking passage of X-rays

  • Root: radio- = radiation

  • Suffix: -opaque = not transparent

"Radioisotope": Radioactive form of an element

  • Root: radio- = radiation

  • Suffix: -isotope = same place (element type)

"Radiopharmaceutical": Radioactive drug used for imaging

  • Root: radio- = radiation

  • Root: pharmaceutical = drug

"Recumbent": Lying down

  • Root: recumb- = recline

  • Suffix: -ent = performing action

"Scintigraphy": Imaging using a radioactive tracer

  • Root: scinti- = spark

  • Suffix: -graphy = recording

"Sonogram": Image produced by ultrasound

  • Root: sono- = sound

  • Suffix: -gram = record/image

"Tracer Studies": Imaging using a radiolabeled substance

"Tomography": Imaging in slices

  • Root: tomo- = cut

  • Suffix: -graphy = recording

"Ultrasonography": Imaging with high-frequency sound waves

  • Prefix: ultra- = beyond

  • Root: sono- = sound

  • Suffix: -graphy = process of recording