Procedure to puncture the abdomen and remove fluid.

Pertaining to the abdomen and pelvis.

Action of moving a body part away from the midline of the body.

Muscle that produces abduction.

Action to take away and destroy.

Action to stop prematurely the development of an embryo or fetus

Condition of the skin being scraped off.

Complete or partial separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before the third stage of labor.

Localized, pus-containing pocket under the skin caused by a bacterial infection.

Action in which something is absorbed.

contributing part; supplemental part

Having the function of supplementing or contributing.

A process of having to adapt the lens of the eye. Also a medical procedure to test the flexibility of the lens on near and distance vision.

Pertaining to the acetabulum (hip socket).

Deep socket of the hip joint where the head of the femur joins the ilium.

Neurotransmitter between a nerve and a muscle.

Test for an enzyme from the prostate gland and in semen

During puberty, the sebaceous glands produce large amounts of sebum with papules and pustules on the skin.

Pertaining to hearing and sound.

Condition of the extremities of a newborn being blue.

Enlargement of the extremities. Caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland during adulthood.

Flat projection on the scapula that connects to the clavicle.

Action of moving a body part toward the midline of the body.

Muscle that produces adduction.

Tumor of a gland that is cancerous.

State of growing of a true gland that secretes hormones and is below the hypothalamus. Another name for the anterior pituitary gland.

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Med Term

combining forms, prefix, suffix, and medical words

Question	Answer
a-	away from; without
ab-	away from
abdomin/o-	abdomen
abdominal	Pertaining to the abdomen.
abdominocentesis	Procedure to puncture the abdomen and remove fluid.
abdominopelvic	Pertaining to the abdomen and pelvis.
abduction	Action of moving a body part away from the midline of the body.
abductor	Muscle that produces abduction.
ablat/o-	destroy; take away
ablation	Action to take away and destroy.
-able	able to be
abort/o-	stop prematurely
abortion	Action to stop prematurely the development of an embryo or fetus
abras/o-	scrape off
abrasion	Condition of the skin being scraped off.
abruptio placentae	Complete or partial separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before the third stage of labor.
abscess	Localized, pus-containing pocket under the skin caused by a bacterial infection.
absorpt/o-	absorb; take in
absorption	Action in which something is absorbed.
-ac	pertaining to
access/o-	contributing part; supplemental part
accessory	Having the function of supplementing or contributing.
accommod/o-	adapt
accommodation	A process of having to adapt the lens of the eye. Also a medical procedure to test the flexibility of the lens on near and distance vision.
acetabul/o-	hip socket
acetabular	Pertaining to the acetabulum (hip socket).
acetabulum	Deep socket of the hip joint where the head of the femur joins the ilium.
acetylcholine	Neurotransmitter between a nerve and a muscle.
acid phosphatase	Test for an enzyme from the prostate gland and in semen
acid/o-	acid; low pH
acne vulgaris	During puberty, the sebaceous glands produce large amounts of sebum with papules and pustules on the skin.
acous/o-	hearing; sound
acoustic	Pertaining to hearing and sound.
acr/o-	extremity; highest point
acrocyanosis	Condition of the extremities of a newborn being blue.
acromegaly	Enlargement of the extremities. Caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland during adulthood.
acromion	Flat projection on the scapula that connects to the clavicle.
act/o-	active
actin/o-	rays of the sun
acu/o-	needle; sharpness
acuity	State of sharpness (of vision)
-acusis	abnormal condition of hearing
acute	Sudden and severe.
ad-	toward
-ad	in the direction of; toward
adduction	Action of moving a body part toward the midline of the body.
adductor	Muscle that produces adduction.
-ade	action; process
aden/o-	gland
adenocarcinoma	Tumor of a gland that is cancerous.
adenohypophysis	State of growing of a true gland that secretes hormones and is below the hypothalamus. Another name for the anterior pituitary gland.
adenoid/o-	resembling a gland
adenoidectomy	Surgical removal of the adenoids.
adenoids	Lymph structure that is resembling a gland in the nasopharynx.
adenoma	Tumor or mass in a gland.
adenomata	Plural form of adenoma.
adenomatous	Pertaining to a gland that has a tumor.
adhes/o-	stick to
adhesion	Condition in which fibrous bands form to stick to the abdomen after surgery.
adip/o-	fat
adipocere	Waxy substance that forms on adipose tissue if a body is buried in moist dirt.
adipose	Full of fat (tissue)
adnex/o-	accessory connecting parts
adnexa	Accessory organs (the ovaries and uterine tubes) connected to the main organ (the uterus).
adnexal	Pertaining to accessory connecting parts (the ovary and uterine tube).
adolesc/o-	beginning of being an adult
adolescence	State of the beginning of being an adult and sexually mature. Also known as puberty.
adren/o-	adrenal gland
adrenal	Pertaining to a gland toward the kidney.
adrenal/o-	adrenal gland
adrenalectomy	Surgical removal of the adrenal gland.
adrenogenital	Pertaining to the adrenal gland hormones affecting the genitalia.
affect/o-	have an influence on; mood; state of mind
affective	Pertaining to a state of mind or mood.
affer/o-	toward the center
ag/o-	lead to
-age	collection; group
agglutin/o-	clumping; sticking
agglutination	A process of red blood cells clumping together because of incompatible blood in a blood transfusion.
aggreg/o-	crowding together
aggregation	A process of platelets crowding together and forming clumps.
agranulocyte	Cell without granules in its cytoplasm. This category includes lymphocytes and basophils.
-al	pertaining to
ala	Flared cartilage on the side of each nostril.
alae	Plural form of ala.
albin/o-	white
albinism	Disease from a specific cause of a genetic mutation of melanocytes that makes the skin white.
albumin	Protein molecule in the blood
albumin/o-	albumin
albuminuria	Abnormal condition of albumin in the urine. Also known as proteinuria.
aldosterone	Most abundant and biologically active of the mineralocorticoid hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex. It moves sodium and water from the nephron of the kidney to the blood to increase the blood pressure.
alg/o-	pain
alges/o-	sensation of pain
align/o-	arranged in a straight line
aliment/o-	food; nourishment
alimentary	Pertaining to food and nourishment.
-alis	pertaining to
alkal/o-	base; high pH
alkaline phosphatase	An enzyme in liver cells.
all/o-	other; strange
aller/o-	other work; strange activity
allerg/o-	allergy
allergen	That which produces strange activity in the body.
allergic	Pertaining to strange things like foods, pollen, molds, animal dander, etc. having activity in the body.
allergy	Activity produced in response to strange allergens.
allograft	Tissue (skin) for implant (graft) from another person (cadaver).
alopec/o-	bald
alopecia	Condition of being bald.
alpha fetoprotein	Amniotic fluid test to diagnose neural tube defect
alveol/o-	air sac
alveolar	Pertaining to the alveolus (air sac).
alveoli	Latin plural noun. Singular form is alveolus.
alveolus	Hollow sphere of cells in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.
ambly/o-	dimness
amblyopia	Condition of dimness because of suppression of vision in one eye.
ambulat/o-	walking
ambulatory	Having the function of walking.
amenorrhea	Being without discharge during a monthly menstrual period.
amnes/o-	forgetfulness
amnesia	Partial or total loss of long-term memory.
amni/o-	amnion; membrane around the fetus
amniocentesis	Procedure to puncture the amnion to obtain amniotic fluid.
amnion	Inner layer of cells of the zygote that becomes the membrane around the fetus that produces amniotic fluid.
-amnios	amniotic fluid
amniotic	Pertaining to the amnion.
amniotomy	Process of cutting the amnion fetal membrane to induce labor.
amput/o-	cut off
amputation	Action to surgically cut off part of an extremity.
amputee	Person who is the object of an action to cut off a body part.
amygdal/o-	almond shape
amyl/o-	carbohydrate; starch
amylase	Enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates and starch.
an-	not; without
-an	pertaining to
an/o-	anus
ana-	apart; excessive
anal	Pertaining to the anus.
anaphylaxis	Condition of guarding or protecting excessively against an allergen. Also known as anaphylactic shock.
anastom/o-	create an opening between two structures
anastomosis	Process to create an opening between two structures (such as the intestine).
anatomical	Pertaining to taking the body apart as a cut, slice, or layer.
anatomy	Process of cutting apart the body. The study of the structure of the human body and its parts.
-ance	state of
ancill/o-	accessory; servant
ancillary	Pertaining to an accessory.
-ancy	state of
andr/o-	male
anemia	Condition of the blood of not enough red blood cells.
anemic	Pertaining to a condition of the blood of not enough red blood cells.
anencephaly	Condition of the brain of being without.
anesthesia	Condition of being without sensation or feeling.
anesthetic	Pertaining to being without sensation or feeling.
aneurysm	Area of dilatation and weakness in the wall of an artery.
aneurysm/o-	aneurysm; dilation
aneurysmectomy	Surgical removal of an aneurysm.
angi/o-	blood vessel; lymphatic vessel
angin/o-	angina
anginal	Pertaining to angina.
angiogram	A record or picture (x-ray image) of a blood vessel.
angiography	Process of recording the image of a blood vessel using contrast dye and x-rays.
angioplasty	Process of reshaping of a blood vessel by surgery.
angiotensin	A substance that affects blood vessel pressure.
anhidrosis	Abnormal condition of being without sweat.
anicteric	Pertaining to being without jaundice of the whites of the eyes.
anis/o-	unequal
anisocoria	Condition of unequal sizes of the pupils
ankyl/o-	fused together; stiff
ankylosing	Condition of making bone fused together.
anorexia	Condition of being without an appetite.
anorexic	Pertaining to being without an appetite.
anosmia	Condition of being without the sense of smell.
anovulation	A process of not releasing an ovum.
anoxia	Condition of being without oxygen.
-ant	pertaining to
antagon/o-	oppose; work against
antagonism	Process to oppose or work against.
ante-	before: forward
anteflexion	Condition of the uterus of forward bending.
antepartum	Period of time before childbirth (from the mother's perspective).
anter/o-	before; front part
anterior	Pertaining to the front part.
anterograde	Pertaining to going before.
anthrac/o-	coal
anthracosis	Abnormal condition of the lungs from inhaling coal dust. Also known as coal miner's lung or black lung disease.
anti-	against
antibiotic	Pertaining to against living organisms (such as bacteria).
antibody	An immunoglobulin produced by plasma cells.
antigen	Combination of the word antibody and the suffix -gen (that which produces).
anti-inflammatory	Having the function of being against inflammation.
antiretroviral	Pertaining to against a backward-working (RNA to DNA) virus.
anuria	Condition of being without urine production.
anus	External opening of the rectum.
aort/o-	aorta
aortic	Pertaining to the aorta.
apex	Rounded top of a lung.
aphakia	Condition of being without the lens (surgically removed).
aphasia	State of being without speech.
aphasic	Pertaining to being without speech.
apher/o-	withdrawal
apic/o-	apex; tip
apical	Pertaining to the apex.
aplastic	Pertaining to without growth or formation of red blood cells.
apnea	Not breathing; absence of respirations.
apneic	Pertaining to being without breathing.
aponeurosis	Wide, white fibrous sheet of fibrous connective tissue that attaches a flat muscle to a bone or other structure.
append/o-	appendix; small structure hanging from a larger structure
appendectomy	Surgical removal of the appendix.
appendic/o-	appendix
appendiceal	Pertaining to the appendix.
appendicitis	Inflammation or infection of the appendix.
appendicul/o-	limb; small attached part
appendicular	Pertaining to a limb.
appendix	A small structure (long, thin pouch) hanging from a larger structure (the cecum).
aque/o-	watery substance
-ar	pertaining to
arachn/o-	spider; spider web
arachnoid	Resembling a spider web. Thin, middle layer of the meninges. It has large branching fibers.
-arche	beginning
areol/o-	small, circular area
areola	Pigmented area around the nipple of the breast.
areolae	Latin plural noun. Singular form is areola.
areolar	Pertaining to the areola.
-aris	pertaining to
arrhythmia	Condition of the heart being without a normal rhythm. Also known as a dysrhythmia.
arter/o-	artery
arteri/o-	artery
arterial	Pertaining to an artery.
arteriogram	A record or picture (x-ray image) of an artery.
arteriography	Process of recording an artery using contrast dye and x-rays.
arteriol/o-	arteriole
arteriolar	Pertaining to an arteriole.
arteriole	Small thing that is an artery.
arteriosclerosis	Abnormal condition of the artery with hardness.
arteriosclerotic	Pertaining to the artery being hard (because of plaque).
artery	Blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart; the exception is the pulmonary artery that carries oxygen-poor blood to the lungs.
arthr/o-	joint
arthralgia	Condition of joint pain.
arthritis	Inflammation of the joint(s).
arthrocentesis	Procedure to puncture a joint and remove fluid.
arthrodesis	Procedure to fuse together the bones in an unstable joint.
arthrogram	A record or picture (x-ray image) of a joint.
arthrography	Process of recording the joint using contrast dye and x-rays.
arthropathy	Disease of a joint.
arthroplasty	Process of reshaping by surgery on a joint. Also known as joint replacement surgery.
arthroscope	Instrument used to examine a joint.
arthroscopic	Pertaining to examining the joint with a scope.
arthroscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine a joint.
articul/o-	joint
articular	Pertaining to a joint.
articulation	Being or having a joint.
-ary	pertaining to
asbest/o-	asbestos
asbestosis	Abnormal condition in the lung of inhaling fibers of asbestos.
ascit/o-	ascites
ascites	Accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominopelvic cavity
ascitic	Pertaining to ascites.
-ase	enzyme
aspermia	Condition of being without spermatozoa.
asphyxia	Condition of abnormally high level of carbon dioxide and low level of oxygen because of choking, drowning, or suffocating.
aspir/o-	breathe in; suck in
aspiration	A process of to breathe in or suck into the lungs.
asthen/o-	lack of strength
asthm/o-	asthma
asthma	Hyperreactivity of the bronchi and bronchioles with bronchospasm.
asthmatic	Pertaining to asthma.
astigmatism	Disease from a specific cause of the cornea being without a point of focus. The surface of the cornea is curved more steeply on one side than on the other, so there is no single point of focus.
astr/o-	star-like structure
astrocyte	Cell that is a starlike structure.
astrocytoma	Tumor composed of starlike structure cells.
asymptomatic	Pertaining to being without symptoms.
asystole	Contraction without complete absence of a heartbeat. Also known as cardiac arrest.
ataxia	Condition of being without coordination.
ataxic	Pertaining to ataxia.
-ate	composed of; pertaining to
-ated	composed of; pertaining to a condition
atel/o-	incomplete
atelectasis	Condition of dilation of the alveoli that is incomplete. Also known as collapsed lung.
ather/o-	soft, fatty substance
atheroma	Mass composed of a soft, fatty substance
atheromat/o-	fatty deposit; fatty mass
atheromatous	Pertaining to a soft, fatty deposit inside an artery.
atherosclerosis	Abnormal condition of a soft fatty substance as well as hardness in an artery.
athet/o-	without place; without position
athetoid	Resembling purposeless writhing of the muscles without position or place.
-atic	pertaining to
-ating	pertaining to having
-ation	being; having; process
-ative	pertaining to
atlas	The first cervical vertebra (C1).
-ator	person who does; person who produces; thing that does; thing that produces
-atory	pertaining to
atri/o-	atrium; chamber that is open at the top
atria	Latin plural noun. Singular form is atrium.
atrial	Pertaining to the atrium.
atrioventricular	Pertaining to the atrium and ventricle.
atrium	Upper chamber of the heart
atrophic	Pertaining to muscles being without development.
atrophy	Process of development of loss of muscle bulk.
-ature	system composed of
audi/o-	sense of hearing
audiogram	A record or picture of the results of testing the sense of hearing.
audiologist	One who specializes in the sense of hearing and the study of it.
audiometer	Instrument used to measure the sense of hearing.
audiometry	Process of measuring the sense of hearing.
audit/o-	sense of hearing
auditory	Having the function of the sense of hearing.
augment/o-	increase in degree; increase in size
aur/i-	ear
aura	Visual, olfactory, sensory, or auditory sign (flashing lights, strange odor, tingling, or buzzing sound) before a seizure.
auricle	Small thing (that is the) ear. The visible external ear. Also known as the pinna.
auricul/o-	ear
auricular	Pertaining to the ear.
auscult/o-	listening
auscultation	A process of listening.
aut/o-	self
autograft	Tissue for implant or transplant that is taken from one's own self.
autoimmune	Immune response directed at one's own self.
autologous	Pertaining to self and the study of it.
automatism	Involuntary, automatic, repetitive movements.
autonom/o-	independent; self-governing
autonomic	Pertaining to independent or self-governing.
avascular	Pertaining to without blood vessels and blood to a bone.
avulsion	Condition of the muscle or tendon tearing away from the bone.
axi/o-	axis
axial	Pertaining to the axis around which other parts move.
axill/o-	armpit
axillary	Pertaining to the axilla (armpit).
axis	The second cervical vertebra (C2).
axon	Single, elongated extension of cytoplasm at the end of a neuron.
bacteri/o-	bacteria
bacteriuria	Condition of having bacteria in the urine.
balan/o-	glans penis
balanitis	Inflammation or infection of the glans penis.
bar/o-	weight
barium	Liquid radiopaque contrast used in x-rays
bas/o-	alkaline; base of a structure; basic
basal	Pertaining to the base of a structure.
basophil	Cell with an attraction to a basic alkaline dye. Also known as a baso.
benign	Not cancerous
bi-	two
bi/o-	life; living organism; living tissue
bicuspid	Resembling two projections or points.
bifurcat/o-	divide into two branches
bigeminy	Arrhythmia that is a repeating pattern of one premature contraction followed by one normal contraction of the heart.
bil/i-	bile; gall
bilateral	Pertaining to two sides.
bile	Yellow-green, bitter fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
bili/o-	bile; gall
biliary	Pertaining to bile.
bilirubin	A substance of bile from old red blood cells.
bilirubin/o-	bilirubin
biliverdin	A substance in bile that is green.
bimanual	Pertaining to using two hands to do an examination.
biopsy	Process of removing and then viewing living tissue removed from the body.
bladder	Expandable reservoir for storing urine.
-blast	immature cell
blast/o-	embryonic; immature
blephar/o-	eyelid
blepharitis	Inflammation or infection of the eyelid.
blepharoplasty	Process of reshaping the eyelids by surgery.
blepharoptosis	State of prolapse or drooping of the eyelid.
blister	Repetitive rubbing injury that separates the epidermis from the dermis and causes a fluid-filled sac.
blood	Body system related to hematology.
bony	Pertaining to a bone.
brachi/o-	arm
brachial	Pertaining to the arm.
brachioradialis	Pertaining to a muscle of the arm near the radius (forearm bone).
brachy-	short
brachytherapy	Treatment that uses a source of radiation therapy at a short distance from the tumor.
brady-	slow
bradycardia	Condition of a slow heart rate
bradycardic	Pertaining to a condition of a slow heart rate.
bradykinesia	Condition of slow movement.
bradypnea	Breathing that is slow.
brain	Largest organ of the central nervous system. It is located in the cranial cavity.
brainstem	Most inferior part of the brain that joins with the spinal cord. It is composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
bronch/o-	bronchus
bronchi	Plural form of bronchus.
bronchi/o-	bronchus
bronchial	Pertaining to the bronchus.
bronchiectasis	Condition of dilation of the bronchus.
bronchiol/o-	bronchiole
bronchiolar	Pertaining to the bronchiole.
bronchiole	Small thing that comes from a bronchus.
bronchitis	Inflammation or infection of the bronchus.
bronchogenic	Pertaining to the bronchus and arising from it.
bronchopneumonia	Condition of inflammation or infection of the bronchi and the lung.
bronchopulmonary	Pertaining to the bronchi and lungs.
bronchoscope	Instrument used to examine the bronchus.
bronchoscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine the bronchus.
bronchospasm	Sudden, involuntary muscle contraction around the bronchus.
bronchus	Latin singular noun. Plural form is bronchi.
bruit	Harsh rushing sound made by blood passing through an artery narrowed and roughened by atherosclerosis.
bucc/o-	cheek
buccin/o-	cheek
bulb/o-	bulb-like structure
bulla	Larger blister from a second-degree burn.
bullae	Plural form of bulla.
bunion	Swelling and inflammation at the base of the big toe because of hallux valgus.
bunion/o-	bunion
bunionectomy	Surgical removal of a bunion.
burs/o-	bursa
bursa	Fluid-filled sac of synovial fluid that acts as a cushion to reduce friction where a tendon rubs against a bone in a joint.
bursae	Latin plural noun. Singular form is bursa.
bursal	Pertaining to a bursa.
bursitis	Inflammation or infection of a bursa.
calc/i-	calcium
calc/o-	calcium
calcane/o-	calcaneus; heel bone
calcaneus	Largest of the ankle bones. Also known as the heel bone.
calcific/o-	hard from calcium
calcitonin	Hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. It acts to move calcium from the blood to the bones.
calcium	Test that measures the level of calcium in the blood to check parathyroid gland function.
calcul/o-	stone
calculi	Latin plural noun. Singular form is calculus.
calculogenesis	Process of stones arising from the kidney. Also known as lithogenesis.
calculus	Kidney stone
cali/o-	calyx
caliber	Width of the urinary stream.
calic/o-	calyx
caliceal	Pertaining to a calyx.
calices	Plural form of calyx.
caliectasis	Condition of dilation of the calyx.
callus	Thickened epidermis with a wide, elevated pad because of repetitive rubbing.
cancell/o-	lattice structure
cancellous	Pertaining to a lattice structure.
cancer	General word for any type of cancerous cell or tumor.
cancer/o-	cancer
cancerous	Pertaining to cancer.
candid/o-	Candida; yeast
candidiasis	State of an infection caused by Candida albicans (a yeast) with leukorrhea.
cannula	Tubing with nasal prongs to give a patient oxygen.
capill/o-	capillary; hair-like structure
capillary	Pertaining to a hairlike structure (blood vessel).
capn/o-	carbon dioxide
capsul/o-	capsule; enveloping structure
capsular	Pertaining to a capsule around the lens.
capsule	Enveloping structure
capsulotomy	Process of cutting or making an incision in the capsule (enveloping structure around the lens as part of a cataract removal).
carbon dioxide	Exhaled gas that is a waste produce of cellular metabolism.
carbon monoxide	Gas that is bound to hemoglobin when a person dies in a fire or from inhaling fumes from car exhaust.
carbox/y-	carbon monoxide
carboxyhemoglobin	A substance that carries carbon monoxide in the blood and is shaped like a globe (hemoglobin).
carbuncle	Several large furuncles with connecting subcutaneous channels under the skin.
carcin/o-	cancer
carcinoma	Tumor that is cancer of the epithelial cells
card/i-	heart
card/o-	heart
cardi/o-	heart
cardia	Area of the stomach where the esophagus enters.
cardiac	Pertaining to the heart.
cardiology	The study of the heart and related structures. Medical specialty related to the cardiovascular system.
cardiomegaly	Enlargement of the heart
cardiomyopathy	Disease of the heart muscle
cardiopulmonary	Pertaining to the heart and lungs.
cardiothoracic	Pertaining to the heart and thorax (chest).
cardiovascular	Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
cardioversion	Action done to the heart to turn it away from an arrhythmia.
carot/o-	sleep; stupor
carotid	Resembling stupor or sleep
carp/o-	wrist
carpal	Pertaining to the wrist.
cartilage	Smooth, firm, but flexible connective tissue.
cartilagin/o-	cartilage
cartilaginous	Pertaining to cartilage.
cast	Procedure that uses plaster or fiberglass applied around a fractured bone to immobilize it and leave it to heal.
cataract	Clouding of the lens that obscures vision.
catheter	A flexible tube to drain urine.
catheter/o-	catheter
catheterization	Process of inserting a catheter.
caud/o-	tail bone
cauda equina	Group of nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord that look like the tail of a horse.
caudad	Toward or in the direction of the tail bone.
caus/o-	burning
causalgia	Condition of burning pain along a nerve.
cav/o-	hollow space
cavity	State of having a hollow space.
cec/o-	cecum
cecal	Pertaining to the cecum.
cecum	First part of the large intestine. The appendix is attached to its external wall.
-cele	hernia
celi/o-	abdomen
celiac	Pertaining to the abdomen.
cell	Smallest independently functioning structure in the body.
cellul/o-	cell
cellular	Pertaining to cells.
cellulitis	Inflammation and infection of the cells and tissues.
-centesis	procedure to puncture
cephal/o-	head
cephalad	Toward or in the direction of the head.
cephalalgia	Condition of the head having pain; a headache.
cephalic	Pertaining to the head.
cephalopelvic	Pertaining to the head of the fetus and the pelvis of the mother.
-cephalus	head
-ception	having a receptor
cerclage	Surgical procedure to place sutures around the cervix to prevent premature labor.
-cere	waxy substance
cerebell/o-	cerebellum
cerebellar	Pertaining to the cerebellum.
cerebellum	Small, rounded section that is inferior and posterior to the cerebrum. It receives sensory information about muscle tone and position. It makes adjustments to motor commands to coordinate movement.
cerebr/o-	cerebrum
cerebral	Pertaining to the cerebrum.
cerebrospinal	Pertaining to the cerebrum and spine.
cerebrovascular	Pertaining to the cerebrum and blood vessels.
cerebrum	Largest and most obvious part of the brain.
cerumen	Sticky wax that traps dirt in the external auditory canal.
cervic/o-	cervix; neck
cervical	Pertaining to the neck.
cervix	Narrowed, most inferior part of the uterus that contains the cervical canal.
chalazion	Chronically-inflamed granular lump or semisolid cyst on the eyelid.
chancre	A lesion on the penis that ulcerates and forms a crust. Caused by syphilis.
cheil/o-	lip
cheiloplasty	Process of reshaping the lip by surgery
chem/o-	chemical; drug
chez/o-	pass feces
chir/o-	hand
chlamydia	Sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
chloasma	Dark, hyperpigmented areas of skin on the face because of melanocyte-stimulating hormone during pregnancy.
chlor/o-	chloride
chol/e-	bile; gall
cholangi/o-	bile duct
cholangiocarcinoma	Tumor of the bile duct that is a cancer.
cholangiogram	A record or x-ray picture of the bile ducts.
cholangiography	Process of recording the bile duct using contrast dye and x-rays.
cholangitis	Inflammation of the bile duct.
cholecyst/o-	gallbladder
cholecystectomy	Surgical removal of the gallbladder.
cholecystitis	Inflammation or infection of the gallbladder.
cholecystogram	A record or x-ray picture of the gallbladder.
cholecystography	Process of recording the gallbladder.
cholecystokinin	A substance that causes the gallbladder to move and contract.
choledoch/o-	common bile duct
choledocholithiasis	State of having a common bile duct stone.
choledocholithotomy	Process of cutting or making an incision in the common bile duct to remove a stone.
cholelithiasis	State of having a common bile duct stone.
cholescintigraphy	Process of recording the gallbladder and cystic duct that contain bile using scintigraphy. Also known as a HIDA scan.
cholesteatoma	Tumor composed of cholesterol in the middle ear.
cholesterol/o-	cholesterol
chondr/o-	cartilage
chondroma	Benign tumor of the cartilage.
chordae tendineae	Ropelike structures that support the leaflets of the tricuspid and mitral valves.
chordee	Congenital abnormality of a downward curvature of the penis during erection.
chorion	Outer layer of cells of the zygote that becomes the placenta.
chorion/o-	chorion
chorionic	Pertaining to the chorion.
choroid	Spongy membrane of blood vessels that is the middle layer between the sclera and the retina.
choroid/o-	choroid; middle layer around the eye
choroidal	Pertaining to the choroid (middle layer around the eye).
choroiditis	Inflammation or infection of the choroid.
chrom/o-	color
chromosome	A microscopic body (hat takes on color when stained. Paired, rod-like structures within the nucleus.
chron/o-	time
chronic	Pertaining to continuing over time.
chyme	Partially digested food and enzymes in the stomach and small intestine.
cicatrix	Fibrous tissue that replaces injured skin as it heals. Also known as a scar.
cili/o-	hair-like structure
cilia	Tiny hairs inside a tube
circul/o-	circle
circulat/o-	movement in a circular route
circulation	Action of movement of blood in a circular route.
circulatory	Having the function of movement in a circular route.
circum-	around
circumcision	Action of going around the foreskin to cut it off.
cirrh/o-	yellow
cirrhosis	Abnormal condition of the liver that causes the skin to be yellow.
cis/o-	cut
-clast	cell that breaks down substances
claudicat/o-	limping pain
claudication	Being or having limping pain in the calf of the leg.
clav/o-	clavicle; collar bone
clavicle	Horizontal bone in each shoulder that joins with the manubrium. Also known as the collar bone.
clavicul/o-	clavicle; collar bone
clavicular	Pertaining to the clavicle.
-cle	small thing
cleid/o-	clavicle; collar bone
climacteric	Another name for menopause. Also known as change of life.
clinic	Healthcare facility for just one type of patient or disease.
clinic/o-	medicine
clitoris	Organ of sexual response in the female.
clon/o-	rapid contracting and relaxing
clonic	Pertaining to rapid contracting and relaxing (during a seizure).
-clonus	rapid contracting and relaxing
-cnemius	leg
coagul/o-	clotting
coagulation	A process of blood clotting
coagulopathy	Disease of blood clotting
coarct/o-	pressed together
coarctation	Congenital condition of being or having the aorta pressed together and abnormally narrow.
cocc/o-	spherical bacterium
-coccus	spherical bacterium
coccyg/o-	coccyx; tail bone
coccygeal	Pertaining to the coccyx.
coccyx	Group of several small, fused vertebrae below the sacrum. Also known as the tail bone.
cochle/o-	cochlea; spiral-shaped structure
cochlea	Structure of the inner ear that is associated with the sense of hearing.
cochleae	Plural form of cochlea.
cochlear	Pertaining to the cochlea.
cognit/o-	thinking
coit/o-	sexual intercourse
col/o-	colon
colic	Pertaining to the colon. Crampy abdominal pain after eating seen in babies.
coll/a-	fibers that hold together
collagen	That which produces fibers that hold together connective tissue fibers through the dermis.
-collis	condition of the neck
colon	The longest part of the large intestine.
colon/o-	colon
colonic	Pertaining to the colon.
colonoscope	Instrument used to examine the colon.
colonoscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine the colon.
colostomy	Surgically created opening in the colon.
colostrum	First milk from the breasts. It contains maternal antibodies.
colp/o-	vagina
colporrhaphy	Procedure of suturing a weakness in the wall of the vagina.
colposcopy	Process of using an instrument to examine the vagina.
coma	Deep state of unconsciousness and unresponsiveness.
comat/o-	unconsciousness
comatose	Condition of a person being full of unconsciousness.
comedo	A blackhead seen in acne vulgaris.
comminut/o-	break into small pieces
comminuted	Pertaining to breaking into small pieces.
communic/o-	impart; transmit
communicable	Able to be imparted or transmitted.
communicat/o-	impart; transmit
communication	Action to impart or transmit.
compress/o-	press together
compression	Action of pressing together.
compromis/o-	exposed to danger
con-	with
con/o-	cone
concept/o-	conceive; form
conchae	Plural form of conchae.
concuss/o-	violent impact
concussion	Condition caused by violent shaking or jarring of the head.
conduct/o-	carrying; conveying
conduction	Action of carrying or conveying
condyl/o-	rounded prominence
condylomata acuminata	Another name for genital warts.
congenit/o-	present at birth
congenital	Pertaining to being present at birth.
congest/o-	accumulation of fluid
congestive	Pertaining to accumulation of fluid.
coni/o-	dust
conization	Process of making and removing a cone of tissue from the cervix.
conjug/o-	joined together
conjunctiv/o-	conjunctiva
conjunctiva	Transparent membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and the anterior surface of the eye. It produces clear, watery mucus.
conjunctivae	Latin plural noun. Singular form is conjunctiva.
conjunctival	Pertaining to the conjunctiva.
conjunctivitis	Inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva.
constip/o-	compacted feces
constipation	Being or having compacted feces.
constrict/o-	drawn together; narrowed
construct/o-	build
contin/o-	hold together
contra-	against
contraception	Procedure against conception.
contract/o-	pull together
contraction	Action as a muscle to pulls together.
contracture	Result of a muscle being pulled together permanently.
contus/o-	bruising
contusion	Condition of bruising
converg/o-	coming together
convergence	State of both eyes coming together as an object moves closer.
convolut/o-	coiled
convoluted	Pertaining to being coiled or twisted on itself.
convuls/o-	seizure
convulsion	Action or condition of having a seizure. Another name for a seizure.
cor/o-	pupil of the eye
corne/o-	cornea; outer coat; outer layer
cornea	Transparent layer over the anterior part of the eye. It is a continuation of the white sclera.
corneae	Plural form of cornea.
corneal	Pertaining to the cornea.
coron/o-	structure that encircles like a crown
coronary	Pertaining to a structure that encircles like a crown.
corpor/o-	body
corpus callosum	Thick white band of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the cerebrum.
corpus luteum	Ruptured ovarian follicle that secretes estradiol and progesterone.
cortex	Latin singular noun. Plural form is cortices.
cortic/o-	cortex; outer region
cortical	Pertaining to the cortex (outer region).
cortices	Latin plural noun. Singular form is cortex.
cortisol	++ & active glucocorticoid hormone secreted by adrenal cortex incr. level of glucose in blood decreases formation of proteins & new tissues has anti-inflammatory effect Adrenal cortex secretes cortisol when stimulated by ACTH from anterior pituitary gland
cost/o-	rib
costal	Pertaining to the rib.
couplet	Arrhythmia of two premature contractions of the heart occurring together.
crani/o-	cranium; skull
cranial	Pertaining to the cranium (skull).
craniotomy	Process of cutting or making an incision into the cranium.
cranium	Domelike part of the skull.
creatine kinase	Test to measure enzymes released into blood when myocardial cells die. Also known as creatine phosphokinase.
creatine phosphokinase	Test to measure an enzyme that is released into the blood when muscle cells die
creatinine	Waste product from muscle contractions excreted in the urine. Also a test for the level of creatinine in the blood.
crepitus	Grinding sound as bone ends rub against each other in osteoarthritis.
crin/o-	secrete
-crine	thing that secretes
-crit	separation of
cry/o-	cold
cryoprobe	Rodlike instrument that is cold to destroy abnormal tissue on the cervix.
cryosurgery	Process of using cold during an operative procedure to destroy tissue.
cryotherapy	Treatment that uses cold to freeze tissues to fix a detached retina.
crypt/o-	hidden
cryptorchidism	Disease from a specific cause of hidden undescended testis.
culd/o-	cul-de-sac
cul-de-sac	Small pouch between the uterus and the rectum.
culdoscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine the cul-de-sac.
curet	Instrument with a sharp edged ring that scrapes
curettage	Procedure that uses a curet to scrape
cusp/o-	point; projection
cut/i-	skin
cutane/o-	skin
cutaneous	Pertaining to the skin.
cuticle	Small rim of dead skin at the base of the nail.
cyan/o-	blue
cyanosis	Abnormal condition of the skin being blue.
cyanotic	Pertaining to blue (cyanosis).
cycl/o-	ciliary body of the eye; cycle
cycloplegia	State in which the ciliary body has paralysis and is kept dilated.
cyst	A type of lesion that is an elevated, circular mound and is semisolid or partly fluid filled.
cyst/o-	bladder; fluid-filled sac; semisolid cyst
cystectomy	Surgical removal of the bladder.
cystic	Pertaining to semisolid cysts.
cystitis	Inflammation or infection of the bladder.
cystocele	Hernia of the bladder through a weakness in the wall of the vagina or rectum.
cystometer	Instrument used to measure the pressure of urine in the bladder.
cystometrogram	A record or picture (recording on a graph) of bladder measurement.
cystometry	Process of measuring the nerve function of the bladder.
cystoscope	Instrument used to examine the bladder.
cystoscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine the bladder.
cystourethrogram	A record or picture (x-ray image) of the bladder and urethra.
cystourethrography	Process of recording the bladder using contrast dye and x-rays.
cyt/o-	cell
-cyte	cell
cytology	The study of cells.
cytoplasm	Formed substance within a cell.
cytotoxic	Pertaining to a cell that is poison to all pathogens.
dacry/o-	lacrimal sac; tears
dacryocystitis	Inflammation or infection of the structure of tears that is a fluid-filled sac.
dactyl/o-	digit; finger; toe
de-	reversal of; without
debridement	Procedure to remove necrotic tissue from a burn, wound, or ulcer.
decubitus	Latin singular noun. Plural form is decubiti.
defecation	A process of being without stool after a bowel movement.
defibrillator	Thing that produces reversal of ventricular fibrillation.
defici/o-	inadequate; lacking
degenerative	Pertaining to reversal of the creation of tissue.
deglutit/o-	swallowing
deglutition	A process of swallowing
delirium	Acute confusion, disorientation, and agitation due to toxic levels of drugs or alcohol in the brain.
delt/o-	triangle
deltoid	Muscle resembling a triangle.
dem/o-	people; population
dementia	State of being without the mind.
demineralization	A process of making the bone to be without minerals.
demyelination	A process of reversal of myelin.
dendr/o-	branching structure
dendrite	Pertains to a branching structure.
densit/o-	density
densitometry	Process of measuring bone density. Also known as a DEXA scan, quantitative computerized tomography, or bone density testing.
dent/o-	tooth
dentistry	Process related to the specialty of the teeth. Medical specialty related to the teeth and gums.
depigmentation	A process of having reversal of pigment in the skin.
depolarization	Process of making a reversal of the positive or negative state of the heart muscle.
depress/o-	press down
depression	Condition of press down of mood.
derm/a-	skin
derm/o-	skin
-derma	skin
dermabrasion	Action on skin to scrape it off. A type of skin resurfacing procedure.
dermal	Pertaining to the skin.
dermat/o-	skin
dermatitis	Inflammation or infection of the skin.
dermatologist	One who specializes in the skin and the study of it.
dermatome	Area with distinct edges on the skin. Also an instrument used to cut the skin for skin grafting.
dermatomyositis	Inflammation of the skin and muscles.
dermatoplasty	Process of reshaping by surgery on the skin.
dermis	Layer of skin under the epidermis.
descensus	Another name for uterine prolapse.
desicc/o-	dry up
-desis	procedure to fuse together
dextr/o-	right
dextroscoliosis	Abnormal condition of a right-turning curved back.
dextrose	Full of sugar (sugar given intravenously).
di-	two
dia-	complete; completely through
diabet/o-	diabetes
diabetic	Pertaining to a person with diabetes.
diagnosis	Condition of complete knowledge of a patient's symptoms and signs.
dialysate	Composed of a fluid used in dialysis.
dialysis	Process of complete break down of body wastes by a machine.
diaphoresis	Abnormal condition of excessive sweating.
diaphragm	Muscular sheet that divides the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.
diaphragmat/o-	diaphragm
diaphragmatic	Pertaining to the diaphragm.
diaphys/o-	shaft of a bone
diaphyseal	Pertaining to the diaphysis.
diaphysis	The straight shaft of a long bone (humerus or femur).
diarrhea	Flow or discharge that passes completely through the intestine.
diastol/o-	dilating
diastole	Resting period between contractions. It is when the heart dilates and fills with blood.
diastolic	Pertaining to dilating of the heart and resting between contractions.
didym/o-	testicle; testis
dietet/o-	diet; foods
dietetics	Knowledge and practice of foods and diet. Medical specialty related to foods and diet.
different/o-	different; distinct
differential	Pertaining to a blood test to determine the number of different white blood cells.
digest/o-	break down food; digest
digestion	Action that breaks down or digests food.
digestive	Pertaining to breaking down foods.
digit/o-	digit; finger; toe
dilat/o-	dilate; widen
dilation	Action to dilate or widen
dipl/o-	double
diplopia	Condition of double vision.
dips/o-	thirst
dis-	away from
disability	A state of going away from ability.
disease	Any change in the normal structure or function of the body.
disk	Circular structure between two vertebrae. It contains an inner gelatinous substance that acts as a cushion. Also known as an intervertebral disk.
disk/o-	disk
diskectomy	Surgical removal of an intervertebral disk.
dislocation	Action of moving a bone away from its normal place within the joint.
dissect/o-	cut apart
dissecting	Cutting apart
dissection	Action to cut apart
dissemin/o-	scattered throughout the body
disseminated	Pertaining to being widely scattered.
dist/o-	away from the center; away from the point of origin
distal	Pertaining to moving away from the center or point of origin.
diverticul/o-	diverticulum
diverticula	Latin plural noun. Singular form is diverticulum.
diverticulitis	Inflammation or infection of a diverticulum.
diverticulosis	Abnormal condition of having diverticula.
diverticulum	Area where the mucosa has been forced out through small defects in the wall of the colon.
donat/o-	gift; giving
donation	Action to give as a gift.
donor	One who gives an organ or structure for transplantation.
dopamine	Neurotransmitter in the brain
dors/o-	back; dorsum
dorsal	Pertaining to the back.
dorsum	Top or uppermost part of the nose.
-drome	running
-duct	duct; tube
duct/o-	bring; duct; move
ductus arteriosus	Temporary, small blood vessel connects pulmonary artery to aorta in fetal heart. allows oxygenated blood from mother (via the umbilical cord) to go directly from the pulmonary artery to the aorta and to the whole body. It closes when the baby is born.
duoden/o-	duodenum
duodenal	Pertaining to the duodenum.
duodenum	First part of the small intestine.
dur/o-	dura mater
dural	Pertaining to the dura mater.
dwarfism	Disease from a specific cause of being a dwarf. Caused by hyposecretion of growth hormone during childhood and puberty.
dynam/o-	movement; power
dys-	abnormal; difficult; painful
dyskinesia	Condition of abnormal movement.
dyslexia	Condition of difficult reading and writing of words.
dyslexic	Pertaining to having a difficult time with words.
dysmenorrhea	Discharge that is painful and difficult each month.
dyspareunia	Condition of painful or difficult sexual intercourse.
dyspepsia	Condition of painful or abnormal digestion. Also known as indigestion.
dysphagia	Condition of painful or difficult eating or swallowing.
dysphasia	Condition of difficult speech.
dysphoric	Pertaining to difficult to bear.
dysplasia	Condition of an abnormal growth of cells.
dyspnea	Breathing that is difficult, painful, or abnormal.
dyspneic	Pertaining to difficult breathing.
dystocia	Condition of painful or difficult labor and childbirth.
dystrophy	Process of development (of the muscles) that is abnormal.
dysuria	Condition of painful or difficult urine.
-eal	pertaining to
ec-	out; outward
ecchym/o-	blood in the tissue
ecchymoses	Areas of hemorrhage under the skin
ecchymosis	Abnormal condition of blood in the tissues (a flat area of hemorrhage).
ech/o-	echo of a sound wave
echocardiogram	A record or picture of echo sound waves bouncing off the heart.
eclamps/o-	seizure
eclampsia	Condition of having a seizure during pregnancy.
-ectasis	condition of dilatation
ecto-	outermost; outside
ectocervical	Pertaining to outside the cervix.
-ectomy	surgical removal
ectop/o-	outside
ectopic	Pertaining to a fertilized ovum implanting)outside of a place where it should be.
ectropion	Condition of outward turning of the lower eyelid.
eczema	Another name for seborrhea in children.
-ed	pertaining to
edema	Excessive amounts of fluid in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue with swelling.
-edema	swelling
-ee	person who is the object of an action ; person who receives; thing that is the object of an action; thing that receives
efface/o-	do away with; obliterate
effacement	Action to do away with or obliterate the thick wall of the cervix.
effer/o-	away from the center
efferent	Pertaining to going out from the center.
effus/o-	pouring out
effusion	Condition of a pouring out of fluid in the pleural space because of inflammation in the lung.
ejacul/o-	expel suddenly
ejaculat/o-	expel suddenly
ejaculation	To expel semen from the penis suddenly.
ejaculatory	Having the function of to expel (semen) suddenly.
elast/o-	flexing; stretching
elastin	A substance that flexes and stretches.
electr/o-	electricity
electrocardiogram	A record or picture of the electrical activity of the heart.
electrocardiography	Process of recording the electrical impulses of the heart.
electrodesiccation	A process of touching electricity to the skin to dry up or vaporize a skin lesion.
electroencephalogram	A record or picture of the electricity (brain waves) in the brain.
electroencephalograph	Instrument used to record the electrical activity of the brain.
electroencephalography	Process of recording the electrical activity of the brain.
electrolyte	Dissolved substance that conducts electricity: sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca++), and bicarbonate (HCO3-). It is carried in the plasma.
electromyogram	A record or picture of the electrical activity of a muscle.
electromyography	Process of recording the electricity in a muscle.
electrophoresis	Process that uses electricity to carry immunoglobulins in a gel.
electrosection	Action of using electricity to cut out a skin lesion.
electrosurgery	Process of using electricity during an operative procedure on the skin.
elimin/o-	remove from the body
elimination	A process of eliminating undigested food from the body.
em-	in
-ema	condition
embol/o-	embolus; occluding plug
embolism	Disease from a specific cause of an embolus (occluding plug).
embolization	Process of making an embolus (occluding plug) in the uterine artery to treat uterine fibroids.
embolus	A moving blood clot or fat globule
embryo	Name given a zygote from 4 days after fertilization through 8 weeks of gestation.
embryon/o-	embryo; immature form
embryonic	Pertaining to the embryo.
emesis	Condition of vomiting
-emesis	abnormal condition of vomiting
emet/o-	vomiting
-emia	condition of the blood; substance in the blood
-emic	pertaining to condition of the blood; pertaining to a substance in the blood
emiss/o-	send out
emphysema	Condition in the lungs of being inflated and distended.
empyema	Condition of pus in the lung.
emulsific/o-	liquid that contains suspended particles
emulsification	A process of having particles of fat suspended in a liquid.
-ence	state of
encephal/o-	brain
encephalitis	Inflammation or infection of the brain.
-encephaly	condition of the brain
-ency	condition of being; condition of having
endarterectomy	Surgical removal of the innermost plaque of an artery.
endemic	Pertaining to being present within a population.
endo-	innermost; within
endocarditis	Inflammation or infection of the innermost lining of the heart.
endocardium	A structure of the innermost layer of the heart.
endocervical	Pertaining to within the cervix.
endocrine	Pertaining to glands within that secrete.
endocrinologist	One who specializes in glands that secrete hormones.
endocrinology	The study of glands within the body that secrete hormones. Medical specialty related to the endocrine system.
endometrial	Pertaining to the endometrium.
endometriosis	Abnormal condition of the innermost lining of the uterus.
endometrium	A structure that is the innermost lining of the uterus.
endorphins	Neuromodulators in the brain that are a natural pain reliever.
endoscope	Instrument used to examine within.
endoscopic	Pertaining to within the body; examine with an instrument.
endoscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine within the body
endothelium	A structure of the innermost cellular layer of blood vessels. Also known as the intima.
endotoxin	A substance within some bacteria that is a poison to body cells.
endotracheal	Pertaining to with the trachea.
engagement	When the head of the fetus drops into the mother's pelvis late in the pregnancy. Also known as lightening.
-ent	pertaining to
enter/o-	intestine
enteropathy	Disease of the intestine.
entropion	Condition of inward turning of the lower eyelid.
enucle/o-	remove the main part
enucleation	A process surgical procedure to remove the main part of the eyeball.
enur/o-	urinate
enuresis	Process that causes a patient to urinate involuntary. Also known as nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting.
enzyme	Substance that uses chemical digestion to break down foods.
-eon	person who performs
eosin/o-	eosin; red, acidic dye
eosinophil	Cell with an attraction to eosin (a red acidic dye). Also known as an eo.
ependym/o-	cellular lining
ependymal	Pertaining to a cellular lining.
ependymoma	Tumor (benign) of the cellular lining in the ventricle of the cerebrum.
epi-	above; upon
epicardium	A structure (a membrane) upon the heart. Also known as the visceral pericardium.
epidermal	Pertaining to upon the skin.
epidermis	Thin, outermost layer of skin.
epididymides	Greek plural noun. Singular form is epididymis.
epididymis	Long, coiled tube upon the testes
epididymitis	Inflammation or infection of the coiled tube structure upon the testis.
epidural	Pertaining to above the dura mater.
epigastric	Pertaining to a region above the stomach.
epiglottic	Pertaining to above the glottis.
epiglottis	Lid-like structure that seals the larynx when food is swallowed.
epilepsy	Condition of abnormal uncontrolled electrical impulses in the neurons of the brain. Also known as convulsions or seizures.
epilept/o-	seizure
epileptic	Pertaining to a person with a condition of seizures.
epinephrine	Hormone from the adrenal gland and neurotransmitter for the sympathetic nervous system. It causes the heart to beat much faster than normal.
epiphys/o-	enlarged area on the end of a bone
epiphyseal	Pertaining to the epiphysis.
epiphyses	Plural form of epiphysis.
epiphysis	One of the two widened ends of a long bone.
episi/o-	vulva
episiotomy	Process of cutting or making an incision in the vulva to facilitate delivery of a baby.
epispadias	Condition above the penis of having the urethral opening.
epistaxis	Sudden, sometimes severe bleeding from the nose. Also known as a nosebleed.
epithelial	Pertaining to upon a cellular layer.
epithelium	A structure upon a cellular layer. Also known as epithelial tissue.
-er	person who does; person who produces; thing that does; thing that produces
erect/o-	stand up
erectile	Pertaining to the penis standing up.
erection	Action (of the penis) to stand up and become firm during sexual arousal.
erg/o-	activity; work
-ery	process
erythema	Reddish discoloration of the skin.
erythemat/o-	redness
erythematous	Pertaining to redness of the skin.
erythr/o-	red
erythroblast	Immature red blood cell
erythrocyte	Cell in the blood that is red. A red blood cell.
erythropoietin	A substance that forms or stimulates the formation of red blood cells.
es/o-	inward
eschar	Thick, crusty scar of necrotic tissue on a third degree burn.
-esis	condition; process
esophag/o-	esophagus
esophageal	Pertaining to the esophagus.
esophagitis	Inflammation of the esophagus.
esophagogastroduodenoscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
esophagoscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine the esophagus.
esophagus	Flexible, muscular tube that moves food from the pharynx to the stomach.
esotropia	Condition of (one or both eyes) inward turning. Also known as cross-eye.
esthes/o-	feeling; sensation
esthet/o-	feeling; sensation
estr/a-	female
estr/o-	female
estradiol	Most abundant and biologically active of the female sex hormones. It is secreted by the follicles of the ovary. During puberty, it causes the development of the female sexual characteristics. During pregnancy, it is secreted by the placenta.
estrogen	That group of hormones, or a drug, that produces female characteristics
ethm/o-	sieve
ethmoid	Resembling a sieve.
eti/o-	cause of disease
-etic	pertaining to
etiology	The study of the cause of disease.
etym/o-	word origin
etymology	The study of word origins.
eu-	good; normal
eupnea	Breathing that is normal.
euthyroidism	Process of a normal level of thyroid gland hormones.
eversion	Action of turning a body part outward.
evertor	Muscle that produces eversion.
ex-	away from; out
ex/o-	away from; external; outward
exacerb/o-	increase; provoke
exacerbation	A process of increase in patient's symptoms or signs.
excisional	Pertaining to a cutting out action.
excori/o-	take out skin
excoriation	A process to superficially take out skin. Also known as a scratch.
excret/o-	removing from the body
excretory	Having the function of removing urine from the body.
exfoliation	A process of skin cells moving away from the body like a leaf falling off a tree.
exhalation	A process of letting out a breath. Also known as expiration.
exocrine	Thing that secretes to the external skin.
exophthalmos	Pronounced outward bulging of the eyes with a startled, staring expression. Caused by hyperthyroidism.
exotropia	Condition of (one or both eyes) outward turning. Also known as wall-eye.
expectoration	A process of expelling sputum out of the chest.
expiration	A process of out breathing. Also known as exhalation.
express/o-	communicate
expressive	Pertaining to being able to communicate.
extens/o-	straightening
extension	Action of straightening or extending a joint to increase the angle between two bones or two body parts.
extensor	Muscle that produces straightening.
extern/o-	outside
external	Pertaining to the outside.
extra-	outside of
extracorporeal	Pertaining to outside of the body.
extrasystole	Arrhythmia in which there are contractions outside of the regular systole and diastole. Also known as premature contraction.
extravasation	A process of fluid moving outside of the blood vessel and into the tissues.
exud/o-	oozing fluid
exudate	Composed of oozing fluid.
faci/o-	face
facial	Pertaining to the face.
fallopi/o-	uterine tube
fasci/o-	fascia
fascia	Thin connective tissue that wraps around each muscle and joins with the tendon.
fascial	Pertaining to the fascia.
fascicle	Small bundle or cluster wrapped in fascia. A group of many muscle fibers.
fasciectomy	Surgical removal of the fascia.
fasciitis	Inflammation or infection of the fascia.
fasciotomy	Process of cutting or making an incision in the fascia.
fec/a-	feces; stool
fec/o-	feces; stool
fecal	Pertaining to feces.
fecalith	Stone-like feces
feces	Formed, solid waste composed of undigested food. Also known as stool.
femor/o-	femur; thigh bone
femora	Plural form of femur.
femoral	Pertaining to the femur (thigh bone).
femur	Bone of the upper leg. Also known as the thigh bone.
fer/o-	bear
ferrit/o-	iron
ferritin	A substance in the blood that is iron.
fertil/o-	conceive; form
fertilization	Process of inserting sperm to be able to conceive a child. Also known as conception.
fet/o-	fetus
fetal	Pertaining to the fetus.
fetus	Name given to an embryo from 9 weeks of gestation until birth.
fibr/o-	fiber
fibrill/o-	muscle fiber; nerve fiber
fibrillation	Being or having a very fast, uncoordinated twitching of the muscle fibers of the heart.
fibrin	A substance composed of fiber strands formed by clotting factors.
fibrin/o-	fibrin
fibrinogen	That which produces fibrin. Blood clotting Factor I.
fibrocystic	Pertaining to fibrous, semisolid cysts.
fibroid	Benign tumor resembling fiber in consistency.
fibromyalgia	Condition in which fibers in the muscles cause pain.
fibul/o-	fibula; lower leg bone
fibula	Thinner of the two bones in the lower leg, located on the little toe side.
fibulae	Plural form of fibula.
fibular	Pertaining to the fibula.
filtr/o-	filter
filtrat/o-	filtering; straining
filtrate	Composed of a substance that has been filtered.
filtration	Action of filtering water and substances from the blood to make urine.
fimbriae	Fingerlike projections on the end of the uterine tube.
fiss/o-	splitting
fissure	Result of splitting. Type of lesion that is a small, cracklike crevice.
fistula	Abnormal passageway
fixat/o-	make stable; make still
flank	Area of the back under the lower edge of the rib cages where the kidney is positioned internally.
flatul/o-	flatus; gas
flatulence	State of flatus (gas)
flatus	Intestinal gas
flex/o-	bending
flexion	Action of bending a joint to decrease the angle between two bones or two body parts.
flexor	Muscle that produces bending
fluoresce/o-	emit visible light
fluorescein	A fluorescent dye used intravenously.
foc/o-	point of activity
foli/o-	leaf
folli/o-	sac-like structure
follicle	Small thing in the dermis where a hair is formed
follicul/o-	follicle; small sac
follicular	Pertaining to a hair follicle.
fontanel	Soft spot on the baby's head where the cranial sutures are still open. Also known as the soft spot.
foramen	A hole in a bone through which something passes.
foramen magnum	Large, round opening in the occipital bone at the base of the cranium, through which the spinal cord passes.
foramen ovale	Temporary, oval-shaped opening in the interatrial septum of the fetal heart. It allows oxygenated blood from the mother (via the umbilical cord) to go directly to the left side of the heart to be pumped to the whole body. It closes when the baby is born.
-form	having the form of
format/o-	arrangement; structure
fornix	Area in the brain that connects the hippocampus to each temporal lobe.
fove/o-	small, depressed area
fovea	Small depression in the center of the macula. It is the area of sharpest vision.
foveae	Plural form of fovea.
foveal	Pertaining to the fovea.
fract/o-	bend; break up
fracture	Result of a break up of bone.
fratern/o-	close association; close relationship
fraternal	Pertaining to a close association or relationship (but not identical).
front/o-	front
frontalis	Pertaining to the front.
fulgur/o-	spark of electricity
fulguration	A process on the skin that uses a spark of electricity.
fund/o-	fundus; part farthest from the opening
fundal	Pertaining to the fundus.
fundi	Plural form of fundus.
fundu/o-	fundus; part farthest from the opening
fundus	Rounded, most superior part of the uterus
funduscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine the fundus (part farthest from the opening or pupil).
fung/o-	fungus
furuncle	Localized, elevated abscess around a hair follicle. Also known as a boil.
fus/o-	pouring
galact/o-	milk
galactorrhea	Flow of milk from the breasts when the patient is not pregnant or breastfeeding because of a tumor in the anterior pituitary gland of the brain.
gallbladder	Small sac that stores bile.
gamete	Cell (spermatozoon or ovum) that has only 23 chromosomes
ganglion	Semisolid or fluid-containing cyst that develops on a tendon.
ganglion/o-	ganglion
ganglionectomy	Surgical removal of a ganglion.
gangren/o-	gangrene
gangrene	Necrosis of the tissue with subsequent bacterial invasion and decay.
gangrenous	Pertaining to gangrene.
gastr/o-	stomach
gastrectomy	Surgical removal of the stomach.
gastric	Pertaining to the stomach.
gastrin	A substance produced by the stomach.
gastritis	Inflammation or infection of the stomach.
gastroenteritis	Inflammation or infection of the stomach and intestines.
gastroenterologist	One who specializes in the study of the stomach and intestine.
gastroenterology	The study of the stomach and intestines. Medical specialty related to the gastrointestinal system.
gastroesophageal	Pertaining to the stomach and esophagus.
gastrointestinal	Pertaining to the stomach and intestine.
gastroplasty	Process of reshaping by surgery on the stomach.
gastroscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine the stomach.
gastrostomy	Surgically-created opening in the stomach.
gemin/o-	group; set
-geminy	action of pairing
-gen	that which produces
gen/o-	arising from; produced by
gene	One segment of a DNA molecule that contains information to make one protein molecule.
gene/o-	gene
gener/o-	creation; production
genetic	Pertaining to a gene.
genit/o-	genitalia
genital	Pertaining to the genitalia.
genitalia	External and internal genital organs.
genitourinary	Pertaining to the genitalia and urinary system.
genu valgum	Congenital deformity of the position of the knees. Also known as knock-knee.
genu varum	Congenital deformity of the position of the knees. Also known as bowleg.
ger/o-	old age
geriatrics	Knowledge and practice of old age medical treatment. Medical specialty related to the treatment of older persons.
gestat/o-	conception to birth
gestation	Condition of pregnancy from conception to birth.
gestational	Pertaining to gestation (period from conception to birth).
gigant/o-	giant
gigantism	Disease from a specific cause of too much growth hormone that makes a person a giant.
gland	Structure of the endocrine system that secretes hormones directly into the blood.
glandul/o-	gland
glandular	Pertaining to a gland.
glans penis	The tip of the penis that contains the urethral meatus.
glauc/o-	silver gray
glaucoma	Tumor of silver gray. (This word definition was based on an old description that confused glaucoma with a cataract.) Glaucoma causes increased intraocular pressure because aqueous humor cannot circulate freely.
glen/o-	socket of a joint
gli/o-	supporting cells
-glia	cells that provide support
glioblastoma multiforme	Malignant tumor of cells that provide support (specifically an astrocyte) that is immature.
glioma	Tumor in the brain composed of cells that provide support.
glob/o-	comprehensive; shaped like a globe
global	Pertaining to being comprehensive.
globul/o-	shaped like a globe
glomerul/o-	glomerulus
glomerular	Pertaining to the glomerulus.
glomeruli	Latin plural noun. Singular form is glomerulus.
glomerulonephritis	Inflammation and infection of the glomerulus and the kidney.
glomerulosclerosis	Abnormal condition of the glomerulus being hard.
glomerulus	Network of intertwining capillaries in the glomerular capsule of the nephron.
gloss/o-	tongue
glossal	Pertaining to the tongue.
glossectomy	Surgical removal of the tongue.
glossitis	Inflammation or infection of the tongue.
glott/o-	glottis of the larynx
glottis	V-shaped structure in the larynx that includes the vocal cords.
gluc/o-	glucose; sugar
glucagon	A substance that causes glucose to lead to the blood. Hormone secreted by alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It breaks down glycogen to form glucose.
glucocorticoid	Group of hormones resembling glucose and secreted by the adrenal gland cortex (outer region). The most abundant and biologically active is cortisol.
glucose	The sugar in the the blood.
glyc/o-	glucose; sugar
glycogen	Liver and skeletal muscles that produce glucose (sugar).
glycohemoglobin	Another name for hemoglobin A1c.
glycos/o-	glucose; sugar
glycosuria	Abnormal condition of glucose in the urine.
gnos/o-	knowledge
goiter	Another name for thyromegaly.
gon/o-	ovum; seed; spermatozoon
gonad	Male sex gland. The testes.
gonad/o-	gonad; ovary; testis
gonadotropin	A hormone from the anterior pituitary gland that has an action of gonad (ovary or testis) stimulating.
goni/o-	angle
goniometer	Instrument used to measure the angle and range of motion of a joint.
goniometry	Process of measuring the angle and range of movement of a joint.
gonioscopy	Process of using an instrument (a slit lamp) to examine the angle and the trabecular meshwork.
gonorrhea	Sexually transmitted disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
gout	Metabolic disorder with an increased level of uric acid in the blood that produces crystals in the soft tissues and joints.
-grade	pertaining to going
-graft	tissue for implant; tissue for transplant
-gram	picture; record
granul/o-	granule
granulocyte	Cell that has granules in its cytoplasm. This category includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
-graph	instrument used to record
-graphy	process of recording
gravida	Pregnancy
-gravida	pregnancy
guaiac	Test for blood in feces
gustat/o-	sense of taste
gustatory	Having the function of the sense of taste.
gynec/o-	female; woman
gynecologic	Pertaining to females and the study of them.
gynecology	The study of females and women. Medical specialty related to the female genital and reproductive system.
gynecomastia	Condition of enlargement in which the male's chest resembles the female breast.
gyri	Plural form of gyrus.
gyrus	Latin singular noun. Plural form is gyri.
habilit/o-	give ability
hal/o-	breathe
hallux	The great toe
hallux valgus	Deformity in which the great toe is angled laterally toward the other toes.
haustra	Expandable pouches in the wall of the large intestine
health	A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
helix	External rim of tissue and cartilage of the external ear that forms a "C".
hem/o-	blood
hemangioma	Tumor of blood and blood vessels.
hemarthrosis	Abnormal condition of blood in the joint.
hemat/o-	blood
hematemesis	Abnormal condition of blood vomiting.
hematochezia	Abnormal condition of blood when passing feces.
hematocrit	Separation of blood to find the percentage of red blood cells.
hematology	The study of the blood. Medical specialty related to the blood.
hematoma	Localized, mass collection of blood
hematopoiesis	Process of formation of blood.
hematuria	Abnormal condition of blood in the urine.
hemi-	one half
hemianopia	Condition with one half of the visual field without vision.
hemiparesis	Muscle weakness on one side of the body caused by a cerebrovascular accident.
hemiplegia	Condition of one half (one side of the body) having paralysis
hemiplegic	Pertaining to one half of the body having paralysis.
hemisphere	Sphere one half of the cerebrum, either the right or left side.
hemodialysis	Process in the blood of complete break down of body wastes by a machine.
hemoglobin	A substance that carries oxygen in the blood and is shaped like a globe.
hemoglobin A1c	Test that measures the A1c fraction of hemoglobin that carries glucose in red blood cells. Used to monitor diabetic patients. Also known as glycohemoglobin or glycosylated hemoglobin.
hemolysis	Abnormal condition of red blood cells being destroyed.
hemophilia	Condition in which the blood has a fondness for bleeding.
hemophiliac	Pertaining to a person who has blood with a fondness for bleeding.
hemoptysis	Abnormal condition of coughing up blood.
hemorrh/o-	flowing of blood
hemorrhage	Excessive flow or discharge of blood.
hemorrhoid	Resembling a flowing of blood in a swollen, protruding vein in the rectum. Also known as piles.
hemorrhoid/o-	hemorrhoid
hemorrhoidectomy	Surgical removal of hemorrhoids.
hemosalpinx	Uterine tube that contains blood.
hemostasis	Condition of the blood staying still to stop bleeding.
hemothorax	Thorax that contains blood.
hemotympanum	Blood in the middle ear behind the tympanic membrane.
hepat/o-	liver
hepatic	Pertaining to the liver.
hepatitis	Inflammation or infection of the liver.
hepatocellular	Pertaining to liver cells.
hepatocyte	Cell of the liver
hepatoma	Tumor of the liver. Also known as hepatocellular carcinoma.
hepatomegaly	Enlargement of the liver.
hepatosplenomegaly	Enlargement of the liver and spleen.
heredit/o-	genetic inheritance
hereditary	Pertaining to genetic inheritance.
herni/o-	hernia
hernia	A weakness in the abdominal or intestinal wall.
herniorrhaphy	Procedure of suturing a hernia.
herpes	Skin infection caused by the herpes virus.
herpes varicella-zoster	Causes the skin rash of chickenpox during childhood. The virus remains dormant in the body until it is activated in later life by illness or emotional stress and causes shingles.
herpes whitlow	Herpes simplex infection at the base of the fingernail.
heter/o-	other
heterophil	Attraction to other
hiat/o-	gap; opening
hiatal	Pertaining to a gap or opening.
hidr/o-	sweat
hil/o-	indentation
hilar	Pertaining to the hilum.
hilum	Indentation on the medial side of each kidney where the renal artery and vein enter and the ureter exits.
hippocampus	Area in the temporal lobe that stores long-term memories.
hirsut/o-	hairy
hirsutism	Disease from a specific cause of being hairy.
histamine	Substance released from basophils.
home/o-	same
homeostasis	Condition of staying in one place and being the same. State of equilibrium of the internal environment of the body.
homocysteine	Test to measure amino acid that damages blood vessel walls.
hordeolum	Pimple containing pus on the eyelid. Also known as a stye.
hormon/o-	hormone
hormonal	Pertaining to a hormone.
hormone	Substance that is secreted by an endocrine gland and travels through the blood.
hospice	Healthcare facility for patients who are dying.
hospital	Healthcare facility for acute care.
humer/o-	humerus; upper arm bone
humeral	Pertaining to the humerus.
humeri	Plural form of humerus.
humerus	Bone of the upper arm.
hy/o-	U-shaped structure
hyal/o-	clear; glass-like substance
hydatidi/o-	fluid-filled sacs
hydr/o-	fluid; water
hydrocephalic	Pertaining to having excessive cerebrospinal fluid in the head
hydrocephalus	Condition of the head having too much cerebrospinal fluid.
hydrochloric acid	An acid made of water and chloride
hydronephrosis	Abnormal condition of backed-up urine causing enlargement of the kidney.
hydrosalpinx	Uterine (fallopian) tube with inflammation and fluid in it.
hydroureter	Condition of the ureter of fluid (backed-up urine and enlargement).
hymen	Elastic membrane that partially or completely covers the inferior end of the vaginal canal.
hyoid	Resembling a U-shaped structure.
hyper-	above; more than normal
hyperaldosteronism	Disease from a specific cause of a more than normal level of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal gland cortex.
hyperbilirubinemia	Substance in the blood of more than normal bilirubin (in a newborn).
hypercalcemia	More than normal calcium in the blood.
hypercapnia	Condition of more than normal carbon dioxide.
hypercholesterolemia	Substance in the blood of a more than normal level of cholesterol.
hyperesthesia	State of more than normal response to sensations or feelings.
hyperextension	Action of more than normal straightening.
hyperflexion	Action of more than normal bending (flexion).
hyperglycemia	Substance in the blood of more than normal glucose (sugar).
hyperinsulinism	Disease from a specific cause of more than normal insulin. Hypersecretion of insulin.
hyperkinesis	Abnormal condition of more than normal movement.
hyperlipidemia	More than normal lipids (fats) in the blood.
hyperopia	Condition of (at a distance that is) more than normal vision (but vision of near objects is blurry). Also known as farsightedness.
hyperparathyroidism	Disease from a specific cause of more than normal secretion of a homone from the two parts of a pair of glands located on the thyroid gland. Hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone.
hyperpituitarism	Disease from a specific cause of more than normal pituitary gland hormones. Hypersecretion of one or all of the hormones from the anterior pituitary gland. Caused by a benign tumor (adenoma) in the pituitary gland.
hypersensitivity	Condition of being more than normally sensitive to.
hypertension	Condition of more than normal pressure of the blood.
hypertensive	Pertaining to more than normal blood pressure.
hyperthyroidism	Disease from a specific cause of more than normal thyroid gland hormone. Caused by hypersecretion of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Also known as thyrotoxicosis.
hypertriglyceridemia	More than normal triglycerides in the blood.
hypertrophy	Process of development in the size of a structure that is more than normal
hyphema	Condition of blood in the anterior chamber.
hypo-	below; deficient
hypoaldosteronism	Disease from a specific cause of a deficient level of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal gland cortex.
hypocalcemia	Substance in the blood of deficient calcium.
hypochondriac	Pertaining to below the cartilage of the ribs. A patient with imaginary symptoms or ailments.
hypochromic	Pertaining to red blood cells with deficient color.
hypodermic	Pertaining to below the skin.
hypogastric	Pertaining to below the stomach.
hypoglossal	Pertaining to below the tongue.
hypoglycemia	Substance in the blood of deficient glucose (sugar). A low level of glucose in the blood.
hypokalemia	Substance in the blood of below a normal level of potassium.
hypoparathyroidism	Disease from a specific cause of deficient secretion of homone from the two parts of a pair of glands located on the thyroid gland. Hyposecretion of parathyroid hormone.
hypophys/o-	pituitary gland
hypophysectomy	Surgical removal of the pituitary gland.
hypophysis	Another name for the pituitary gland.
-hypophysis	pituitary gland
hypopituitarism	Disease from a specific cause of deficient pituitary gland hormones. Hyposecretion of one or all of the hormones of the anterior pituitary gland. Caused by injury or a defect in the pituitary gland itself.
hypospadias	Condition below the penis of having the urethral opening.
hypotension	Condition of below normal blood pressure
hypothalamic	Pertaining to below the thalamus.
hypothalamus	Structure below the thalamus
hypothyroidism	Disease from a specific cause of deficient thyroid gland hormone. Hyposecretion of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones.
hypoxemia	Condition of the arterial blood being deficient in oxygen.
hypoxia	Condition of the cells being deficient in oxygen.
hyster/o-	uterus; womb
hysterectomy	Surgical removal of the uterus.
hysteropexy	Process of surgically fixing in place the uterus. Also known as a uterine suspension.
hysterosalpingogram	A record or picture (x-ray image) of the uterus and uterine tubes using contrast dye.
hysterosalpingography	Process of recording the uterus and uterine tubes using contrast dye and x-rays.
-ia	condition; state; thing
-iac	pertaining to
-ial	pertaining to
-ian	pertaining to
-ias	condition
-iasis	process; state
-iatic	pertaining to a process; pertaining to a state
iatr/o-	medical treatment; physician
iatrogenic	Pertaining to a disease arising from medical treatment.
-iatry	medical treatment
-ic	pertaining to
-ical	pertaining to
-ice	quality; state
-ician	skilled expert; skilled professional
-ics	knowledge; practice
ict/o-	seizure
icter/o-	jaundice
icteric	Pertaining to jaundice.
icterus	Another name for jaundice.
-id	origin; resembling; source
-ide	chemically modified structure
idi/o-	individual; unknown
-il	thing
-ile	pertaining to
ile/o-	ileum
ileal	Pertaining to the ileum.
ileostomy	Surgically-created opening in the ileum.
ileum	Third part of the small intestine.
ileus	Abnormal absence of peristalsis in the intestine.
ili/o-	hip bone; ilium
iliac	Pertaining to the ilium (hip bone).
ilium	Most superior hip bone
immun/o-	immune response
-immune	immune response
immunity	State of readiness of the immune response.
immunization	Process of creating an immune response. Also known as vaccination.
immunocompromised	Pertaining to an immune response that is compromised, defenseless, and exposed to danger.
immunodeficiency	Condition in which the immune response is lacking or inadequate.
immunoglobulin	A substance that is part of the immune response and is shaped like a globe. Also known as an antibody.
immunology	The study of the immune response. Medical specialty related to the lymphatic system.
impact/o-	wedged in
impaction	Condition of wedged in (cerumen in the ear).
impedance	Resistance of the tympanic membrane to movement.
impotence	Another name for erectile dysfunction.
in-	in; not; within
-in	substance
in situ	When a tumor is still confined in a specific area
incarcer/o-	imprison
incarcerated	Pertaining to a condition to imprison (loop of intestine)
incision	Action of to cut into.
incisional	Pertaining to cut into.
incontinence	State of not being able to hold together feces in the rectum.
incud/o-	anvil-shaped bone; incus
incus	Second bone of the middle ear. Also known as the anvil.
indices	Group of red blood cell tests.
indigestion	Condition of not digesting. Another name for dyspepsia.
induct/o-	leading in
-ine	pertaining to
infarct	Area of dead tissue.
infarct/o-	small area of dead tissue
infarction	Condition of having an area of dead tissue
infect/o-	disease within
infection	Condition of disease within.
infectious	Pertaining to disease-causing organisms within the body.
infer/o-	below
inferior	Pertaining to being below.
infertility	State of not being able to conceive a child.
inflammat/o-	redness and warmth
inflammation	Condition of redness and warmth.
inflammatory	Having the function of redness and warmth.
influenza	Viral infection of the respiratory system; the flu.
-ing	doing
inguin/o-	groin
inguinal	Pertaining to the groin.
inhalation	A process of in breathing. Also known as inspiration.
inhibit/o-	block; hold back
inhibition	Action to block or hold back.
inhibitor	Thing that produces or holds back
inject/o-	insert; put in
injection	Action of to insert or put in.
inpatient	A patient in a hospital.
insemin/o-	sow a seed
insemination	A process of sowing a seed (spermatozoan).
insert/o-	introduce; put in
insertion	Action of to put in. Endpoint of a muscle on a bone that moves as the muscle contracts.
inspect/o-	looking at
inspection	Action of looking at the body.
inspiration	A process of taking in a breath. Also known as inhalation.
insul/o-	island
insulin	A substance that is secreted from an island (islets of Langerhans). Insulin is also a drug used to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus.
insulin/o-	insulin
integument/o-	skin
integumentary	Pertaining to the skin.
inter-	between
intercostal	Pertaining to between the ribs.
interferon	Substance produced by monocytes that have engulfed a virus.
interleukin	A substance that goes between different types of white blood cells and stimulates them.
intern/o-	inside
internal	Pertaining to inside.
interstiti/o-	spaces within tissue
interstitial	Pertaining to spaces within tissue.
intervertebral	Pertaining to between the vertebrae.
intestin/o-	intestine
intestinal	Pertaining to the intestine.
intestine	Organ of digestion, made up of the small intestine and the large intestine. Also known as the bowel.
intima	A structure of the innermost cellular layer of blood vessels. Also known as the endothelium.
intra-	within
intra-articular	Pertaining to within the joint.
intracranial	Pertaining to within the cranium.
intradermal	Pertaining to within the skin.
intrafallopian	Pertaining to within the uterine (fallopian) tube.
intramuscular	Pertaining to within the muscle.
intraocular	Pertaining to within the eye.
intrauterine	Pertaining to within the uterus.
intravascular	Pertaining to within the blood vessel.
intravenous	Pertaining to within a vein.
intraventricular	Pertaining to within the ventricle.
introitus	Entrance to the vagina from the outside of the body.
intubation	A process of putting a tube within the trachea.
intussuscept/o-	receive within
intussusception	A process of one segment of intestine telescoping to receive within another segment of intestine.
inversion	Action to turn in; turning a body part inward.
invertor	Muscle that produces inversion.
involut/o-	enlarged organ returns to normal size
involution	Action when an enlarged organ (the pregnant uterus) returns to normal size after childbirth.
iod/o-	iodine
iodine	Component of thyroid hormones.
-ion	action; condition
-ior	pertaining to
-ious	pertaining to
ir/o-	iris of the eye
irid/o-	iris of the eye
iridal	Pertaining to the iris (colored part of the eye).
irides	Greek plural noun. Singular form is iris.
iris	Colored ring of tissue whose muscles contract or relax to change the size of the pupil
iritis	Inflammation or infection of the iris.
isch/o-	block; keep back
ischemia	Condition of the blood flow being blocked.
ischemic	Pertaining to a condition of the blood being kept back.
ischi/o-	hip bone; ischium
ischial	Pertaining to the ischium.
ischium	Most inferior hip bone
islets of Langerhans	Small groups (or islands) of cells in the pancreas. The alpha cells secrete glucagon. The beta cells secrete insulin. The delta cells secrete somatostatin.
-ism	disease from a specific cause; process
-ist	person who specializes in ; thing that specializes in
-istry	process related to a specialty
-isy	condition of infection; condition of inflammation
-ite	thing that pertains to
-ition	condition of having
-itis	infection of; inflammation of
-ity	condition; state
-ive	pertaining to
-ix	thing
-ization	process of creating; process of inserting; process of making
-izer	thing that affects in a particular way
jaund/o-	yellow
jaundice	State of yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes.
jejun/o-	jejunum
jejunal	Pertaining to the jejunum.
jejunum	Second part of the small intestine.
joint	Area where two bones meet. Also known as an articulation.
jugul/o-	jugular; throat
kal/i-	potassium
kary/o-	nucleus of a cell
kel/o-	tumor
keloid	Scar that becomes larger until it resembles a tumor.
kerat/o-	cornea of the eye; hard, fibrous protein
keratectomy	Surgical removal of the cornea.
keratin	A substance of hard, fibrous protein.
keratitis	Inflammation or infection of the cornea.
keratomileusis	Process of carving (thinly slicing) the cornea.
keratosis	Abnormal condition of hard, fibrous protein (raised, irregular, rough areas of skin).
ket/o-	ketones
ketoacidosis	Abnormal condition in which ketones cause the blood to become acid with a low pH.
keton/o-	ketones
ketones	An acidic byproduct of fat metabolism.
ketonuria	Abnormal condition of ketones in the urine.
kidney	Organ of the urinary system that produces urine.
kin/o-	movement
kines/o-	movement
-kinesis	abnormal condition of movement
kyph/o-	bent; humpbacked
kyphoscoliosis	Abnormal condition of humpbacked and curved sideways thoracic spine.
kyphosis	Abnormal condition of an excessive posterior bent to the thoracic spine. Also known as humpback or hunchback.
kyphotic	Pertaining to kyphosis.
labi/o-	labium; lip
labia majora	Outer pair of vertical fleshy lips covered with pubic hair that partially cover the clitoris, urethral meatus, and vaginal introitus.
labial	Pertaining to a lip (the labium).
labium	Latin singular noun. Plural form is labia.
laborat/o-	testing place; workplace
labyrinth	All of the structures of the inner ear.
labyrinth/o-	labyrinth of the inner ear
labyrinthitis	Infection of the labyrinth (semicircular canals of the inner ear).
lacer/o-	tearing
laceration	Being or having a tearing in the skin.
lacrim/o-	tears
lacrimal	Pertaining to tears.
lact/i-	milk
lact/o-	milk
lactase	Enzyme that digests milk.
lactate dehydrogenase	Test to measure this enzyme released into the blood when myocardial cells die.
lactation	A process of producing milk after childbirth.
lactiferous	Pertaining to milk-bearing.
lamin/o-	flat area on a vertebra; lamina
laminectomy	Surgical removal of the lamina (flat area on a vertebra)
langu/o-	words
lapar/o-	abdomen
laparoscope	Instrument used to examine the inside of the abdomen.
laparoscopic	Pertaining to using an instrument to examine inside the abdomen.
laparoscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine inside the abdomen.
laparotomy	Process of cutting of making an incision in the abdomen.
laryng/o-	larynx; voice box
laryngeal	Pertaining to the larynx.
laryngectomy	Surgical removal of the larynx (voice box).
laryngitis	Inflammation or infection of the larynx (voice box).
laryngopharynx	Throat area that is closest to the larynx
laryngoscope	Instrument used to examine the larynx.
larynx	Voice box; structure that contains the vocal cords.
lat/o-	dormant; hidden
later/o-	side
lateral	Pertaining to the side.
lei/o-	smooth
leiomyoma	Tumor (benign) of the smooth muscle in the uterus. Also known as a uterine fibroid.
leiomyomata	Plural form of leiomyoma.
leiomyosarcoma	Malignant tumor of the smooth muscle layer, the myometrium, of the uterus and the connective tissue
lens	Clear, flexible disk behind the pupil. It changes shapeto focus light rays on the retina.
lenses	Plural form of lens.
lenticul/o-	lens of the eye
lenticular	Pertaining to the lens of the eye.
-lepsy	seizure
lesion	Any visible damage or variation from normal of the skin from disease or injury.
leuk/o-	white
leukemia	Condition of the blood of too many white blood cells.
leukocyte	Cell in the blood that is white. A white blood cell.
leukoplakia	Condition of white plaque in the mouth.
leukorrhea	Discharge of white cheesy material from the vagina.
lev/o-	left
levoscoliosis	Abnormal condition of a left-turning curved back.
lex/o-	word
ligament	Fibrous band that holds two bone ends together in a synovial joint.
ligament/o-	ligament
ligamentous	Pertaining to a ligament.
ligat/o-	bind; tie up
limb/o-	border; edge
linea nigra	Dark, hyperpigmented line in the abdominal skin because of the melanocyte-stimulating hormone during pregnancy.
lingu/o-	tongue
lingual	Pertaining to the tongue.
lip/o-	fat; lipid
lipase	Enzyme that digests fats.
lipectomy	Surgical removal of fat.
lipid	Resembling lipid or fat.
lipid/o-	fat; lipid
lipocyte	Cell that stores fat.
lipoma	Tumor of fat
liposuction	Action to suck fat (adipose tissue) from under the skin.
-listhesis	abnormal condition of slipping
-lith	stone
lith/o-	stone
lithotripsy	Process of crushing a kidney stone by using sound waves.
lithotriptor	Instrument that crushes a kidney stone by using sound waves.
liver	Accessory organ of digestion that produces bile.
lob/o-	lobe of an organ
lobar	Pertaining to a lobe of the lung.
lobe	Large division of a structure, visible on its outer surface
lobectomy	Surgical removal of a lobe of a structure
lobule	Small thing shaped like a lobe of an organ.
loc/o-	one place
local	Pertaining to in one place.
locat/o-	place
lochia	Small amounts of blood, tissue, and fluid that are discharged from the uterus after childbirth.
log/o-	study of; word
-logy	study of
lord/o-	swayback
lordosis	Abnormal condition of excessive, anterior curvature of the lumbar spine. Also known as swayback.
lordotic	Pertaining to swayback.
lumb/o-	area between the ribs and pelvis; lower back
lumbar	Pertaining to the lower back.
lumen	Central opening inside the tubular esophagus and intestine.
lumin/o-	lumen; opening
lumpectomy	Surgical removal of a lump (tumor)
lun/o-	moon
lunula	Small thing shaped like a moon.
lupus erythematosus	Autoimmune disorder with deterioration of the collagen in the skin and connective tissues.
luxat/o-	displacement
ly/o-	break down; destroy
lymph node	Small piece of lymphoid tissue located along the lymphatic vessels. Also known as a lymph gland.
lymph/o-	lymph; lymphatic system
lymphadenopathy	Disease of the lymph gland
lymphangiogram	A record or picture (x-ray image) of the lymph and lymphatic vessels.
lymphangiography	Process of recording lymph and a lymphatic vessel using x-rays and contrast dye
lymphatic	Pertaining to the lymph.
lymphedema	Swelling of an arm or a leg because lymph is not draining well.
lymphoblast	Immature cell that will become a lymphocyte.
lymphocyte	Cell found in lymph glands, in the blood, and in the thymus. Also known as a lymph.
lymphoid	Tissues and organs resembling the lymph or lymphatic system.
lymphoma	Tumor of a lymph node
lys/o-	break down; destroy
-lysis	process to break down; process to destroy
lyt/o-	break down; destroy
-lyte	dissolved substance
macr/o-	large
macrocytic	Pertaining to an abnormally large red blood cell.
macul/o-	small area; spot
macula	Dark yellow-orange area in the retina. It contains the fovea.
maculae	Plural form of macula.
macular	Pertaining to a small area or spot on the retina.
macule	Type of lesion that is a pigmented, brown or black, flat circle.
magnet/o-	magnet
magnetic	Pertaining to a magnet (as in magnetic resonance imaging).
mal-	bad; inadequate
malac/o-	softening
malalignment	State of a bone being in a bad arrangement in a straight line.
malign/o-	cancer; intentionally causing harm
malignancy	State of having a cancer.
malignant	Pertaining to intentionally causing harm; cancer.
malle/o-	hammer-shaped bone; malleus
malleol/o-	malleolus
malleoli	Plural form of malleolus.
malleolus	Bony projection on the distal tibia (medial malleolus) or the distal fibula (lateral malleolus). Often mistakenly called the ankle bone.
malleus	First bone of the middle ear. Also known as the hammer.
malpresentation	Bad (abnormal) presentation in which the presenting part of the fetus before delivery is not the head. Also known as breech presentation.
malrotation	Condition of bad rotation of the intestine. Also known as volvulus.
mamm/a-	breast
mamm/o-	breast
mammaplasty	Process of reshaping by surgery (the size, shape, or position of the) breast. Also known as a mammoplasty.
mammary	Pertaining to the breasts.
mammogram	A record or picture (x-ray image) of the breast.
mammography	Process of recording an x-ray image of the breast.
mammoplasty	Another name for a mammaplasty
man/o-	frenzy; thin
mandible	Lower jaw bone
mandibul/o-	lower jaw; mandible
mandibular	Pertaining to the mandible (lower jaw).
manometer	Instrument with a thin tube used to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
manu/o-	hand
manubrium	Triangular, most superior part of the sternum.
masset/o-	chewing
masseter	Muscle that produces chewing.
mast/o-	breast; mastoid process
mastectomy	Surgical removal of the breast.
mastic/o-	chewing
mastication	A process of chewing
mastitis	Inflammation or infection of the breast.
mastoid	Resembling a breast.
mastoid/o-	mastoid process
mastoidectomy	Surgical removal of part of the mastoid process.
mastoiditis	Inflammation or infection of the mastoid bone.
mastopexy	Process of surgically fixing in place a sagging breast. Also known as a breast lift.
matur/o-	mature
maxill/o-	maxilla; upper jaw
maxilla	Upper jaw bone. It contains two maxillary bones fused together.
mean	The average
meati	Plural form of meatus.
meatus	An opening
mechanic/o-	physical force; tool
meconium	Thick, sticky, greenish-black feces passed by a newborn baby.
medi/o-	middle
medial	Pertaining to the middle.
mediastin/o-	mediastinum
mediastinal	Pertaining to the mediastinum.
mediastinum	Central area within the thoracic cavity. It contains the trachea, esophagus, heart, and other structures.
medic/o-	medicine; physician
medical	Pertaining to medicine.
medull/o-	inner region; medulla
medulla	Inner layer of the kidney that contains the renal pyramids.
medulla oblongata	Most inferior part of the brainstem that controls the respiratory rate and heart rate.
medullae	Plural form of medulla.
medullary	Pertaining to the medulla.
mega-	large
megakaryocyte	Cell that has a large amount of cytoplasm around its nucleus. The pieces become thrombocytes.
-megaly	enlargement
mei/o-	decrease in number
meiosis	Process of cell division that creates individual spermatozoon (gametes).
melan/o-	black
melanin	A black pigment that gives color to the skin and hair.
melanocyte	Cell that makes dark brown or black pigment
melanoma	Tumor of the cell that produces the black pigment, melanin.
melaton/o-	black
melatonin	Hormone secreted by the pineal gland. It maintains the 24-hour wake-sleep cycle.
melena	Dark, tarry feces that contain digested blood.
men/o-	month
menarche	A beginning of monthly menstruation
mening/o-	meninges
meningeal	Pertaining to the meninges.
meninges	Three membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
meningi/o-	meninges
meningioma	Tumor (benign) of the meninges
meningitis	Inflammation or infection of the meninges
meningocele	Hernia of the meninges (to the outside of the body)
meningomyelocele	Hernia of the meninges and spinal cord (through an abnormal opening in the vertebra). Also known as myelomeningocele.
menisci	Plural form of meniscus.
meniscus	Crescent-shaped cartilage pad found in some synovial joints like the knee.
menopause	Cessation of a monthly menstrual period because of age. Also known as climacteric or change of life.
menorrhagia	Condition of monthly menses having excessive flow or discharge.
menses	Another name for menstruation.
menstru/o-	monthly discharge of blood
menstrual	Pertaining to the monthly discharge of blood.
menstruation	A process of having a monthly discharge of blood.
-ment	action; state
ment/o-	chin; mind
mental	Pertaining to the mind.
mentum	The chin
mesenter/o-	middle thing between the intestines
mesenteric	Pertaining to a structure attached to the middle (second and third parts) of the intestine.
mesentery	Sheet of peritoneum that supports the jejunum and ileum.
meta-	after; change; subsequent to; transition
metabol/o-	change; transformation
metabolism	A process of change or transformation that happens within a cell.
metacarpal	Pertaining to bones that are after or subsequent to the wrist.
metastasis	Condition of a cell that is normally staying in one place but undergoes change, becomes cancerous, and moves to other parts of the body.
-meter	instrument used to measure
metr/o-	measurement; uterus; womb
metri/o-	uterus; womb
-metry	process of measuring
mi/o-	narrowing
micr/o-	one millionth; small
microcytic	Pertaining to an abnormally small red blood cell.
microdermabrasion	Action with small crystals on the skin to scrape it off. A type of skin resurfacing.
microglia	Cells that provide support that are small. They move throughout the brain and spinal cord to destroy dead tissue and pathogens.
microkeratome	Instrument used to cut a small thin flap in the cornea to correct nearsightedness.
mictur/o-	making urine
micturition	A process of making urine and expelling it from the body. Also known as urination.
-mileusis	process of carving
mineral/o-	electrolyte; mineral
mineralocorticoid	Group of hormones resembling a mineral and secreted by the adrenal cortex (outer region). The most abundant and biologically active of these is aldosterone.
miosis	Process of narrowing of the diameter of the pupil.
mit/o-	thread-like strand
mitosis	Process of a threadlike structure (DNA) duplicating to create two cells.
mitr/o-	structure like a tall hat with two points
mitral	Pertaining to a structure like a miter (tall hat with two points).
mobil/o-	movement
mole	Also known as a nevus.
mon/o-	one; single
monocyte	Cell (that has) one (nucleus shaped like a kidney bean). Also known as a mono.
mononucleosis	Abnormal condition that affects monocytes that have one unlobed nucleus.
mons pubis	Rounded, fatty pad of tissue covered with pubic hair that lies on top of the pubis (anterior hip bone).
morph/o-	shape
morphology	The study of the shape of something
mot/o-	movement
motil/o-	movement
motility	State of movement (of spermatozoa).
motor	Thing that produces movement.
muc/o-	mucus
mucos/o-	mucous membrane
mucosa	Mucous membrane that lines the inside of a structure or body system
mucosal	Pertaining to the mucosa.
mucous	Pertaining to mucus.
mucus	Secretion of the mucous membrane.
mult/i-	many
multigravida	Woman who has had many pregnancies.
multiparous	Pertaining to a woman who has had many births.
murmur	Abnormal heart sound created by turbulence as blood leaks past a defective heart valve.
muscle	Many muscle fascicles grouped together and surrounded by fascia. A structure that produces movement.
muscul/o-	muscle
muscular	Pertaining to the muscle.
musculature	System composed of muscles
musculoskeletal	Pertaining to the skeleton and the bones.
my/o-	muscle
myalgia	Condition of muscle pain
myasthenia gravis	Autoimmune disorder with abnormal and rapid fatigue of the muscles, particularly the muscles of the face and eyelids.
myc/o-	fungus
mydr/o-	widening
mydriasis	Process of widening of the pupil.
myel/o-	bone marrow; myelin; spinal cord
myelin	Fatty sheath around the axon of a neuron. Myelin around larger axons of the brain and spinal cord is produced by oligodendroglia. Myelin around larger axons of the cranial and spinal nerves is produced by the Schwann cells.
myelin/o-	myelin
myelinated	Composed of myelin
myelogram	A record or picture (x-ray image) of the spinal cord.
myelography	Process of recording an image of the spinal cord using a contrast dye.
myelomeningocele	Hernia of the spinal cord and the meninges (to the outside of the body). Another name for meningomyelocele.
myocardial	Pertaining to the muscle of the heart.
myocardium	A structure of the muscle of the heart
myoclonus	Condition of rapid contracting and relaxing of a muscle.
myofibril	Element of a muscle fiber that contains thin strands of actin and thick strands of myosin.
myomectomy	Surgical removal of a uterine muscle tumor (leiomyoma or leiomyosarcoma).
myometritis	Inflammation or infection of the muscle layer of the uterus.
myometrium	A structure that is the layer of muscle in the uterus.
myop/o-	near vision
myopathy	Disease of the muscles
myopia	Condition of normal near vision (but vision of far objects is blurry). Also known as nearsightedness.
myorrhaphy	Procedure of suturing a muscle
myos/o-	muscle
myositis	Inflammation of a muscle
myring/o-	eardrum; tympanic membrane
myringitis	Inflammation or infection of the tympanic membrane.
myringotome	Instrument used to cut the tympanic membrane.
myringotomy	Process of cutting or making an incision in the tympanic membrane.
myx/o-	mucus-like substance
myxedema	Swelling in the subcutaneous and connective tissues from a mucus-like substance in severe hypothyroidism.
narc/o-	sleep; stupor
narcolepsy	Seizure-like state of being unable to keep from going to sleep.
nares	Plural form of naris.
naris	One nostril, the opening into the nasal cavity.
nas/o-	nose
nasal	Pertaining to the nose.
nasogastric	Pertaining to the nose and stomach.
nasolabial	Pertaining to the crease in the cheek that goes from the nose to the lip.
nasolacrimal	Pertaining to the nose and to tears.
nasopharynx	Throat area that is closest to the nose.
nasotracheal	Pertaining to through the nose and into the trachea.
nat/o-	birth
-nate	thing that is born
nausea	Unpleasant, queasy feeling that precedes the urge to vomit.
ne/o	new
ne/o-	new
nebul/o-	mist
necr/o-	dead body; dead cells; dead tissue
necrosis	Abnormal condition of dead cells and tissues
necrotic	Pertaining to dead cells or tissue.
neonatal	Pertaining to a new birth.
neonate	Baby that is born new.
neonatology	The study of new babies at birth.
neoplasia	Condition of new growth (benign or cancerous).
neoplasm	A growth that is new.
neovascularization	Process of pertaining to creating new (abnormal and fragile) blood vessels in the retina.
nephr/o-	kidney; nephron
nephrectomy	Surgical removal of the kidney.
nephroblastoma	Malignant tumor of the kidney made of immature, embryonic cells. Also known as Wilm's tumor.
nephrolithiasis	State of having a kidney stone.
nephrolithotomy	Process of cutting or making an incision into the kidney to remove a stone.
nephrologist	One who specializes in the kidney and the study of it.
nephron	Microscopic functional unit of the kidney.
nephropathy	Any disease of the kidney.
nephropexy	Process of surgically fixing in place a kidney that was in an abnormally low position.
nephroptosis	State of prolapse or drooping of the kidney.
nephrotic	Pertaining to the nephron.
nephrotomography	Process of recording the kidney in slices (images).
nerv/o-	nerve
nerve	A bundle of individual neurons.
nervous	Pertaining to the nerves.
neur/o-	nerve
neural	Pertaining to a nerve.
neuralgia	Condition of the nerves (having) pain.
neuritis	Inflammation or infection of a nerve.
neuroendocrine	Pertaining to the nerves and glands within the blood that secrete hormones.
neurofibroma	Tumor of a nerve that is fibrous
neurofibromatosis	Abnormal condition of tumors of the nerve that are fibrous. Also known as von Recklinghausen's disease.
neurofibrosarcoma	Tumor; cancer of Schwann cells that produce myelin around nerve fibers (nerves which are a type of connective tissue).
neurogenic	Pertaining to nerve produced by.
neuroglia	Cells that provide support for nerves.
neurohypophysis	State of growing of a gland that is controlled by a nerve impulse and is located below the hypothalamus. Also known as the posterior pituitary gland.
neurologic	Pertaining to nerves and the study of them.
neurologist	One who specializes in nerves and the study of it.
neurology	The study of the nerves. Medical specialty related to the nervous system.
neuroma	Tumor of the nerve
neuron	Structure of a single nerve cell
neuropathy	Disease of the nerves
neurosurgeon	One who performs nerve operative procedures
neurosurgery	Process of a nerve or brain operative procedure.
neurotransmitter	Chemical messenger that produces an impulse between nerves to send across.
neutr/o-	not taking part
neutrophil	Cell with granules in its cytoplasm whose attraction to red or blue stain is not taking part (remains neutral in color). Neutrophils are also known as segmented neutrophils, segmenters, segs, polymorphonucleated leukocytes, polys, or PMNs.
nevus	Benign skin lesion present at birth in a variety of colors and shapes. Also known as a mole.
-nine	pertaining to a single chemical substance
noct/o-	night
nocturia	Condition of making urine of during the night.
nod/o-	knob of tissue; node
node	Small knot of tissue
nodul/o-	small, knobby mass
nodular	Pertaining to a small, knobby mass.
nodule	Small node, knob of tissue
non-	not
nontoxic	Pertaining to not being poison.
norepinephrine	Neurotransmitter of the sympathetic division of the nervous system.
norm/o-	normal; usual
normocytic	Pertaining to a normal size of red blood cell.
nosocomi/o-	Hospital
nosocomial	Pertaining to the hospital.
nuch/o-	neck
nucle/o-	nucleus of an atom ; nucleus of a cell
nucleus	Round, centralized structure in the cell that contains chromosomes and controls the cell's activities.
nucleus pulposus	Inner (nucleus is the central part of a structure) part of an intervertebral disk that contains a gelatinous (pulpy) center.
null/i-	none
nulligravida	Woman who has never been pregnant.
nutri/o-	nourishment
nutrit/o-	nourishment
nutritional	Pertaining to nourishment.
nystagmus	Involuntary rhythmic motions of the eye.
o/o	egg; ovum
oblique	Not straight, at an angle
obstetr/o-	pregnancy and childbirth
obstetrics	Knowledge and practice of treating women during pregnancy and childbirth. Medical specialty related to pregnancy and the female reproductive system.
obstip/o-	severe constipation
obstipation	Being or having severe constipation.
obstruct/o-	blocked by a barrier
obstructive	Pertaining to being blocked by a barrier.
occipit/o-	back of the head; occiput
occipital	Pertaining to the occiput (back of the head).
occult	Hidden
occupat/o-	work
ocul/o-	eye
oculomotor	Thing that produces eye movement.
-oid	resembling
-ol	chemical substance
-ole	small thing
olecranon	Large, square, bony projection on the proximal ulna (point of the elbow).
olfact/o-	sense of smell
olfactory	Having the function of the sense of smell.
olig/o-	few;scanty
oligodendroglia	Cells that provide support to a neuron but have few branching structures. They produce myelin around the larger axons of neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
oligodendroglioma	Tumor (cancer) of a scanty branching structure of cells that provide support to neurons
oligohydramnios	Condition in which the amniotic fluid is a scanty fluid.
oligomenorrhea	Flow or discharge that is scanty for the monthly menses.
oligospermia	Condition of few spermatozoa.
oliguria	Condition of scanty urine.
om/o-	mass; tumor
-oma	mass; tumor
-omatosis	condition masses; condition of tumors
omentum	Broad, fatty pouch of peritoneum that supports the stomach and hangs down over the small intestine.
omphal/o-	navel; umbilicus
omphalocele	Hernia at the umbilicus that is present at birth and only covered by peritoneum.
-on	structure; substance
onc/o-	mass; tumor
oncologist	One who specializes in tumors and the study of them.
oncology	The study of (cancerous) tumors. Medical specialty related to cancer.
-one	chemical substance
onych/o-	fingernail; toenail
onychomycosis	Abnormal condition of the nail having a fungus.
oocyte	Cell that is an immature ovum (egg in the fetal ovary).
oogenesis	Process of an ovum arising from or produced by the follicle.
oophor/o-	ovary
oophorectomy	Surgical removal of the ovary.
op/o-	vision
operat/o-	perform a procedure; surgery
ophthalm/o-	eye
ophthalmology	The study of the eye. Medical specialty related to the eye.
ophthalmoscope	Instrument used to examine the interior of the eye using a light and changeable lenses of different strengths.
opportun/o-	taking advantage of an opportunity; well timed
opportunistic	Pertaining to taking advantage of an opportunity.
-opsy	process of viewing
opt/o-	eye; vision
-opter	instrument used to measure
optic	Pertaining to vision.
-or	person who does; person who produces; thing that does; thing that produces
or/o-	mouth
oral	Pertaining to the mouth.
orbicul/o-	small circle
orbicularis	Pertaining to a small circle of muscle.
orbit	Bony socket in the skull that surrounds all but the anterior part of the eyeball.
orch/o-	testicle; testis
orchi/o-	testicle; testis
orchid/o-	testis
orchiectomy	Surgical removal of the testis.
orchiopexy	Process of surgically fixing in place an undescended testis within the scrotum.
orchitis	Inflammation or infection of the testis.
orex/o-	appetite
organ	Structure made of tissues and cells.
organ/o-	organ
orifice	Opening
origin	Beginning of a muscle where its tendon is attached to a stationary or nearly stationary bone.
oropharynx	Throat area that is closest to the mouth
orth/o-	straight
orthopedics	Knowledge and practice of producing straightness of the bones and muscles in a child or adult. Medical specialty related to the skeletal and muscular body systems.
orthopnea	Breathing in a straight up position.
orthosis	Process of using an orthopedic device like a brace, splint, or collar to keep a body part straight.
orthostatic	Pertaining to lying down straight and then standing still (standing up).
-ory	having the function of
-ose	full of; thing full of
-osing	a condition of making
-osis	condition; process
osm/o-	sense of smell
oss/i-	bone
osse/o-	bone
osseous	Pertaining to bone.
ossicle	Small thing that is bony.
ossicul/o-	ossicle; small bone
ossific/o-	changing into bone
oste/o-	bone
osteoarthritis	Inflammation of the bone and joint. Also known as degenerative joint disease.
osteoblast	Cell that forms new bone.
osteoclast	Cell that breaks down substances like bone.
osteocyte	Cell that maintains the mineral content of bone.
osteogenic	Pertaining to tumors arising from bone.
osteoma	Tumor of the bone
osteomalacia	Condition of bone softening
osteomyelitis	Inflammation or infection of the bone and the bone marrow.
osteophyte	Growth of new bone with sharp edges. Also known as a bone spur.
osteoporosis	Abnormal condition of bone having small openings.
osteosarcoma	Tumor of the bone and connective tissue. Also known as osteogenic sarcoma.
osteotome	Instrument used to cut bone.
ot/o-	ear
otalgia	Condition of ear pain
otic	Pertaining to the ear.
otitis externa	Inflammation or infection of the external auditory canal. Also known as swimmer's ear.
otitis media	Inflammation or infection of the middle ear.
otoplasty	Process of reshaping by surgery on the ear. Also known as an ear pinning.
otorhinolaryngologist	One who specializes in the ears, nose, throat, and larynx and the study of it.
otorrhea	Flow or discharge from the ear.
otosclerosis	Abnormal condition in the ear of hardness of the bones.
otoscope	Instrument used to examine the ear.
otoscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine the ear.
ototoxicity	Condition of a drug acting on the ear as a poison.
-ous	pertaining to
outpatient	Patient who does not stay overnight at a healthcare facility.
ov/i-	egg; ovum
ov/o-	egg; ovum
ova	Plural form of ovum.
ovari/o-	ovary
ovarian	Pertaining to the ovary.
ovary	Female gonad (sex gland)
oviduct	Duct (tube that transports) the ovum. Another name for the uterine tube.
ovul/o-	egg; ovum
ovulation	A process of having an ovum released from the follicle.
ovum	Latin singular noun. Plural form is ova.
ox/i-	oxygen
ox/o-	oxygen
ox/y-	oxygen; quick
oximeter	Instrument used to measure the oxygen content of the blood.
oximetry	Process of measuring oxygen in the blood.
oxygen	Inhaled gas that is used by each cell to produce energy in the process of metabolism.
oxygen/o-	oxygen
oxygenated	Pertaining to a condition in which there is oxygen arising from the blood.
oxyhemoglobin	A substance that transports oxygen in the blood and is shaped like a globe (hemoglobin).
oxytocin	A hormone that causes quick labor and childbirth.
palat/o-	palate
palate	The hard bone and soft, fleshy area that form the roof of the mouth.
palatine	Pertaining to the palate.
palliat/o-	reduce the severity
palliative	Pertaining to reducing the severity of.
palpat/o-	feeling; touching
palpation	Action of touching or feeling.
palpit/o-	throb
palpitation	Being or having the heart to throb (or "thump").
pan-	all
pancreas	Accessory organ of digestion that produces enzymes (amylase, lipase).
pancreat/o-	pancreas
pancreatic	Pertaining to the pancreas.
pancreatitis	Inflammation or infection of the pancreas.
pancytopenia	Condition of deficiency of all blood cells.
panhypopituitarism	Disease from a specific cause of hyposecretion of all anterior pituitary gland hormones.
panlobar	Pertaining to all lobes of the lung.
pansinusitis	Inflammation or infection of all of the sinuses.
papill/o-	elevated structure
papilledema	Swelling (edema) and inflamation of an elevated structure (the optic disk). Also known as a choked disk.
papule	Type of lesion that is solid with red skin color (erythema)
par-	beside
par/o-	giving birth
para	Births
para-	abnormal; apart from; beside; two parts of a pair
paralysis	Abnormal condition of two parts of a pair (arms or legs) breaking down (being paralyzed).
paramedic	Pertaining to a person who works apart from medical personnel who work in healthcare facilities, responding to emergency calls from the community.
paraplegia	Condition of two parts of a pair (arms and legs having) paralysis.
paraplegic	Pertaining to paraplegia
parathyroid	Structures resembling two parts of a pair on the thyroid gland.
parathyroidectomy	Surgical removal of two parts of a pair of glands on the thyroid gland.
parenchyma	Functional part of any organ
paresthesia	Condition of abnormal sensation or feeling
pareun/o-	sexual intercourse
pariet/o-	wall of a cavity
parietal	Pertaining to the wall of a cavity.
parotid	Origin beside the ear.
paroxysmal	Pertaining to a sudden, sharp attack.
part/o-	childbirth; labor
parturit/o-	childbirth; labor
parturition	Condition of to be in labor.
pat/o-	open
patell/o-	kneecap; patella
patella	Thick, round bone anterior to the knee joint. Also known as the kneecap.
patellae	Latin plural noun. Singular form is patella.
patellar	Pertaining to the patella.
patent	Open
-path	person involved with disease
path/o-	disease
pathet/o-	suffering
pathogen	That which produces disease.
pathologic	Pertaining to disease and the study of it.
-pathy	disease
paus/o-	cessation
-pause	cessation
pector/o-	chest
pectoralis	Pertaining to the chest.
pectus excavatum	Congenital deformity of the thorax with the sternum, particularly the xiphoid process, bent inward with a hollow depression in the anterior chest.
ped/o-	child
pediatrics	Knowledge and practice of child medical treatment. Medical specialty related to the treatment of children.
pedicul/o-	lice
pediculosis	Condition of having lice.
pedunculated	Pertaining to a condition of a thin stalk (of a polyp).
pelv/o-	hip bone; pelvis; renal pelvis
pelvic	Pertaining to the pelvis.
pelvis	Hip bones as well as the sacrum and coccyx.
pen/o-	penis
pendul/o-	hanging down
-penia	condition of deficiency
penile	Pertaining to the penis.
penis	Organ of erectile tissue of the male reproductive system. The male urethra passes through it.
peps/o-	digestion
pepsin	A substance that breaks down proteins for digestion.
pepsin/o-	pepsin
pepsinogen	That which produces pepsin
pept/o-	digestion
peptic	Pertaining to digestion.
per-	through; throughout
percuss/o-	tapping
percussion	Action of tapping.
percutaneous	Pertaining to through the skin.
perfusion	Action of blood pouring throughout the body. Blood flow.
peri-	around
pericardial	Pertaining to around the heart.
pericardiocentesis	Procedure to puncture the membrane around the heart.
pericarditis	Inflammation or infection of the membrane around the heart.
pericardium	A structure (double-layered serous membrane) that is around the heart.
perimenopausal	Pertaining to around the time when monthly periods cease.
perimetrium	A structure that is around the uterus.
perine/o-	perineum
perineal	Pertaining to the perineum.
perineum	Area of skin between the scrotum and the anus.
periosteal	Pertaining to a structure that is around the bone.
periosteum	Thick, fibrous membrane that covers the surface of a bone.
peripher/o-	outer aspects
peripheral	Pertaining to the outer aspects of the body.
peristalsis	Process of contraction around the intestine.
periton/o-	peritoneum
peritone/o-	peritoneum
peritoneal	Pertaining to the peritoneum.
peritoneum	Membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity and secretes peritoneal fluid.
peritonitis	Inflammation or infection of the peritoneum.
perone/o-	fibula; lower leg bone
peroneal	Pertaining to the fibula (lower leg bone).
perspiration	A process of through the skin breathing. Also known as sweat or sweating.
petechiae	Pinpoint hemorrhages in the skin
-pexy	process of surgically fixing in place
pH	Test of how acidic or alkaline the urine is.
phac/o-	lens of the eye
phacoemulsification	A process in which the lens is turned into particles suspended in a liquid.
phag/o-	eating; swallowing
phagocyte	Cell that is eating (engulfs bacteria and cellular debris).
phagocytosis	Process of eating done by a certain type of cell.
phak/o-	lens of the eye
phalang/o-	digit; finger; toe
phalangeal	Pertaining to a phalanx (finger or toe).
phalanges	Greek plural noun. Singular form is phalanx.
phalanx	A finger or toe. Also known as a digit or ray.
pharmac/o-	drug; medicine
pharmacologic	Pertaining to a drug and the study of it.
pharmacology	The study of medicine and drugs. Medical specialty related to drugs.
pharyng/o-	pharynx; throat
pharyngeal	Pertaining to the pharynx (throat).
pharyngitis	Inflammation or infection of the pharynx (throat).
pharynx	The throat
-pharynx	pharynx; throat
phas/o-	speech
phe/o-	gray
pheochromocytoma	Tumor with a gray color to the cells when viewed under the microscope. It causes hypersecretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal gland medulla.
-phil	attraction to; fondness for
phil/o-	attraction to; fondness for
philtrum	Vertical groove in the skin of the upper lip.
phim/o-	closed tight
phimosis	Abnormal condition in which the foreskin opening is closed tight.
phleb/o-	vein
phlebitis	Inflammation or infection of a vein.
phlebotomy	Process of cutting into a vein to draw blood. Also known as venipuncture.
phob/o-	avoidance; fear
phor/o-	bear; carry; range
phorometry	Process of measuring to correct the vision by using a range of lenses of different strengths.
phosphat/o-	phosphorus
phot/o-	light
photocoagulation	A process that uses light to cause clotting.
photophobia	Condition in which light causes fear or avoidance.
phototherapy	Treatment for jaundice in a newborn that uses special fluorescent lights.
phren/o-	diaphragm; mind
phrenic	Pertaining to the nerve for the diaphragm.
phylact/o-	guarding; protecting
-phyma	growth; tumor
phys/o-	distend; grow; inflate
physi/o-	physical function
physic/o-	body
physical	Pertaining to the body.
physician	Skilled professional or expert in the body. Also known as a doctor.
physiology	The study of the physical function of the body.
-physis	state of growing
-phyte	growth
pia mater	Thin, delicate innermost layer of the meninges that covers the surface of the brain.
pica	Unnatural craving for and compulsive eating of substances with no nutritional value in pregnant women.
pigment/o-	pigment
pil/o-	hair
piloerection	Action of hair on the skin to stand up.
pinna	The external ear. Also known as the auricle.
pituit/o-	pituitary gland
pituitar/o-	pituitary gland
placent/o-	placenta
placenta	Pancake-like structure that develops from the chorion and provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing embryo. Also known as the afterbirth.
placenta previa	Incorrect placement of the placenta with its edge partially or completely covering the cervical canal. During labor when the cervical canal opens, the placenta begins to pull away from the uterus and bleed.
placental	Pertaining to the placenta.
plak/o-	plaque
plaque	Fatty deposit (atheroma) inside an artery.
plas/o-	formation; growth
-plasm	formed substance; growth
plasm/o-	plasma
plasma	Clear, straw-colored fluid portion of the blood that carries blood cells and contains dissolved substances like proteins, glucose, minerals, electrolytes, clotting factors, complement proteins, hormones, bilirubin, urea, and creatinine.
plasmapheresis	A process of plasma withdrawal (separating it from the blood cells).
plast/o-	formation; growth
-plasty	process of reshaping by surgery
platelet	Another name for a thrombocyte.
pleg/o-	paralysis
pleur/o-	lung membrane
pleura	Serous membrane that lines the thoracic cavity (parietal pleura) and covers the lungs (visceral pleura). It secretes pleural fluid.
pleural	Pertaining to the pleura.
pleurisy	Condition of inflammation or infection of the pleura. Also known as pleuritis.
pne/o-	breathing
pneum/o-	air; lung
pneumococcal	Pertaining to an infection in the lung that is caused by a spherical bacterium.
pneumoconiosis	Abnormal condition of the lung that is caused by dust.
pneumon/o-	air; lung
pneumonectomy	Surgical removal of a lung
pneumonia	Condition of infection in the lung
pneumothorax	Abnormal condition of the thorax having air in it
pod/o-	foot
-poiesis	process of formation
-poietin	substance that forms
polar/o-	negative state; positive state
poly-	many; much
polycystic	Pertaining to many semisolid cysts
polydactyly	Condition of fingers and toes being many.
polydipsia	Condition of much thirst. See with diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus.
polyhydramnios	Amniotic fluid that has too much volume that is fluid.
polymorphonuclear	Pertaining to a many-shaped nucleus.
polymyalgia	Condition of many muscles having pain.
polymyositis	Inflammation of many muscles.
polyneuritis	Inflammation of many nerves
polyp	Small, fleshy, benign growth in the mucous membrane
polyp/o-	polyp
polypectomy	Surgical removal of a polyp.
polyphagia	Condition of excessive eating.
polyposis	Abnormal condition of having polyps.
polysomnography	Process of recording many types of tests during sleep
polyuria	Condition of much urine
pons	Area of the brainstem that relays nerve impulses from the spinal cord to the rest of the brain.
poplite/o-	back of the knee
popliteal	Pertaining to the back of the knee.
por/o-	pores; small openings
port/o-	point of entry
portal	Pertaining to a point of entry of a blood vessel into an organ.
positron	Positively charged particle emitted by a radioactive substance.
post-	after; behind
postcoital	Pertaining to after sexual intercourse.
poster/o-	back part
posterior	Pertaining to the back part.
postictal	Pertaining to the time after a seizure.
postnasal	Pertaining to behind the nose.
postnatal	Pertaining to after birth (from the newborn's perspective).
postoperative	Pertaining to the time period after performing a procedure or surgery.
postpartum	Period of time after childbirth (from the mother's perspective).
potent/o-	capable of doing
pract/o-	medical practice
pre-	before; in front of
preeclampsia	Condition of a pregnant woman before she has a seizure during pregnancy.
pregn/o-	being with child
pregnancy	State of being with child.
pregnant	Pertaining to being with child.
premenstrual	Pertaining to before the monthly discharge of blood.
prenatal	Pertaining to before birth (from the fetus' perspective).
prepuce	Foreskin of the penis.
presby/o-	old age
presbycusis	Condition of old age hearing loss.
presbyopia	Condition of old age vision. Loss of flexibility of the lens with blurry near vision and loss of accommodation.
prevent/o-	prevent
priap/o-	persistent erection
priapism	Disease from a specific cause of a persistent erection of the penis.
prim/i-	first
primigravida	A woman's first pregnancy.
pro-	before
-probe	rod-like instrument
process	A projection of bone or a bony point of attachment for ligaments or muscles.
proct/o-	rectum
proctitis	Inflammation or infection of the rectum.
product/o-	produce
progesterone	Hormone secreted by corpus luteum of the ovary. During pregnancy, the placenta secretes progesterone.
prognosis	Condition of having before knowledge; foreknowledge about the course of a disease.
prolactin	A substance that must be secreted before milk can be produced. Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It stimulates breast development during puberty and milk production during pregnancy.
prolapse	Drooping of the leaflets of a valve.
prolifer/o-	production of more of the same
pronat/o-	face down
pronation	Action of turning the palm of the hand or the body face down.
pronator	Muscle that produces a face down position.
prone	Lying on the anterior part of the body (face down).
propri/o-	one's own self
proprioception	A process of sensing the position of one's own self.
prostaglandin	A substance from the uterus that prevents excessive blood loss during menstruation but also causes cramping.
prostat/o-	prostate gland
prostatectomy	Surgical removal of the prostate gland.
prostatic	Pertaining to the prostate gland.
prostatitis	Inflammation or infection of the prostate gland.
prosth/o-	artificial part
prosthesis	Orthopedic device like an artificial leg.
prosthet/o-	artificial part
prosthetic	Pertaining to an artificial part.
prote/o-	protein
protect/o-	defend; protect
protein/o-	protein
proteinuria	Abnormal condition of protein in the urine. Also known as albuminuria.
prothrombin	A substance that comes before thrombin. Also known as blood clotting Factor II.
proxim/o-	near the center; near the point of origin
proximal	Pertaining to near the center or point of origin.
prurit/o-	itching
pruritic	Pertaining to itching.
pruritus	Itching
psor/o-	itching
psoriasis	State of itching and silvery scales and plaques on the skin. An autoimmune disorder.
psych/o-	mind
psychiatry	The study of the mind. Medical specialty related to the mind.
ptosis	Drooping of the eyelids because of muscle weakness in myasthenia gravis.
-ptosis	state of drooping; state of falling
-ptysis	condition of coughing up
pub/o-	hip bone; pubis
puber/o-	growing up
puberty	State of growing up (and sexual maturity). Also known as adolescence.
pubic	Pertaining to the pubis (hip bone).
pubis	Most anterior hip bone
pulmon/o-	lung
pulmonary	Pertaining to the lung.
pulmonology	The study of the lungs. Medical specialty related to the respiratory system.
pulse	The bulging of an artery wall as blood pumped by the heart passes through it.
punct/o-	hole; perforation
pupil	Round opening in the iris that allows light rays to enter the internal eye.
pupill/o-	pupil of the eye
pupillary	Pertaining to the pupil.
purul/o-	pus
purulent	Pertaining to pus.
pustule	Type of lesion with an elevated white top filled with pus.
py/o-	pus
pyel/o-	renal pelvis
pyelogram	A record or picture (x-ray image) of the renal pelvis.
pyelography	Process of recording the renal pelvis.
pyelonephritis	Inflammation or infection of the renal pelvis and kidney.
pylor/o-	pylorus
pyloric	Pertaining to the pylorus.
pylorus	Narrowed distal part of the stomach before it joins the duodenum.
pyometritis	Infection with pus in the uterus.
pyosalpinx	Uterine tube that contains pus.
pyothorax	Thorax that contains pus. Also known as empyema.
pyr/o-	burning; fire
pyrosis	Condition of burning pain in the esophagus. Also known as heartburn.
pyuria	Condition of pus in the urine.
quadr/o-	four
quadrant	Pertaining to four parts of the abdominopelvic area.
quadri-	four
quadriplegia	Condition of four extremities having paralysis.
quadriplegic	Pertaining to quadriplegia.
radi/o-	forearm bone; radiation; x-rays
radial	Pertaining to the radius (forearm bone).
radiation	Being or having x-rays
radic/o-	root and all parts
radicul/o-	spinal nerve root
radiculopathy	Disease of the spinal nerve root.
radii	Plural form of radius.
radioactive	Pertaining to radiation being active in a substance.
radiography	Process of recording x-rays. Also known as roetgenography.
radiology	The study of x-rays. Medical specialty related to x-rays.
radionuclide	Chemically-modified structure related to x-rays and the radioactive nucleus of an atom.
radius	Forearm bone on the thumb side of the lower arm.
rales	Irregular crackling or bubbling sounds during inspiration.
re-	again and again
reabsorption	Action of backward absorbing (from the urine to the blood).
recept/o-	receive
receptor	Structure on the cell membrane that produces an action to receive.
recess/o-	move back
recession	Action to move back and lengthen an extraocular muscle to correct strabismus.
rect/o-	rectum
rectal	Pertaining to the rectum.
rectocele	Hernia of the rectum (into the vagina).
rectum	Last part of the large intestine after the colon.
rectus	Straight
recuper/o-	recover
recuperation	A process of recovery
reduct/o-	bring back; decrease
reduction	Surgery to bring back the bone ends of a fracture and put them in place.
reflex	Rapid, involuntary muscle reaction controlled by the spinal cord.
reflux	Flowing back, as when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
refractometer	Instrument used to measure again and again the break up of light rays.
refractory	Having the function of being unable to break up or cure a disease.
regulat/o-	control
regurgit/o-	backward flow
regurgitation	Action of something that flows backwards
rehabilitation	Action of to again and again give ability.
relax/o-	relax
remiss/o-	send back
remission	Condition of sending back to being without symptoms and signs of a disease.
ren/o-	kidney
renal	Pertaining to the kidney.
renin	An enzyme secreted by the kidney to stimulate the production of angiotensin when the blood pressure decreases.
repolarization	Process of making go backward to the normal positive or negative state of the heart muscle.
reproductive	Pertaining to again and again producing (children).
resect/o-	cut out; remove
resection	Action to remove a section of an extraocular muscle to shorten it to correct strabismus.
resectoscope	Instrument (a special cystoscope) used to examine and cut out and remove a bladder tumor.
resist/o-	withstand the effect of
respiration	A process of again and again breathing.
respirator	Device that produces again and again breathing. Also known as a ventilator.
respiratory	Pertaining to again and again breathing.
resuscit/o-	raise up again; revive
resuscitation	A process to revive or raise up again a patient.
retent/o-	hold back; keep
retention	Condition of holding back.
reticul/o-	small network
reticulocyte	Cell (an almost mature erythrocyte) that has no nucleus but has a small network of ribosomes in its cytoplasm.
retin/o-	retina of the eye
retina	Thin layer of tissue lining the posterior cavity. Also known as the fundus.
retinaculum	Thin, nearly translucent band of fibrous tissue and fascia that holds down extensor and flexor tendons that cross the wrist and ankle.
retinal	Pertaining to the retina.
retinitis pigmentosa	Hereditary condition of the retina with loss of color vision and central or peripheral vision.
retinoblastoma	Tumor (cancer) of the retina that has immature, embryonic cells.
retinopathy	Disease of the retina of the eye.
retinopexy	Process of surgically fixing in place the retina.
retraction	Action of again and again pulling in of the sternum with each breath.
retro-	backward; behind
retrograde	Pertaining to going behind or backward.
retroversion	Another name for retroversion of the uterus.
rhabd/o-	rod-shaped
rhabdomyoma	Benign tumor with cells that are rod-shaped and occur in a muscle.
rhabdomyosarcoma	Tumor (cancer with cells) that are rod shaped and occur in a muscle and connective tissue
rheumat/o-	watery discharge
rheumatic	Pertaining to water discharge.
rhin/o-	nose
rhinitis	Inflammation or infection of th) nose.
rhinophyma	Growth and redness of the nose associated with acne rosacea.
rhinoplasty	Process of reshaping by surgery on the nose.
rhinorrhea	Flow or discharge from the nose.
rhiz/o-	spinal nerve root
rhizotomy	Process of cutting the spinal nerve root.
rhonchi	Humming, whistling, or snoring sounds during inspiration or expiration.
rhytid/o-	wrinkle
rhytidectomy	Surgical removal of wrinkles. Also known as a facelift.
rigor mortis	Condition of contraction (rigor) of the muscles that normally occurs after death (mortis). Also known as postmortem rigidity.
rotat/o-	rotate
rotation	Action of rotating (moving a body part around on its axis).
rotator	Muscle that produces or makes something rotate.
rrhag/o-	excessive discharge; excessive flow
-rrhage	excessive discharge; excessive flow
-rrhaphy	procedure of suturing
rrhe/o-	discharge; flow
-rrhea	discharge; flow
rrhythm/o-	rhythm
rub/o-	red
rugae	Folds in the mucosa of an organ
sacr/o-	sacrum
sacral	Pertaining to the sacrum.
sacrum	Five fused vertebrae below the lumbar vertebrae.
sagitt/o-	front to back
sagittal	Pertaining to going from front to back.
saliv/o-	saliva
saliva	Watery substance secreted by the salivary glands that contains a digestive enzyme.
salivary	Pertaining to a gland that makes saliva.
salping/o-	uterine tube
salpingectomy	Surgical removal of the uterine tube.
salpingitis	Inflammation or infection of the uterine tube.
salpingo-oophorectomy	Surgical removal of the uterine tubes and ovaries.
-salpinx	uterine tube
saphen/o-	clearly visible
saphenous	Pertaining to a vein that is clearly visible.
sarc/o-	connective tissue
sarcoma	Tumor of the connective tissue
scabies	Infestation of parasitic mites that tunnel under the skin.
scapul/o-	scapula; shoulder blade
scapula	Triangular-shaped bone on each side of the upper back. Also known as the shoulder blade.
scapulae	Latin plural noun. Singular form is scapula.
scapular	Pertaining to the scapula.
schwannoma	Benign tumor of Schwann cells.
sciatica	Also known as radiculopathy
scient/o-	knowledge; science
scientist	One who specializes in science and knowledge.
scint/i-	point of light
scintigram	Another name for bone scintigraphy.
scintigraphy	Process of recording a point of light from a radioactive tracer to find areas of increased uptake ("hot spots"). Also known as a scintigram.
scintill/o-	point of light
scler/o-	hard; sclera of the eye
sclera	White, tough connective tissue that is the outer layer around most of the eye. Also known as the white of the eye.
sclerae	Latin plural noun. Singular form is sclera.
scleral	Pertaining to the sclera.
scleroderma	Skin that is hard (with deposits of collagen). An autoimmune disorder.
sclerosis	Abnormal condition of hardness
sclerotherapy	Treatment that makes a varicose vein hard.
scoli/o-	crooked; curved
scoliosis	Abnormal condition of a curved (C-shaped or S-shaped) lateral curvature of the spine.
scoliotic	Pertaining to scoliosis.
scop/o-	examine with an instrument
-scope	instrument used to examine
-scopy	process of using an instrument to examine
scot/o-	darkness
scotoma	Tumor (actually a visual field defect that is a patchy or solid, stationary or moving area of darkness) in the field of vision.
scotomata	Plural form of scotoma.
scrot/o-	bag; scrotum
scrotal	Pertaining to the scrotum.
scrotum	Pouch of skin outside the body that holds the testes.
seb/o-	oil; sebum
sebace/o-	oil; sebum
sebaceous	Pertaining to sebum (oil).
seborrhea	Discharge of excessive sebum with crusty yellow exudates at a time other than puberty. Also known as cradle cap in infants and eczema in children.
sebum	Oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands.
secret/o-	produce; secrete
sect/o-	cut
sella turcica	Bony cup in the sphenoid bone of the cranium where the pituitary gland sits.
semen	Fluid expelled from the penis during ejaculation. It contains spermatozoa, seminal fluid, prostatic fluid, and mucus from the bulbourethral gland.
semi-	half; partly
semin/i-	sperm; spermatozoon
semin/o-	sperm; spermatozoon
seminiferous	Pertaining to the tubules where spermatozoa to bear children are produced.
seminoma	Tumor of the structure that produces spermatozoa (the testis). Also known as testicular cancer.
sen/o-	old age
senil/o-	old age
senile	Pertaining to old age.
sens/o-	sensation
sensitiv/o-	affected by; sensitive to
sensitivity	State of being sensitive to.
sensor/i-	sensory
sensorineural	Pertaining to a sensory nerve.
sensory	Having the function of sensation.
sepsis	Another name for septicemia or blood poisoning
sept/o-	dividing wall; septum
septal	Pertaining to the septum (dividing wall).
septic/o	infection
septicemia	Condition of the blood having infection. Also known as blood poisoning or sepsis.
septoplasty	Process of reshaping by surgery on the nasal septum.
septum	Dividing wall
ser/o-	serum-like fluid; serum of the blood
serotonin	Neurotransmitter in the brain
serous	Pertaining to a serumlike fluid.
serum	Fluid portion of the plasma that remains after the clotting factors are activated to form a blood clot.
sessile	Pertaining to a having a broad base (of a polyp).
sex/o-	sex
shingles	Infection with herpes varicella-zoster later in life.
sial/o-	saliva; salivary gland
sialolith	Stone in the salivary gland
sialolithiasis	State of having a salivary gland stone.
sigmoid/o-	sigmoid colon
sigmoidoscopy	Process of using an instrument to examine the sigmoid colon.
-sin	substance
sin/o-	channel; hollow cavity
sinoatrial	Pertaining to a channel in the atrium.
sinus	Hollow space within a bone
sinus/o-	sinus
sinusitis	Inflammation or infection of a sinus.
-sis	condition; process
skelet/o-	skeleton
skeletal	Pertaining to the skeleton.
skeleton	The bony framework of the body that consists of all the bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
skull	Bony structure that includes the cranium and facial bones.
smegma	White, cheesy discharge of skin cells and oil under the foreskin of the penis.
sol/o-	sun
somat/o-	body
somatic	Pertaining to the body.
somatosensory	Having the function of body sensation.
somatostatin	A substance that keeps the body standing still by preventing growth hormone from being secreted. Somatostatin is secreted by delta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It also prevents glucagon and insulin from being secreted.
-some	body
somn/o-	sleep
son/o-	sound
sonogram	A record or picture made by using sound waves.
sorpt/o-	absorb
spad/o-	opening; tear
spasm	Sudden, involuntary muscle contraction.
-spasm	sudden, involuntary muscle contraction
spasmod/o-	spasm
spast/o-	spasm
spastic	Pertaining to a spasm
speculum	Instrument to visualize the vagina during a gynecologic examination.
sperm	Another name for spermatozoa.
sperm/o-	sperm; spermatozoon
spermat/o-	sperm; spermatozoon
spermatocyte	Immature cell that will become sperm.
spermatogenesis	Process of spermatozoa arising from or produced by the testis.
spermatozoa	Plural form of spermatozoon.
spermatozoon	Living thing in the sperm. An individual mature sperm.
sphen/o-	wedge shaped
sphenoid	Resembling a wedge shape.
sphenoid/o-	sphenoid bone; sphenoid sinus
-sphere	ball; sphere
sphinct/o-	close tightly
sphincter	Muscular ring around a tube.
sphygm/o-	pulse
sphygmomanometer	Instrument used to measure the pulse of the blood pressure using a thin cuff.
spin/o-	backbone; spine
spina bifida	Abnormal opening in the vertebral column that is only covered by meninges and skin.
spinal	Pertaining to the spine.
spine	Another name for the vertebral column.
spinous	Pertaining to a spine (on a bone).
spir/o-	breathe; coil
spirometer	Instrument used to measure the volume that the patient breathes.
spirometry	Process of measuring the breathing capacity of the lungs.
spleen	Lymphoid organ located in the abdominal cavity behind the stomach.
splen/o-	spleen
splenectomy	Surgical removal of the spleen.
splenic	Pertaining to the spleen.
splenomegaly	Enlargement of the spleen.
spondyl/o-	vertebra
spondylolisthesis	Abnormal condition with slipping of one vertebra out of alignment.
sprain	Overstretching or tearing of a ligament around a joint.
sputum	Mucus produced by the lungs
squam/o-	scale-like cell
squamous	Pertaining to scalelike cells of the outer epidermis.
-stalsis	process of contraction
staped/o-	stapes; stirrup-shaped bone
stapedectomy	Surgical removal of the stapes (bone of the middle ear).
stapes	Third bone of the middle ear. Also known as the stirrup.
-stasis	standing still; staying in one place
stat/o-	standing still; staying in one place
status asthmaticus	Prolonged, extremely severe, life-threatening asthma attack
status epilepticus	State of prolonged continuous seizure activity or frequently repeated individual seizures without regaining consciousness.
-staxis	abnormal condition of hemorrhage
steat/o-	fat
steatorrhea	Discharge of undigested fat in the feces.
sten/o-	constriction; narrowness
stenosis	Abnormal condition of narrowness and constriction of a blood vessel.
stere/o-	three dimensions
stern/o-	breastbone; sternum
sternal	Pertaining to the sternum (breast bone).
sternum	Vertical bone of the anterior thorax to which the clavicle and ribs are attached. Also known as the breast bone.
-steroid	steroid
steroid/o-	steroid
steth/o-	chest
stethoscope	Instrument used to examine (listen to) the chest.
stigmat/o-	mark; point
stimul/o-	exciting; strengthening
stimulation	A process of exciting
stoma	Mouth-like opening created surgically.
stomach	Organ of digestion between the esophagus and the small intestine.
stomat/o-	mouth
stomatitis	Inflammation or infection of the mouth.
-stomy	surgically created opening
stool	Another name for feces.
strabismus	Deviation of one or both eyes medially or laterally. Category that includes esotropia and exotropia.
strept/o-	curved
streptococcus	Spherical bacteria in curved chains. It causes a strep throat.
stri/o-	parallel stripes
striae	Stretch marks in the skin of the abdomen as the skin stretches to accommodate pregnancy.
stridor	High-pitched, harsh, crowing sound from obstruction in the trachea or larynx.
styl/o-	stake
styloid	Resembling a stake.
sub-	below; underneath
subacute	Symptoms and signs that are less severe in intensity than acute symptoms.
subarachnoid	Underneath the arachnoid.
subclavian	Pertaining to underneath the clavicle.
subcutaneous	Pertaining to underneath the skin.
subdural	Pertaining to underneath the dura mater.
sublingual	Pertaining to being underneath the tongue.
submandibular	Pertaining to being underneath the mandible.
submental	Pertaining to underneath the chin.
substantia nigra	Area of the midbrain. It produces the neurotransmitter dopamine.
suct/o-	suck
sudor/i-	sweat
sudoriferous	Pertaining to bearing sweat.
sulci	Latin plural noun. Singular form is sulcus.
sulcus	Latin singular noun. Plural form is sulci.
super/o-	above
superior	Pertaining to being above.
supinat/o-	lying on the back
supination	Action of lying on the back (of the hand).
supinator	Muscle that produces supination.
supine	Lying on the posterior part of the body (face up). Also known as the dorsal supine position.
supposit/o-	placed beneath
suppository	Having the function of a drug that is placed in the rectum.
suppress/o-	press down
suppressor	Lymphocyte that presses down and limits the immune response.
suppur/o-	pus formation
suppurative	Pertaining to pus formation.
supra-	above
suprapubic	Pertaining to above the pubis.
surfactant	Substance that creates surface tension and keeps the walls of the alveolus from collapsing.
surg/o-	operative procedure
surgeon	One who performs operative procedures.
surgery	Process of an operative procedure.
suspens/o-	hanging
suspension	Action of hanging
suture	Line where one cranial bone meets another.
suturing	Procedure that uses sutures to bring the skin edges of a laceration together.
sym-	together; with
sympathetic	Pertaining to with suffering.
symptom	Any deviation from health that is experienced or felt by the patient.
symptomat/o-	collection of symptoms
symptomatology	The study of a collection of symptoms.
syn-	together
synapse	Space between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of the next neuron.
syncop/o-	fainting
syncopal	Pertaining to fainting.
syncope	Temporary loss of consciousness.
syndactyly	Condition of skin of fingers or toes is fused together.
syndrome	A running together of set a of symptoms and signs characteristic of one disease.
synerg/o-	joined, enhanced effect
synergism	Process of two hormones working together.
synov/o-	joint membrane; synovium
synovi/o-	joint membrane; synovium
synovial	Pertaining to the synovium (membrane).
synth/o-	put together
syphilis	Sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum. Also known as lues.
system/o-	body as a whole
systemic	Pertaining to the body as a whole.
systol/o-	contracting
systole	A contraction of the heart muscle
-systole	contraction
systolic	Pertaining to contracting of the heart.
tachy-	fast
tachycardia	Condition (arrhythmia) of a fast heart rate
tachycardic	Pertaining to a fast heart rate.
tachypnea	Breathing fast
tachypneic	Pertaining to fast breathing.
tact/o-	touch
talipes equinovarus	Congenital deformity with one or both feet turned inward in a fixed position. Also known as clubfoot.
tampon/o-	stop up
tamponade	Process of to stop up
tars/o-	ankle
tarsal	Pertaining to the ankle.
tax/o-	coordination
techn/o-	technical skill
technician	Skilled professional or expert with technical skill.
technologist	One who specializes in a technical skill and the study of it.
tele/o-	distance
telemetry	Process of measuring the heart rate and rhythm from a distance.
tempor/o-	side of the head; temple
temporal	Pertaining to the temple (side of the head).
temporalis	Pertaining to the temple (side of the head).
ten/o-	tendon
tenaculum	Long scissors-like instrument with two curved, pointed ends to grasp and hold the cervix.
tendin/o-	tendon
tendinitis	Inflammation of a tendon.
tendinous	Pertaining to a tendon.
tendon	Cordlike, nonelastic, white band of connective tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone.
tenorrhaphy	Procedure of suturing a tendon.
tenosynovitis	Inflammation or infection of a tendon and the synovial membrane.
tens/o-	pressure; tension
termin/o-	boundary; end; word
terminal	Pertaining to the end (of life).
test/i-	testis
test/o-	testicle; testis
testes	Plural form o.f testis
testicle	Another name for the testis.
testicul/o-	testicle; testis
testicular	Pertaining to the testis.
testis	Latin singular noun. Plural form is testes.
testosterone	Most abundant and biologically active of the male sex hormones secreted by the testes. It causes the development of the male sex characteristics during puberty and helps produce mature spermatozoa.
tetr/a-	four
tetralogy	The study of four defects of the fetal heart.
thalam/o-	thalamus
thalamic	Pertaining to the thalamus.
thalamus	Area in the center of the cerebrum that is a relay station for sensory information to the brain and motor commands from the brain.
theli/o-	cellular layer
then/o-	thumb
thenar	Pertaining to the thumb.
therap/o-	treatment
therapeut/o-	therapy; treatment
therapeutic	Pertaining to therapy or treatment.
therapist	One who specializes in treatment.
therapy	Treatment
-therapy	treatment
therm/o-	heat
thorac/o-	chest; thorax
thoracentesis	Procedure to puncture the thorax with a needle. Also known as a thoracocentesis.
thoracic	Pertaining to the chest.
thoracotomy	Process of cutting or making an incision into the thorax.
thorax	Bony cage of the chest; made up of the sternum, ribs, and spine.
-thorax	chest; thorax
thromb/o-	blood clot
thrombi	Plural form of thrombus.
thrombocyte	Cell fragment that helps to form a blood clot. Also known as a platelet.
thrombocytopenia	Condition of deficiency in the number of blood clot-making platelets.
thrombophlebitis	Inflammation or infection of a blood clot in the vein.
thromboplastin	A substance needed for thrombus (blood clot) growth and formation. Blood clotting Factor III. Also known as tissue factor.
thrombosis	Abnormal condition of having a thrombus (blood clot).
thrombus	A blood clot.
thym/o-	rage; thymus
thymectomy	Surgical removal of the thymus.
thymic	Pertaining to the thymus.
thymoma	Tumor of the thymus.
thymosin	A hormone secreted by the thymus.
thymus	Lymphoid organ in the thoracic cavity.
thyr/o-	shield-shaped structure; thyroid gland
thyroid	Resembling a shield-shaped structure.
thyroid/o-	thyroid gland
thyroidectomy	Surgical removal of thyroid gland.
thyroiditis	Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
thyromegaly	Enlargement of the thyroid gland. Another name for goiter.
thyroxine	Hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. Most of it is changed into T3 by the liver. Also known as T4.
tibi/o-	shin bone; tibia
tibia	Larger of the two bones of the lower leg, located on the great toe side. Also known as the shin bone.
tibiae	Plural form of tibia.
tibial	Pertaining to the tibia (shin bone).
tibialis	Pertaining to the tibia.
-tic	pertaining to
tic douloureux	Another name for trigeminal neuralgia.
tinea	Fungal infection of the skin. Also known as ringworm.
tinnitus	Sounds (buzzing, ringing, hissing, or roaring) that are heard constantly, especially in a quiet environment.
tissue	Structure made of cells.
toc/o-	childbirth; labor
tom/o-	cut; layer; slice
-tome	area with distinct edges; instrument used to cut
tomography	Process of recording the body as a cut, slice or layer.
-tomy	process of cutting; process of making an incision
ton/o-	pressure; tone
tonometer	Instrument used to measure the pressure in the eye.
tonometry	Process of measuring intraocular pressure to diagnose glaucoma.
tonsil	Collection of lymphoid tissue including the palatine tonsils and the lingual tonsils.
tonsill/o-	tonsil
tonsillar	Pertaining to the tonsil.
tonsillectomy	Surgical removal of the tonsils.
tonsillitis	Inflammation or infection of the tonsils.
tophi	Plural form of tophus.
tophus	Soft tissue swelling formed by crytals from gout.
topic/o-	specific area
tort/i-	twisted position
-tous	pertaining to
tox/o-	poison
toxic	Pertaining to a toxin or poison.
toxic/o-	poison; toxin
trabecul/o-	mesh
trabeculoplasty	Process of reshaping by surgery on the trabecula to treat open-angle glaucoma.
trache/o-	trachea; windpipe
trachea	Rigid tube between the larynx and bronchi.
tracheal	Pertaining to the trachea.
tract/o-	pulling
traction	Action of pulling
tragus	Triangular cartilage anterior to the external auditory meatus.
trans-	across; through
transcutaneous	Pertaining to through the skin.
transdermal	Pertaining to through the skin.
transection	Action of going across to cut.
transesophageal	Pertaining to through the esophagus.
transfusion	Pouring a unit of blood through a vein.
transhepatic	Pertaining to through the liver.
transluminal	Pertaining to through the lumen or opening in a blood vessel.
transmitt/o-	send across; send through
transplant/o-	move something across and put in another place
transplantation	A process of moving something to another place.
transrectal	Pertaining to through the rectum.
transurethral	Pertaining to through the urethra.
transvaginal	Pertaining to through the vagina.
transverse	To travel across.
tremor	Small, involuntary, sometimes jerky, back-and-forth muscle movements.
tri-	three
trich/o-	hair
trichomoniasis	Sexually transmitted disease caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.
tricuspid	Resembling three points
trigeminal	Pertaining to three nerve branches in a group.
trigeminy	Arrhythmia of a repeating pattern of one premature contraction followed by two normal contractions of the heart.
triglycerid/o-	triglyceride
triiodothyronine	Pertaining to a single chemical substance that contains three atoms of iodine and is secreted by the shield-shaped structure (thyroid gland). Hormone that increases the rate of cell metabolism. Also known as T3.
trimester	Three month period of pregnancy.
-tripsy	process of crushing
-triptor	thing that crushes
trochle/o-	structure shaped like a pulley
trochlear	Pertaining to a structure shaped like a pulley.
trop/o-	having an affinity for; stimulating; turning
troph/o-	development
-trophy	process of development
tub/o-	tube
tubal	Pertaining to the uterine tube.
tuber/o-	nodule
tubercle	Small thing that is a nodule.
tubercul/o-	nodule; tuberculosis
tuberculosis	Abnormal condition of having nodules of infection in the lung.
tubul/o-	small tube
tubular	Pertaining to a tube.
tubule	Small tube
turbin/o-	scroll-like structure; turbinate
turbinate	Composed of a scroll-like structure
turgor	Way to assess hydration. A fold of skin gently pinched between the thumb and fingertips should flatten out immediately when released. Dehydration causes the skin to remain elevated (tenting of the skin) or flatten out very slowly.
tuss/o-	cough
-ty	quality; state
tympan/o-	eardrum; tympanic membrane
tympanic	Pertaining to the eardrum.
tympanogram	A record or picture of movement of the tympanic membrane.
tympanometry	Process of measuring the ability of the tympanic membrane to move.
tympanoplasty	Process of reshaping by surgery of the tympanic membrane.
tympanostomy	Surgically created opening in the tympanic membrane.
-ual	pertaining to
-ula	small thing
ulcer	An area of skin and tissue that becomes injured or broken down. Also known as bed sore or pressure ulcer.
ulcerat/o-	ulcer
ulcerative	Pertaining to having an ulcer.
-ule	small thing
uln/o-	forearm bone; ulna
ulna	Forearm bone along the little finger side of the lower arm.
ulnae	Plural form of ulna.
ulnar	Pertaining to the ulna (forearm bone).
ultra-	beyond; higher
ultrasonography	Process of recording ultra high-frequency sound waves to make an image.
ultrasound	A record or picture using sound waves to produce an image. Also known as a sonogram.
-um	period of time; structure
umbilic/o-	navel; umbilicus
umbilical	Pertaining to the umbilicus or navel.
umbilicus	The navel
ungu/o-	fingernail; toenail
ungual	Pertaining to the fingernail or toenail.
uni-	not paired; single
unilateral	Pertaining to a single side.
ur/o-	urinary system; urine
-ure	result of; system
urea	Waste product from protein metabolism excreted in the urine.
uremia	Excessive amount of urea in the blood that is normally in the urine because of renal failure.
ureter	Tube that connects the pelvis of the kidney to the bladder.
ureter/o-	ureter
ureteral	Pertaining to the ureter.
urethr/o-	urethra
urethra	Tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body.
urethral	Pertaining to the urethra.
urethritis	Inflammation or infection in the urethra.
urethroplasty	Process of reshaping by surgery to reposition the urethra.
uric acid	Blood test to diagnose gout.
urin/o-	urinary system; urine
urinalysis	Test to analyze the characteristics and substances in the urine.
urinary	Pertaining to the urine.
urination	A process of expelling urine from the body. Also known as voiding and micturition.
urine	Pertaining to the urinary system. Water, waste products, and other substances excreted by the kidneys.
urogenital	Pertaining to the urinary system and genitalia.
urogram	A record or picture of the urinary system
urography	Process of recording the urinary system. Also known as pyelography.
urologist	One who specializes in the urinary system and the study of it.
urology	The study of the urinary system. Medical specialty related to the urinary system.
urticaria	Condition of raised, itchy areas of skin caused by an allergic reaction. Also known as hives.
uter/o-	uterus; womb
uterine	Pertaining to the uterus.
uterus	Internal female genital organ of menstruation and pregnancy. Also known as the womb.
uve/o-	uvea of the eye
uvea	Collective word for the iris, choroid, and ciliary body. Also known as the uveal tract.
uveal	Pertaining to the uvea.
uveitis	Inflammation or infection of the uveal tract.
uvula	Fleshy hanging part of the soft palate.
vaccin/o-	vaccine
vaccination	A process of giving a vaccine. Also known as immunization.
vaccine	A solution of killed or attenuated bacterial or viral cells or cell fragments injected into the body.
vag/o-	vagus nerve; wandering
vagal	Pertaining to the vagus nerve.
vagin/o-	vagina
vagina	Short tube connected at its superior end to the cervix and at its inferior end to the outside of the body. It contains the vaginal canal.
vaginal	Pertaining to the vagina.
vaginitis	Inflammation or infection of the vagina.
vaginosis	Abnormal condition of the vagina.
valv/o-	valve
valve	Structures that open and close to control the flow of blood.
valvul/o-	valve
valvular	Pertaining to a valve.
valvuloplasty	Another name for valvoplasty.
valvulotome	Instrument used to cut a heart valve
vanillylmandelic acid	Test to measure this byproduct in the urine of the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine to check the function of the adrenal gland medulla.
varic/o-	varicose vein; varix
varices	Plural of varix
varicocele	Hernia of a varicose vein in the spermatic cord.
varicose	Full of a varix (varicose vein)
varix	A swollen, protruding vein in the mucosa of the esophagus or stomach.
vas deferens	Tube that receives spermatozoa from the epididymis and carries them to the seminal vesicles. Also known as the ductus deferens.
vas/o-	blood vessel; vas deferens
vascul/o-	blood vessel
vascular	Pertaining to blood vessels.
vasculature	System composed of blood vessels.
vasectomy	Surgical removal of a section of the vas deferens.
vasoconstriction	Condition of blood vessels being narrowed.
vasodilation	Condition of blood vessels being dilated.
vasovasostomy	Surgically-created opening in one part of the vas deferens to join another part of the vas deferens. A reversal of a vasectomy.
vein	Blood vessel that carries oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. The exception is the pulmonary vein, which carries oxygenated from the lungs to the heart.
ven/i-	vein
ven/o-	vein
vena cava	Largest vein in the body. The superior vena cava receives blood from the head, neck, arms, and chest and takes it to the heart. The inferior vena cava receives blood from the abdomen, pelvis, and legs and takes it to the heart.
venere/o-	sexual intercourse
venereal	Pertaining to any disease transmitted by sexual intercourse.
venipuncture	System for creating in a vein a hole to withdraw blood. Also known as phlebotomy.
venogram	A record or picture (x-ray image) of a vein.
venography	Process of recording a vein using contrast dye and x-rays.
venous	Pertaining to a vein.
ventil/o-	movement of air
ventilation	A process of movement of air
ventilator	Device that produces movement of air. Also known as a respirator.
ventr/o-	abdomen; front
ventral	Pertaining to the front or abdomen.
ventricle	Lower heart chamber
ventricul/o-	chamber that is filled; ventricle
ventricular	Pertaining to the ventricle.
ventriculography	Process of recording the ejection fraction of the ventricle.
venule	Small vein
verd/o-	green
vernix caseosa	Thick, white, cheesy substance that covers the skin of the fetus to protect it from amniotic fluid in the uterus.
verruca	A wart caused by human papilloma virus.
vers/o-	travel; turn
-verse	travel; turn
version	Procedure to turn a fetus that is in a malposition.
vert/o-	travel; turn
vertebr/o-	vertebra
vertebra	Latin singular noun. Plural form is vertebrae.
vertebrae	Plural form of vertebra.
vertebral	Pertaining to the vertebra.
vertigo	Sensation of motion and dizziness when not moving.
vesic/o-	bladder; fluid-filled sac
vesical	Pertaining to the bladder.
vesicle	Small, fluid-filled sac. Type of lesion that is elevated with a clear top and filled with fluid.
vesicocele	Hernia of the bladder (through a weakness in the muscular wall of the vagina or rectum). Also known as a cystocele.
vesicovaginal	Pertaining to the bladder and the vagina.
vesicul/o-	fluid-filled sac
vesicular	Pertaining to a fluid-filled sac.
vestibul/o-	entrance; vestibule
vestibular	Pertaining to the vestibule (entrance).
vestibulocochlear	Pertaining to the vestibule (entrance to the inner ear) and the cochlea of the inner ear.
villi	Microscopic projections of the mucosa within the small intestine.
villus	Latin singular noun. Plural form is villi.
vir/o-	virus
viral	Pertaining to a virus.
viril/o-	masculine
virilism	Disease from a specific cause of too much androgen that makes a female be masculine.
vis/o-	sight; vision
viscer/o-	large internal organs
visceral	Pertaining to the viscera.
vision	Condition of having sight.
visual	Pertaining to vision.
vitiligo	Autoimmune disorder with white, depigmented patches where melanocytes are destroyed.
vitre/o-	transparent substance; vitreous humor
vitrectomy	Surgical removal of the vitreous humor.
vitreous humor	Pertaining to a transparent substance. It fills the posterior cavity.
voc/o-	voice
voiding	Another name for urination.
volunt/o-	person's own free will
voluntary	Pertaining to being done of one's own free will.
volvulus	Twisting or rotating of the intestine around itself. Also known as malrotation.
vomer	Facial bone that forms the bottom of the nasal septum.
vomitus	Expelled food or chyme. Also known as vomit.
vuls/o-	tear
vulv/o-	vulva
vulva	Area between the inner thighs that includes the external genitalia as well as the mons pubis.
vulvar	Pertaining to the vulva.
wheal	Type of lesion that is elevated with a pale top and filled with clear fluid. Caused by an allergic skin reaction.
wheezes	High-pitched whistling or squeaking sounds during inspiration or expiration.
xer/o-	dry
xeroderma	Skin that is very dry.
xeromammogram	A record or picture using dry powder of the breast.
xeromammography	Process of recording using dry powder for an image of the breast.
xerophthalmia	Condition of dry eyes. Also known as dry eyes syndrome.
xiph/o-	sword
xiphoid	Resembling a sword
x-ray	Procedure that uses x-rays to diagnose bony abnormalities.
-zoon	animal; living thing
zygoma	Each zygomatic bone.
zygomat/o-	cheekbone; zygoma
zygote	Cell resulting from the union of a spermatozoon and an ovum.

Created by: Keke_xcv

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