Medical Terminology (Module)

Medical Terminology Module for Radiologic Technology
By: Richard B. Padama, RRT
Medical Terminology
This course deals with various medical nomenclatures and their usage as applied to specific
systems, disease processes, and injuries. Discussions include principal medical root word, terms
referring to some general aspects of the practice of medicine and its allied profession, medical
terms referring to certain general pathological processes, infective diseases, diseases of various
systems of the body, obstetric terms, and terms related to medical instruments and equipment.
I. Principal Medical Root Word

1. Rules of pronunciation
2. Medical words, prefixes, suffixes, and root word
3. Building medical vocabulary
4. Root words for each system
II. Terms Referring to Some General Aspects of Medicine, Medical Terminology and the
Practice of Medicine and its Allied Profession
1. Medicine, disease, and medical terminology
2. Causes and classification of disease
3. Manifestation of disease
4. Practice of medicine and allied profession and technical occupation
5. Diagnosis of disease
6. Treatment of disease
7. Some drugs used in medicine
8. Branches of medicine and surgery
III. Medical Terms Referring to Certain General Pathological Processes
1. Manifestation of damage of tissue cells
2. Infection, antibody formation, inflammation and repair
3. Disorders of growth
4. Disorders in blood circulation
5. Allergy (Hypersensitivity)
IV. Medical Terms Referring to Certain Infective Diseases
1. Infectious fever
2. Pyogenic infection
3. Tuberculosis
4. Venereal disease
5. Some other infective disease
V. Medical Terms Referring to Diseases of Various Systems of the Body and Obstetric Terms
1. The cardiovascular system
2. The respiratory system
3. The digestive system
4. The urinary and male reproductive system
5. The female reproductive system
6. Obstetric conditions
7. The breast
8. The lymphatic and reticuloendothelial systems
9. The blood
10. The endocrine system
11. The teeth
12. The nervous system
13. The eye
14. The ear, nose and throat
15. The mid
VI. Medical Terms Referring to Certain Other Types of Disease
1. Connective tissue disease
2. Tropical disease
3. Nutritional disorders
4. Poisoning
5. Disorders due to physical agents
6. Radiation hazards and injury
VII. Medical Instruments and Equipment
Part I. Principal Medical Root Word

1. Rules of Pronunciation
A medical term is easier to understand and remember when you know how to pronounce it
properly. Pronunciations may vary from country to country, even in different regions of the same
country. The general rule is to include the most common pronunciation. The word gynecology is
usually pronounced with a hard g in the United States, but in many areas a soft g is used, as in
jin-e-KOL-o-je. Words pertaining to the cerebrum (largest part of the brain) may have an
accent on different syllables. The adjective is usually pronounced with the accent on the second
syllable (se-REbral), but in cerebrum (SER-e-brum) and cerebrospinal (ser-e-bro-SPI -nal), the
accented syllable differs. The name for the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) is often
pronounced du-o-DE -num, although the pronunciation du-O-de-num is also acceptable.
When extreme, some alternate pronunciations can sound like a foreign language. The word we
pronounce as SKEL-e-tal is pronounced in some other English-speaking countries as ske-LE-tal.
- ae and oe only second vowel is pronounced (bursae, pleurae, and roentgen).
- Soft sound of s and j are given to c and g, respectively, before e, I, and y in words of Greek
and Latin origin (cerebrum, circumcision, cycle, gel, gingivitis, giant and gyrate).
- Before other letters c and g have a hard sound (cardiac, cast, gastric, and gonad).
- The letters ch are sometimes pronounced like k (cholesterol, cholera, cholemia).
- When pn appears at the beginning of a word, the p is silent and only the n are pronounced
(pneumonia, and pneumotoxin).
- When ps appears at the beginning of a word, the p is silent and only the s is pronounced
(psychology, psychosis).
- When forming the final letter or letters of a word, e and es are often pronounced separate
syllables (syncope, systole, nares).
- When pn appears in the middle the p and the n are pronounced (orthopnea, hyperpnea).
- When i appears at the end of a word it is pronounced eye.
- All other vowels and consonants have normal English sounds.
2. Medical Words, Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Word
Medical Terminology (Medical Words) is the language used by physicians and other
members of health team. It includes the medical words that describe or define a disease, a
condition or clinical signs and symptoms.
- it is language that is used to accurately describe the human body and associated components,
conditions, processes and procedures in a science-based manner.
Medical terminology is essential and beneficial for
1- Students in medicine, pharmacy, nursing and in other allied health sciences.
2- Health professionals such as
a- Pharmacists,
b- Specialists in allied medical sciences
- Nurses
- Clinical laboratory professionals
- Biomedical technologists,
- Radiologists, Radiologic Technologist
- Community health specialists such as medical record administration, health educators and
dieticians,
- Medical secretaries and librarians and
- People interested in translation and arabinisation of medical sciences.
The medical words consists of three parts
1- The word root,
2- The prefix and
3- The suffix
Root Word - The fundamental unit of each medical word. In medical term, the root word may
be an organ, tissue, cell, fluid or cavity. This establishes the basic meaning of the word and is the
part to which modifying prefixes and suffixes are added.
- Indicate the organ or part that is modified by a prefix or suffix or both.
- A vowel (a, I, or o) is often inserted between the combining forms to facilitate euphony.
*A root word cannot stand alone. A suffix must always be added of the end of the word to
complete the term.
Prefixes - is a short word part added before a root to modify its meaning.
The prefix is the part that preceeds the medical word and changes its meaning e.g.
Tachy/cardia Brady/cardia.
*When a prefix is added, it is always place at the beginning of the word.
Suffixes - is a short word part or series of parts added at the end of a root to modify its meaning.
- The suffix means an ending of the word which will convert word into a noun such as port/er,
adjective such as microscop/ic, or modify the meaning of the word such gaster/itis and
gastro/logy.
Combining Word - Is formed of two word roots or more joined by a vowel such as
Therm/o/meter, Micr/o/scope.
- The part of the word will retain its specific meaning irrespective of its presence in different
words or positions in the words such as Gastr/o/enter/o/logy, Enter/o/col/itis. In this two words,
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enter- means the small intestine in spite of the different positions in the two words. Gastro- means
stomach, while -logy means science, thus the meaning of gastroenterology is the science of
digestive system (stomach and intestine). In the enterocolitis, the part col means colon and itis
means inflammation, so the meaninig is inflammation of small intestine and colon. Therefore, in
medical terminology, most of the words are built from : A combining word : + a word root or
more + a suffix.
*The rules for creating a combining form by adding a vowel apply when a suffix beginning with a
consonant is added to a root word.
4. Building Medical Vocabulary
It is a need to take a systematic approach to medical word building and term comprehension. In
order to facilitate the building of this knowledge, you will first need to become familiar with the
most common word roots, prefixes, and suffixes. In brief, a word root is a component derived
from a source language such as Greek or Latin, and usually describes a body part. A prefix is a
segment that can be added to the front of a term to modify a word root by giving additional
information about the location of an organ, the number of parts, or time involved. Suffixes are
segments attached to the end of a word root to add meaning such as condition, disease process, or
procedure. If you can learn and understand the origins of medical terms and realize that complex
words are just an assembly of smaller components, then building a medical vocabulary becomes
much easier.
Below are some examples of how medical terms are build.
The word pericarditis can be broken down into its word elements as follows:
Peri (Prefix) +
card (Root)
Around
Heart
itis (Suffix)
which means:
Inflammation
Several roots may be combined along with a prefix and/or suffix to form a word. For example,
the word bronchogenic can be broken into the following word elements with, for the sake of ease
in pronunciation, a vowel (usually "o") linking the word elements:
bronch
(root)
gen
(combining vowel)
(root)
ic
(suffix)
It means:
any large air passage of lungs
forming, producing,
condition of
- A term may be composed of a root + a suffix. As examples:

carcinoma: (carcin(o) = crab) + (oma = tumor)
sarcoma: (sarc(o) = flesh) + (oma = tumor)
cerebral: (cerebr = brain) + (al = pertaining to)
- A word may be composed of a prefix + a root. As examples:
neoplasm: (neo = new) + (plasm = growth, formation)
biped: (bi = two) + (ped = foot)

dysfunction: (dys = bad, difficult, painful) + (function = normal action).
- Many medical terms are composed of a prefix + a root + a suffix. As examples:
hypoglycemia: (hypo = under) + (glyc = sugar) + (emia = blood)
encephalitis: (en = in) + (cephal = head) + (itis = inflammation of)
pericarditis: (peri = around) + (card = heart) + (itis = inflammation of)
- Some medical terms are composed of two roots. As examples:
biostatistics: (bio) = life) + (statistics = numerical facts)
erythroblast: (erythr(o) = red) + (blast = germ cell)
microfilm: (micr(o) = small) + film
4. Root Words for each System
Skeletal System
Major
Structures
Related Combining
Forms
Primary Functions
Bones
Oss/e, oss/i, oste/o, ost/o
Act as a framework for the body, protect the

internal organs, and store the mineral calcium.
Bone Marrow
Myel/o
Red bone marrow forms some blood cells.

Yellow bone marrow stores fat.
Cartilage
Chondr/o
Creates a smooth surface for motion within the

joints and protects the ends of the bones.
Joints
Arthr/o
Work with the muscles to make a variety of

motions possible.
Ligaments
Ligament/o
Connect one bone to another.
Synovial
Membrane
Synovi/o, synov/o
Forms the lining of synovial joints and secretes

synovial fluid.
Synovial Fluid
Synovi/o, synov/o
Lubricant that makes smooth joint movements

possible.
Bursa
Burs/o
Cushions areas subject to friction during

movement.
Roots of Skeletal System

Root
Meaning
Example
Definition of Example
Crani/o
Skull, cranium
Craniostosis
Ossification of the cranial sutures
Spondyl/o
Vertebra
Spondylolysis
Destruction and separation of a

vertebra
Vertebr/o
Vertebra, spinal Paravertebral

column
Before or in front of the spinal column
Rachi/o
Spine
Rachischisis
Fissure of the spine; spina bifida
Cost/o
Rib
Costochondral Pertaining to a rib and its cartilage
Sacr/o
Sacrum
Presacral
In front of the sacrum
Coccy,
coccyg/o
Coccyx
Coccygeal
Pertaining to the coccyx
Pelvi/o
Pelvis
Pelvimetry
Measurement of the pelvis
Ili/o
Ilium
Iliopelvic
Pertaining to the ilium and pelvis
Muscular System
Major
Structures
Related Combining
Forms
Primary Functions
Muscles
Muscul/o, my/o, myos/o
Make body movement possible, hold body

erect, move body fluids, and produce body heat.
Fascia
Fasci/o
Cover, support and separate muscles.
Tendons
Ten/o, tend/o, tendin/o
Attach muscles to bones.
Roots of Muscular System

Root
Meaning
Example
My/o
Muscle
Myositis
Inflammation of muscle
Muscul/o
Muscle
Musculoskeletal
Pertaining to muscle and skeleton
In/o
Fiber
Inotropic
Acting on muscle fibers
Fasci/o
Fascia
Fasciodesis
Suturing of a fascia to a tendon or other

fascia
Ten/o,
tendin/o
Tendon
Tenorrhaphy
Suture of a tendon
Ton/o
Tone
Cardiotonic
Having a strengthening action on the heart
Kine,
kinesi/o
kinet/o
Movement
Dyskinesia
Abnormality of movement
Cardiovascular System
Major
Structures
Related Combining
Forms
Primary Functions
Heart
Card/o, cardi/o
Receives blood from the veins and pumps blood

into the arteries.
Blood vessels
Angi/o, vas/o
Transport blood to and from all areas of the

body.
Arteries
Arteri/o
Transport blood away from the heart to all parts

of the body.
Capillaries
Capill/o
Permit the exchange of nutrients and waste

products between the blood and the cells.
Veins
Phleb/o, ven/o
Return blood from all body parts to the heart.
Blood
Hem/o, hemat/o
Brings oxygen and nutrients to the cell and

carries away waste.
Roots of Cardiovascular System

Root
Meaning
Example
Cardi/o
Heart
Cardiomyopathy
Any disease of the heart muscle
Atri/o
Atrium
Atriotomy
Surgical incision of an atrium
Ventricul/
o
Cavity, ventricle
Supraventricular
Above a ventricle
Valv/o,
valvul/o
Valve
Valvectomy
Surgical removal of a valve
Angi/o
Vessel
Angiopathy
Any disease of blood vessels
Vas/o,
vascul/o
Vessel, duct
Vasodilation
Widening of a blood vessel
Arter/o,
arteri/o
Artery
Endarterial
Within an artery
Arteriol/o
Arteriole
Arteriolar
Pertaining to an arteriole
Aort/o
Aorta
Aortoptosis
Downward displacement of the aorta
Ven/o,
ven/i
Vein
Venous
Pertaining to a vein
Phleb/o
Vein
Phlebectasia
Dilatation of a vein
Lymphatic and Immune System

Major
Structures
Related Combining
Forms
Primary Functions
Lymph
Lymph/o
The fluids that removes cellular waste products,

pathogens, and dead blood cells from the tissue.
Lymphatic
vessels and ducts
Lymphangi/o
The capillaries, vessels and ducts that return

lymph from the tissues to the venous
bloodstream.
Lymph nodes
Lymphaden/o
Bean-shape structures of the lymphatic system

where pathogens and other harmful substances
are filtered from the lymph by specialized cells
of the immune system.
and Tonsill/o, adenoid/o
Lymphoid structure of the lymphatic system that

protect the entry to the respiratory system.
Tonsils
adenoids
Spleen
Splen/o
A sac-like mass pf lymphoid tissue with

protective roles in both the immune system and
lymphatic system.
Bone marrow
Myel/o
Produce lymphocytes, which are specialized

leukocytes (white blood cells).
Lymphocytes
Lymphocyt/o
Specialized leukocytes that play important role

in the immune reactions.
Thymus
Thym/o
A gland located in the upper chest with

specialized roles in both lymphatic and immune
systems.
Roots of Lymphatic System

Root
Meaning
Example
Lymph/o
Lymph,
lymphatic
system
Lymphoid
Resembling lymph or lymphatic tissue
Lymphade
n/o
Lymph node
Lymphadenectomy Surgical removal of a lymph node
Lymphan
gi/o
Lymphatic
vessel
Lymphangioma
Tumor of lymphatic vessels
Splen/o
Spleen
Splenomegaly
Enlargement of the spleen
Thym/o
Thymus gland
Athymia
Absence of the thymus gland
Tonsill/o
Tonsil
Tonsillar
Pertaining to a tonsil
Respiratory System
Major
Structures
Related Combining
Forms
Primary Functions
Nose
Nas/o
Exchanges air during inhaling and exhaling;

warms, moisturizes, and filters inhaled air.
Sinuses
Sinus/o
Produce mucus for the nasal cavities, make

bones of the skull lighter, aid in sound
production.
Pharynx
Pharyng/o
Transport air back and forth between the nose

and the trachea.
Larynx
Laryng/o
Makes speech possible.
Epiglottis
Epiglott/o
Closes off the trachea during swallowing.
Trachea
Trache/o
Transport air back and forth between the

pharynx and the bronchi.
Bronchi
Bronch/o, bronchi/o
Transports air from the trachea into the lungs.
Alveoli
Alveol/o
Air sacs that exchange

pulmonary capillary blood.
Lungs
Pneum/o,
pulmon/o
gases
with the
pneumon/o, Bring oxygen into the body, and removes

carbon dioxide and some water waste from the
body.
Roots of Respiratory System

Root
Meaning
Example
Nas/o
Nose
Nasal
Pertaining to the nose
Rhin/o
Nose
Rhinorrhea
Discharge from the nose
Pharyng/o
Pharynx
Pharyngeal
Pertaining to the pharynx
Laryng/o
Larynx
Laryngoscopy
Endoscopic examination of the larynx
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Trache/o
Trachea
Tracheotome
Instrument used to incise the trachea
Bronch/o,
bronch/i
Bronchus
Bronchogenic
Originating in a bronchus
Bronchiol
Bronchiole
Bronchiolectasis
Dilatation of the bronchioles
Phren/o
Diaphragm
Phrenic
Pertaining to the diaphragm
Phrenic/o
Phrenic nerve
Phrenicotripsy
Crushing of the phrenic nerve
Pleur/o
Pleura
Pleurodesis
Fusion of the pleura
Pulm/o,
pulmon/o
Lungs
Intrapulmonary
Within the lungs
Pneumon/
o
Lung
Pneumonectomy
Surgical removal of a lung or lung

tissue (pneumectomy and pulmonectomy
also used)
Pneum/o, Air, gas; also

pneumat/o respiration, lung
Pneumatocardia
Presence of air in the heart
Spir/o
Spirometer
Instrument for measuring breathing

volumes
Breathing
Digestive System
Major
Structures
Related Combining
Forms
Primary Functions
Mouth
Or/o, stomat/o
Begins preparation of food for digestion.
Pharynx
Pharyng/o
Transports food the mouth to the esophagus.
Esophagus
Esophag/o
Transport food from the pharynx to the

stomach.
Stomach
Gastr/o
Breaks down food and mixes it with gastric

juices.
Small intestine
Enter/o
Mixes chyme coming from the stomach with

digestive juices to complete the digestion and
absorption of most nutrients.
Large intestine
Col/o, colon/o
Absorbs excess water, and prepares solid waste

for elimination.
Rectum and anus
An/o, proct/o, rect/o
Control the excretion of solid waste.
Liver
Hepat/o
Secretes bile and enzymes to aid in the digestion
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of fats.
Gallbladder
Cholecyst/o
Stores bile, and releases it into the small

intestine as needed.
Pancreas
Pancreat/o
Secretes digestive juices and enzymes into the

small intestine as needed.
Roots of Digestive System

Root
Meaning
Example
Or/o
Mouth
Perioral
Around the mouth
Stoma,
stomat/o
Mouth
Stomatitis
Inflammation of the mouth
Gnath/o
Jaw
Prognathous
Having a projecting jaw
Labi/o
Lip
Labiodental
Pertaining to the lip and teeth

(dent/o)
Bucc/o
Cheek
Buccoversion
Turning toward the cheek
Dent/o,
dent/i
Tooth, teeth
Dentifrice
A substance used to clean the teeth
Odont/o
Tooth, teeth
Periodontist
Dentist who treats the tissues around

the teeth
Gingiv/o
Gum (gingiva)
Gingivectomy
Excision of gum tissue
Lingu/o
Tongue
Sublingual
Under the tongue
Gloss/o
Tongue
Glossopharyngeal
Pertaining to the tongue and pharynx
Sial/o
Saliva, salivary Sialogram

gland,
salivary duct
Radiograph of the salivary glands and

ducts
Palat/o
Palate
Palatorrhaphy
Suture of the palate
Esophag/o
Esophagus
Esophageal
Pertaining to the esophagus
Gastr/o
Stomach
Gastroparesis
Partial paralysis of the stomach
Pylor/o
Pylorus
Pylorostenosis
Narrowing of the pylorus
Enter/o
Intestine
Dysentery
Infectious disease of the intestine
Duoden/o
Duodenum
Duodenoscopy
Endoscopic examination of the duodenum
Jejun/o
Jejunum
Jejunotomy
Incision of the jejunum
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Ile/o
Ileum
Ileectomy
Excision of the ileum
Cec/o
Cecum
Cecoptosis
Downward displacement of the cecum
Col/o,
colon/o
Colon
Colocentesis
Surgical puncture of the colon
Sigmoid/o
Sigmoid colon
Sigmoidoscope
An endoscope for examining the sigmoid

colon
Urinary System
Major
Structures
Related Combining
Forms
Primary Functions
Kidneys
Nephr/o, ren/o
Filter the blood to remove waste products,

maintain electrolyte concentration, and remove
excess water to maintain the fluid volume
within the body.
Renal pelvis
Pyel/o
Collect urine produce by the kidneys.
Urine
Ur/o, urin/o
Liquid waste products to be excreted.
Ureters
Ereter/o
Transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary

bladder.
Urinary bladder
Cyst/o
Stores urine until it is excreted.
Urethra
Urethr/o
Transport urine from the bladder through the

urethral meatus, where it is excreted.
Prostate
Prostat/o
A gland of the male reproductive system that

surrounds the male urethra. Disorders of this
gland can disrupt the flow of urine.
Roots of Urinary System

Root
Meaning
Example
Ren/o
Kidney
Infrarenal
Below the kidney
Nephr/o
Kidney
Nephrosis
Glomerul/
o
Glomerulus
Juxtaglomerular
Any noninflammatory disease condition of

the kidney
Near the glomerulus
Pyel/o
Renal pelvis
Pyeloplasty
Plastic repair of the renal pelvis
Cali-,
calic
Calyx
Calicectasis
Dilatation of a renal calyx
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Ur/o
Urine,
urinary tract
Urosepsis
Generalized infection that originates in the

urinary
tract
Urin/o
Urine
Urination
Discharge of urine
Ureter/o
Ureter
Ureterostenosis
Narrowing of the ureter
Cyst/o
Urinary bladder
Cystotomy
Incision of the bladder
Vesic/o
Urinary bladder
Intravesical
Within the urinary bladder
Urethr/o
Urethra
Urethroscopy
Endoscopic examination of the urethra
Nervous System
Major
Structures
Related Combining
Forms
Primary Functions
Brain
Cerebr/o, encephal/o
Coordinates all body activities by receiving and

transmitting messages throughout the body.
Spinal cord
Myel/o
Transmit nerve impulses between the brain,

arms and legs, and the lower part of the body.
Nerves
Neur/i, neur/o
Receive and transmit messages to and from all

parts of the body.
Sensory organs
and receptors
Receive external stimulation and transmit this

stimuli to the sensory neurons.
Roots of Nervous System

Root
Meaning
Example
Neur/o,
neur/i
Nervous
Neurotoxic
system,
nervous tissue,
nerve
Harmful or poisonous to a nerve

or nervous tissue
Gli/o
Neuroglia
Glioma
A neuroglial tumor
Gangli/o,
ganglion/o
Ganglion
Ganglionectomy
Surgical removal of a ganglion
Mening/o,
meninge/o
Meninges
Meningocele
Hernia of the meninges through

the skull or spinal column
Myel/o
Spinal
cord Myelodysplasia
(also bone
marrow)
Abnormal development of the

spinal cord
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Radicul/o
Root of a spinal Radiculopathy

nerve
Any disease of a spinal nerve

root
Encephal/
o
Brain
Encephalomalacia
Softening of brain tissue
Cerebr/o
cerebr/o
Cerebrum
(loosely, brain)
Decerebrate
Having no cerebral function
Cortic/o
Cerebral cortex, Corticospina

outer
portion
Pertaining to the cerebral cortex

and spinal cord
Cerebell/o
Cerebellum
Intracerebellar
Within the cerebellum
Thalam/o
Thalamus
Thalamotomy
Incision of the thalamus
Ventricul/
o
Cavity, ventricle
Supraventricular
Above a ventricle
Medull/o
Medulla
oblongata (also
spinal cord)
Medullary
Pertaining to the medulla
Psych/o
Mind
Psychosomatic
Pertaining to the mind and body

(soma)
Narc/o
Stupor,
unconsciousnes
s
Narcosis
State of stupor induced by drugs
Somn/o,
somn/i
Sleep
Somnolence
Sleepiness
Special Senses: The Eyes and Ears

Major
Structures
Related Combining
Forms
Primary Functions
Eyes
Opt/i, opt/o, optic/o
Receptor organs for the sense of sight.
Iris
Ir/i, ir/o, irid/o, irit/o
Controls the amount of light entering the eye.
Lens
Phac/o, phak/o
Focuses rays of light on the retina.
Retina
Retin/o
Converts light images into electrical impulses

and transmits them to the brain.
Lacrimal
apparatus
Dacryocyst/o, lacrim/o
Accessory structures of the eyes that produce,

store and remove tears.
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Ears
Acous/o, acoust/o, audi/o, Receptor organs for the sense of hearing; also
audit/o, ot/o
helps maintain balance.
Outer ear
Pinn/i
Transmits sound waves to the middle ear.
Middle ear
Myring/o, tympan/o
Transmits sound waves to the inner ear.
Inner ear
Labyrinth/o
Receives sound vibrations and transmit them to

the brain.
Roots of Special Senses

Root
Audi/o
Meaning
Example
Audition
Act of hearing
Acous, acus, Sound, hearing

cus
Acoustic
Pertaining to sound or hearing
Ot/o
Ear
Ototoxic
Poisonous or harmful to the ear
Myring/o
Tympanic
membrane
Myringotome
Knife used for surgery on the

eardrum
Tympan/o
Tympanic
Tympanometry
cavity (middle
ear), tympanic
membrane
Stapes
Stapedectomy
Measurement of transmission through the

tympanic membrane and middle ear
Labyrinth/o
Labyrinth
(inner ear)
Labyrinthotomy
Incision of the inner ear

(labyrinth)
Vestibul/o
Vestibule,
vestibular
apparatus
Vestibulopathy
Any disease of the vestibule of

the inner ear
Cochle/o
Cochlea
inner ear
Palpebr/o
Eyelid
Palpebral
Pertaining to an eyelid
Blephar/o
Eyelid
Symblepharon
Adhesion of the eyelid to the eyeball
Lacrim/o
Tear, lacrimal Lacrimation

apparatus
Secretion of tears
Dacry/o
Tear, lacrimal Dacryolith

apparatus
Stone in the lacrimal apparatus
Dacryocyst/o
Lacrimal sac
Hernia of the lacrimal sac
Staped/o,
stapedi/o
Hearing
of Retrocochlear
Dacryocystocele
Excision of the stapes
Behind the cochlea
16
Opt/o
Eye, vision
Optometer
Instrument for measuring the refractive

power of the eye
Ocul/o
Eye
Dextrocular
Pertaining to the right eye
Ophthalm/o
Eye
Exophthalmos
Protrusion of the eyeball
Scler/o
Sclera
Subscleral
Below the sclera
Corne/o
Cornea
Circumcorneal
Around the cornea
Kerat/o
Cornea
Keratoplasty
Plastic repair of the cornea; corneal

transplant
Lent/i
Lens
Lenticular
Pertaining to the lens
Phak/o,
phac/o
Lens
Aphakia
Absence of a lens
Uve/o
Uvea
Uveitis
Inflammation of the uvea
Chori/o,
choroid/o
Choroid
Choroidal
Pertaining to the choroid
Cycl/o
Ciliary body,
ciliary muscle
Cycloplegic
Pertaining to or causing paralysis of the

ciliary muscle
Iridotomy
Incision of the iris
Ir,
irid/o
irit/o, Iris
Pupill/o
Pupil
Iridopupillary
Pertaining to the iris and the pupil
Retin/o
Retina
Retinoschisis
Splitting of the retina
Integumentary System
Major
Structures
Related Combining
Forms
Primary Functions
Skin
Cutane/o, demat/o, derm/o
Intact skin is the first line of defences for the

immune system. Skin waterproofs the body and
is the major receptor for the sense of touch.
Sebaceous gland
Seb/o
Secrete sebum (oil) to lubricate the skin and

discourage the growth of bacteria on the skin.
Sweat glands
Hidr/o
Secrete water to regulate body temperature and

water content, and these glands secrete some
metabolic waste.
Hair
Pil/i, pil/o
Aids in controlling the loss of body heat.
17

Nails
Onych/o, ungu/o
Protects the dorsal surface of the last bone of

each finger and toe.
Roots of Integumentary System

Root
Meaning
Example
Derm/o,
dermat/o
Skin
Dermabrasion
Surgical procedure used to resurface the

skin and remove imperfections
Kerat/o
Keratin, horny Keratosis

layer of
the skin
Horny growth of the skin
Melan/o
Dark,
black, Melanosome
melanin
A small body in the cell that produces

melanin
Hidr/o, idr/o
Sweat,
perspiration
Hyperhidrosis
Abnormally high production of sweat
Seb/o
Sebum,
sebaceous
gland
Seborrhea
Excess flow of sebum
Trich/o
Hair
Trichomycosis
Fungal infection of the hair
Onych/o
Nail
Onychia
Inflammation of the nail and nail bed

(not an -itis ending)
Endocrine System
Major
Structures
Related Combining
Forms
Primary Functions
Adrenal glands
Adren/o
Regulate
electrolyte
levels,
metabolism, and respond to stress.
Gonads
Gonad/o
Gamete (sex cell) producing glands.
Male: Testicles
Testic/o
Sperm-producing gland.
Female: Ovaries
Ovari/o
Ova (egg) producing gland.
Pancreatic islets
Pancreat/o
Control blood
metabolism.
Parathyroid
glands
Parathyroid/o
Regulate calcium levels throughout the body.
Pineal gland
Pineal/o
Influences the sleep-wakefulness cycle.
sugar
levels
influence
and
glucose
18
Pituitary gland
Pituit/o, pituitar/o
Secrete hormones that control the activity of the

other endocrine glands.
Thymus
Thym/o
Plays a major role in the immune system.
Thyroid gland
Thyr/o, thyroid/o
Stimulates metabolism, growth and the activity

of the nervous system.
Roots of Endocrine System

Root
Meaning
Example
Endocrin/o
Endocrine
glands or
system
Endocrinopathy
Any disease of the endocrine glands
Pituitar
Pituitary
gland,
hypophysis
Pituitarism
Condition caused by any disorder of

pituitary function
Hypophys
Pituitary
gland,
hypophysis
Hypophyseal
Pertaining to the pituitary gland
Thyr/o,
thyroid/o
Thyroid gland Thyrotropic
Acting on the thyroid gland
Parathyr/o,
parathyroid/o
Parathyroid
gland
Parathyroidectomy
Excision of a parathyroid gland
Adren/o,
adrenal/o
Adrenal
gland,
epinephrine
Adrenergic
Activated (erg-) by or related to

epinephrine (adrenaline)
Adrenocortic/o
Adrenal
cortex
Adrenocortical
Pertaining to the adrenal cortex
Insul/o
Pancreatic
islets
Insuloma
Tumor of islet cells
Reproductive System
Major
Structures
Related Combining
Forms
Primary Functions
Male
Penis
Pen/i, phall/i
Testicles
Orch/o,
test/o
orchid/o,
Used for sexual intercourse and urination.

test/i, Produce sperm and the hormone testosterone.
19
Female
Ovaries
Oophor/o, ovari/o
Produce ova (egg) and female hormones.
Fallopian tubes
Salping/o
Catch the mature ovum (egg) and transport it to

the uterus. Also the site of fertilization.
Uterus
Hyster/o, metr/o, metri/o, Protects and supports the developing child.

uter/o
Vagina
Vagin/o, colp/o
Used for sexual intercourse, acts as channel for

menstrual flow, and functions as the birth canal.
Placenta
Placent/o
Exchange nutrients and waste between the

mother and fetus during pregnancy.
Roots of Reproductive System

Root
Meaning
Example
Male
Test/o
Testis, testicle
Testicular
Pertaining to a testicle
Orchi/o,
orchid/o
Testis
Anorchism
Absence of a testis
Semin
Semen
Inseminate
To introduce semen into a woman
Sperm/i,
spermat/o
Semen,
spermatozoa
Oligospermia
Deficiency of spermatozoa
Epididym/o
Epididymis
Epididymitis
Inflammation of the epididymis
Vas/o
Vas deferens; Vasorrhaphy

also vessel
Seminal
Vesiculography
vesicle
Suture of the vas deferens
Prostat/o
Prostate
Prostatometer
Instrument for measuring the

prostate
Osche/o
Scrotum
Oscheoma
Tumor of the scrotum
Gyn/o, gynec/o
Woman
Gynecology
Study of diseases of women
Men/o, mens
Month,
Premenstrual
menstruation
Ovum,
egg Oocyte
cell
Ovum,
egg Ovulation
cell
Vesicul/o
Radiographic study of the seminal

vesicles
Female
Oo
Ov/o
Before a menstrual period

Cell that gives rise to an ovum
Release of an ovum from the ovary
20
Ovari/o
Ovary
Ovarian
Pertaining to an ovary
Oophor/o
Ovary
Oophorotomy
Incision of an ovary
Salping/o
Oviduct, tube
Salpingectomy
Excision of an oviduct
Uter/o
Uterus
Uterine
Pertaining to the uterus
Metr/o, metr/i
Uterus
Metrorrhagia
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Hyster/o
Uterus
Hysteroscopy
Endoscopic examination of the uterus
Cervic/o
Cervix, neck
Endocervical
Pertaining to the lining of the cervix
Vagin/o
Vagina
Vaginoplasty
Plastic repair of the vagina
Colp/o
Vagina
Colpocele
Hernia of the vagina
21
Part II. Terms Referring to Some General Aspects of Medicine, Medical

Terminology and the Practice of Medicine and its Allied Profession
1. Medicine, Disease, and Medical Terminology
Medicine - is the science and practice of the diagnosis, treatment, andprevention of disease. It
is derived from Latin medicus, meaning "a physician".
Disease - is a particular abnormal condition, a disorder of a structure or function, that affects part
or all of an organism. The causal study of disease is called pathology (which came from the
Ancient Greek roots of pathos , meaning "experience" or "suffering", and -logia, "study of").
Disease is often construed as a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs.
Root for Disease
Root
Meaning
Example
Alg/o, algi/o,
algesi/o
Pain
Algesia
Condition of having pain
Carcin/o
Cancer,
carcinoma
Carcinogen
Substance that produces cancer
Cyst/o, cyst/i
Pertaining to or having cysts
Onc/o
Filled sac or Cystic

pouch, cyst,
bladder
Calculus,
Lithiasis
stone
Tumor
Oncogene
Path/o
Disease
Pathogen
Organism that produces disease
Py/o
Pus
Pyocyst
A sac or cyst containing pus
Pyr/o, pyret/o
Fever, fire
Pyretic
Pertaining to fever
Scler/o
Hard
Sclerosis
Hardening of tissue
Tox/o, toxic/o
Poison
Exotoxin
Toxin secreted by bacterial cells
Lith
Prefixes for Disease

Prefix
Meaning
Example
Stone formation
Gene that causes a tumor
Brady-
Slow
Bradypnea
Slow breathing (-pnea)
Dys-
Abnormal,
painful,
difficult
Dysplasia
Abnormal development of tissue
Mal-
Bad, poor
Maladaptive
Poorly suited to a specific use or to the

environment
Pachy-
Thick
Pachyemia
Thickness of the blood (-emia)
22
Tachy-
Rapid
Tachycardia
Rapid heart (cardi) rate
Xero-
Dry
Xerosis
Dryness of the skin or membranes
Suffixes for Disease

Suffix
Meaning
Example
-algia, -algesia
Pain
Myalgia
Pain in a muscle (my/o)
-cele
Hernia,
localized
dilation
Hydrocele
Localized dilation containing fluid
-clasis, -clasia
Breaking
Osteoclasis
Breaking of a bone (oste/o)
-itis
Inflammation
Meningitis
-megaly
Enlargement
Hepatomegaly
Inflammation of the membranes around

the brain (meninges)
Enlargement of the liver (hepat/o)
-odynia
Pain
Urodynia
Pain on urination (ur/o)
-oma
Tumor
Blastoma
tumor of immature cells
-pathy
Any
of
-rhage, -rhagia
Bursting
forth, profuse
flow,
hemorrhage
Hemorrhage
Profuse flow of blood
-rhea
Flow,
discharge
Mucorrhea
Discharge of mucus
-rhexis
Rupture
Amniorrhexis
Rupture of the amniotic sac (bag

of waters)
-schisis
Fissure,
splitting
Retinoschisis
Splitting of the retina of the eye
disease Cardiopathy
Any disease of the heart (cardi/o)
Medical Terminology - is language that is used to accurately describe the human body and
associated components, conditions, processes and procedures in a science-based manner. Medical
Terminology often uses words created using prefixes and suffixes in Latin and Ancient Greek. In
medicine, their meanings, and their etymology, are informed by the language of origin.
2. Causes and Classification of Disease
Causes of Disease
Airborne
- An airborne disease is any disease that is caused by pathogens and transmitted through the air.
23
Infectious
- Infectious diseases, also known as transmissible diseases or communicable diseases, comprise
clinically evident illness (i.e., characteristic medical signs and/or symptoms of disease) resulting
from the infection, presence and growth of pathogenic biological agents in an individual host
organism. Included in this category are:
Contagious an infection, such as influenza or the common cold, that commonly spreads from
one person to another
Communicable an infection that can spread from one person to another, but is not usually
spread through everyday contact, such as the viral hepatitis.
Non-communicable
- A non-communicable disease is a medical condition or disease that is non-transmissible.
Non-communicable diseases cannot be spread directly from one person to another. Heart disease
and cancers are examples of non-communicable diseases in humans.
Foodborne
- Food borne illness or food poisoning is any illness resulting from the consumption of food
contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, toxins, viruses, prions or parasites.
Lifestyle
- A lifestyle disease is any disease that appears to increase in frequency as countries become more
industrialized and people live longer, especially if the risk factors include behavioral choices like
a sedentary lifestyle or a diet high in unhealthful foods such as refined carbohydrates, trans fats,
or alcoholic beverages.
Classification of Disease
Diseases may be classified by etiology (cause), pathogenesis (mechanism by which the disease is
caused), or by symptom(s). Alternatively, diseases may be classified according to the organ
system involved, though this is often complicated since many diseases affect more than one
organ.
Infectious diseases - caused by microorganisms and other parasites that live at the expense of
another organism. Any disease-causing organism is described as a pathogen.
Prefixes and Roots for Infectious Diseases
Word Part
Meaning
Example
Prefixes
Staphyl/o
Grapelike cluster Staphylococcus A round bacterium that forms clusters
Strept/o
Twisted chain
Streptobacillus
A rod-shaped bacterium that forms
chains
Roots
Bacill/i,
Bacillus
Bacilluria
Bacilli in the urine (-uria)
bacill/o
Bacteri/o
Bacterium
Bactericide
Agent that kills (-cide) bacteria
Myc/o
Fungus, mold
Mycosis
Any disease condition caused by a
fungus
Vir/o
Virus
Viremia
Presence of viruses in the blood (-emia)
Degenerative diseases - resulting from wear and tear, aging, or trauma (injury) that can result in a
lesion (wound) and perhaps necrosis (death) of tissue. Common examples include arthritis,
24
cardiovascular problems, and certain respiratory disorders such as emphysema. Structural

malformations such as congenital malformations, prolapse (dropping), or hernia (rupture) may
also result in degenerative changes.
Neoplasia - abnormal and uncontrolled growth of tissue.
Immune disorders - failures of the immune system, allergies, and autoimmune diseases, in which
the body makes antibodies to its own tissues, fall into this category.
Metabolic disorders - resulting from lack of enzymes or other factors needed for cellular
functions. Many hereditary disorders fall into this category. Malnutrition caused by inadequate
intake of nutrients or inability of the body to absorb and use nutrients also upsets metabolism.
Hormonal disorders - caused by underproduction or overproduction of hormones or by inability
of the hormones to function properly. One example is diabetes mellitus.
Mental and emotional disorders - disorders that affect the mind and adaptation of an individual
to his or her environment.
3. Manifestation of Disease
Manifestations may be local (eg, cellulitis, abscess) or systemic, most often fever. Manifestations
may develop in multiple organ systems. Severe, generalized infections may have life-threatening
manifestations (eg, sepsis, septic shock).
Most infections increase the pulse rate and body temperature, but others (eg, typhoid fever,
tularemia, brucellosis, dengue) may not elevate the pulse rate commensurate with the degree of
fever. Hypotension can result from hypovolemia or septic shock. Hyperventilation and respiratory
alkalosis are common.
Alterations in sensorium (encephalopathy) may occur in severe infection regardless of whether
CNS infection is present. Encephalopathy is most common and serious in the elderly and may
cause anxiety, confusion, delirium, stupor, seizures, and coma.
Pulmonary compliance may decrease, progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
and respiratory muscle failure.
Renal manifestations range from minimal proteinuria to acute renal failure, which can result from
shock and acute tubular necrosis, glomerulonephritis, or tubulointerstitial disease.
Hepatic dysfunction, including cholestatic jaundice (often a poor prognostic sign) or
hepatocellular dysfunction, occurs with many infections, even though the infection does not
localize to the liver. Upper GI bleeding due to stress ulceration may occur during sepsis.
Endocrinologic dysfunctions include increased production of thyroid-stimulating hormone,
vasopressin , insulin, and glucagon; breakdown of skeletal muscle proteins and muscle wasting
secondary to increased metabolic demands; and bone demineralization. Hypoglycemia occurs
infrequently in sepsis, but adrenal insufficiency should be considered in patients with
hypoglycemia and sepsis. Hyperglycemia may be an early sign of infection in diabetics.
25
4. Practice of Medicine and Allied Profession and Technical Occupation

Medicine
Anesthesiologist or anesthetist is a physician trained in anesthesia and perioperative medicine.
Cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of the heart.
Dentist is a person who is qualified to look after teeth and gums.
Endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of endocrinology.
Gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the digestive system and its disorders.
Geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in the treatment or study of diseases of old people.
Gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases of women.
Hematologist is a doctor who specializes in hematology.
Nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of the kidney and its diseases.
Neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of the nervous system and the treatment of
its diseases.
Obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in obstetrics.
Oncologist is a doctor who specializes in oncology, especially cancer.
Ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of the eye and its diseases. Also called
eye specialist.
Orthodontist is a dental surgeon who specializes in correcting badly placed teeth.
Orthopedist is a surgeon who specializes in orthopedics.
Otorhinolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of the ear, nose and throat.
Pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases of children.
Psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and behavioral
disorders.
Radiologist is a doctor who specializes in radiology.
Rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in rheumatology.
Surgeon is a doctor who specializes in surgery.
Urologist is a doctor who specializes in urology.
26
Allied Professions and Technical Occupation

Dietitian is someone who specializes in the study of diet, especially someone in a hospital who
supervises dietaries as part of the medical treatment of patients. Also called nutritionist.
Medical Technologist is a healthcare professional who performs chemical, hematological,
immunologic, histopathological, cytopathological, microscopic, andbacteriological diagnostic
analyses on body fluids such as blood, urine, sputum, stool, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), peritoneal
fluid,pericardial fluid, and synovial fluid, as well as other specimens.
Midwife is a professional person who helps a woman give birth to a child, often at home.
Nurse is a person who looks after sick people in a hospital or helps a doctor in a local surgery.
Some nurses may be trained to diagnose and treat patients.
Pharmacist is a trained person who is qualified to prepare medicines according to the
instructions on a doctors prescription.
Phlebotomists are people trained to draw blood from a patient for clinical or medical testing,
transfusions, donations, or research. Phlebotomists collect blood primarily by performing
venipunctures, (or, for collection of minute quantities of blood, fingersticks).
Physical therapist or physiotherapist (often abbreviated to PT) is a trained and licensed
professional to examine, evaluate, diagnose and treat impairment, functional limitations and
disabilities in patients or clients.
Radiographers, also known as Radiologic Technologists, Diagnostic Radiographers, Medical
Radiation Technologists are Healthcare Professionals who specialize in the imaging of human
anatomy for the diagnosis and treatment of pathology.
Sonographer, or ultrasonographer, is a healthcare professional, frequently a radiographer but
may be any healthcare professional with the appropriate training, who specialise in the use of
ultrasonic imaging devices to produce diagnostic images, scans, videos, or 3D volumes of
anatomy and diagnostic data.
Radiation Therapist, Therapeutic Radiographer or Radiotherapist is an allied health
professional who works in the field of radiation oncology.
5. Diagnosis of Disease
Medical diagnosis, the determination of the nature and cause of an illness, begins with a patient
history. This includes a history of the present illness with a description of symptoms, a past
medical history, and a family and a social history.
A physical examination, which includes a review of all systems and observation of any signs of
illness, follows the history taking. Practitioners use the following techniques in performing
physicals:
Inspection: visual examination.
Palpation: touching the surface of the body with the hands or fingers.
Percussion: tapping the body and listening to the sounds produced.
Auscultation: listening to body sounds with a stethoscope.
Vital signs (VS) are also recorded for comparison with normal ranges. Vital signs are
measurements that reflect basic functions necessary to maintain life and include:
27
Temperature (T).
Pulse rate, measured in beats per minute (bpm).
Respiration rate (R), measured in breaths per minute.
Blood pressure (BP), measured in millimeters mercury (mm Hg) and recorded when the heart is
contracting (systolic pressure) and relaxing (diastolic pressure).
Sub-types of diagnoses include:
Clinical diagnosis
A diagnosis made on the basis of medical signs and patient-reported symptoms, rather than
diagnostic tests
Laboratory diagnosis
A diagnosis based significantly on laboratory reports or test results, rather than the physical
examination of the patient. For instance, a proper diagnosis of infectious diseases usually requires
both an examination of signs and symptoms, as well as laboratory characteristics of the pathogen
involved.
Radiology diagnosis
A diagnosis based primarily on the results from medical imaging studies. Greenstick fractures are
common radiological diagnoses.
Principal diagnosis
The single medical diagnosis that is most relevant to the patient's chief complaint or need for
treatment. Many patients have additional diagnoses.
Admitting diagnosis
The diagnosis given as the reason why the patient was admitted to the hospital; it may differ from
the actual problem or from the discharge diagnoses, which are the diagnoses recorded when the
patient is discharged from the hospital.
Differential diagnosis
A process of identifying all of the possible diagnoses that could be connected to the signs,
symptoms, and lab findings, and then ruling out diagnoses until a final determination can be
made.
Diagnostic criteria
Designates the combination of signs, symptoms, and test results that the clinician uses to attempt
to determine the correct diagnosis. They are standards, normally published by international
committees, and they are designed to offer the best sensitivity and specificity possible, respect the
presence of a condition, with the state-of-the-art technology.
Prenatal diagnosis
Diagnosis work done before birth
28
Diagnosis of exclusion
A medical condition whose presence cannot be established with complete confidence from history,
examination or testing. Diagnosis is therefore by elimination of all other reasonable possibilities.
Dual diagnosis
The diagnosis of two related, but separate, medical conditions or co-morbidities; the term almost
always refers to a diagnosis of a serious mental illness and a substance addiction.
Self-diagnosis
The diagnosis or identification of a medical conditions in oneself. Self-diagnosis is very common
and typically accurate for everyday conditions, such as headaches,menstrual cramps, and
headlice.
Remote diagnosis
A type of telemedicine that diagnoses a patient without being physically in the same room as the
patient.
Nursing diagnosis
Rather than focusing on biological processes, a nursing diagnosis identifies people's responses to
situations in their lives, such as a readiness to change or a willingness to accept assistance.
Computer-aided diagnosis
Providing symptoms allows the computer to identify the problem and diagnose the user to the
best of its ability. Health screening begins by identifying the part of the body where the symptoms
are located; the computer cross-references a database for the corresponding disease and presents a
diagnosis.
Overdiagnosis
The diagnosis of "disease" that will never cause symptoms, distress, or death during a patient's
lifetime
Wastebasket diagnosis
A vague, or even completely fake, medical or psychiatric label given to the patient or to the
medical records department for essentially non-medical reasons, such as to reassure the patient by
providing an official-sounding label, to make the provider look effective, or to obtain approval for
treatment. This term is also used as a derogatory label for disputed, poorly described, overused, or
questionably classified diagnoses, such as pouchitis and senility, or to dismiss diagnoses that
amount toovermedicalization, such as the labeling of normal responses to physical hunger as
reactive hypoglycemia.
Retrospective diagnosis
The labeling of an illness in a historical figure or specific historical event using modern
knowledge, methods and disease classifications.
6. Treatment of Disease
If diagnosis so indicates, treatment, also termed therapy, is begun. This may consist of
29
counseling, drugs, surgery, radiation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatric treatment,
or a combination of these. During diagnosis and throughout the course of treatment, a patient is
evaluated to establish a prognosis, that is, a prediction of the outcome of the disease.
Surgery is a method for treating disease or injury by manual operations. Surgery may be done
through an existing body opening, but usually it involves cutting or puncturing tissue with a sharp
instrument in the process of incision.
Some of the purposes of surgery include:
Treatment: For excision (cutting out) of diseased or abnormal tissue, such as a tumor or an
inflamed appendix. Surgical methods are also used to repair wounds or injuries, as in skin
grafting for burns or realigning broken bones. Surgical methods are used to correct circulatory
problems and to return structures to their normal position, as in raising a prolapsed organ, such as
the bladder, in a surgical fixation procedure.
Diagnosis: To remove tissue for laboratory study in a biopsy, as described above. Exploratory
surgery to investigate the cause of symptoms is performed less frequently now because of
advances in noninvasive diagnostic and imaging techniques.
Restoration: Surgery may compensate for lost function, as when a section of the intestine is
redirected in a colostomy, a tube is inserted to allow breathing in a tracheostomy, a feeding tube is
inserted, or an organ is transplanted. Plastic or reconstructive surgery may be done to
accommodate a prosthesis, to restore proper appearance, or for cosmetic reasons.
Relief: Palliative treatment is any therapy that provides relief but is not intended as a cure.
Surgery is done to relieve pain or discomfort, as by cutting the nerve supply to an organ or
reducing the size of a tumor to relieve pressure.
During the last century, the leading causes of death in industrialized countries gradually shifted
from infectious diseases to chronic diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and
cancer. In addition to advancing age, these conditions are greatly influenced by life habits and the
environment. As a result, many people have begun to consider healing practices from other
philosophies and cultures as alternatives and complements to conventional Western medicine.
Some of these philosophies include osteopathy, naturopathy, homeopathy, and chiropractic.
Techniques of acupuncture, biofeedback, massage, and meditation may also be used, as well as
herbal remedies and nutritional counseling on diet, vitamins, and minerals.
Medical Abbreviations Pertaining to Diagnosis and Treatment
AMAagainst medical advice
acbefore meals.
ad libas desired.
amt.amount.
ASAPas soon as possible.
ASDatrial septal defect. A congenital
defect in the heart between the atria.
BIDtwice a day (sometimes q12h or every
12 hours).
BMbowel movement.
BPblood pressure.
BRPbathroom privileges.
CAcancer.
calcalories.
cathcatheterization.
CBCcomplete blood count
cccubic centimeters.
CCchief complaint.
CBCcomplete blood count.
CNScentral nervous system.
c/ocomplaints of
COPDchronic obstructive pulmonary
disease.
CPAPcontinuous positive airway
pressure.
CPRcario-pulmonary resuscitation.
CTcomputed tomography, also referred to
as CAT (computer axial tomography). Three
30

dimensional image of a body structure
constructed by computer from a series of
cross-sectional images. CT scans reveal both
bone and soft tissues, including organs,
muscles and tumors.
DNRdo not resuscitate.
DOBdate of birth.
Drsgdressing.
ECG or EKGelectrocardiogram. A
graphic record of the action of the heart.
EEG(electroencephalogram) measures
electrical activity of the brain.
EKGelectrocardiogram.
ENTear, nose and throat.
EDemergency department
ERemergency room
Gastrosomy Tubesurgically placed tube
that goes directly into the stomach for
feedings and/or drainage.
GBgall bladder.
GIgastointestinal.
gmgram.
gttdrops
H20water.
H/Aheadache
hcthematocrit.
hgbhemoglobin.
HOBhead of bed.
htheight.
HTNhypertension.
hxhistory.
I & Dincision and drainage.
I & Ointake and output. A measurement
of fluids taken in and urinated out.
ICUintensive care unit.
IMintramuscular or into the muscle.
IVintravenous. The delivery of fluids
and/or medication into the blood stream via a
needle inserted into a vein.
Kpotassium.
kgkilogram.
KVO keep vein open.
lb.pound.
LOCloss of consciousness.
LPlumbar puncture.
Maxmaximum.
mEqmilliequivalent.
MRImagnetic
resonance
imaging.
Computerized images based on nuclear
magnetic resonance of atoms within the body
induced by the application of radio waves. An
MRI scan provides 3-D images of the body's

interior, delineating muscle, bone, blood
vessels, nerves, organs and tumor tissue.
MRSAmethicillin
resistant
staphylococcum aureus.
MVAmotor vehicle accident.
MVRmitral valve replacement.
n/anot applicable.
N/Snormal saline.
Nasodium.
Nasogastrica tube that leads from the
nose or mouth into the stomach.
negnegative.
NGnasogastric.
NKAno known allergies.
no. or #number.
NPnurse practitioner.
NPOnothing by mouth; nothing to eat or
drink usually within a defined time frame
Nsgnursing.
NSRnormal sinus rhythm.
NTGnitrogylicerin.
N&Vnausea and vomiting.
NWBnon-weight bearing.
O2oxygen.
OBobstetrical.
OB/GYNobstetrics and gynecology.
ODAoperating day admission. The patient
is admitted to the hospital the day the surgery
is scheduled.
ointointment.
OOBout of bed.
ORoperating room.
OToccupational therapy.
ozounce.
Ppulse.
PAphysician's assistant.
PACpremature atrial contraction.
PATparoxysmal atrial tachycardia or
pre-admission testing (depending on context).
pcafter meals
PDApatent ductus arteriosis.
PEphysical examination.
Pedpediatric.
per osby mouth.
PERLpupils equal and reactive to light.
PERLApupils equal and reactive to light
& accommodation.
PET Scanpositron emission tomography
PFTpulmonary function test.
pHsymbol for expression of concentration
31

of hydrogen ions (degree of acidity).
PICC Line(peripherally inserted central
catheter) for delivery of medication into the
bloodstream.
PIC-Upediatric intensive care unit. A unit
staffed by Pediatric Intensivists (pediatricians
with special training in the care of critically ill
infants and children) and other highly-skilled
specialists.
PIMUpediatric intermediate or "step
down" unit. A unit that admits less critically ill
children and is also a transitional unit
following a stay in the PICU.
PM or p.m.afternoon (post meridian).
PMSpremenstrual syndrome.
poper os (by mouth).
post-oppostoperative.
Preoppreoperative.
prepprepare.
PRNwhen necessary; on request or when
needed within time guidelines
PROMpassive range of motion.
PTphysical therapy.
Pt or pt.patient.
PTAprior to admission.
PVCpremature ventricular contraction.
PWBpartial weigth bearing.
qeach, every (quauque).
qdevery day (quaque die).
qhevery hour (quaque hora).
qidfour times daily (quater in die).
QIDfour times a day (sometimes q6h or
every 6 hours).
QDonce a day.
QNSquantity not sufficient.
qodevery other day (quater otra die).
qssufficient quantity (quantum sufficiat).
Qt.quart.
q2h, q3h, etcevery two hours, every three
hours, etc.
Rehabrehabilitation
Resp.respiration.
RBCred blood cells.
RN Registered Nurse.
R/Orule out.
ROMrange of motion.
R/Rrespiratory rate.
RRrecovery room.
RTradiation therapy.
Rtright.
RTCreturn to Clinic.
Rxprescription, treatment, or therapy.
s [needs line over s]without (sine).
SGspecific gravity.
smsmall.
SNFskilled nursing facility.
SOBshortness of breath.
S/Pstatus post.
sp grspecific gravity.
staphstaphylococcal, staphylococcus.
Statimmediately (statim).
STDsexually transmitted disease.
Strepstreptococcus
Sxsymptoms.
Ttemperature.
tabtablet.
T&Atonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
tbsptablespoon.
TIAtransient ischemia attacks.
tidthree times a day (sometimes q8h or
every 8 hours).
TLCtotal lung capacity.
TPRtemperature, pulse, respirations.
tspteaspoon.
UAurinalysis.
UGIupper gastrointestinal
URIupper respiratory infection.
UTI urinary tract infection.
Volvolume.
vsagainst or versus.
VSvital signs.
VSDventricular septal defect. A
congenital defect in the septum of the heart.
w/with.
WBweight bearing.
WBCwhite blood cells.
W/Cwheel chair.
WNLwithin normal limits.
w/owithout.
wtweight.
XRx-ray.
x-matchcross match.
yoyear old.
yryear.
32
7. Some Drugs Used in Medicine

Drugs may be cited by either their generic or their trade names. The generic name is usually a
simple version of the chemical name for the drug and is not capitalized. The trade name (brand
name, proprietary name) is a registered trademark of the manufacturer and is written with an
initial capital letter. The same drug may be marketed by different companies under different trade
names.
Word Parts Pertaining Drugs
WORD PART
MEANING
EXAMPLE
SUFFIXES
-lytic
Dissolving, reducing, Anxiolytic
loosening
-mimetic
Mimicking,
Sympathomimetic
simulating
-tropic
Acting on
Inotropic
PREFIXES
anti-
DEFINITION OF EXAMPLE
Agent that reduces anxiety
Mimicking the effects of the
sympathetic nervous system
acting on the force of muscle
contraction (in/o means fiber)
Against
Antidote
ContraCounterROOTS
alg/o, algi/o,
algesi/o
chem/o
hypn/o
Against
Opposite, against
Contraceptive
Countercurrent
Substance that counteracts a

poison
Preventing conception
Flowing in an opposite direction
Pain
Algesic
Painful
Chemical
Sleep
Chemotherapy
Hypnosis
narc/o
pharmac/o
Stupor
Drug
Narcotic
Pharmacy
pyr/o, pyret/o
tox/o, toxic/o
vas/o
Fever
Poison, toxin
Vessel
Antipyretic
Toxic
Vasomotor
Treatment with drugs

An altered state with increased
responsiveness to suggestion
Drug that induces stupor
The science of preparing and
dispensing drugs, or the place
where these activities occur
Counteracting fever
Poisonous
Pertaining to change in vessel
diameter
ABBREVIATIONS
Drugs and Drug Formulations
APAP Acetaminophen
ASA Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
cap Capsule
elix Elixir
FDA Food and Drug Administration
INH Isoniazid (antitubercular drug)
MED(s) Medicine(s), medication(s)
ODS Office of Dietary Supplements
OTC Over-the-counter
Rx Prescription
supp Suppository
susp Suspension
tab Tablet
tinct Tincture
ung Ointment
Dosages and Directions
a Before (Latin, ante)
aa Of each (Greek, ana)
33

ac Before meals (Latin, ante cibum)
ad lib As desired (Latin, ad libitum)
aq Water (Latin, aqua)
bid Twice a day (Latin, bis in die)
c With (Latin, cum)
cc Cubic centimeter
D/C, dc Discontinue
ds Double strength
gt(t) Drop(s) (Latin, gutta)
hs At bedtime (Latin, hora somni)
IM Intramuscular(ly)
IU International unit
IV Intravenous(ly)
mcg Micrograms
mg Milligrams
LA Long-acting
NS Normal saline
p After, post
pc After meals (Latin, post cibum)
po By mouth (Latin, per os)

pp Postprandial (after a meal)
prn As needed (Latin, pro re nata)
qam Every morning (Latin, quaque ante
meridiem)
qd Every day (Latin, quaque die)
qh Every hour (Latin, quaque hora)
q ____ h Every ____ hours
qid Four times a day (Latin, quater in die)
qod Every other day (Latin, quaque [other]
die)
s Without (Latin, sine)
SA Sustained action
SC, SQ, Subcutaneous(ly)
SR Sustained release
ss Half (Latin, semis)
tid Three times per day (Latin, ter in die)
U Unit(s)
x Times
Common Drugs and Their Actions

CATEGORY
Adrenergics
(sympathomimetics)
Analgesics
Narcotic
Nonnarcotic
Anesthetics
Anticoagulants
Anticonvulsants
ACTIONS;
APPLICATIONS
Mimic the action of the
sympathetic
nervous
system, which responds
to stress
Alleviate pain
decrease pain sensation in
central nervous system;
chronic use may lead to
physical dependence
Act peripherally to inhibit
prostaglandins
(local
hormones); they may also
be anti-inflammatory and
antipyretic (reduce fever)
GENERIC NAME
TRADE NAME
Epinephrine
Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine
Dopamine
Bronkaid
Neo-Synephrine
Sudafed
Intropin
Meperidine
Morphine
Demerol
Duramorph
aspirin
(acetylsalicylic
acid; ASA)
acetaminophen
(APAP)
ibuprofen
Celecoxib
Reduce or eliminate
Local
sensation
Lidocaine
Procaine
General
Nitrous oxide
Midazolam
Prevent coagulation and
Heparin
formation of blood clots
Warfarin
Suppress or reduce the
Phenobarbital
number and/or intensity Phenytoin
Tylenol
Motrin, Advil
Celebrex, Vioxx
Xylocaine
Novocain
Coumadin
Dilantin
34

of seizures
Antidiabetics
Prevent or alleviate
diabetes
Antiemetics
Relieve symptoms of
nausea
and
prevent
vomiting (emesis)
Antihistamines
Prevent
responses
mediated by histamine:
allergic and inflammatory
reactions
Lower blood pressure by
reducing cardiac output,
dilating
vessels,
or
promoting excretion of
water by the kidneys; see
also calcium channel
blockers, beta blockers,
and
diuretics
under
cardiac drugs, below
Counteract inflammation
and swelling
Hormones
from
the
cortex of the adrenal
gland; used for allergy,
respiratory, and blood
diseases, injury, and
malignancy; suppress the
immune system
Reduce inflammation
and pain by interfering
with synthesis of
prostaglandins; also
Antipyretic
Kill or prevent the growth
of infectious organisms
Effective against bacteria
Antihypertensives
Anti-inflammatory
drugs
Corticosteroids
Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs)
Anti-infective agents
Antibacterials
Antibiotics
Carbamazepine
Valproic acid
Insulin
Chlorpropamide
Glyburide
Metformin
Acarbose
Ondansetron
Dimenhydrinate
Prochlorperazine
Scopolamine
Promethezine
Diphenhydramine
Brompheniramine
Loratadine
Cetirizine
Clonidine
Prazosin
Minoxidil
Losartan
Captopril
Tegretol
Depakene
Humulin (injected)
Diabinese (oral)
Micronase
Glucophage
Precose
Zofran
Dramamine
Compazine
Transderm-Scop
Phenergan
Benadryl
Dimetane
Claritin
Zyrtec
Catapres
Minipress
Loniten
Cozaar
Capoten
dexamethasone
Cortisone
Prednisone
Hydrocortisone
Fluticasone
Decadron
Cortone
Deltasone
Hydrocortone, Cortef
Flonase
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Indomethacin
Naproxen
Diclofenac
Motrin, Advil
Indocin
Naprosyn, Aleve
Voltaren
Amoxicillin
Penicillin V
Erythromycin
Vancomycin
Linezolid
Gentamycin
Clarithromycin
Cephalexin
Sulfisoxazole
Polymox
Pen-Vee K
Erythrocin
Vancocin
Zyvox
Garamycin
Biaxin
Keflex
Gantrisin
35
Antifungals
Antiparasitics
Antivirals
Antineoplastics
Cardiac drugs
Antiarrhythmics
Tetracycline
Ciprofloxacin (acts
on ulcer-causing
Helicobacter pylori)
Isoniazid (INH)
(tuberculosis)
Effective against fungi
Amphotericin B
Miconazole
Nystatin
Fluconazole
Itraconazole
Effective
against Iodoquinol (amebae)
parasites:
protozoa, Quinacrine
worms
Effective against viruses
Acyclovir
Amantadine
Zanamivir
(influenza)
Zidovudine (HIV)
Indinavir
(HIV
protease inhibitor)
Destroy cancer cells; they Cyclophosphamide
are toxic for all cells but
Doxorubicin
have greater effect on
Methotrexate
cells that are actively
Vincristine
growing and dividing;
Tamoxifen (estrogen
hormones and hormone
inhibitor)
inhibitors also are used to
slow tumor growth
Correct
or
prevent
abnormalities of heart
rhythm
Beta-adrenergic
Inhibit
sympathetic
blockers
(beta nervous system; reduce
blockers)
rate and force of heart
contractions
Calcium
channel Dilate coronary arteries,
blockers
slow heart rate, reduce
contractions
Hypolipidemics
Nitrates
Quinidine
Lidocaine
Digoxin
Propranolol
Metoprolol
Atenolol
Carvedilol
Diltiazem
Nifedipine
Verapamil
Nitroglycerin
Isosorbide
Lower cholesterol in
Cholestyramine
patients with high serum Lovastatin
levels that cannot be Pravastatin
controlled
with
diet Atorvastatin
alone;
Simvastatin
hypocholesterolemics,
Statins
Dilate coronary arteries
Nitroglycerin
Achromycin
Cipro
Nydrazid
Fungizone
Monistat
Nilstat
Diflucan
Sporanox
Yodoxin
Atabrine
Zovirax
Symmetrel
Relenza
Retrovir
Crixivan
Cytoxan
Adriamycin
Folex
Oncovin
Nolvadex
Quinidex
Xylocaine
Lanoxin
Inderal
Lopressor
Tenormin
Coreg
Cardizem
Procardia
Calan
Nitrostat
Isordil
Questran
Mevacor
Pravachol
Lipitor
Zocor
Nitrostat
36
CNS stimulants
Diuretics
Gastrointestinal
drugs
Antidiarrheals
Histamine H2
antagonists
Laxatives
Hypnotics
Muscle relaxants
Psychotropics
Antianxiety agents
and reduce workload of

Isosorbide
heart by lowering blood
pressure and reducing
venous return; antianginal
Stimulate the central
Methylphenidate
nervous system
Amphetamine
(chronic use may
lead to drug
dependence)
Promote excretion of
Bumetanide
water, sodium, and other
Furosemide
electrolytes
by
the Mannitol
kidneys; used to reduce Hydrochlorothiazide
edema and blood pressure (HCTZ)
Triamterene
+
HCTZ
Isordil
Treat or prevent diarrhea

by reducing intestinal
motility or absorbing
irritants and soothing the
intestinal lining
Decrease secretion of
stomach
acid
by
interfering with the action
of histamine at H2
receptors; used to treat
ulcers
and
other
gastrointestinal problems
promote elimination from
the large intestine; types
include:
Stimulants
Hyperosmotics (retain
water)
Stool softeners
Bulk-forming agents
Induce sleep or dull the
senses; see antianxiety
agents (below, under
psychotropics)
Depress nervous system
stimulation of skeletal
muscles; used to control
muscle spasms and pain
Affect the mind, altering
mental activity, mental
state, or behavior
Reduce or dispel anxiety;
Diphenoxylate
Loperamide
Attapulgite
Atropine
Lomotil
Imodium
Kaopectate
Cimetidine
Ranitidine
Tagamet
Zantac
Bisacodyl
Lactulose
Dulcolax
Constilac, Chronulac
Docusate
Psyllium
Colace, Surfak
Metamucil
Baclofen
Carisoprodol
Methocarbamol
Lioresal
Soma
Robaxin
Lorazepam
Ativan
Ritalin
Adderall, Dexedrine
Bumex
Lasix
Osmitrol
Hydrodiuril
Dyazide
37
tranquilizers; anxiolytic
agents
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Respiratory drugs
Antitussives
Bronchodilators
Expectorants
Mucolytics
Sedatives/hypnotics
Tranquilizers
Chlordiazepoxide
Diazepam
Hydroxyzine
Alprazolam
Buspirone
Relieve depression by Amitriptyline
raising brain levels of Imipramine
neurotransmitters
Fluoxetine
(chemicals active in the Paroxetine
nervous system)
Sertraline
Act on nervous system to Chlorpromazine
relieve symptoms of
Haloperidol
psychoses
Clozapine
Risperidone
Olanzapine
Librium
Valium
Atarax
Xanax
BuSpar
Elavil
Tofranil
Prozac
Paxil
Zoloft
Thorazine
Haldol
Clozaril
Risperdal
Zyprexa
Suppress coughing
Prevent or eliminate
spasm of the bronchi
(breathing tubes) by
relaxing
bronchial
smooth muscle; used to
treat
asthma
and
bronchitis
Induce
productive
coughing to eliminate
respiratory secretions
Loosen mucus to promote
its elimination
Induce relaxation and
sleep; lower (sedative)
doses promote relaxation
leading to sleep; higher
(hypnotic) doses induce
sleep; antianxiety agents
also used reduce mental
Reduce mental tension
and
anxiety;
see
antianxiety agents (above,
under psychotropics)
Dextromethorphan
Albuterol
Epinephrine
Metaproterenol
Salmeterol
Theophylline
Montelucast
(prevents attacks)
Guaifenesin
Benylin DM
Proventil
Sus-Phrine
Alupent
Serevent
Theo-Dur
Singulair
Acetylcysteine
Mucomyst
Phenobarbital
Zolpidem
Ambien
Robitussin
8. Branches of Medicine and Surgery

Cardiology branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart and the blood vessels.
Critical care medicine focuses on life support and the intensive care of the seriously ill.
Dentistry branch of medicine that deals with treatment of diseases in the oral cavity
Dermatology branch of medicine that deals with the skin, hair, and nails.
38
Emergency medicine focuses on care provided in the emergency department

Endocrinology branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the endocrine system.
Gastroenterology branch of medicine that deals with the study and care of the digestive
system.
General practice (often called family medicine) is a branch of medicine that specializes in
primary care.
Geriatrics branch of medicine that deals with the general health and well-being of the elderly.
Hematology branch of medicine that deals with the blood and the circulatory system.
Hepatology branch of medicine that deals with the liver, gallbladder and the biliary system.
Infectious disease branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and management of
infectious disease, especially for complex cases and immunocompromisedpatients.
Neurology branch of medicine that deals with the brain and the nervous system.
Nephrology branch of medicine which deals with the kidneys.
Oncology is the branch of medicine that studies of cancer.
Ophthalmology branch of medicine that deals with the eyes.
Otolaryngology branch of medicine that deals with the ears, nose and throat.
Pathology branch of medicine that deals with the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of
diseases.
Pediatrics branch of medicine that deals with the general health and well-being of children.
Pulmonology branch of medicine that deals with the respiratory system.
Psychiatry branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
of mental disorders.
Radiology branch of medicine that employs medical imaging to diagnose and treat disease.
Rheumatology branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic
diseases.
Surgery branch of medicine that uses operative techniques to investigate or treat both disease
and injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.
Urology branch of medicine that deals with the urinary system.
39
Part III. Medical Terms Referring to Certain General Pathological

Processes
1. Manifestations of Damage to Tissue Cells
Disorders of the tissues, which are frequently due to unknown sources, can occur before birth as
the tissues are forming or appear later in life.
Incomplete Tissue Formation
Aplasia - is the defective development, or the congenital absence, of an organ or tissue. (a means
without, and -plasia means formation)
Hypoplasia - is the incomplete development of an organ or tissue usually due to deficiency in the
number of cells. (hypo mean deficient, and -plasia means formation)
Abnormal Tissue Formation
Anaplasia - is a change in the structure of cells and in their orientation to each other. (ana means
backward, and -plasia means formation)
Dysplasia - is the abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs. (dys means bad,
and -plasia means formation)
Hyperplasia - is the enlargement of an organ or tissue because of an abnormal increase in the
number of cells in the tissues. (hyper means excessive, and -plasia means formation)
Hypertrophy - is the general increase in the bulk of a body part or organ that is due to an
increase in the size, but not in the number, of cells in the tissues. (hyper means excessive, and
-trophy means development)
Common Word Parts Pertaining Damage to Tissue Cells
Word Part
Aden/o
Adip/o
Cyt/o, -cyte
End-, endoExoHist/o, histi/o
Path/o, -pathy
Plas/i, plas/o, -plastia
-stasis, -static
Roots for Cells and Tissues
Root
Meaning
Morph/o
Form
Cyt/o, -cyte Cell
Nucle/o
Nucleus
Meaning
Gland
Fat
Cell
In, within, inside
Out of, outside, away from
Tissue
Disease, suffering, felling, emotion
Development, growth, formation
Control, maintenance of a constant level
Example
Polymorphic
Cytogenesis
Nuclear
Having many forms
The formation (-genesis) of cells
Pertaining to a nucleus
40

Kary/o
Nucleus
Karyotype
Hist/o,
histi/o
Fibr/o
Reticul/o
Aden/o
Papill/o
Myx/o
Tissue
Histologist
Fiber
Network
Gland
Nipple
Mucus
Fibrosis
Reticulum
Adenoma
Papilliform
Myxadenitis
Muc/o
Mucus, mucous
membrane
Body
Mucorrhea
Somat/o,
-some
Somatic
Picture of the chromosomes of a cell

organized according to size
Specialist in the study of tissue
Abnormal formation of fibrous tissue
A network
Tumor (-oma) of a gland
Resembling a nipple
Inflammation of a gland that secretes
mucus
Increased flow (-rhea) of mucus
Pertaining to the body (as compared with
the germ cells or the mind)
2. Infection, Antibody Formation, Inflammation and Repair

Infection - is the invasion of the body by a pathogenic (disease-producing) organism. The
infection can remain localized (near the point of entry) or can be systematic (affecting the entire
body). Signs and symptoms of infection include malaise, chills and fever, redness, heat and
swelling, or exudate from a wound.
Medications to Control Infection
Antibiotics are medications capable of inhibiting growth or killing pathogenic bacterial
microorganisms (anti means against, bio means life and -tic means pertaining to) .
A Bactericide substance that causes the death of bacteria (bacteri means bacteria, and -cide
means causing death). This group of antibiotics includes penicillins and cephalosphorins.
Bacteriostatic agents slows or stops the growth of bacteria (bacteri means bacteria, -static means
causing control). This group of antibiotics includes tetracycline, sulfonamide, and erythromycin.
An Antifungal is an agent that destroys or inhibit the growth of fungi (anti- means against,
fung means fungus, and -al means pertaining to).
An antiviral drug is used to treat viral infections or to provide temporary immunity (anti means
against, vir means virus, and -al means pertaining to).
An antigen-antibody reaction, also known as the immune reaction, involves binding antigens to
antibodies. This reaction labels a potentially dangerous antigen so it can be recognized and
destroyed by other cells of the immune system.
Antibody is a disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence
of a specific antigen.
Immunoglobulins bind with specific antigens in the antigen-antibody response. The five primary
types of immunoglobulins, which are secreted by plasma cells, are also known as antibodies.
41
The Immunoglobulins and Their Roles

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant class of antibodies, and they are found in blood
serum and lymph. These antibodies are active against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and foreign
particles.
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the class of antibodies produced predominantly against ingested
antigens. These antibodies are found in body secretions such as saliva, sweat, or tears, and
function to prevent the attachment of viruses and bacteria to the epithelial surface that line most
organs.
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is the class of antibodies that are found in circulating body fluids.
These are the first antibodies to appear in response to an initial exposure to an antigen.
Immunoglobulin D (IgD) is the class of antibodies found only on the surface of B cells. These
antibodies are important in B cell activation.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the class of antibodies produced in the lungs, skin, and mucus
membranes. These antibodies are responsible for allergic reactions.
Inflammation is a localized response to an injury or to the destruction of tissues. They key
indicators of inflammation are (1) erythema (redness), (2) hyperthermia (heat), (3) edema
(swelling), and (4) pain. These are caused by extra blood flowing into the areas as part of the
healing process. The suffix -itis indicates inflammation.
Phagocytosis
The body uses phagocytosis to get rid of invading microorganisms, damaged cells, and other
types of harmful debris. Certain white blood cells are capable of engulfing these materials and
destroying them internally. Phagocytic cells are found circulating in the blood, in the tissues, and
in the lymphatic system. The remains of phagocytosis consist of fluid and white blood cells; this
is called pus. (phago means eating/devouring, cyt- means cell, and -osis means
process/condition).
3. Disorders of Growth
Growth disorders are problems that prevent children from developing normal height, weight,
sexual maturity or other features. Very slow or very fast growth can sometimes signal a gland
problem or disease. The pituitary gland makes growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of
bone and other tissues.
Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder disturbing normal growth of cartilage, resulting in
a form of dwarfism characterized by a usually normal torso and shortened limbs, and
usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait (a means less, chondrmeans cartilage,
and -plasia means formation).
Acromegaly is an excessive enlargement of the limbs due to thickening of bones and soft tissues,
caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone, usually from a tumor of the pituitary gland (acro
means extremity, and -megaly means enlargement).
Adiposogenital dystrophy is a condition which may be caused by tertiary hypogonadism
originating from decreased levels in GnRH. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone is a tropic peptide
hormone synthesized and released from GnRH neurons within the hypothalamus.
Dwarfism a condition in which the growth of a person has stopped, leaving him or her much
smaller than average (dwarf means very short person , and -ism means condition).
Gigantism, also known as giantism, is a condition characterized by excessive growth and height
significantly above average (gigas means giant, and -ism means condition).
Hemihypertrophy, now more commonly referred to as Hemihyperplasia in the medical
42
literature, is a condition in which one side of the body or a part of one side of the body is larger
than the other to an extent considered greater than the normal variation (hemi means half, hyper
means excessive, and -trophy nutrition/growth).
Hypochondroplasia is a developmental disorder caused by an autosomal dominant genetic
defect in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3) (hypo means deficiency, chondrmeans cartilage, and -plasia means formation).
Macrodystrophia lipomatosis is a rare, congenital form of localized gigantism of fingers or toes.
(macro means large, dys- means difficulty, trophy means growth, lipo- means fat, -osis means
condition).
Mesomelia refers to conditions in which the middle parts of limbs are disproportionately short
(meso means middle, and -melia means limb).
Overgrowth syndrome is a group of genetic disorders in which there is an abnormal increase in
the size of the body or a body part that is often noted at birth
Pseudoachondroplasia is a type of short-limb dwarfism. It is a genetic autosomal dominant
disorder (pseudo means false, chondro- means cartilage, and -plasia means condition).
The Seckel syndrome or microcephalic primordial dwarfism (also known as bird-headed
dwarfism, Harper's syndrome,Virchow-Seckel dwarfism, and Bird-headed dwarf of Seckel) is a
congenital nanosomic disorder.
Turner syndrome (TS) also known as UllrichTurner syndrome, gonadal dysgenesis, and 45,X,
is a condition in which a femaleis partly or completely missing an X chromosome.
4. Disorders in Blood Circulation
Atherosclerosis
The accumulation of fatty deposits within the lining of an artery is termed atherosclerosis. This
type of deposit, called a plaque, begins to form when a vessel receives tiny injuries, usually at a
point of branching. Plaques gradually thicken and harden with fibrous material, cells, and other
deposits, restricting the lumen (opening) of the vessel and reducing blood flow to the tissues, a
condition known as ischemia. (athero means fatty, -sclero means hardness, and -osis means
condition).
Thrombosis and Embolism
Atherosclerosis predisposes a person to thrombosis, the formation of a blood clot within a vessel.
The clot, called a thrombus, interrupts blood flow to the tissues supplied by that vessel, resulting
in necrosis (tissue death). Blockage of a vessel by a thrombus or other mass carried in the
bloodstream is an embolism, and the mass itself is called an embolus. (thromb- means blood clot,
and -osis means condition).
Aneurysm
An arterial wall weakened by atherosclerosis, malformation, injury, or other causes may balloon
out, forming an aneurysm. If an aneurysm ruptures, hemorrhage results. Rupture of a cerebral
artery is another cause of stroke.
Anemia, one of the more common blood circulation disorders, occurs when the number of
healthy red blood cells decreases in the body. The disc-shaped red blood cells contain
haemoglobin, a unique molecule that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. (an means without/less,
-emia means blood)
Hypertension
High blood pressure, or hypertension (HTN), is a contributing factor in all of the conditions
described above. In simple terms, hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure greater than 140
43
mm Hg or a diastolic pressure greater than 90 mm Hg. (hyper- means excessive, and -tension
means pressure)
5. Allergy (Hypersensitivity)
Allergies, also known as allergic diseases, are a number of conditions caused by hypersensitivity
of the immune system to something in the environment that usually causes little problem in most
people. These diseases include hay fever, food allergies,atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, and
anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include red eyes, an itchy rash, runny nose, shortness of breath, or
swelling. Food intolerances and food poisoning are separate conditions.
Types of Allergies
Skin Allergy
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, affecting between 10 and 20 percent of
children and 1 to 3 percent of adults. A common symptom of atopic dermatitis is dry, red, irritated
and itchy skin. (a means without, and -tropic means turning forward, derma means skin and -itis
means inflammation)
Hives (urticaria) are red bumps or welts that appear on the body. The condition is called acute
urticaria if it lasts for no more than six weeks, and chronic urticaria if it persists beyond six weeks.
Acute urticaria is most commonly caused by exposure to an allergen or by an infection.
Contact dermatitis is a reaction that appears when the skin comes in contact with an irritant or an
allergen. Symptoms can include a rash, blisters, itching and burning.
Latex allergy usually develops after repeated exposure to latex products, including balloons or
medical gloves. Symptoms may include hives, itching or a stuffy or runny nose. Some people
may experience asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
Eye Allergy
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a more serious eye allergy than SAC or PAC. While it can occur
year-round, symptoms may worsen seasonally. (kerato mean cornea, conjunctiva is a part of the
eye and -itis means inflammation)
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis This type of allergy primarily affects older patients - mostly men with
a history of allergic dermatitis. (atopic means allergy, kerato mean cornea, conjunctiva is a part
of the eye and -itis means inflammation)
Contact allergic conjunctivitis This can result from irritation by contact lenses or by the proteins
from tears that bind to the surface of the lens.
Giant papillary conjunctivitis Associated with wearing contact lenses, giant papillary
conjunctivitis is a severe form of contact allergic conjunctivitis in which individual fluid sacs, or
papules, form in the upper lining of the inner eyelid.
44
Respiratory Allergy
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. It is often caused by bacterial (germ) infection. (sinu
means sinus and -itis means inflammation)
Allergic rhinitis inflammation in the nose and eyes caused by an allergic reaction to plant
pollen, mould spores, dust mites or animal hair. (rhino means nose, and -itis means inflammation)
45
Part IV. Medical Terms Referring to Certain Infective Disease

Infectious diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi (yeasts and molds), protozoa
(single-celled animals), and worms. In shape, bacteria may be round, rod-shaped, or curved. They
may be named according to their shape and by the arrangements they form. They also are
described according to the dyes they take up when stained in the laboratory. The most common
laboratory bacterial stain is the Gram stain, with which gram positive organisms stain purple and
gram-negative organisms stain red.
Microorganisms often produce disease by means of the toxins (poisons) they release. The
presence of harmful microorganisms or their toxins in the body is termed sepsis.
1. Infectious Fevers
Fever, also known as pyrexia and febrile response, is defined as having a temperature above the
normal range due to an increase in the body's temperature set-point.
Types of Infectious Fever
Dengue Fever, also known as breakbone fever, is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by
the dengue virus.
The Viral Hemorrhagic (or haemorrhagic) Fevers (VHFs) are a diverse group of animal and
human illnesses in which fever and hemorrhage are caused by a viral infection.
Typhoid Fever an infectious bacterial fever with an eruption of red spots on the chest and
abdomen and severe intestinal irritation.
Typhus is any of several similar diseases caused by Rickettsia bacteria. The name comes from the
Greek typhos meaning smoky or hazy, describing the state of mind of those affected with typhus.
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through mosquito bites. Symptoms take
36 days to develop and include fever, chills, headache, backache, and muscle aches.
2. Pyogenic Infection
Pyogenic Infection is an infection characterized by severe local inflammation, usually with pus
formation, generally caused by one of the pyogenic bacteria. (pyo means pus, gen- means
producing and -ic means pertaining to)
List of Some Pyogenic Infection
An abscess is an infection characterized by a collection of pus underneath a portion of the skin.
Bacteria commonly causing abscesses are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. These
bacteria enter the skin through any cracks or injury to the skin.
Empyema is the collection of pus in a cavity, especially in the pleural cavity.
Pyometra is an accumulation of pus in the uterus.
Pyonephrosis is the distension of the kidney with pus.
46
Pyopericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium due to infection with staphylococci,

streptococci or pneumococci.
Pyopneumothorax is an accumulation of pus and gas or air in the pleural cavity.
Pyosalpinx is an inflammation and formation of pus in a Fallopian Tube.
Pyocolpos is an accumulation of pus in the vagina.
3. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB (short for tubercle bacillus), in the past also called phthisis, phthisis
pulmonalis, or consumption, is a widespread, infectious disease caused by various strains of
mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but
can also affect other parts of the body.
4. Venereal Disease
Venereal Disease is a disease typically contracted by sexual intercourse with a person already
infected; a sexually transmitted disease.
Types of Venereal Disease
Human Papillomavirus is a virus that causes genital warts in humans. (papilla means a small,
nipple-shaped projection or elevation and -oma means tumor)
Chlamydia is a very small parasitic bacterium which, like a virus, requires the biochemical
mechanisms of another cell in order to reproduce. Bacteria of this type cause various diseases
including trachoma, psittacosis, and non-specific urethritis.
Herpes is an inflammation of the skin or mucous membrane, caused by a virus, where small
blisters are formed.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease which produces painful irritation of the mucous
membrane and a watery discharge from the vagina or penis. (gono means semen and rrhea means
flow)
Syphilis a sexually transmitted disease caused by a spirochaete Treponema pallidum.
Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The infection is more common
in women than men. Women often have few symptoms, but may develop a large amount of
yellow, frothy, vaginal discharge.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency
syndrome. A person with AIDS is susceptible to diseases associated with a dramatically weakened
immune system, including swollen glands, weight loss, pneumonia, nervous system disorders and
cancer.
47
5. Some Other Infective Diseases

Common Infectious Organisms
TYPE OF
ORGANISM
Bacteria
Cocci
Bacilli
Vibrios
Spirochetes
Chlamydia
Rickettsia
Viruses
Fungi
Protozoa
Helminths
DESCRIPTION
EXAMPLES OF DISEASES
CAUSED
Simple microscopic organisms that are

widespread throughout the world, some of
which can produce disease; singular,
bacterium
Round bacteria; may be in clusters Pneumonia, rheumatic fever,
(staphylococci), chains (streptococci), and food poisoning, septicemia,
other formations; singular, coccus
urinary
tract
infections,
gonorrhea
Rod-shaped bacteria; singular, bacillus
Typhoid,
dysentery,
salmonellosis,
tuberculosis,
botulism, tetanus
Curved rods
Cholera, gastroenteritis
Corkscrew-shaped bacteria that move with a Lyme disease, syphilis,
twisting motion
Vincent disease
Organisms smaller than bacteria that, like Conjunctivitis,
trachoma,
viruses, grow in living cells but are pelvic inflammatory disease
susceptible to antibiotics
(PID), and other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs)
Similar in growth to chlamydia
Typhus, Rocky Mountain
spotted fever
Submicroscopic infectious agents that can Colds,
herpes,
hepatitis
live and reproduce only within living cells
measles,
varicella
(chickenpox), influenza, AIDS
Simple, non-green plants, some of which are Candidiasis, skin infections
parasitic; includes yeasts and molds; (tinea, ringworm, valley fever)
singular, fungus
Single-celled animals; singular, protozoon
Dysentery,
Trichomonas
infection, malaria
Worms
Trichinosis; infestations with
roundworms,
pinworms,
hookworms
48
Part V. Medical Terms Referring to Diseases of Various Systems of the

Body and Obstetric Terms
1. The Cardiovascular System
Cardiovascular Disorder
Disorder
Meaning
Aneurysm
A localized abnormal dilation of a blood vessel, usually an artery, caused
by weakness of the vessel wall; may eventually burst
Angina pectoris
A feeling of constriction around the heart or pain that may radiate to the
left arm or shoulder, usually brought on by exertion; caused by insufficient
blood supply to the heart
Arrhythmia
Any abnormality in the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat (literally without
rhythm; note doubled r). Also called dysrhythmia.
Atherosclerosis
The development of fatty, fibrous patches (plaques) in the lining of
arteries, causing narrowing of the lumen and hardening of the vessel wall.
The most common form of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Root ather/o means porridge or gruel.
Bradycardia
A slow heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute
Cerebrovascular
Sudden damage to the brain resulting from reduction of blood flow.
accident (CVA)
Causes include atherosclerosis, embolism, thrombosis, or hemorrhage
from a ruptured aneurysm; commonly called stroke.
Clubbing
Enlargement of the ends of the fingers and toes caused by growth of the
soft tissue around the nails. Seen in a variety of diseases in which there is
poor peripheral circulation.
Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen
Deep
vein Thrombophlebitis involving the deep veins
thrombosis (DVT)
Diaphoresis
Profuse sweating
Dissecting
An aneurysm in which blood enters the arterial wall and separates the
aneurysm
layers. Usually involves the aorta
Dyslipidemia
Disorder in serum lipid levels, which is an important factor in
development of atherosclerosis. Includes hyperlipidemia (high lipids),
hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), hypertriglyceridemia (high
triglycerides).
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing (-pnea)
Edema
Swelling of body tissues caused by the presence of excess fluid.
Causes include cardiovascular disturbances, kidney failure, inflammation,
and malnutrition.
Embolism
Obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot or other matter carried in the
circulation
Embolus
A mass carried in the circulation. Usually a blood clot, but may also be air,
fat, bacteria, or other solid matter from within or from outside the body.
Fibrillation
Spontaneous, quivering, and ineffectual contraction of muscle fibers, as in
the atria or the ventricles
Heart block
An interference in the conduction system of the heart resulting in
arrhythmia). The condition is classified in order of increasing severity as
first-, second-, or third-degree heart block. Block in a bundle branch is
designated as a left or right bundle branch block (BBB).
49
Heart failure
A condition caused by the inability of the heart to maintain adequate

circulation of blood
Hemorrhoid
A varicose vein in the rectum
Hypertension
A condition of higher-than-normal blood pressure. Essential (primary,
idiopathic) hypertension has no known cause.
Infarct
An area of localized necrosis (death) of tissue resulting from a blockage or
a narrowing of the artery that supplies the area
Ischemia
Local deficiency of blood supply caused by obstruction of the circulation
(root hem/o)
Murmur
An abnormal heart sound
Myocardial
Localized necrosis (death) of cardiac muscle tissue resulting from
infarction (MI)
blockage or narrowing of the coronary artery that supplies that area.
Myocardial infarction is usually caused by formation of a thrombus (clot)
in a vessel
Occlusion
A closing off or obstruction, as of a vessel
Patent
ductus Persistence of the ductus arteriosus after birth. The ductus arteriosus is a
arteriosus
vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta in the
fetus to bypass the lungs.
Phlebitis
Inflammation of a vein
Plaque
A patch. With regard to the cardiovascular system, a deposit of fatty
material and other substances on a vessel wall that impedes blood flow
and may block the vessel. Atheromatous plaque.
Rheumatic heart Damage to heart valves after infection with a type of streptococcus (group
disease
A hemolytic streptococcus). The antibodies produced in response to the
infection produce scarring of the valves, usually the mitral valve.
Shock
Circulatory failure resulting in inadequate supply of blood to the
heart. Cardiogenic shock is caused by heart failure; hypovolemic
shock is caused by a loss of blood volume; septic shock is caused by
bacterial infection.
Stenosis
Constriction or narrowing of an opening
Syncope
A temporary loss of consciousness caused by inadequate blood flow to the
brain; fainting
Tachycardia
An abnormally rapid heart rate, usually over 100 beats per minute
Thrombophlebitis
Inflammation of a vein associated with formation of a blood clot
Thrombosis
Development of a blood clot within a vessel
Thrombus
A blood clot that forms within a blood vessel (root thromb/o)
Varicose vein
A twisted and swollen vein resulting from breakdown of the valves,
pooling of blood, and chronic dilatation of the vessel (root varic/o); also
called varix (VAR-iks) or varicosity
Diagnosis and Treatment
Procedure
Definition
Angioplasty
A procedure that reopens a narrowed vessel and restores blood flow.
Commonly accomplished by surgically removing plaque, inflating a
balloon within the vessel, or installing a device (stent) to keep the
vessel open.
Artificial pacemaker
A battery-operated device that generates electrical impulses to
regulate the beating of the heart. It may be external or implanted, may
be designed to respond to need, and may have the capacity to prevent
tachycardia
Cardioversion
Correction of an abnormal cardiac rhythm. May be accomplished
50
Coronary angiography
Coronary artery
bypass graft (CABG)
Defibrillation
Echocardiography
(ECG)
electrocardiography
Lipoprotein
Percutaneous
transluminal coronary
angioplasty (PTCA)
pharmacologically, with antiarrhythmic drugs, or by application of

electric current
Radiographic study of the coronary arteries after introduction of an
opaque dye by means of a catheter
Surgical creation of a shunt to bypass a blocked coronary artery. The
aorta is connected to a point past the obstruction with another vessel
or a piece of another vessel, usually the saphenous vein of the leg or
the left internal mammary artery
Use of an electronic device (defibrillator) to stop fibrillation by
delivering a brief electric shock to the heart. The shock may be
delivered to the surface of the chest or be delivered directly to the
heart through wire leads.
A noninvasive method that uses ultrasound to visualize internal
cardiac structures
Study of the electrical activity of the heart as detected by electrodes
(leads) placed on the surface of the body. The components of the ECG
include the P wave, QRS complex, T wave, ST segment, PR (PQ)
interval, and the QT interval. Also abbreviated EKG from the German
electrokardiography.
A compound of protein with lipid. Lipoproteins are classified
according to density as very low density (VLDL), low density (LDL),
and high density (HDL). Relatively higher levels of HDLs have been
correlated with health of the cardiovascular system.
Dilatation of a sclerotic blood vessel by means of a balloon catheter
inserted into the vessel and then inflated to flatten plaque against the
artery wall
2. The Respiratory System

Respiratory Disorder
Disorder
Meaning
Acidosis
Abnormal acidity of body fluids. Respiratory acidosis is caused by
abnormally high levels of carbon dioxide in the body.
Adult respiratory
Pulmonary edema that can lead rapidly to fatal respiratory failure; causes
distress syndrome include trauma, aspiration into the lungs, viral pneumonia, and drug
(ARDS)
reactions; shock lung
Alkalosis
Abnormal alkalinity of body fluids. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by
abnormally low levels of carbon dioxide in the body.
Aspiration
The accidental inhalation of food or other foreign material into the lungs.
Also used to mean the withdrawal of fluid from a cavity by suction.
Asthma
A disease characterized by dyspnea and wheezing caused by spasm of the
bronchial tubes or swelling of their mucous membranes
Atelectasis
Incomplete expansion of a lung or part of a lung; lung collapse. May be
present at birth (as in respiratory distress syndrome) or be caused by
bronchial obstruction or compression of lung tissue (prefix atel/o means
imperfect).
Bronchiectasis
Chronic dilatation of a bronchus or bronchi
Bronchitis
Inflammation of a bronchus
Chronic
Any of a group of chronic, progressive, and debilitating respiratory
obstructive
diseases, which includes emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, and
51

pulmonary disease
(COPD)
Cyanosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF)
Dyspnea
Emphysema
Empyema
Hemoptysis
Hemothorax
Hydrothorax
Hyperventilation
Hypoventilation
Influenza
Pleural effusion
Pleurisy
Pneumoconiosis
Pneumonia
Pneumonitis
Pneumothorax
Pyothorax
Respiratory
distress
syndrome (RDS)
Tuberculosis
bronchiectasis
Bluish discoloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen in the blood
(adjective, cyanotic)
An inherited disease that affects the pancreas, respiratory system, and
sweat glands. Characterized by mucus accumulation in the bronchi
causing obstruction and leading to infection.
Difficult or labored breathing, sometimes with pain; air hunger
A chronic pulmonary disease characterized by enlargement and
destruction of the alveoli
Accumulation of pus in a body cavity, especially the pleural space;
pyothorax
The spitting of blood from the mouth or respiratory tract (ptysis means
spitting)
Presence of blood in the pleural space
Presence of fluid in the pleural space
Increased rate and depth of breathing; increase in the amount of air
entering the alveoli
Decreased rate and depth of breathing; decrease in the amount of air
entering the alveoli
An acute, contagious respiratory infection causing fever, chills,
headache, and muscle pain
Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. The fluid may contain blood
(hemothorax) or pus (pyothorax or empyema).
Inflammation of the pleura; pleuritis. A symptom of pleurisy is sharp pain
on breathing.
Disease of the respiratory tract caused by inhalation of dust particles.
Named more specifically by the type of dust inhaled, such as silicosis,
anthracosis, asbestosis.
Inflammation of the lungs generally caused by infection. May involve the
bronchioles and alveoli (bronchopneumonia) or one or more lobes of the
lung (lobar pneumonia).
Inflammation of the lungs; may follow infection or be caused by
asthma, allergy, or inhalation of irritants
Accumulation of air or gas in the pleural space. May result from injury or
disease or may be produced artificially to collapse a lung.
Accumulation of pus in the pleural space; empyema
A respiratory disorder that affects premature infants born without enough
surfactant in the lungs. It is treated with respiratory support and
administration of surfactant.
An infectious disease caused by the tubercle bacillus, Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. Often involves the lungs but may involve other parts of the
body as well.
52
3. Digestive System
Digestive Disorder
Disorder
Appendicitis
Ascites
Bilirubin
Cholecystitis
Cholelithiasis
Cirrhosis
Colic
Crohn disease
Diarrhea
Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis
Dysphagia
Emesis
Fistula
Gastroenteritis
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hepatomegaly
Hiatal hernia
Icterus
Ileus
Intussusception
Jaundice
Nausea
Occult blood
Meaning
Inflammation of the appendix
Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity; a form of edema. May be
caused by heart disease, lymphatic or venous obstruction, cirrhosis, or
changes in plasma composition.
A pigment released in the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells;
mainly excreted by the liver in bile
Inflammation of the gallbladder
The condition of having stones in the gallbladder; also used to refer to
stones in the common bile duct
Chronic liver disease with degeneration of liver tissue
Acute abdominal pain, such as biliary colic caused by gallstones in the
bile ducts
A chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract usually
involving the ileum
The frequent passage of watery bowel movements
Inflammation of diverticula (small pouches) in the wall of the digestive
tract, especially in the colon
The presence of diverticula, especially in the colon
Difficulty in swallowing
Vomiting
An abnormal passageway between two organs or from an organ to the
body surface, such as between the rectum and anus (anorectal fistula)
Inflammation of the stomach and intestine
Varicose veins in the rectum associated with pain, bleeding, and
sometimes prolapse of the rectum
Inflammation of the liver; commonly caused by a viral infection
Enlargement of the liver
A protrusion of the stomach through the opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm
through which the esophagus passes
Jaundice
Intestinal obstruction. May be caused by lack of peristalsis
(adynamic, paralytic ileus) or by contraction (dynamic ileus).
Intestinal matter and gas may be relieved by passage of a tube
for drainage.
Slipping of one part of the intestine into another part below it.
Occurs mainly in male infants in the ileocecal region. May be fatal if
untreated for more than 1 day.
A yellowish color of the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eye
caused by bile pigments in the blood (from French jaune meaning
yellow). The main pigment is bilirubin, a byproduct of the breakdown of
red blood cells.
An unpleasant sensation in the upper abdomen that often precedes
vomiting. Typically occurs in digestive upset, motion sickness, and
sometimes early pregnancy.
Blood present in such small amounts that it can be detected only
53
microscopically or chemically; in the feces, a sign of intestinal bleeding

(occult means hidden)
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas
Peptic ulcer
A lesion in the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach, or
duodenum caused by the action of gastric juice
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal
cavity and covers the abdominal organs. May result from perforation of an
ulcer, rupture of the appendix, or infection of the reproductive tract,
among other causes.
Polyp
A tumor that grows on a stalk and bleeds easily
Portal
An abnormal increase in pressure in the hepatic portal system. May be
hypertension
caused by cirrhosis, infection, thrombosis, or tumors.
Pyloric stenosis
Narrowing of the opening between the stomach and the duodenum;
pylorostenosis
Splenomegaly
Enlargement of the spleen
Ulcerative colitis
Chronic ulceration of the colon of unknown cause
Volvulus
Twisting of the intestine resulting in obstruction. Usually involves the
sigmoid colon and occurs most often in children and in the elderly. May be
caused by congenital malformation, foreign body, or adhesion. Failure to
treat immediately may result in death
Procedure
Definition
Anastomosis
A passage or communication between two vessels or organs. May be
normal or pathologic, or may be created surgically.
Barium study
Use of barium sulfate as a liquid contrast medium for fluoroscopic or
radiographic study of the digestive tract. Can show obstruction, tumors,
ulcers, hiatal hernia, and motility disorders, among others.
Cholecystectomy
Surgical removal of the gallbladder
Dukes
A system for staging colorectal cancer based on degree of penetration of
classification
the bowel wall and lymph node involvement; severity is graded from A to
C
Endoscopy
Use of a fiberoptic endoscope for direct visual examination. GI studies
include esophagogastroduodenoscopy, proctosigmoidoscopy (rectum and
distal colon), and colonoscopy (all regions of the colon)
ERCP
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; a technique for viewing
the pancreatic and bile ducts and for performing certain techniques to
relieve obstructions. Contrast medium is injected into the biliary system
from the duodenum and radiographs are taken
Ostomy
An opening into the body; generally refers to an opening created for
elimination of body waste. Also refers to the operation done to create such
an opening
Stoma
A surgically created opening to the body surface or between two
organs (literally mouth)
4. The Urinary and Male Reproductive System
Urinary Disorder
Disorder
Acidosis
Meaning
Excessive acidity of body fluids
54

Bacteriuria
Cast
Cystitis
Dysuria
glomerulonephritis
Hematuria
Hydronephrosis
Hyperkalemia
Oliguria
Proteinuria
Pyelonephritis
Pyuria
Renal colic
Uremia
Urethritis
Urinary stasis
Presence of bacteria in the urine

A solid mold of a renal tubule found in the urine
Inflammation of the urinary bladder, usually as a result of infection
Painful or difficult urination
Inflammation of the kidney primarily involving the glomeruli. The acute
form usually occurs after an infection elsewhere in the body; the chronic
form varies in cause and usually leads to renal failure.
Presence of blood in the urine
Collection of urine in the renal pelvis caused by obstruction; causes
distention and atrophy of renal tissue. Also called nephrohydrosis or
nephrydrosis.
Excess amount of potassium in the blood
Elimination of small amounts of urine
Presence of protein, mainly albumin, in the urine
Inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidney, usually as a result of
infection
Presence of pus in the urine
Radiating pain in the region of the kidney associated with the passage of a
stone
Presence in the blood of toxic levels of nitrogen-containing substances,
mainly urea, as a result of renal insufficiency
Inflammation of the urethra, usually as a result of infection
Stoppage or stagnation of the flow of urine

Procedure
Catheterization
Cystoscope
Dialysis
Hemodialysis
Intravenous
pyelography (IVP)
Lithotripsy
Peritoneal dialysis
Retrograde
pyelography
Specific
gravity (SG)
Definition
Introduction of a tube into a passage, such as through the urethra into the
bladder for withdrawal of urine
An instrument for examining the inside of the urinary bladder. Also used
for removing foreign objects, for surgery, and for other forms of treatment.
Separation of substances by passage through a semipermeable membrane.
Dialysis is used to rid the body of unwanted substances when the kidneys
are impaired or missing. The two forms of dialysis are hemodialysis and
peritoneal dialysis.
Removal of unwanted substances from the blood by passage through a
semipermeable membrane
Radiographic visualization of the urinary tract after intravenous
administration of a contrast medium that is excreted in the urine; also
called excretory urography or intravenous pyelography, although the latter
is less accurate because the procedure shows more than just the renal
pelvis. Also called Intravenous Urography (IVU)
Crushing of a stone
Removal of unwanted substances from the body by introduction of a
dialyzing fluid into the peritoneal cavity followed by removal of the fluid
Pyelography in which the contrast medium is injected into the kidneys
from below, by way of the ureters
The weight of a substance compared with the weight of an equal volume
of water. The specific gravity of normal urine ranges from 1.015 to 1.025.
This value may increase or decrease in disease.
55

Urinalysis
Surgery
Cystectomy
Ileal conduit
Lithotomy
Renal
transplantation
Laboratory study of the urine. Physical and chemical properties and

microscopic appearance are included.
Surgical removal of all or part of the urinary bladder
Diversion of urine by connection of the ureters to an isolated segment of
the ileum. One end of the segment is sealed, and the other drains through
an opening in the abdominal wall
Incision of an organ to remove a stone (calculus)
Surgical implantation of a donor kidney into a patient
Male Reproductive Disorder

Disorder
Benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH)
Cryptorchidism
Epididymitis
Erectile
dysfunction
Infertility
Inguinal hernia
Orchitis
Prostatitis
Sexually
transmitted
disease (STD)
Sterility
Urethritis
Balanitis
Bladder neck
obstruction (BNO)
Hydrocele
Phimosis
Priapism
Seminoma
Spermatocele
Varicocele
Meaning
Nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate; frequently develops with age;
also called benign prostatic hypertrophy
Failure of the testis to descend into the scrotum
Inflammation of the epididymis. Common causes are UTIs and STDs.
A lack of ability to perform intercourse in the man because of failure to
initiate or maintain an erection until ejaculation; impotence
Decreased capacity to produce offspring
Protrusion of the intestine or other abdominal organ through the inguinal
canal or through the wall of the abdomen into the scrotum
Inflammation of a testis. May be caused by injury, mumps virus, or other
infections.
Inflammation of the prostate gland. Often appears with UTI, STD, and a
variety of other stresses.
Disease spread through sexual activity
Complete inability to produce offspring
Inflammation of the urethra; often caused by gonorrhea and chlamydial
infections
Inflammation of the glans penis and mucous membrane beneath it (root
balan/o means glans penis)
Blockage of urine flow at the outlet of the bladder. The common
cause is benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The accumulation of fluid in a saclike cavity, especially within the
covering of the testis or spermatic cord
Narrowing of the opening of the prepuce so that the foreskin cannot be
pushed back over the glans penis
Abnormal, painful, continuous erection of the penis, as may be
caused by damage to specific regions of the spinal cord
A tumor of the testis
An epididymal cyst containing spermatozoa
Enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord

Procedure
Definition
56

Herniorrhaphy
Prostatectomy
Vasectomy
Surgical repair of a hernia

Surgical removal of the prostate
Excision of the vas deferens. Usually done bilaterally to produce
Sterility. May be accomplished through the urethra (transurethral
resection).
5. The Female Reproductive System

Female Reproductive Disorder
Disorder
Candidiasis
Dysmenorrhea
Meaning
Infection with the fungus Candida, a common cause of vaginitis
Painful or difficult menstruation. A common disorder that may be caused
by infection, use of an intrauterine device, endometriosis, overproduction
of prostaglandins, or other factors.
Endometriosis
Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, usually in the pelvic
cavity
Pelvic
Condition caused by the spread of infection from the reproductive tract
inflammatory
into the pelvic cavity. Commonly caused by sexually transmitted
disease (PID)
gonorrhea and chlamydial infections.
Salpingitis
Inflammation of the oviduct; typically caused by urinary tract or sexually
transmitted infection. Chronic salpingitis may lead to infertility or ectopic
pregnancy (development of the fertilized egg outside of the uterus).
Vaginitis
Inflammation of the vagina
Mastitis
Inflammation of the breast, usually associated with the early weeks of
breastfeeding
Cystocele
Herniation of the urinary bladder into the wall of the vagina
Dyspareunia
Pain during sexual intercourse
Fibrocystic disease A condition in which there are palpable lumps in the breasts,
of the breast
usually associated with pain and tenderness. These lumps or
thickenings change with the menstrual cycle and must be distinguished
from malignant tumors by palpation, mammography, and biopsy.
Fibroid
Benign tumor of smooth muscle
Leiomyoma
Benign tumor of smooth muscle. In the uterus, may cause bleeding and
pressure on the bladder or rectum. Surgical removal or hysterectomy may
be necessary. Also called fibroid or myoma.
Leukorrhea
White or yellowish discharge from the vagina. Infection and other
disorders may change the amount, color, or odor of the discharge.
Prolapse of the Downward displacement of the uterus with the cervix sometimes
uterus
protruding from the vagina
Rectocele
Herniation of the rectum into the wall of the vagina; also called proctocele
Procedure
Colposcope
Cone biopsy
Dilation and
curettage (D&C)
Definition
Instrument for examining the vagina and cervix
Removal of a cone of tissue from the lining of the cervix for cytologic
examination; also called conization
Surgical removal of the uterus. Most commonly done because of tumors.
Often the oviducts and ovaries are removed as well
57

Mammography
Mastectomy
Oophorectomy
Pap smear
Salpingectomy
Radiographic study of the breast for the detection of breast cancer

Excision of the breast to eliminate malignancy
Excision of an ovary
Study of cells collected from the cervix and vagina for early detection of
cancer. Also called Papanicolaou smear or Pap test.
Surgical removal of the oviduct
6. Obstetric Conditions
Obstetric Disorders
Disorder
Cephalopelvic
disproportion
Choriocarcinoma
Galactorrhea
Hydatidiform mole
Hydramnios
Oligohydramnios
Patent ductus
arteriosus (PDA)
Puerperal infection
Meaning
The condition in which the head of the fetus is larger than the pelvic
outlet; also called fetopelvic disproportion
A rare malignant neoplasm composed of placental tissue
Excessive secretion of milk or continuation of milk production after
breastfeeding has ceased. Often results from excess prolactin secretion
and may signal a pituitary tumor.
A benign overgrowth of placental tissue. The placenta dilates and
resembles grapelike cysts. The neoplasm may invade the wall of the
uterus, causing rupture. Also called hydatid mole.
An excess of amniotic fluid; also called polyhydramnios
A deficiency of amniotic fluid
Persistence of the ductus arteriosus after birth so that blood continues to
shunt from the pulmonary artery to the aorta
Infection of the genital tract after delivery

Procedure
Alpha-fetoprotein
(AFP)
Apgar score
Definition
A fetal protein that may be at an elevated level in amniotic fluid and
maternal serum in cases of certain fetal disorders
A system of rating an infants physical condition immediately after birth.
Five features are rated as 0, 1, or 2 at 1 minute and 5 minutes after
delivery, and sometimes thereafter. The maximum possible score at each
interval is 10. Infants with low scores require medical attention.
Artificial
Placement of active semen into the vagina or cervix for the purpose of
insemination
impregnation. The semen can be from a husband, partner, or donor.
Cesarean section
Incision of the abdominal wall and uterus for delivery of a fetus
Culdocentesis
Puncture of the vaginal wall to sample fluid from the rectouterine space
for diagnosis
Extracorporeal
A technique for pulmonary bypass in which deoxygenated blood is
membrane
removed, passed through a circuit that oxygenates the blood, and then
oxygenation
returned. Used for selected newborn and pediatric patients in respiratory
(ECMO)
failure with an otherwise good prognosis.
In
vitro Clinical procedure for achieving fertilization when it cannot be
fertilization
accomplished naturally. An oocyte (immature ovum) is removed, fertilized
(IVF)
in the laboratory, and placed as a zygote into the uterus or fallopian tube
(ZIFT, zygote intrafallopian transfer). Alternatively, an ovum can be
removed and placed along with sperm cells into the fallopian tube (GIFT,
58
Pelvimetry
Pitocin
gamete intrafallopian transfer).

Measurement of the pelvis by manual examination or radiographic study
to determine whether it will be possible to deliver a fetus through the
vagina
Trade name for oxytocin; used to induce and hasten labor
7. The Breast
Breast Disorder
Disorder
Fibroadenoma
Meaning
A tumour formed of mixed fibrous and glandular tissue, typically
occurring as a benign growth in the breast.
Fibrocystic breast Commonly called fibrocystic breasts or fibrocystic change, is a benign
disease
(noncancerous) condition in which a woman has painful lumps in her
breasts.
Galactorrhea
A condition that occurs when one or both breasts make milk (or a milky
discharge). The breasts may leak only when the breasts are touched or
with no stimulation. It can occur in women or in men, but is less common
in men. (galacto means milk, and -rrhea means flow or discharge)
Mastalgia
Breast pain. Also known as mastodynia (mast means breast and algia
means pain)
Procedure
Mammoplasty
Breast
augmentation
Breast reduction
Mastopexy
Definition
Refers to a group of surgical procedures, the goal of which is to reshape or
otherwise modify the appearance of the breast. (mammo means breast and
-plasty means surgical repair)
A plastic surgery terms for the breast-implant and the fat-graft
mammoplastyapproaches used to increase the size, change the shape, and
alter the texture of the breasts of a woman. (augmentation means the
process of adding to make larger)
The plastic surgery procedure for reducing the size of large breasts.
Also called breast lift. A mammoplasty to fix sagging breast in a more
elevated position. (masto means breast and -pexy means surgical fixation)
8. The Lymphatic and Reticuloendothelial Systems

Lymphatic Disorder
Disorder
Lymphoma
Lymphadenitis
Lymphangiitis
Lymphedema
Meaning
Any neoplastic disease of lymphoid tissue
Inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes, usually as a result of
infection
Inflammation of lymphatic vessels as a result of bacterial infection.
Appears as painful red streaks under the skin. (Also spelled lymphangitis.)
Swelling of tissues with lymph caused by obstruction or excision of
lymphatic vessels
59
9. The Blood
Blood Disorder
Disorder
Allergen
Anaphylactic
reaction
Anemia
Angioedema
Aplastic anemia
Autoimmune
disorder
Cooley anemia
Delayed
hypersensitivity
reaction
Disseminated
intravascular
coagulation (DIC)
Ecchymosis
Hemolysis
Hemophilia
Hodgkin disease
Leukemia
Philadelphia
chromosome (Ph)
Pernicious anemia
Petechiae
Purpura
Meaning
A substance that causes an allergic response
An exaggerated allergic reaction to a foreign substance (root phylaxis
means protection). It may lead to death caused by circulatory collapse,
and respiratory distress if untreated. Also called anaphylaxis.
A deficiency in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood; may result from
blood loss, malnutrition, a hereditary defect, environmental factors, and
other causes
A localized edema with large hives (wheals) similar to urticaria but
involving deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Anemia caused by bone marrow failure resulting in deficient blood cell
production, especially of red cells; pancytopenia
A condition in which the immune system produces antibodies
against an individuals own tissues (prefix auto means self)
A form of thalassemia (hereditary anemia) in which the B (beta) chain of
hemoglobin is abnormal
An allergic reaction involving T cells that takes at least 12 hours to
develop. Examples are various types of contact dermatitis, such as poison
ivy or poison oak; the tuberculin reaction (test for TB); and rejections of
transplanted tissue.
Widespread formation of clots in the microscopic vessels; may be
followed by bleeding as a result of depletion of clotting factors
A collection of blood under the skin caused by leakage from small vessels
(root chym means juice)
The rupture of red blood cells and the release of hemoglobin (adjective,
hemolytic)
A hereditary blood disease caused by lack of a clotting factor and resulting
in abnormal bleeding
A neoplastic disease of unknown cause that involves the lymph
nodes, spleen, liver, and other tissues; characterized by the presence of
giant Reed-Sternberg cells
Malignant overgrowth of immature white blood cells; may be chronic or
acute; may affect bone marrow (myelogenous leukemia) or lymphoid
tissue (lymphocytic leukemia)
An abnormal chromosome found in the cells of most individuals with
chronic granulocytic (myelogenous) leukemia
Anemia caused by failure of the stomach to produce intrinsic factor, a
substance needed for the absorption of vitamin B12. This vitamin is
required for the formation of erythrocytes.
Pinpoint, flat, purplish-red spots caused by bleeding within the skin or
mucous membrane (singular, petechia)
A condition characterized by hemorrhages into the skin, mucous
membranes, internal organs, and other tissues (from Greek word meaning
purple). Thrombocytopenic purpura is caused by a deficiency of
platelets.
60

Sideroblastic
anemia
Sickle cell anemia
Systemic sclerosis
Thalassemia
Thrombocytopenia
Anemia caused by inability to use available iron to manufacture

hemoglobin. The excess iron precipitates in normoblasts (developing red
blood cells).
A hereditary anemia caused by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin. Red
blood cells become sickle-shaped and interfere with normal blood flow to
the tissues. Most common in black populations of West African descent.
A diffuse disease of connective tissue that may involve any system
causing inflammation, degeneration, and fibrosis. Also called scleroderma
because it causes thickening of the skin.
A group of hereditary anemias mostly found in populations of
Mediterranean descent (the name comes from the Greek word for sea).
A deficiency of thrombocytes (platelets) in the blood
10. The Endocrine System

Endocrine Disorder
Disorder
Acromegaly
Addison disease
Congenital
hypothyroidism
Cushing disease
Cushing syndrome
Diabetes insipidus
Diabetes mellitus
Exophthalmos
Gigantism
Glycosuria
Goiter
Graves disease
Meaning
Overgrowth of bone and soft tissue, especially in the hands, feet, and
face, caused by an excess of growth hormone in an adult. The name
comes from acro meaning extremity and megal/o meaning
enlargement.
A disease resulting from deficiency of adrenocortical hormones. It is
marked by darkening of the skin, weakness, and alterations in salt and
water balance.
A condition caused by congenital lack of thyroid secretion and marked
by arrested physical and mental development; formerly called cretinism
Overactivity of the adrenal cortex resulting from excess production of
ACTH by the pituitary
A condition resulting from an excess of hormones from the adrenal
cortex. It is associated with obesity, weakness, hyperglycemia,
hypertension, and hirsutism (excess hair growth).
A disorder caused by insufficient release of ADH from the posterior
pituitary. It results in excessive thirst and production of large amounts of
very dilute urine. The word insipidus means tasteless, referring to the
dilution of the urine.
A disorder of glucose metabolism caused by deficiency of insulin
production or failure of the tissues to respond to insulin. Type 1 is
juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM); type 2 is
adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The
word mellitus comes from the Latin root for honey, referring to the sugar
content of the urine.
Protrusion of the eyeballs as seen in Graves disease
Overgrowth caused by an excess of growth hormone from the pituitary
during childhood; also called giantism
Excess sugar in the urine
Enlargement of the thyroid gland. May be toxic or nontoxic. Simple
(nontoxic) goiter is caused by iodine deficiency.
An autoimmune disease resulting in hyperthyroidism. A prominent
symptom is exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyeballs). Also called
61
Hyperglycemia
Hypoglycemia
Insulin shock
Ketoacidosis
Metabolic syndrome
Myxedema
Panhypopituitarism
Tetany
exophthalmic goiter.
Excess glucose in the blood
Abnormally low level of glucose in the blood
A condition resulting from an overdose of insulin, causing hypoglycemia
Acidosis (increased acidity of body fluids) caused by an excess of
ketone bodies, as in diabetes mellitus; diabetic acidosis
A state of hyperglycemia caused by cellular resistance to insulin, as seen
in type 2 diabetes, in association with other metabolic disorders;
syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome
A condition caused by hypothyroidism in an adult. There is dry,
waxy swelling most notable in the face.
Underactivity of the entire pituitary gland
Irritability and spasms of muscles; may be caused by low blood calcium
and other factors

Procedure
Radioactive iodine
uptake
test (RAIU)
Radioimmunoassay
(RIA)
Thyroid scan
Transsphenoidal
adenomectomy
Definition
A test that measures thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine as an evaluation
of thyroid function
A method of measuring very small amounts of a substance, especially
hormones, in blood plasma using radioactively labeled hormones and
specific antibodies
Visualization of the thyroid gland after administration of radioactive
iodine
Removal of a pituitary tumor through the sphenoid sinus (space in the
sphenoid bone).
11. The Teeth

Teeth Disorder
Disorder
Dental Caries
Peridontal disease
Gingivitis
Periodontitis
Oral Candidiasis
Meaning
Also known as tooth decay,cavities, or caries, is a breakdown of teeth due
to activities of bacteria. The word caries derives from the Latin for rotten.
Infections of the structures around the teeth, which include the gums,
periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.
Inflammation of the gums.
Inflammation of the tissue around the teeth, often causing shrinkage of the
gums and loosening of the teeth.
(also known as oral candidosis, oral thrush, oropharyngeal candidiasis,
moniliasis, candidal stomatitis, muguet) iscandidiasis that occurs in the
mouth. That is, oral candidiasis is a mycosis (yeast/fungal infection) of
Candida species on the mucous membranes of the mouth.
62
12. The Nervous System

Nervous Disorder
Disorder
Meaning
Alzheimer disease A form of dementia caused by atrophy of the cerebral cortex; presenile
(AD)
dementia
Amyloid
A starchlike substance of unknown composition that accumulates in the
brain in Alzheimer and other diseases
Aphasia
Specifically, loss or defect in speech communication (from Greek phasis,
meaning speech). In practice, the term is applied more broadly to a
range of language disorders, both spoken and written. May affect ability
to understand speech (receptive aphasia) or the ability to produce speech
(expressive aphasia). Both forms are combined in global aphasia.
Astrocytoma
A neuroglial tumor composed of astrocytes
Cerebrovascular
Sudden damage to the brain resulting from reduction of cerebral blood
accident (CVA)
flow; possible causes are atherosclerosis, thrombosis, or a ruptured
aneurysm; commonly called stroke
Concussion
Injury resulting from a violent blow or shock; a concussion of the
brain usually results in loss of consciousness
Contrecoup injury Damage to the brain on the side opposite the point of a blow as a result of
the brains hitting the skull (from French, meaning counterblow)
Dementia
A gradual and usually irreversible loss of intellectual function
Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain
Epidural
Accumulation of blood in the epidural space (between the dura mater and
hematoma
the skull
Epilepsy
A chronic disease involving periodic sudden bursts of electric activity
from the brain resulting in seizures
Glioma
A tumor of neuroglia cells
Hemiparesis
Partial paralysis or weakness of one side of the body
Hemiplegia
Paralysis of one side of the body
Hydrocephalus
Increased accumulation of CSF in or around the brain as a result of
obstruction to flow. May be caused by tumor, inflammation, hemorrhage,
or congenital abnormality.
Insomnia
Insufficient or nonrestorative sleep despite ample opportunity to sleep
Meningioma
Tumor of the meninges
Meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges
Multi-infarct
Dementia caused by chronic cerebral ischemia (lack of blood supply to
dementia
the tissues) as a result of multiple small strokes. There is progressive loss
of cognitive function, memory, and judgment as well as altered motor and
sensory function.
Narcolepsy
Brief, uncontrollable episodes of sleep during the day
Neurilemoma
A tumor of the sheath (neurilemma) of a peripheral nerve;
Schwannoma
Paralysis
Temporary or permanent loss of function. Flaccid paralysis involves loss
of muscle tone and reflexes and degeneration of muscles. Spastic paralysis
involves excess muscle tone and reflexes but no degeneration.
Parkinson disease
A disorder originating in the basal ganglia and characterized by slow
movements, tremor, rigidity, and masklike face. Also called Parkinsonism.
Seizure
A sudden attack, as seen in epilepsy. The most common forms of seizure
63
Shingles
Sleep apnea
Subdural
hematoma
Tremor
are tonic-clonic, or grand mal (gran mal; from French, meaning great
illness); absence seizure, or petit mal, meaning small illness; and
psychomotor seizure.
An acute viral infection that follows nerve pathways causing small lesions
on the skin. Also called herpes zoster , and caused by the same virus that
causes chickenpox.
Brief periods of cessation of breathing during sleep
Accumulation of blood beneath the dura mater
A shaking or involuntary movement

Procedure
Carotid endarterectomy
Cerebral angiography
Electroencephalography
Lumbar puncture
Polysomnography
Sympathectomy
Definition
Surgical removal of the lining of the carotid artery, the large artery in
the neck that supplies blood to the brain
Radiographic study of the blood vessels of the brain after injection
of a contrast medium
Amplification, recording, and interpretation of the electric activity of
the brain
Puncture of the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the
spinal cord; spinal tap; done to remove spinal fluid for diagnosis or
to inject anesthesia
Simultaneous monitoring of a variety of physiologic functions
during sleep to diagnose sleep disorders
Interruption of transmission by sympathetic nerves either surgically
or chemically
13. The Eye

Eye Disorder
Disorder
Astigmatism
Meaning
An error of refraction caused by irregularity in the curvature of the
cornea or lens
Cataract
Opacity of the lens of the eye
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva; pinkeye
Diabetic retinopathy Degenerative changes in the retina associated with diabetes mellitus
Glaucoma
A disease of the eye caused by increased intraocular pressure that
damages the optic disk and causes loss of vision. Usually results from
faulty drainage of fluids from the anterior portion of the eye.
Hyperopia
An error of refraction in which light rays focus behind the retina and
objects can be seen clearly only when far from the eye; farsightedness;
also called hypermetropia
Myopia
An error of refraction in which light rays focus in front of the retina and
objects can be seen clearly only when very close to the eye;
nearsightedness
Ophthalmia
Severe conjunctivitis usually caused by infection with gonococcus during
neonatorum
birth
Phacoemulsification Removal of a cataract by ultrasonic destruction and extraction of the lens
64

Presbyopia
Retinal detachment
Senile macular
degeneration (SMD)
Trachoma
Changes in the eye that occur with age; the lens loses elasticity and the
ability to accommodate for near vision
Separation of the retina from the underlying layer of the eye
Deterioration of the macula associated with aging; impairs central vision
An infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis leading to inflammation
and scarring of the cornea and conjunctiva; a common cause of blindness
in underdeveloped countries
14. The Ear, Nose and Throat

Ear, Nose and Throat Disorder
Disorder
Acoustic neuroma
Meaning
A tumor of the eighth cranial nerve sheath; although benign, it can press
on surrounding tissue and produce symptoms; also called a schwannoma
or neurilemoma
Conductive hearing Hearing impairment that results from blockage of sound transmission to
loss
the inner ear
Mnire disease
A disease associated with increased fluid pressure in the inner ear and
characterized by hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus
Otitis externa
Inflammation of the external auditory canal; swimmers ear
Otitis media
Inflammation of the middle ear with accumulation of watery (serous) or
mucoid fluid
Otosclerosis
Formation of abnormal and sometimes hardened bony tissue in the ear. It
usually occurs around the oval window and the footplate (base) of the
stapes, causing immobilization of the stapes and progressive loss of
hearing.
Sensorineural
Hearing impairment that results from damage to the eighth cranial nerve
hearing loss
or to auditory pathways in the brain
Tinnitus
A sensation of noises, such as ringing or tinkling, in the ear
Procedure
Myringotomy
Stapedectomy
Definition
Surgical incision of the tympanic membrane; performed to drain the
middle ear cavity or to insert a tube into the tympanic membrane for
drainage
Surgical removal of the stapes; it may be combined with insertion of
a prosthesis to correct otosclerosis
15. The Mind

Mind Disorder
Disorder
Anxiety
Anxiolytic
Attention deficit
hyperactivity
Meaning
A feeling of fear, worry, uneasiness, or dread
Pertaining to relief of anxiety; a drug used to treat anxiety
A condition that begins in childhood and is characterized by attention
problems, easy boredom, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity
65

disorder
(ADHD)
Autism
Bipolar disorder
Delusion
Depression
Dysthymia
Hallucination
Mania
Neuroleptic
Obsessive-compulsi
ve
disorder (OCD)
Panic disorder
Paranoia
Phobia
Psychosis
Psychotropic
Schizophrenia
A disorder of unknown cause consisting of self-absorption, lack of

response to social contact and affection, preoccupations, stereotyped
behavior, and resistance to change
A form of depression with episodes of mania (a state of elation); manic
depressive illness
A false belief inconsistent with knowledge and experience
A mental state characterized by profound feelings of sadness, emptiness,
hopelessness, and lack of interest or pleasure in activities
A mild form of depression that develops in response to a serious life
event
A false perception unrelated to reality or external stimuli
A state of elation, which may include agitation, hyperexcitability, or
hyperactivity; adjective, manic
Pertaining to relief of psychosis; an antipsychotic medication
A condition associated with recurrent and intrusive thoughts, images, and
repetitive behaviors performed to relieve anxiety
A form of anxiety disorder marked by episodes of intense fear
A mental state characterized by jealousy, delusions of persecution, or
perceptions of threat or harm
An extreme, persistent fear of a specific object or situation
A mental disorder extreme enough to cause gross misperception of
reality with delusions and hallucinations
Acting on the mind, as a drug used to treat mental disorders
A poorly understood group of severe mental disorders with features of
psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, and withdrawn or bizarre behavior
(schizo means split and phren means mind)
66
Part VI. Medical Terms Referring to Certain Other Types of Disease

1. Connective Tissue Disease
Connective Tissue Disorder
Disorder
Chronic fatigue
syndrome (CFS)
Dermatomyositis
Meaning
A disease of unknown cause that involves persistent fatigue along with
muscle and joint pain and other symptoms; may be virally induced
A disease of unknown origin involving inflammation of muscles as well
as dermatitis and skin rashes
Fibromyalgia
A disorder associated with widespread muscular aches and stiffness and
syndrome (FMS)
having no known cause
Muscular dystrophy A group of hereditary muscular disorders marked by progressive
weakness and atrophy of muscles
Myasthenia gravis A disease characterized by progressive muscular weakness; an
(MG)
autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction
Polymyositis
A disease of unknown cause involving muscle inflammation and
weakness
2. Tropical Disease
Tropical diseases are diseases that are prevalent in or unique to tropical and subtropical regions.
The diseases are less prevalent in temperate climates, due in part to the occurrence of a cold
season, which controls the insect population by forcing hibernation.
Tropical diseases encompass all diseases that occur solely, or principally, in the tropics. In
practice, the term is often taken to refer to infectious diseases that thrive in hot, humid conditions,
such as malaria, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, Chagas
disease, African trypanosomiasis, and dengue.
Chagas Disease is a disease caused by a trypanosome transmitted by bloodsucking bugs,

endemic in South and Central America and causing damage to the heart and central nervous
system.
Dengue (pronounced DENgee) fever is a painful, debilitating mosquito-borne disease caused

by any one of four closely related dengue viruses.
Dracunculiasis, also called guinea worm disease (GWD), is an infection by the guinea
worm. A person becomes infected when they drink water that contains water fleas infected
with guinea worm larvae.
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by

parasitic protozoans (a group of single-celled microorganisms) belonging to the genus
Plasmodium.
Leishmaniasis is a tropical and subtropical disease caused by leishmania and transmitted by

the bite of sandflies. It affects either the skin or the internal organs.
67
Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a painful and profoundly

disfiguring disease. While the infection is usually acquired in childhood, its visible
manifestations occur later in life, causing temporary or permanent disability. In endemic
countries, lymphatic filariasis has a major social and economic impact.
Neglected tropical diseases are a medically diverse group of tropical infections which are
especially common in low-income populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the
Americas. They are caused by a variety of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and
helminths.
Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness and Robles disease, is a disease caused by
infection with the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. Symptoms include severe itching,
bumps under the skin, and blindness.
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, snail fever, and Katayama fever, is a disease
caused by parasitic flat worms of the Schistosoma type. It may infect the urinary tract or the
intestines. Signs and symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea,bloody stool, or blood
in the urine. In those who have been infected a long time, liver damage, kidney failure,
infertility, or bladder cancer may occur. In children, it may cause poor growth and learning
difficulty.
3. Nutritional Disorders
Nutritional deficiencies, known as malnutrition, are the result of your body not getting enough
of the nutrients it needs. Children are more at risk for serious complications due to nutritional
deficiencies than adults. Nutritional deficiencies can be prevented by making sure to get enough
nutrients from the diet. Patient should talk to the doctor and dietitian to help make any decisions
on dietary changes and before taking any nutritional supplements.
Types of Nutritional Deficiency
Iron deficiency (sideropenia or hypoferremia) is the most common nutritional deficiency in the
world. It a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. In iron deficiency
anemia, the red cells appear abnormal and are unusually small (microcytic) and pale
(hypochromic). The pallor of the red cells reflects their low hemoglobin content.
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a lack of vitamin A in humans. It is common in poorer countries
but rarely seen in more developed countries. Nyctalopia (night blindness) is one of the first signs
of VAD.
Thiamine deficiency, or beriberi, refers to the lack of thiamine pyrophosphate, the active form of
the vitamin known as thiamine (also spelled thiamin), or vitamin B-1 . Thiamine pyrophosphate,
the biologically active form of thiamine, acts as a coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism through
the decarboxylation of alpha ketoacids. It also takes part in the formation of glucose by acting as
a coenzyme for the transketolase in the pentose monophosphate pathway.
Niacin deficiency is a condition that occurs when a person doesn't get enough or can't absorb
niacin or tryptophan. Also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, niacin is one of eight B
vitamins. Like all B vitamins, niacin plays a role in converting carbohydrates into glucose,
metabolizing fats and proteins, and keeping the nervous system working properly. Niacin also
68
helps the body make sex- and stress-related hormones and improves circulation andcholesterol
levels.
Folate deficiency can be caused by unhealthy diets that do not include enough fruits and
vegetables, diseases in which folic acid is not well absorbed in the digestive system (such as
Crohn's disease or Celiac disease), some genetic disorders that affect levels of folate, and certain
medicines (such as phenytoin, sulfasalazine, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Folate
deficiency is accelerated by alcohol consumption. Folate deficiency may lead to glossitis,
diarrhea, depression, confusion, anemia, and fetal neural tube defects and brain defects (during
pregnancy). Other symptoms include fatigue, gray hair, mouth sores, poor growth, and swollen
tongue.
In Vitamin D Deficiency, about 40 percent of the population worldwide is affected by vitamin D
deficiency. Dark skinned individuals are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is
essential for healthy bones. It helps the body maintain the right levels of calcium in order to
regulate the development of teeth and bones. A lack of this nutrient can lead to stunted or
defective bone growth. Osteoporosis, caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D, can lead to
porous and fragile bones that break very easily.
Calcium Deficiency - Calcium helps your body develop strong bones and teeth. It also helps your
heart, nerves, and muscles work they way they should. A calcium deficiency often doesnt show
symptoms right away, but it can lead to serious health problems over time. If you arent
consuming enough calcium, your body will use the calcium from your bones instead, leading to
bone loss. Calcium deficiencies are related to low bone mass, weakening of bones due to
osteoporosis, convulsions, and abnormal heart rhythms. They can even be life-threatening.
Postmenopausal women experience greater bone loss due to changing hormones and have more
trouble absorbing calcium.
4. Poisoning
Poisoning is injury or death due to swallowing, inhaling, touching or injecting various drugs,
chemicals, venoms or gases. Many substances such as drugs and carbon monoxide that are
poisonous only in higher concentrations or dosages. And others such as cleaners that are
dangerous only if ingested. Children are particularly sensitive to even small amounts of certain
drugs and chemicals.
Types of Poisoning
Food-borne illness, more commonly referred to as food poisoning, is the result of eating
contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include
nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of heavy metals, in toxic amounts, in the soft tissues
of the body. Symptoms and physical findings associated with heavy metal poisoning vary
according to the metal accumulated. Many of the heavy metals, such as zinc, copper, chromium,
iron and manganese, are essential to body function in very small amounts. But, if these metals
accumulate in the body in concentrations sufficient to cause poisoning, then serious damage may
occur. The heavy metals most commonly associated with poisoning of humans are lead, mercury,
arsenic and cadmium. Heavy metal poisoning may occur as a result of industrial exposure, air or
water pollution, foods, medicines, improperly coated food containers, or the ingestion of
lead-based paints.
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs after too much inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon monoxide is a toxic (poisonous) gas, but, being colorless, odorless, tasteless, and initially
69
non-irritating, it is very difficult for people to detect. Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete
combustion of organic matter due to insufficient oxygen supply to enable complete oxidation to
carbon dioxide (CO2).
Chemical poisoning is a condition in which the body is exposed to a potentially harmful
chemical in an amount that causes symptoms, disease and/or damage to cells, organs and/or body
systems. Chemical poisoning can be intentional or unintentional.
A drug overdose happens when a person take too much of a drug, whether it is an illegal
substance, and over the counter medication, or a prescription drug. An overdose can lead to
serious medical symptoms, including death. Drug overdoses may be intentional, but they can also
be accidental.
Alcohol poisoning is a serious and sometimes deadly, consequence of drinking large amounts of
alcohol in a short period of time. Drinking too much too quickly can affect your breathing, heart
rate, body temperature and gag reflex and potentially lead to coma and death. Alcohol poisoning
can also occur when adults or children accidentally or intentionally drink household products that
contain alcohol.
5. Disorders Due to Physical Agents
Anaphylaxis .This is the highbrow term for serum poisoning or protein poisoning. Any protein
introduced into the body through other channels than the digestive tract is a rank poison. All
serums and vaccines are foreign proteins and therefore poisonous. Anaphylaxis follows every use
of all serums.
Arsenic poisoning is a medical condition caused by elevated levels of arsenic in the body. The
dominant basis of arsenic poisoning is from groundwater that naturally contains high
concentrations of arsenic.
Toxicodendron radicans, commonly known as eastern poison ivy or poison ivy is a poisonous
North American and Asian flowering plant that is well known for causing an itching, irritating,
and sometimes painful rash in most people who touch it, caused by urushiol, a clear liquid
compound in the sap of the plant. The species is variable in its appearance and habit, and despite
its common name it is not a true ivy (Hedera). Toxicodendron radicans is commonly eaten by
many animals, and the seeds are consumed by birds, but poison ivy is most often thought of as an
unwelcome weed.
Lead poisoning (also known as plumbism, colica pictorum, saturnism, Devon colic, or
painter's colic) is a type of metal poisoning and a medical condition in humans and other
vertebrates caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a
variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones,
intestines,kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems.
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol dependence syndrome, is
a broad term for any drinking ofalcohol that results in problems.
Chloralism is the Habitual use of chloral compounds as an intoxicant, or the symptoms caused
thereby.
Cocainism. This is the morbid results of the habitual use of cocaine. The habit is comparatively
rare, few cases existing except those complicating the 'morphine and alcohol habits.
70
Nicotinism is a pathological condition caused by excessive use of tobacco, and characterized by

depression of the central and autonomic nervous systems; nicotine poisoning.
6. Radiation Hazards and Injury
Radiation injury is damage to tissues caused by exposure to ionizing radiation. Large doses of
ionizing radiation can cause acute illness by reducing the production of blood cells and damaging
the digestive tract. A very large dose of ionizing radiation can also damage the heart and blood
vessels (cardiovascular system), brain, and skin. Radiation injury due to large and very large
doses is referred to as a tissue reaction. The dose needed to cause visible tissue injury varies with
tissue type. Radiation exposure of sperm and egg cells carries little increased risk of genetic
defects in offspring.
Acute radiation illness typically occurs in people whose entire body has been exposed to very
high doses of radiation all at once or over a short period of time. Doctors divide acute radiation
illness into three groups (syndromes) based on the main organ system affected, although there is
overlap among these groups:
The hematopoietic syndrome is caused by the effects of radiation on the bone marrow, spleen,
and lymph nodesthe primary sites of blood cell production (hematopoiesis). Loss of appetite
(anorexia), lethargy, nausea, and vomiting may begin 1 to 6 hours after exposure to 1 to 6 Gy of
radiation. These symptoms resolve within 24 to 48 hours after exposure, and people feel well for
a week or more.
The gastrointestinal syndrome is due to the effects of radiation on the cells lining the digestive
tract. Severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may begin in less than 1 hour after exposure to 6 Gy
or more of radiation. The symptoms may lead to severe dehydration, but they resolve within 2
days. During the next 4 or 5 days (latent stage), people feel well, but the cells lining the digestive
tract, which normally act as a protective barrier, die and are shed. After this time, severe
diarrheaoften bloodyreturns, once more resulting in dehydration.
The cerebrovascular syndrome occurs when the total dose of radiation exceeds 20 to 30 Gy.
People rapidly develop confusion, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, tremors, and shock. The
latent phase is brief or absent. Within hours, blood pressure falls, accompanied by seizures and
coma. The cerebrovascular syndrome is always fatal within a few hours to 1 or 2 days.
71
Part VII. Medical Instruments and Equipment

Medical equipment (also known as armamentarium) is designed to aid in the diagnosis,
monitoring or treatment of medical conditions.
List of Some Medical Instrument and Equipment
Instrument/Equipment
Endoscope
Laparoscope
Defibrillator
Definition
An instrument for examining the inside of an organ or cavity through
a body opening or small incision; most endoscopes use fiberoptics for
viewing
An instrument for examining the interior of the abdomen
Otoscope
A device to correct arrhythmias of the heart or to start up a heart that

is not beating
The blood pressure apparatus or blood pressure cuff; pressure is read
in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) when the heart is contracting
(systolic pressure) and when the heart is relaxing (diastolic pressure)
and is reported as systolic/diastolic
An instrument used for listening to sounds produced within the body
(from the Greek root steth/o, meaning chest)
An instrument used to enlarge the opening of any canal or cavity to
facilitate inspection of its interior.
Instrument used to examine the ears
Ophthalmoscope
An instrument for examining the interior of the eye
Sphygmomanometer
Stethoscope
Speculum
Proctoscope
An instrument used to look inside anal canal and lower part of the
rectum
Anesthesia machine
A machine used by anaesthesiologists,nurse anaesthetists, and
anaesthesiologist assistants to support the administration of
anaesthesia.
Cineradiography
Making of a motion picture of successive images appearing on a
fluoroscopic screen
Computed tomography Use of a computer to generate an image from a large number of x-rays
(CT, CT scan)
passed at different angles through the body; a three-dimensional
picture of a cross-section of the body is obtained; reveals more about
soft tissues than does simple radiography
Fluoroscopy
Use of x-rays to examine deep structures; the shadows cast by x-rays
passed through the body are observed on a fluorescent screen; the
device used is called a fluoroscope
Magnetic resonance
Production of images through the use of a magnetic field and radio
imaging (MRI)
waves; the characteristics of soft tissue are revealed by differences in
molecular properties; eliminates the need for x-rays and contrast
media
Positron emission
Production of sectional body images by administration of a natural
tomography (PET)
substance, such as glucose, labeled with a positron-emitting isotope;
the rays subsequently emitted are interpreted by computer to show the
internal distribution of the substance administered; PET has been used
to follow blood flow through an organ and to measure metabolic
activity within an organ, such as the brain, under different conditions
Scintigraphy (Nuclear Production of an image of the distribution of radioactivity in tissues
72

Scan)
Single photon
emission computed
tomography (SPECT)
Ultrasound
after internal administration of a radioactive substance (radionuclide);

the images are obtained with a scintillation camera; the record
produced is a scintiscan and usually specifies the part examined or the
isotope used for the test, as in bone scan, gallium scan
Scintigraphic technique that permits visualization of the
cross-sectional distribution of a radioisotope
Generation of a visual image from the echoes of high-frequency
sound waves traveling back from different tissues; also called
sonography and echography
Suffixes for Medical Instrument and Equipment

Suffix
Meaning
Example
-graph
Instrument for recording Polygraph

data
Instrument used to record many

physiologic responses simultaneously;
lie detector
-graphy
Act of recording data
Radiography
Obtaining pictures using x-rays
-gram
A record of data
Sonogram
Record obtained by use of ultrasound

(ultrasonography)
-meter
Instrument for measuring
Audiometer
Instrument for measuring hearing

(audi/o)
Metry
Measurement of
Ergometry
Measurement of work done
-scope
Instrument for viewing or Endoscope

examining
Instrument for viewing the inside

of an organ or cavity
-scopy
Examination of
Examination of the abdomen

through the abdominal wall
(lapar/o)
Laparoscopy
Suffixes for Surgery

Suffix
Meaning
Example
-centesis
Puncture, tap
Thoracentesi
s
Puncture of the chest
-desis
Binding, fusion
Pleurodesis
Binding of the pleural membranes

(around the lungs)
-ectomy
Excision, surgical removal
Hysterectom
y
Excision of the uterus (hyster/o)
-pexy
Surgical fixation
Cystopexy
Surgical fixation of the bladder

(cyst/o)
-plasty
Plastic repair, plastic Rhinoplasty

surgery, reconstruction
Surgical repair, suture
Herniorrhaph
y
Plastic surgery of the nose
Surgical creation of an Colostomy
Creation of an opening into the colon
-rhaphy
-stomy
Surgical repair of a hernia (herni/o)
73
-tome
opening
Instrument
(cutting)
-tomy
Incision, cutting
Tracheotomy
Surgical incision of the trachea
-tripsy
Crushing
Lithotripsy
Crushing of a stone
for
incising Microtome
Instrument for cutting thin sections

of tissue for microscopic study
74
Appendixes: Medical Prefixes, Suffixes and Combining Forms

a- not, without, less
ab- from, away from, off
abs- from, away from, off
acantho- thorn
acou- hearing
acro- extremity
acu- hearing
ad- increase, adherence,
motion toward, very
-ad toward, in the direction
of,
-ward
adeno- gland
adip- fat
adipo- fat
-agogue, -agogue promoter,
stimulator
aidoio- genitals
-al pertaining to
alb- white
albo- white
alge- pain
algesi- pain
algio- pain
algo- pain
allo- other, different
ambi- around, on (both)
sides, on all sides, both
ambly- dull
amblyo- dull
amyl- starch, polysaccharide
amylo-starch, polysaccharide
an- not, without, -less
ana- up, toward, apart
andro- male
angi- vessel
angio- vessel
ankylo- crooked
ante- before
anthraco- coal, carbon
anti- 1 against, opposing, 2
curative, 3 antibody
apo- separated from, derived
from
aque- water
aqueo- water
-ar pertaining to
-arche beginning
arteri- artery
arterio- artery
arthr- joint, articulation
arthro- joint, articulation
-ary pertaining to
-ase an enzyme
-ate a salt or ester of an -ic
acid
athero- pasty, fatty
atto- one quintillionth
audi- hearing
audio- hearing
aur- ear
auri- ear
auro- ear
aut- self, same
auto- self, same
bacteri- bacteria
bacterio- bacteria
balano- penis
bi- twice, double
bio- life
blasto- budding by cells or
tissue
blephar- eyelid
blepharo- eyelid
brachi- arm
brachio- arm
brachy- short
bronch- bronchus
bronchi- bronchus
broncho- bronchus
carcin- cancer
carcino- cancer
cardi- 1 heart, 2 esophageal
opening of stomach
cardio- 1 heart, 2 esophageal
opening of stomach
carpo- wrist
cata- down
caud- tail, lower part of body
caudo- tail, lower part of
body
-cele hernia, swelling
celio- abdomen
-centesis surgical puncture
centi- one hundredth
cephal- the head
cephalo- the head

cervic- 1 neck, 2 uterine
cervix
cervico- 1 neck, 2 uterine
cervix
cheil- lip
cheilo- lip
cheir- hand
cheiro- hand
chem- 1 chemistry, 2 drug
chemo- 1 chemistry, 2 drug
chir- hand
chiro- hand
chlor- 1 green, 2 chlorine
chloro- 1 green, 2 chlorine
chol- bile
chondrio- 1 cartilage, 2
granular, 3 gritty
chondro- 1 cartilage, 2
granular, 3 gritty
chrom- color
chromat- color
chromo- color
chron- time
chrono- time
-cidal killing, destroying
-cide killing, destroying
cis- on this side, on the near
side
-clast breaker
-clysis washing
co- with, together, in
association, very, complete
col- with, together, in
colp- vagina
colpo- vagina
com- with, together, in
con- with, together, in
conio- dust
cor- with, together, in
coreo- pupil
cost- rib
costo- rib
crani- cranium
75

cranio- cranium
-crine secretion
cry- cold
cryo- cold
crypt- hidden
crypto- hidden
culdo- cul-de-sac
cyan- 1 blue, 2 cyanide
cyano- 1 blue, 2 cyanide
cycl- 1 circle, cycle, 2 ciliary
body
cyst- 1 bladder, 2 cyst,
3 cystic duct
cysti- 1 bladder, 2 cyst,
3 cystic duct
cysto- 1 bladder, 2 cyst,
3 cystic duct
cyt- cell
-cyte cell
cyto- cell
dacry- tears
dacryo- tears
dactyl- finger, toe
dactylo- finger, toe
de- away from, cessation
deca- ten
deci- one tenth
deka- ten
dent- tooth
denti- tooth
derm- skin
derma- skin
dermat- skin
dermato- skin
dermo- skin
-desis binding
dextr- right, toward or on the
right side
dextro- right, toward or on
the right side
di- separation, taking apart,
reversal,
not,
undifseparation, taking apart,
reversal, not, undipso- thirst
dir- separation, taking apart,
reversal, not, undisseparation, taking apart,
reversal, not, unduo- two
duodeno- duodenum
-dynia pain
dynamo- force, energy
dys- bad, difficult

ect- outer, on the outside
-ectasia dilatation, stretching
-ectasis dilatation, stretching
ecto- outer, on the outside
-ectomy excision
-emphraxis obstruction
encephal- brain
encephalo- brain
end- within, inner
endo- within, inner
enter- intestine
entero- intestine
ent- inner, within
ento- inner, within
epi- upon, following,
subsequent to
ergo- work
erythr- red, redness
erythro- red, redness
eso- inward
esthesio-sensation,
perception
eu- good, well
ex- out of, from, away from
exo- exterior, external,
outward
extra- outside of, without
ferri- ferric ion (Fe3+)
ferro- 1 metallic iron, 2
ferrous ion (Fe2+)
fibr- fiber
fibro- fiber
-form in the form or shape of
galact- milk
galacto- milk
gastr- 1 stomach, 2 belly
gastro- 1 stomach, 2 belly
-gen 1 producing, coming to
be, 2 precursor
gen- 1 producing, coming to
be, 2 precursor
giga- one billion
gingiv- gums
gingivo- gums
gloss- tongue
glosso- tongue
gluco- glucose
glyco- sugars
gnath- jaw
gnatho- jaw
gon- seed, semen

gonio- angle
gono- seed, semen
-gram a recording
granul- granular, granule
granulo- granular, granule
-graph recording instrument
gyn- woman
gyne- woman
gyneco- woman
gyno- woman
hecto- one hundred
hem- blood
hema- blood
hemat- blood
hemato- blood
hemi- one half
hemo- blood
hepat- liver
hepatico- liver
hepato- liver
hept- seven
hepta- seven
hidr- sweat
hidro- sweat
hist- tissue
histio- tissue
histo- tissue
homeo- same, constant
hydr- water, hydrogen
hydro- water, hydrogen
hyper- excessive, above
normal
hypo- beneath, diminution,
deficiency, the lowest
hyster- 1 uterus, hysteria,
2 late, following
hystero- 1 uterus, hysteria,
2 late, following
-ia a condition
-iasis condition, state
-ic pertaining to
-ics organized knowledge,
practice, treatment
ileo- ileum
ilio- ilium
in- 1 in, 2 not
-in chemical suffix
-ine chemical suffix
infra- below
inguino- groin
76

inter- between, among
intra- within
intro- within
irid- iris
irido- iris
ischi- ischium
ischio- ischium
-ism 1 condition, disease,
2 practice, doctrine
-ismus spasm, contraction
iso- 1 equal, like, 2 isomer,
3 sameness
-ite the nature of, resembling
-ites -y, -like
-itides plural of -itis
-itis inflammation
kal- potassium
kali- potassium
karyo- nucleus
kerat- cornea
kerato- cornea
kilo- one thousand
kin- movement
kine- movement
kinesi- motion
kinesio- motion
kineso- motion
kino- movement
labio- lip
lacrim- tears
lacrimo- tears
lact- milk
lacti- milk
lacto- milk
laparo- abdomen, abdominal
wall
laryng- larynx
laryngo- larynx
lateri- lateral, to one side,
side
latero- lateral, to one side,
side
-lepsis seizure
-lepsy seizure
lepto- light, slender, thin,
frail
leuk- white
leuko- white
linguo- tongue
lip- fat, lipid
lipo- fat, lipid
lith- stone, calculus,

calcification
litho- stone, calculus,
calcification
-log speech, words
log- speech, words
logo- speech, words
-logy 1 study of; 2 collecting
lymph- lymph
lympho- lymph
lys- lysis, dissolution
lyso- lysis, dissolution
macr- large, long
macro- large, long
mal- bad, deficient
-malacia softening
mamm- breast
mamma- breast
mammo- breast
mast- breast
masto- breast
meg- large, oversize
mega- 1 large, oversize, 2
one million
megal- large
megalo- large
-megaly, enlargement
melan- black
melano- black
men- menstruation
mening- meninges
meningo- meninges
meno- menstruation
ment- chin
mento- chin
-mer member of a series
mes- 1 middle, mean,
intermediate, 2 attaching
membrane
meso- 1 middle, mean,
intermediate, 2 attaching
membrane
meta- 1 after, behind, 2 joint
action, sharing
-meter measurement,
measuring device
metr- uterus
metro- uterus
micr- small, microscopic
micro- 1 small, microscopic,
2 one-millionth
milli- one-thousandth
mon- single
mono- single
morphform,
shape,
structure
morpho- form, shape,
structure
my- muscle
myo- muscle
myel- 1 bone marrow,
2 spinal cord
myelo- 1 bone marrow,
2 spinal cord
myring- tympanic membrane
myringotympanic
membrane
myx- mucus
myxo- mucus
nano- 1 dwarf, 2 one
billionth
nas- nose
naso- nose
natr- sodium
natri- sodium
necr- death, necrosis
necro- death, necrosis
neo- new
nephr- kidney
nephro- kidney
neur- nerve, nervous system
neuri- nerve, nervous system
neuronerve,
nervous
system
norm- normal
normo- normal
octo- eight
oculo- eye, ocular
odont- tooth
odonto- tooth
odyn- pain
odyno- pain
-oid resemblance to
olig- few, little
oligo- few, little
-oma tumor, neoplasm
-omata plural of -oma
oncho- oncooncotumor, bulk, volume
-one ketone (CO group)
onych- fingernail, toenail
onycho- fingernail, toenail
77

oo- egg, ovary
oophor- ovary
oophoro- ovary
ophthalm- eye
ophthalmo- eye
-opia vision
-opsia vision
or- mouth
orchi- testis
orchido- testis
orchio- testis
ori- mouth
oro- mouth
-ose sugar
-oses plural of -osis
-osis process, condition, state
ossi- bone
osseo- bony
ost- bone
oste- bone
osteo- bone
ovari- ovary
ovario- ovary
ovi- egg
ovo- egg
oxa- oxygen
oxo- oxygen
oxy- 1 sharp, acid, 2 acute,
shrill, quick, 3 oxygen
pachy- thick
pan- all, entire
pant- all, entire
panto- all, entire
para- 1 abnormal,
2 involvement of two like
parts
pari- equal
path- disease
patho- disease
-pathy disease
ped- 1 child, 2 foot
pedi- 1 child, 2 foot
pedo- 1 child, 2 foot
-penia deficiency
penta- five
per- through, thoroughly,
intensely
peri- around, about
-pexy fixation, usually
surgical
phaco- lens
-phage eating, devouring

-phagia eating, devouring
phago- eating, devouring
-phagy eating, devouring
phako- lens
phanero- visible, evident
pharmaco- drugs, medicine
pharyng- pharynx
pharyngo- pharynx
phil- 1 attraction, 2 chemical
affinity
-philia 1 attraction,
2 chemical affinity
philo- 1 attraction, 2
chemical
affinity
phleb- vein
phlebo- vein
-phobia fear
phon- sound, speech
phono- sound, speech
phor- carrying, bearing
phoro- carrying, bearing
phos- light
phot- light
photo- light
phren- 1 diaphragm, 2 mind,
3 phrenic
phreni- 1 diaphragm, 2 mind,
3 phrenic
-phrenia of mind
phrenico- 1 diaphragm,
2 mind, 3 phrenic
phreno1
diaphragm,
2mind,
3 phrenic
-phylaxis protection
phyll- leaf
phyllo- leaf
physi- 1 physical, 2 natural
physio- 1 physical, 2 natural
physo- 1 swelling, inflation,
2 air, gas
phyt- plants
phyto- plants
pico- one trillionth
plan- flat
plani- flat
plano- flat
-plasia formation
plasma- plasma
plasmat- plasma
plasmato- plasma
plasmo- plasma
platy- wide, flat
-plegia paralysis
pleo- more
plesio- near, similar
pleur- rib, side, pleura
pleura- rib, side, pleura
pleuro- rib, side, pleura
pluri- several, more
-pnea breath, respiration
pneo- breath, respiration
pneum- 1 air, gas, 2 lung,
3 breathing
pneuma- 1 air, gas, 2 lung,
3 breathing
pneumat- 1 air, gas, 2 lung,
3 breathing
pneumato- 1 air, gas, 2 lung,
3 breathing
pod- foot, foot-shaped
-pod foot, foot-shaped
podo- foot, foot-shaped
-poiesis production
poikilo- irregular, variable
polio- gray
poly- 1 multiplicity,
2 polymer
post- after, behind, posterior
pre- anterior, before
presby- old
pro- 1 before, forward,
2 precursor
proct- anus, rectum
procto- anus, rectum
prot- first
proto- first
pseud- false
pseudo- false
psych- mind
psyche- mind
psycho- mind
-ptosis sagging, falling
pyel- (renal) pelvis
pyelo- (renal) pelvis
pykn- dense, compact
pykno- dense, compact
pyo- suppuration, pus
pyreto- fever
pyro- fire, heat, fever
78

quadr- four
quadri- four
rachi- spinal column
rachio- spinal column
radio- 1 radiation, x-ray,
2 radius
re- again, backward
rect- rectum, straight
recto- rectum, straight
ren- kidney
reno- kidney
retro- backward, behind
rhin- nose
rhino- nose
-rrhagia discharge
-rrhaphy surgical suturing
-rrhea flow
-rrhexis rupture
salping- tube
salpingo- tube
sarco- flesh, muscle
schisto- split, cleft
schiz- split, cleft, division
schizo- split, cleft, division
scler- hardness (induration),
sclerosis, ocular sclera
sclero- hardness (induration),
sclerosis, ocular sclera
scolio- crooked
-scope
instrument
for
viewing
-scopy viewing
scot- shadow, darkness
scoto- shadow, darkness
semi- one-half, partly
sept- 1 seven, 2 septum,
3 sepsis, infection
septi- seven
septo- 1 seven, 2 septum,
3 sepsis, infection
sial- saliva, salivary gland
sialo- saliva, salivary gland
sider- iron
sidero- iron
sigmoid- 1 S-shaped,
2 sigmoid colon
sigmoido- 1 S-shaped,
2 sigmoid colon
sin- sinus
sino- sinus
sinu- sinus
sito- food, grain

somat- body, bodily
somato- body, bodily
somatico- body, bodily
somno- sleep
son- 1 sound, 2 ultrasound
sono- 1 sound, 2 ultrasound
spasmo- spasm
spermato- semen,
spermatozoa
spermo- semen, spermatozoa
sperma- semen, spermatozoa
sphygmo- pulse
spir- breathing
spiro- breathing
splanchn- viscera
splanchni- viscera
splanchno- viscera
splen- spleen
spleno- spleen
staphyl- grape, bunch of
grapes, staphylococci
staphylo- grape, bunch of
grapes, staphylococci
-stasis stopping
-stat arresting change or
movement
steno- narrowness,
constriction
stereo- solid
stheno- strength, force,
power
stom- mouth
stoma- mouth
stomat- mouth
stomato- mouth
sub- beneath, less than
normal, inferior
super- in excess, above,
superior, in the upper part
supra- above
sy- together
syl- together
sym- together
syn- together
sys- together
tachy- rapid
tel- distant
tele- distant
ten- tendon
tendin- tendon
teno- tendon
tenont- tendon
tenonto- tendon
tera- one quadrillion
thel- nipple
thelo- nipple
therm- heat
thermo- heat
thorac- chest, thorax
thoracico- chest, thorax
thoraco- chest, thorax
thromb- blood clot
thrombo- blood clot
thyr- thyroid gland
thyro- the thyroid gland
toco- childbirth
-tome 1 cutting instrument,
2 segment, section
-tomy cutting operation
tono- tone, tension, pressure
top- place, topical
topo- place, topical
tox- toxin, poison
toxi- toxin, poison
toxico- toxin, poison
toxo- toxin, poison
trache- trachea
tracheo- trachea
trans-across,through, beyond
tri- three
trich- hair
trichi- hair
-trichia hair
tricho- hair
tris- three
-trophic food, nutrition
tropho- food, nutrition
-trophy food, nutrition
-tropia turning
-tropic
turning
toward,
affinity
ultra- beyond
uni- one, single
uri- uric acid
-uria urine, urination
uric- uric acid
urico- uric acid
uro- 1 urine, 2 urinary tract
vas- duct, blood vessel
vasculo- blood vessel
vaso- duct, blood vessel
79

vesic-urinary bladder, vesicle
vesico- urinary bladder,
vesicle
xanth- yellow, yellowish
xantho- yellow, yellowish

xero- dry
zo- 1 animal, 2 life
zoo- 1 animal, 2 life
zym- fermentation, enzymes

zymo-fermentation, enzymes
80
References:
Chabner, Davi-Ellen. Medical Terminology: A Short Course. 4th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders,
2005.
Cohen, Barbara Janson. Terminology: An Illustrated Guide. 4th ed. 2003
Dictionary for Medical Terms. 4th ed. London: A & C Black Publishers Ltd., 2004.
Ehrlich, Ann, Carol L. Schroeder. Medical Terminology for Health Professions. 7th ed. Delmar:
Cengage Learning, 2013.
Gylys, Barbara A., Mary Ellen Wedding. Medical Terminology System: A Body System
Approach. 5th ed. Philadelphia: F. A. Davies Company, 2005.
Mosbys Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary. 6th ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 2002.
Rice, Jane. The Terminology of Health And Medicine. 2nd ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2003.
Sormuneu, Carolee. Terminology for Allied Health Professionals. 4th ed. Albany: International
Thompson Publishing, 1999.
Steadmans Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing. 5th ed. Philadelphia:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005
Steiner, Shirley. Quick Medical Terminology: A Self-Teaching Guide. 4th ed. New Jersey: John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2003.
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Medical Terminology Module for Radiologic Technology

By: Richard B. Padama, RRT

I. Principal Medical Root Word