| Term | Definition |
| prefix | -the beginning of some words
-one letter or a group of letters
-precedes a root to give it a different meaning
-can have more than one meaning
-never requires a combining vowel
-can have two prefixes in an occasional medical term |
| root | the foundation of the rood that provides its meaning |
| combining vowel | vowel that joins a root to another root or to a suffix |
| combining form | combination of a root and a combining vowel |
| suffix | the ending of some words |
| ROOT functions | -the constant unchanging foundation of a medical term
-usually of greek or latin origin
-one or more is found in most medical terms |
| combining vowel functions | -has no meaning of its own
-joins a root to another root
-joins root to suffix
-makes word easier to pronounce
-"o" the most common combining vowel, next is "a" |
| combining form functions | -combines a root and a combining vowel
-can be attached to another root or combining form
-can precede a suffix |
| combining form examples | 1. cardi/o
2. gynec/o
3. respir/a |
| patient (greek/latin form) | an old english term meaning to suffer or undergo; the term refers to a person who is under medical or surgical treatment |
| medical (greek/latin form) | from a latin term meaning to heal; it means pertaining to the practice of medicine |
| breath (greek/latin form) | an old english word meaning a single cycle of inhaling and exhaling |
| mucus (greek/latin form) | a latin word for a clear sticky secretion |
| knee (greek/latin form) | an old english word meaning an angular shape; today its referred to the joint (a latin word for junction) between the upper and lower leg |
| quadrant (greek/latin form) | a latin word meaning a quarter. the abdomen is divided into four quadrants by horizontal and vertical planes that intersect at the umbilicus, which is a latin word for navel or belly button. |
| record (greek/latin form) | a latin word meaning to remember. A medical record is a written account of a patient's medical history |
| care (greek/latin form) | an old english word meaning to worry. when you care for your patients you look after them and are concerned about them. |
| specialist (greek/latin form) | a latin word meaning of a given species. a specialist devotes professional attention to a particular subject area. |
| apex (greek/latin form) | a latin word meaning tip or summit (as in mount everest); the apex of the heart is the downward pointing tip of the cone-shaped heart. |
| patent (greek/latin form) | a latin word meaning open or exposed; a patent blood vessel is open to the circulation of free flowing blood. |
| toxin (greek/latin form) | a greek word meaning poison; a toxin is a poisonous substance formed by a cell, such as a bacterium. |
| lymph (greek/latin form) | a latin word meaning clear spring water; lymph is a clear, shimmering fluid collected from the body tissues |
| breech (greek/latin form) | an old english word meaning buttocks; in obstetrics, a fetus is in a breech presentation when the buttocks, rather than the head, are the presenting part of delivery. |
| terms that are alike:
illum and illeum | - a bone in the pelvis
- a segment of the small intestine |
| terms that are alike:
ureter and urethra | - the tube from the kidney to the bladder
- the tube from the bladder from the outside |
| terms that are alike:
trapezius and trapezium | - a muscle in the back
- a bone in the wrist |
| terms that are alike:
malleus and malleolus | - a small bone in the middle ear
- a bony protuberance at the ankle |
| terms that are alike:
neurology and urology | -the study of diseases of the nervous system
-the study of diseases of the kidney and bladder |
| diagnostic suffix:
-oma
hematoma | -tumor, mass
- the collection of blood in a tissue |
| diagnostic suffix:
-uria
hematuria | -urine
-blood in the urine |
| diagnostic suffix:
-dialysis
hemodialysis | -to separate
- removal of excess waste materials from blood |
| diagnostic suffix:
-chezia
hematochezia | -pass a stool
-passage of a bloody stool |
| diagnostic suffix:
-crit
hematocrit | -to separate
-percentage of red blood cells in the blood |
| diagnostic suffix:
-gram
cardiogram | - record
-record derived from the heart |
| diagnostic suffix:
-graph
cardiograph | -instrument for recording
-instrument for recording the heart |
| diagnostic suffix:
-lysis
hemolysis | -destruction
-destruction of red blood cells |
| diagnostic suffix:
-philia
hemophilia | -attraction
-an inherited blood disease |
| diagnostic suffix:
-ptysis
hemoptysis | -spit
-cough up bloody sputum |
| diagnostic suffix:
-rrhage
hemorrhage | -to flow profusely
-to bleed profusely |
| diagnostic suffix:
-rrhoid
hemorrhoid | -to flow
- painful anal swelling of venous blood |
| surgical suffix:
-centesis
arthrocentesis | -surgical puncture
-surgical puncture of a joint space with a needle |
| surgical suffix:
-desis
arthrodesis | -fixation
-surgical binding together of the bones of a joint |
| surgical suffix:
-ectomy
appendectomy | -surgical removal
-surgical removal of appendix |
| surgical suffix:
-plasty
rhinoplasty | -surgical repair
-surgical repair of nose |
| surgical suffix:
-rrhaphy
herniorrhapy | -surgical structure
-surgical structure of a hernia |
| surgical suffix:
-stomy
tracheostomy | -surgical formation of an opening
-surgical formation of an artificial opening into the trachea into which a tube is inserted |
| surgical suffix:
-tomy
tracheotomy | -surgical incision
-surgical incision into the trachea to enable a tracheostomy to be inserted |
| surgical suffix:
-tripsy
lithotripsy | -crushing
-crushing of a stone ex: in the ureters |
| pathological suffix:
-algia
arthralgia | -pain
-pain in the joints |
| pathological suffix:
-ectasis
bronchiectasis | -dilation
-chronic dilation of bronchi |
| pathological suffix:
-edema
lymphedema | -accumulation of fluid and tissues
-swelling in tissues as a result of obstruction of lymphatic vessels |
| pathological suffix:
-emesis
hematemesis | -vomiting
-vomiting of blood |
| pathological suffix:
-genesis
osteogenesis | -form, produce
-formation of new bone |
| pathological suffix:
-itis
cystitis | -inflammation
-inflammation of urinary bladder |
| pathological suffix:
-oma
hematoma | -tumor, mass
-mass of blood leaked outside blood vessels into tissues |
| pathological suffix:
-osis
cyanosis | -abnormal condition
-dark blue coloration of blood due to lack of oxygen |
| pathological suffix:
-pathy
neuropathy | -disease
-any disease of the nervous system |
| pathological suffix:
-penia
erythropenia | -deficiency or lack of
-decrease of red blood cells |
| pathological suffix:
-phobia
agoraphobia | -fear of
-an unfounded fear of public places that arouses a state of panic |
| pathological suffix:
-stenosis
arteriostenosis | -narrowing
-abnormal narrowing of an artery |
| adjectival suffixes:
-ac, -ary, -ior, -al, -ale, -alis, -ar, -aris, -atic, -active, -eal, -ent, -etic, -ial, -ic, -lca, -lcal, -lne, -iosum, -ious, -istic, -ius, -nic, -ous, -tic, -tiz, -tous, -us | pertaining to |
| noun suffix:
-iatry
psychiatry | -treatments, medical specialty
-diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders |
| noun suffix:
-ician
pediatrician | -expert, specialist
-medical specialist in childrens development and disorders |
| noun suffix:
-icle
ossicle | -small, minute
-small bone, relating to the three small bones in the middle ear |
| noun suffix:
-ist
dentist | -expert, specialist
-specialist in disorders of the orofacial complex |
| noun suffix:
-istry
dentristy | -medical speciality
-speciality in disorders of the orofacial complex |
| noun suffix:
-ole
arteriole | -small minute
-small artery |
| noun suffix:
-ule
venule | -small, minute
-small vein |
| position prefix:
ante-
antevert | -before, forward
-to tilt forward, as a uterus can |
| position prefix:
anti-
antibiotic | -against
-an agent that can destroy bacteria in other microorganisms |
| position prefix:
circum-
circumcision | -around
-to cut around the penis to remove the foreskin |
| position prefix:
endo-
endocrine | -inside, inner
-a gland that secretes directly into the blood |
| position prefix:
epi-
epidermis | -above, over, upon
-top layer of skin |
| position prefix:
exo-
exocrine | -outside, outward
-a gland that excretes outwardly through ducts |
| position prefix:
hyper-
hypertrophy | -above, excessive
-increase in size |
| position prefix:
hypo-
hypodermis | -below
-tissue layer below the top layer of the skin |
| position prefix:
inter-
intercostal | -between
-space between two ribs |
| position prefix:
intra-
intradermal | -inside, within
-within the skin |
| position prefix:
para-
paranoid | -adjacent, alongside
-having delusions of persecution |
| position prefix:
peri-
perinatal | -around
-around the time of birth |
| position prefix:
post-
postnatal | -after
-after the time of birth |
| position prefix:
pre-
prenatal | -before
-before the time of birth |
| position prefix:
retro-
retrovert | -backward
-to tilt backward, as a uterus can |
| position prefix:
supra-
suprapubic | -above, excessive
-above the pubic bone |
| position prefix:
trans-
transdermal | -across, through
-going across or through the skin |
| position prefix:
ultra-
ultrasound | -higher, beyond
-very high-frequency sound waves |
| measurement prefix:
bi-
bilateral | -two, twice, double
- on two sides of the body |
| measurement prefix:
brady-
bradycardia | -slow
-slow heart rate |
| measurement prefix:
di-
diplegia | -two
-paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body |
| measurement prefix:
eu-
eupnea | -normal
-normal breathing |
| measurement prefix:
hemi-
hemiparasis | -half
-weakness of one side of the body |
| measurement prefix:
macro-
macrocyte | -large
-large red blood cell |
| measurement prefix:
micro-
microcyte | -small
-small red blood cell |
| measurement prefix:
mono-
monocyte | -single, one
-white blood cell with a single nucleus |
| measurement prefix:
multi-
multipara | -many
-a woman who has given birth at least twice |
| measurement prefix:
pan-
pancytopenia | -all
-deficiency of all types of blood cells |
| measurement prefix:
poly-
polyuria | -excessive
-excessive production of urine |
| measurement prefix:
primi-
primipara | -first
-a woman who has given birth for the first time |
| measurement prefix:
quadri-
quadriplegia | -four
-paralysis of all four limbs |
| measurement prefix:
tachy-
tachycardia | -rapid
-rapid heart rate |
| measurement prefix:
tri-
tricuspid | -three
-having three points, a tricuspid heart valve has three flaps |
| measurement prefix:
uni-
unipolar | -single, one
-depression |
| directional prefix:
ab-
abduction | -away from
-action of moving away from the midline |
| directional prefix:
ad-
adduction | -towards
-action of moving toward midline |
| directional prefix:
ante-
antevert | -coming before, in front of
-to tilt foward |
| directional prefix:
sub-
subdural | -under
-in the space under the dura mater |
| directional prefix:
syn-
synapse | - coming together
-junction between two nerve cells |
| singular and plural endings:
-a
-ae | -axilla
-axillae |
| singular and plural endings:
-ax
-aces | -thorax
-thoraces |
| singular and plural endings:
-en
-ina | -lumen
-lumina |
| singular and plural endings:
-ex
-ices | -cortex
cortices |
| singular and plural endings:
-is
-es | -diagnosis
-diagnoses |
| singular and plural endings:
-is
-ides | -epididymis
-epididymides |
| singular and plural endings:
-ix
-ices | -appendix
-appendices |
| singular and plural endings:
-ma
-mata | -carcinoma
-carcinomata |
| singular and plural endings:
-on
-a | -ganglion
-ganglia |
| singular and plural endings:
-um
-a | -septum
-septa |
| singular and plural endings:
-us
-era | -viscus
-viscera |
| singular and plural endings:
-us
-i | -villus
-villi |
| singular and plural endings:
-us
-ora | -corpus
-corpora |
| singular and plural endings:
-ex
-ges | -phalanx
-phalanges |
| singular and plural endings:
-y
-ies | -ovary
-ovaries |
| singular and plural endings:
-yx
-ices | -calyx
-calices |
| word analysis and definition:
abdomen
abdominal | root: (abdomin-abdomen)
-the part of the trunk that lies between the thorax and the pelvis
-pertaining to the abdomen |
| word analysis and definition:
colic
colicky | root: (col-colon)
-pertaining to the colon
-pain in the colon |
| word analysis and definition:
costovertebral | root: (cost/o- rib) (vertebr- spine)
-pertaining to the rib and spine |
| word analysis and definition:
hypertension
hypotension | root: (tens- pressure)
-persistent high arterial blood pressure
-persistent low arterial blood pressure |
| word analysis and definition:
radiopaque | root: (radi/o-radiation)
-impenetrable by x-rays or other forms of radiation |
| word analysis and definition:
ureter | -tube that connects the kidney to urinary bladder |
| word analysis and definition:
urethra | -canal leading from the urinary bladder to the outside |
| atom | -a small unit of matter |
| blastocyst | root: (blast/o- immature cell)
-first two weeks of the developing embryo |
| cell
cellular
cytology | root: (cellul- small cell)
root: (cyt/o- cell)
-smallest unit capable of independent existence
-pertaining to a cell
-study of cell |
| fertilization
fertilize | root: (fertiliz- to bear)
-union of male sperm and female egg |
| holistic | root: (holist- whole)
-pertaining to the care of the whole person in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. |
| molecule
molecular | root: (molec- mass)
-very small particle consisting of two or more atoms held tightly together |
| oocyte | root: (cyte- cell) (o/o-egg)
-female egg cell |
| organ
organelle | root: (organ-organ)
-structure with specific functions in a body system
-part of a cell having a specialized function(s) |
| tissue | -collection of similar cells |
| vitro
in vitro fertilization (IVF) | -process of combining sperm and egg in a laboratory dish and placing resulting embryos inside a uterus |
| zygote | -cell resulting from the union of the sperm and egg |
| basic function of life: | -manufacture of proteins and lipids
-production and use of energy
-communication with other cells
-replication of DNA
-reproduction |
| organelle examples: | nucleolus, nucleus (the largest organelle), E.R., ribosomes, golgi complex or apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria |
| chromatin | root: (chromat-color)
-substance composed of DNA that forms chromosomes during cell division |
| cytoplasm | -clear, gelatinous substance that forms the substance of a cell except for the nucleus |
| chromosome | root: (chrom/o- color)
-body in the nucleus that contains DNA and genes |
| DNA | -source of hereditary characterisitcs found in chromosomes |
| electrolyte | root: (electr/o- electric)
-substance that, when dissolved in a suitable medium, forms electrically charged particles |
| hormone
hormonal | -chemical formed in one tissue or organ and carried by the blood to stimulate or inhibit or function of another tissue or organ |
| intracellular | root: (cellul- small cell)
-within the cell |
| membrane
membranous | -thin layer of tissue covering a structure or cavity |
| metabolism
metabolic | root: (metabol- change)
-the constantly changing physical and chemical processes occurring in the cell
-pertaining to metabolism |
| mitochondrion
mitochondria | root: (mit/o- thread) (chondr/o- cartilage, rib, granule)
-organelle that generates, stores, and releases energy for cell activities |
| nucleus
nuclear | root: (nucle- nucleus)
-functional center of cell structure |
| nucleolus | root: (nucle/o- nucleus)
-small mass within the nucleus |
| steroid
steroidal | root: (ster- solid)
-large family of chemical substances found in many drugs, hormones, and body components |
| anabollism | root: (anabol-build up)
-the build up of complex substances in the cell form simpler ones as a part of metabolism |
| carbohydrates | root: (carb/o- carbon) (hydr- water)
-a group of organic food compounds that includes sugars, starch, glycogen, and cellulose |
| catabolism | root: (catabol- breakdown)
- breakdown of complex substances into simpler ones as a part of metabolism |
| lysosome | root: (lys/o- decompose)
-enzyme that digest foreign material and worn out cell components |
| protein | root: (prot/e- first)
-class of food substances based on amino acids |
| ribosomes | root: (rib/o- like a rib)
-structure in the cell that assembles amino acids into proteins |
| connective tissue | -bind, support, protect, fill spaces, store fat
-distributed throughout body; for example, in blood, bone, cartilidge, and fat |
| epithelial tissue | -protect, secrete, absorb, and excrete
-cover body surface, cover and line internal organs, composed glands |
| muscle tissue | -movement
-attached to bones, and the walls of hollow internal organs, and in the heart |
| nervous tissue | -transmit impulses for coordination, sensory reception, motor actions
-brain, spinal cord, nerves |
| anterior | root: (anter- before, front part)
- front surface of body; situated in front |
| collateral | root: (later- side)
-situated at the side; having an excessory function |
| coordinate
coordination | root: (ordin- arrange)
-to bring together different structures into a harmonious function
-the harmonious function of interrelated strucutres |
| cruciate | -shaped like a cross |
| epithelium
epithelial | root: (thel/i- nipple)
-tissue that covers surfaces or lines cavities
-pertaining to epithelium |
| excrete
excretion | -to pass waste products of metabolism out of the body
-removal of waste products of metabolism out of the body |
| graft | -transplantation of living tissue |
| histology
histologist | root: (hist/o- tissue)
-structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs
-specialist in the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs |
| ligament | - band of fibrous tissue connecting two structures |
| medial | - near to the middle of body |
| meniscus
menisci | -disc of connective tissue cartilage between the bones of a joint; for example in the knee joint |
| muscle | - a tissue consisting of contractile cells |
| patella | -thin, circular bone in front of the knee joint that is embedded in the patellar tendon, also called the knee cap. |
| secrete
secretion | -to produce a chemical substance in a cell and release it from the cell |
| articulate
articulation | -to form a joint so as to allow movement
-joint formed to allow movement |
| capsule
capsular | root: (caps- box)
-fibrous tissue layer surrounding a joint or some other structure |
| cartilage | -nonvascular form, connective tissue found mostly in joints |
| collagen | root: (coll/a- glue)
-major protein of connective tissue, cartilage and bone |
| fibroblast | root: (blast- germ cell) (fibr/o- fiber)
-cell that forms collagen fibers |
| matrix | -substance that surrounds cells, manufactured by cells, and holds them together |
| nutrient | root: nutri- nourish
-a substance and food required for normal physiologic function |
| osteoblast
osteoclast
osteocyte | root: (blast- germ cell) (oste/o- bone)
-bone-forming cell
-bone-removing cell
-bone-maintaining cell |
| periosteum | root: (oste- bone)
-fibrous membrane covering the bone |
| synovial | root: (ov/i- egg)
-pertaining to synovial fluid and synovial membrane |
| tendon | -fibrous band that connects muscle to bone |
| organ systems:
integumentary | -skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, sebaceous glands
-protect tissues, regulate body temp., support sensory receptors |
| organ systems:
skeletal | -bones, ligaments, cartilages, tendons
-provide framework, protect soft tissues, provide attachments for muscles, produce blood cells, and store inorganic salts |
| organ systems:
muscular | -muscles
-cause movements, maintain posture, produce body heat |
| organ systems:
nervous | -brain, spinal cord, nerves, sense organs
-detect changes, receive and interpret sensory info., stimulate muscle and glands |
| organ systems:
endocrine | -glands that secrete hormones; pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries, testes, pineal, thymus
-control metabolic activities of organs and structures |
| organ systems:
cardiovascular | -heart, blood cells
-move blood and transport substances throughout the body |
| organ systems:
lymphatic | -lymph vessels and nodes, thymus, spleen
-return tissue fluid to the blood, carry certain absorbed food molecules, defend body against infection |
| organ systems:
digestive | -mouth, tongue, teeth, salivary glands, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small and large intestines
-receive, break down, and absorb food, eliminate unabsorbed material |
| organ systems:
respiratory | -nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs
-control intake and output of air, exchange gases between air and blood |
| organ systems:
urinary | -kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra
-remove waste from blood, maintain water and electrolyte balance, store and transport urine |
| organ systems:
reproductive (male) | -male: scrotum, testes, epididymides, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral glands, urethra, penis
-produce and maintain sperm cells, transfer sperm cells into female reproductive tract, secrete male hormones |
| organ systems:
reproductive (female | -female: ovaries, uterine, (fallopian) tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva
- produce and maintain egg cells, receive sperm cells, support development of an embryo, function in birth process, secrete female hormones |
| homeostasis | root: (home/o- the same)
-stability or equilibrium of a system or the body's internal environment |
| hypertrophy | root: (trophy- development)
-increase in size, but not in number, of an individual tissue element |
| integrate
integration | root: (integr- whole)
-to bring together into a complete inharmonious whole |
| organ | -structure with specific functions in a body system |
| parkinson disease | -disease of muscular rigidity, tremors, and a mask-like facial expression |
| posture | -the carriage of the body as a whole and the position of the limbs |
| septicemia | root: (septic- infected)
-microorganisms circulating in and infecting the blood (blood poisoning) |
| spastic
spasticity | root: (spast- tight)
-increase muscle tone on movement with exaggeration of the tendon reflexes
-the condition or state of increased muscle tone on movement |
| tracheostomy | root: (trache/o- windpipe)
-the incision into the windpipe, usually so that a tube can be inserted to assist breathing |
| urinary | root: (urin- urine)
- pertaining to urine |
| anatomy
anatomic | root: (tom- section)
-study of structure of the human body
-pertaining to anatomy |
| anterior | root: (anter- coming before)
-front surface of body situated in front |
| caudal | root: (caud- tale)
-pertaining to or near to the tale |
| cephalic | root: (cephal- head)
-pertaining to or near to the head |
| coronal | root: (coron- crown)
-pertaining to the vertical plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior portions |
| distal | root: (dist- away from center)
-situated away from the center of the body |
| dorsal | root: (dors- back)
-pertaining to the back or situated behind |
| frontal | root: (front- front)
-in front; relating to the anterior part of the body |
| inferior | root: (infer- below)
-situated below |
| posterior | root: (poster- coming behind)
-pertaining to the back surface of the body; situated behind |
| prone | -lying face down, flat on your abdomen |
| proximal | root: (proxim- nearest)
-situated nearest center of the body |
| sagittal | root: (sagitt- arrow)
-pertaining to the vertical plane through the body, dividing into left and right portions |
| superior | root: (super- above)
-situated above |
| supine | -lying face up, flat on your spine |
| transverse | -pertaining to the horizontal plane, dividing the body into upper and lower portions |
| ventral | root: ventr- belly
-pertaining to the abdomen or situated near the surface of the abdomen |
| cranial cavity | contains the brain within the skull |
| thoracic cavity | contains the heart, lungs, thymus glad, trachea, and esophagus, as well as numerous blood vessels and nerves |
| abdominal cavity | is separated from the thoracic cavity by the diaphragm and contains the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys |
| pelvic cavity | surrounded by pelvic bones and contains the urinary bladder, part of the large intestine, the rectum, the anus, and the internal reproductive organs |
| spinal cavity | contains the spinal cord |
| abdominopelvic cavity | abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity collectively |
| cavity
cavities | hollow space or body compartment |
| diaphragm | the musculomembranous partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities |
| epigastric
epigastrium | root: (gastr/i-stomach)
-pertaining to the abdominal region above the stomach
-abdominal region above the stomach |
| hypogastric | -pertaining to the abdominal region below the stomach |
| quadrant | one-quarter of a circle |
| umbilical
umbilicus | root: (umbilic- belly button)
-pertaining to or around the umbilicus or the center of the abdomen |
| alimentary canal | -mouth, esophagus, small intestine, large intestine, pharynx, and stomach
root: (aliment-nourishment)
-pertaining to the digestive tract |
| accessory organs of digestion include: | teeth, salivary glands, gallbladder, tongue, liver, and pancreas |
| bariatric | root: (bari- weight)
-treatment of obesity |
| digestion
digestive | root: (digest- to break down)
-breakdown of food into elements suitable for cell metabolism
-pertaining to digestion |
| esophagus | -tube linking pharynx and stomach |
| gastric | root: (gast/r- stomach)
-pertaining to the stomach |
| gastroenterology
gastroenterologist
gastrointestinal | root: (enter/o- intestine)
-medical speciality of the stomach and intestines
-medical specialist in gastroenterology
-pertaining to the stomach and intestines |
| intestines
intestinal | root: (intestin- intestin or gut)
-the digestive tube from stomach to anus |
| laparoscopy
laparoscope
laparscopic | root: (lapar/o- abdomen in general)
-examination of the contents of the abdomen using and endoscope
-instrument used for viewing the abdominal contents
-pertaining to a larparoscopy |
| lymph
lymphatic | root: (lymph- lymph)
-a clear fluid collected from tissues and transported by vessels to venous circulation
-pertaining to lymph |
| mouth | external opening of a cavity or canal |
| Roux-en-Y | surgical procedure to reduce the size of the stomach |
| transcript
transcription
transcriptionist | root: (script- writing, thing copied)
-an exact copy or reproduction
-the action of making a copy of dictated material
-one who makes a copy of dictated material |
| propulsion | the mechanical movement of food from the mouth to the anus |
| absorption
absorb | uptake of nutrients and water by cells in the GI tract |
| amylase | root: (amyl- starch)
-one of a group of enzymes that break down starch |
| bolus | single mass of substance |
| deglutition | root: deglutit- to swallow
-the act of swallowing |
| elimination | root: (elimin- throw away)
-removal of waste material from the digestive tract |
| ingestion | root: (ingest- carry in)
-intake of food, either by mouth or through a nasogastric tube |
| lipase | root: (lip-fat)
enzyme that breaks down fat |
| nasogastric | root: (nas/o- nose)
-pertaining to nose and stomach |
| parastalsis | root: stalsis- constrict
-waves of alternate contraction and relaxation of elementary canal wall to move food along the digestive tract |
| protease | root: prot/e-protein)
-group of enzymes that break down protein |
| secrete
secretion | -to release or give off, as substances produced by cells |
| segment
segmental | root: (segment- section)
-section of an organ or structure
-pertaining to a segment |
| abbreviations | CMA- certified medical assistant
ESR- erythocyte sedimentation rate
SSA- syndrome antibodies A
SSB-syndrome antibodies B
WBS-white blood cell |
| buccinator | root: (buccin- the cheek)
-the muscle in the cheek |
| enzyme | root: (zyne- fermenting, enzyme)
-protein that induces changes in other substances |
| gingivitis | root: (gingiv- gums)
-inflammation of the gums |
| masticate
mastication | root: (mastic- chew)
- to chew |
| oral | root: (or- mouth)
pertaining to the mouth |
| palate | -roof of the mouth |
| papilla
papillae | -any small projection |
| Sjogren syndrome | autoimmune disease that attacks the glands that produce saliva and tears |
| taste | sensation from chemicals on the taste buds |
| tongue | mobile muscle mass in mouth; bears the taste buds |
| ulcer and ulceration | root: (ulcer- meaning a sore)
-erosion of an area of skin or mucosa
-formation of an ulcer |
| uvula | fleshy projection of the soft palate |
| bicuspid (also called premolar) | root: (cusp- point)
-having two points; a bicuspid (premolar) tooth has two points |
| crown | -part of the tooth above the gum |
| cuspid | -tooth with one point |
| dentin
(dentine) | root: (dent-tooth)
-dense, ivory-like substance located under the enamel in the tooth |
| enamel | -hard substance covering a tooth |
| incisor | chisel-shaped tooth |
| lysozyme | root: (lys/o- dissolve)
-enzyme that dissolves the cells walls of bacteria |
| molar | one of six teeth in each jaw that grind food |
| parotid | root: (ot- ear)
-parotid gland is the salivary gland beside the ear |
| pulp | dental pulp is the connective tissue in the cavity in the center of the tooth |
| root | fundamental or beginning part of the structure |
| saliva
salivary | root: (saliv- saliva)
-secretion in mouth from salivary glands |
| sublingual | root: (lingu- tongue)
-underneath the tongue |
| submandibular | root: (mandibul- the jaw)
-underneath the mandible |
| symptom
symptomatic | -departure from the normal experienced by a patient
-pertaining to the symptoms of a disease |
| aphthous ulcer | painful small oral ulcer |
| canker/ canker sore | nonmedical term for aphthous ulcer |
| caries | bacterial destruction of teeth |
| gingiva
gingival
gingivitis
gingivectomy | -tissue surrounding teeth and covering the jaw
-pertaining to the gums
-inflammation of the gums
-surgical removal of diseased gum tissue |
| glossodynia | root: (gloss/o- tongue)
-painful, burning of tongue |
| halitosis | root: (halit- breath)
-bad odor of breath |
| leukoplakia | root: (leuk/o- white) (plak- plate, plaque)
-white patch on oral mucous membrane, often precancerous |
| periodontal
periodontics
periodontist
periodontitis | root: (odont- tooth)
-around a tooth
-branch of dentistry specializing in disorders around the teeth
-specialist in periodontics
-inflammation of tissues around tooth |
| plaque | patch of abnormal tissue |
| pyorrhea | root: (py/o-pus)
purulent discharge |
| tartar (dental calculus | calcified deposit at gingival margin of teeth |
| thrush | infection with candida albicans |
| deglutition | the act of swallowing |
| dysphagia | root: (phagia- swallowing)
-difficulty in swallowing |
| emesis
hematemesis | root: (eme-to vomit) (hemat-blood)
-vomiting
-vomiting of red blood |
| epiglottis | root: (glottis- windpipe)
-leaf-shaped plate of cartilage that shuts off larynx during swallowing |
| esophagus
esophageal
esophagitis | -tube linking pharynx and stomach
-pertaining to the esophagus
-inflammation of the lining of esophagus |
| hernia
herniorrhaphy
herniate | root: (herni/o- hernia)
-protusion of a structure through the tissue that normally contains it
-repair of a hernia
-to protrude |
| hiatus
hiatal | root: (hiat- aperture)
-an opening through a structure
-pertaining to an opening through a structure |
| larynx | -organ of voice production |
| nasopharynx | root: (nas/o-nose) (pharynx-throat)
-region of the pharynx at the back of the nose and above the soft palate |
| oropharynx | root: (or/o-mouth)
-region at back of mouth between soft palate and the tip of the epiglottis |
| pharynx | air tube from the back of the nose to the larynx |
| postprandial | root: (prand-meal)
following a meal |
| relfux | root: (flux-flow)
-backward flow |
| regurgitation | root: (gurgit-flood)
-expelling contents of the stomach into the mouth, short of vomitting |
| trachea | -air tube from larynx to the bronchi |
| varix
varices
varicose | -dilated, tortuous vein
-characterized by or affected with varices |
| chyme | -semifluid, partially digested food passed from the stomach into the duodenum |
| dehydration | (hydr- water)
-process of losing body water |
| duodenum
duodenal | (duoden-latin for twelve)
-first part of small intestine; approx. 12- finger breadths (9-10 inches) in length
-pertaining to the duodenum |
| fundus
fundic | (fund-bottom)
-the portion of the stomach that lies above the entrance of the esophagus
-pertaining to the fundus |
| gastrin | -hormones secreted in the stomach that stimulates secretion of HCL and increases gastric motility |
| hydrochloric acid (HCL) | (chlor-green)
-the acid of gastric juice |
| intrinsic factor | (intrins- on the inside) (factor-maker)
-substance secreted by the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B-12 |
| malabsorption | (absorpt- to swallow)
-inadequate gastrointestinal absorption of nutrients |
| mucus
mucous
mucin | (muc-mucus)
-sticky secretion of cells in mucous membranes
-relation to mucus or mucosa
-protein element of mucus |
| pepsin
pepsinogen | (pepsin/o-pepsin)
-enzyme produceded by stomach that breaks down protein
-enzyme converted by HCL in stomach to pepsin |
| pylorus
pyloric | (pylor-gate)
-exit area of the stomach, proximal to the duodenum
-pertaining to pylorus |
| anorexia | (orex- appetite)
-severe lack of appetite; or an aversion to food |
| antacid | agent that neutralizes acidity |
| dyspepsia | (peps-digestion)
-"upset stomach," epigastric pain, nausea, gas |
| erosion | -a shallow ulcer in a lining of a structure |
| gastritis | inflammation of the lining of the stomach |
| gastroesophageal | pertaining to the stomach and esophagus |
| gastroscope | endoscope for examining the inside of a stomach |
| peptic | (pept- digest)
-relating to the stomach and duodenum |
| perforation | (perforat-bore through)
-erosion that progresses to become a hole through the wall of a structure |
| proton pump inhibitor (PPI) | (proton-first) (inhibit-repress)
-agent that blocks production of gastric acid |
| resection
resect | (sect- cut off)
-removal of a specific part of an organ or structure |
| vagus | tenth (X) cranial nerve; supplies many different organs throughout body |
| cecum | blind pouch that is the first part of the large intestine |
| ileum
ileocecal | (ile/o-ilium) (cec-cecum)
-third portion of the small intestine
-pertaining to the junction of the ileum and cecum |
| jejunum
jejunal | segment of small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum where most of the nutrients are absorbed |
| mesentary
mesentric | root: (entary- intestine)
-a double layer of peritoneum enclosing the abdominal viscera
-pertaining to the mesentary |
| mucosa
mucosal | -lining of tubular structure
-pertaining to the mucosa |
| muscularis | the muscular layer of a hollow organ or tube |
| omentum
omental | -membrane that drapes over intestines
-pertaining to the omentum |
| pancreas | -lobulated gland, the head of which is tucked into the curve of the duodenum |
| peritoneum
peritoneal | membrane that lines the abdominal cavity
- |
| plica
plicae | fold in the mucous membrane |
| serosa
serosal | -outer most covering of the alimentary tract |
| submucosa | (mucosa- lining of the cavity)
-tissue layer underneath the mucosa |
| villus
villi | -thin, hairlike projection, particularly of a mucous membrane lining a cavity |
| viscus (means something sticky)
viscera
visceral | -hollow, walled, internal organ
-internal organs, particularly in the abdomen |
| celiac
celiac disease | (celi- abdomen) (ease- normal function)
-relating to the abdominal cavity
-disease caused by a sensitivity to gluten |
| gastroenteritis | -inflammation of the stomach and the intestines |
| Giardia | -parasite that can affect the small intestine |
| ileus | -dynamic or mechanical obstruction of the small intestine |
| intussusception | (suspect- to take up)
-the slippage of one part of the bowel inside, another, causing obstruction |
| bile
bile acids
biliary | -fluid secreted by the liver into the duodenum
-steroids synthesized from cholesterol |
| bilirubin | bile pigment formed in the liver from hemoglobin |
| cholesterol | (chol/e-bile)
-steroid formed in liver cells; the most abundant steroid in tissues, which circulates in the plasma attached to proteins of different densities |
| emulsify
emulsion | (emuls- suspend in a liquid)
-break up into very small droplets to suspend in a solution |
| gallstone | (gall-bile) (stone- pebble)
-hard mass of cholesterol, calcium, and bilirubin that can be formed in the gallbladder and bile duct |
| gluconeogenesis | (neo-new)
-formation of glucose from noncarbohydrate sources |
| glycogen | the body's principle carbohydrate reserve, stored in the liver and skeletal muscle |
| hepatic
hepatitis | (hepat- liver)
-pertaining to liver
-inflammation of liver |
| liver | body's largest internal organ, located in right upper quadrant of abdomen |
| Murphy sign | Tenderness in the right subcostal area on inspiration, associated with acute cholecystitis |
| portal vein
provisional diagnosis (preliminary diagnosis) | (provision- provide)
-the vein that carries blood from the intestines to the liver
-a temporary diagnosis pending further examination or testing |
| alanine aminotransferase (ATL)
amiotransferase (AST)
aspartate | (amin/o-nitrogen compound) (tranfer-carry) (aspartate-amino acid)
-enzymes that are found in liver cells and leak out into the blood stream when the cells are damaged enabling liver damage to be diagnosed
-a salt of aspartic acid |
| ascites | (asc-belly)
-accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity |
| cholestatic | (stat-standing still) (chol/e-bile)
-stopping the flow of bile |
| cirrhosis | (cirrh-yellow)
-extensive fibrotic liver disease |
| hemochromatosis | (chromat-color) (hemo-blood)
-dangerously high levels of iron in the body with deposition of iron pigments in tissues |
| phosphatase | (phosphat- phosphorus)
-enzyme that liberates phosphorus |
| acinar cells | (acin-grape)
-enzyme-secreting cells of the pancreas |
| carboxypeptidase | (carboxy-group of organic compounts (peptid-digestion)
-enzyme that breaks down protien |
| disaccharide | (sacchar-sugar)
-combination of two monosacchrides |
| endocrine gland | (crine-secrete)
-a gland that produces an internal or hormonal and secretes into the blood stream |
| exocrine gland | -a gland that secretes outwardly through excretory ducts |
| fatty acid | -acid obtained from the hydrolysis of fats |
| islet cells | -hormones secreting cells of the pancreas |
| monoglyceride
diglyceride
triglyceride | -fatty substance with a single fatty acid
-substance with two fatty acids
-subastance with three fatty acids |
| pancreas
pancreatic
pancreatitis | -lobulated gland the head of which is tucked into the curve of the duodenum
-pertaining to the pancreas
-inflammation of the pancreas |
| secretin | (secrete-separate)
-hormone produced by duodenum to stimulate pancreatic juice |
| trypsin
chymotrypsin | (tryps-friction) (chym/o-chyme)
-enzyme that breaks down protein
-trypsin found in chyme |
| amino acid | (amin/o- nitrogen compound)
-the basic building block of a protein |
| carbohydrate | -group of organic food compound that includes sugars, starch. glycogen, cellulose |
| chyle | - a milky fluid that results from the digestion and absorbtion of the fats in the small intestine |
| lacteal | (lact/e-milk)
-a lymphatic vessel carrying chyle away from the intestine |
| lipid | -general term for all type of fatty compounds for example cholesterol, triglycerides and fatty acids |
| mineral | (miner-minds)
-inorganic compound usually found in earth's crust |
| protein | -class of food substances based on amino acids |
| celiac
celiac disease | (abdomen)
-relating to abdominal cavity
-disease caused by sensitivity to gluten |
| constipation | (constip- press together)
-hard, infrequent bowel movements |
| crohn disease (region enteritis) | -inflammatory bowel disease with narrowing and thickening of the terminal small bowel |
| diarrhea | (rrhea- to flow and discharge)
-abnormally frequent and loose stool |
| dysentery | (entery- intestine)
-disease with diarrhea, bowel spasms, fever, and dehydration |
| enteroscope
enteroscopy | -slender, tubular instrument with light source and camera to visualize the digestive tract
-the examination of the lining of the digestive tract |
| gluten | insoluble protein found in wheat, barley, and oats |
| intolerance | inability of small intestine to digest and dispose of a particular dietary constituent |
| lactose
lactase | (lact- milk)
disaccharide found in cow's milk
-enzyme that breaks down lactose to glucose and galactose |
| neuropathy | (neuro- nerve)
-any disease of the nervous system |
| anus
anal | -terminal opening of the digestive tract through which feces are discharged |
| appendix
appendectomy
vermiform
appendicitis | -small blind projection from the pouch of the cecum
-surgical removal of the appendix
-worm shaped; used as a descriptor for the appendix
-inflammation of the appendix |
| colon
colic
colitis | -the large intestine, extending from the cecum to the rectum
-spasmodic, crampy pains in the abdomen
-inflammation of the colon |
| feces
fecal
defecation
defecate | (fec- Feces) (de- from, out of)
-undigested, waste material discharged from the bowel
-pertaining to the feces
-evacuation to feces from rectum to anus
-process of defecation |
| flatus
flatulence
flatulent | (flatul- excessive gas)
-gas or air expelled through the anus
-excessive amount of gas in the stomach and intestines |
| flexure | a bend in the structure |
| gastrocolic reflex | (reflex- bend back)
-mass movement of feces in the colon and the desire to defecate caused by taking food into stomach |
| ileocecal
sphincter | -band of muscle that encircles the junction of the ileum and cecum |
| perimeter | an edge or border |
| rectum
rectal | -terminal part of the colon from the sigmoid to the anal canal
- |
| sigmoid | -sigmoid colon is shaped like an "S" |
| bowel | another name for intestine |
| diverticulum
diverticula
diverticulosis
diverticulitis | (diverticul- byroad)
-a pouchlike opening or sac from a tubular structure
-presence of a number of small pouches in the wall of the larch intestine
-inflammation of the diverticula |
| fissure | deep furrow or cleft |
| fistula | abnormal passage |
| hemorrhoid
hemorrhoids
hemorrhoidectomy | -dilated rectal vein producing painful anal swelling
-surgical removal of hemorrhoids |
| intussusception | (suspect- to take up)
-the slipping of one part of bowel inside another to cause obstruction |
| lumen | the interior space of a tubelike structure |
| McBurney point | one-third the distance from the anterior superior illiac spine to the umbilicus |
| metastasis
metastases | (stasis- placement)
-spread of a disease from one part of the body to another |
| peritoneum
peritoneal
peritonitis | periton/e- stretch over
-membrane that lines the abdominal cavity
-pertaining to the peritoneum
-inflammation of the peritoneum |
| polyp
polyposis
polypectomy | -mass of tissue that projects into the lumen of the bowel
-presence of several polyps
-excision of removal of polyp |
| precancerous | lesion from which a cancer can develop |
| proctitis | (proct- anus and rectum)
-inflammation of lining of rectum |
| ulcerative | (ulcer-sore)
marked by an ulcer or ulcers |
| anastomosis
anastomoses | (anastom- joint together)
-a surgically made union between two tubular structures |
| coagulate | (coagul- clotting)
-form of a clot |
| endoscope
endoscopic
endoscopy
anoscopy
colonoscopy
gastroscopy | -instrument for examining inside of a tubular or hollow organ
-pertaining to use of endoscope
-the use of an endoscope
-endoscopic examination of the anus
-examination of inside of colon by endoscopy
-endoscopic examination of the stomach |
| ileoscopy
panendoscopy
proctoscopy
sigmoidscopy | -endoscopic examination of the ileum
-examination of inside the esophagus, stomach, upper duodenum
-examination of inside of anus and rectum
- endoscopic exam of sigmoid colon |
| enema | an injection of fluid into rectum |
| hematochezia | the passage of red, bloody stools |
| melena | the passage of black, tarry stools |
| occult | -not visible on surface |
| ostomy
colostomy
ileostomy | -surgery to create an artificial opening into a tubular structure
-artificial opening from colon to outside of body
-artificial opening from ileum to outside of body |
| stoma | -artificial opening |
