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Medical Terminology Basics
Basics
360
Medical
Undergraduate 1
09/13/2011

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Cards

Term
Glyc/o
Definition
Sugar
Term
Gastr/o
Definition
Stomach
Term
Erythr/o
Definition
Red
Term
Enter/o
Definition
Intestines (usually small intestine)
Term
Encephal/o
Definition
Brain
Term
Electr/o
Definition
Electricity
Term
Dermat/o
Definition
Skin
Term
Derm/o
Definition
Skin
Term
Cyst/o
Definition
Urinary bladder; a sac or cyst
Term
Cyt/o
Definition
Cell
Term
Crin/o
Definition
To secrete (to form and give off)
Term
Cis/o
Definition
To cut
Term
Cerebr/o
Definition
Cerebrum (largest part of the brain)
Term
Cephal/o
Definition
Head
Term
Cardi/o
Definition
Heart
Term
Carcin/o
Definition
Cancerous, cancer
Term
Bi/o
Definition
Life
Term
Arthr/o
Definition
Joint
Term
Aden/o
Definition
Gland
Term
Rhin/o
Definition
Nose
Term
Ren/o
Definition
Kidney
Term
Radi/o
Definition
X-Rays
Term
-oma
Definition
Tumor or mass
Term
Psych/o
Definition
Mind
Term
Ped/o
Definition
Child
Term
Path/o
Definition
Disease
Term
Oste/o
Definition
Bone
Term
Ophthalm/o
Definition
Eye
Term
Onc/o
Definition
Tumor
Term
Neur/o
Definition
Nerve
Term
Nephr/o
Definition
Kidney
Term
Log/o
Definition
Study of
Term
Leuk/o
Definition
White
Term
Iatr/o
Definition
Treatment, physician
Term
Hepat/o
Definition
Liver
Term
Hemat/o
Definition
Blood
Term
Hem/o
Definition
Blood
Term
Gynec/o
Definition
Woman, female
Term
Gnos/o
Definition
Knowledge
Term
Sarc/o
Definition
Flesh
Term
Thromb/o
Definition
Clot, clotting
Term
Sect/o
Definition
To cut
Term
Ur/o
Definition
Urinary tract, urine
Term
-itis
Definition
Means inflammation
Term
-logy
Definition
the study of
Term
-opsy
Definition
Process of viewing
Term
-osis
Definition
State or condition of
Term
-pathy
Definition
Disease condition
Term
-scope
Definition
Means instrument for studying/visual
Term
-scopy
Definition
Complex suffix - visual examination and to study
Term
-sis
Definition
state of; condition
Term
-tomy
Definition
Complex suffix; to cut and is the process of
Term
-y
Definition
Process; condition
Term
-ac
Definition
pertaining to
Term
-al
Definition
means pertaining to
Term
-algia
Definition
Pain
Term
-cyte
Definition
means Cell
Term
-ectomy
Definition
Means excision or removal
Term
-emia
Definition
means blood condition
Term
-genic
Definition
Produced in, produced by, pertaining to producing
Term
-gram
Definition
means Record
Term
-ic, -ical
Definition
pertaining to
Term
-ion
Definition
means process
Term
-ist
Definition
Specialist (one who specializes in a field)
Term
Hypo-
Definition
under or below, less than normal
Term
In-
Definition
Means into, in
Term
Peri-
Definition
Surrounding, around
Term
Pro-
Definition
Means before, forward
Term
Re-
Definition
means back, backward, again
Term
Retro-
Definition
Behind
Term
Sub-
Definition
below, under
Term
Trans-
Definition
Across, through
Term
Hyper-
Definition
Means excessive, above or more than normal
Term
Exo-
Definition
Outward, out, outside of
Term
Ex-
Definition
Means out, outside of, outward
Term
Epi-
Definition
Above, upon
Term
Endo-
Definition
Within
Term
Dia-
Definition
Means complete or through
Term
Auto-
Definition
Self, own
Term
A-, an-
Definition
No, Not, wouthout
Term
-um
Definition
Means a structure
Term
Nos/o
Definition
Disease
Term
-comial
Definition
To care for
Term
Phag/o
Definition
Eat; swallow
Term
-globin, or -globulin
Definition
Protein
Term
Pre-
Definition
before; in front of
Term
Post-
Definition
After; behind
Term
Micro-
Definition
Small
Term
Macro-
Definition
Large
Term
Tens-
Definition
stretched/strained
Term
What does the acronym MEDICNURRS stand for?
Definition
M-Muscular
E-Endocrine
D-Digestive
I-Integumentary
C-Cardiovascular
N-Nervous
U-Urinary (Excretory)
R-Respiratory
R-Reproductive
S-Skeletal
Term
Trisomy
Definition
A genetic abnormality in which there are three copies, instead of the normal two, of a particular chromosome
Term
anabolism
Definition
Process of building up complex materials (proteins) from simple materials. Produces proteins such as hormones and enzymes that are important to growth of cells. Occurs in the ER of a cell.
Term
catabolism
Definition
Process of breaking down complex materials (foods) to form simpler substances and release energy.
Term
cell membrane
Definition
Structure surrounding and protecting the cell. It determines what enters and leaves the cell.
Term
Chromosomes
Definition
Rod-shaped structures in the nucleus that contain regions of DNA called genes. 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) in ever cell except for the egg and sperm cells (which each contain only 23 unpaired chromosomes).
Term
cytoplasm
Definition
All the material that is outside the nucleus and yet contained within the cell membrane
Term
DNA
Definition
Chemical found within each chromosome. Arranged like a sequence of recipes in code, it directs the activities of the cell
Term
endoplasmic reticulum
Definition
Structure (canals) within the cytoplasm. Site in which large proteins are made from smaller protein pieces. Anabolism takes place on the ribosomes of the ER.
Term
genes
Definition
Regions of DNA within each chromosome.
Term
karyotype
Definition
Picture of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell. The chromosomes are arranged in numerical order to determine their number and structure
Term
metabolism
Definition
The total of the chemical processes in a cell. It includes catabolism and anabolism.
Term
Mitochondria
Definition
Structures in the cytoplasm in which foods are burned to release energy. Catabolism takes place in mitochondria.
Term
nucleus
Definition
Control center of the cell. It contains chromosomes and directs the activities of the cell.
Term
histologist
Definition
A scientist who specializes in the study of tissues.
Term
Viscera
Definition
Medical term for internal organs. (Singular: viscus)
Term
uterus
Definition
The womb. the organ that holds the embryo/fetus as it develops.
Term
urethra
Definition
Tube from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.
Term
ureter
Definition
One of two tubes, each leading from a single kidney to the urinary bladder.
Term
trachea
Definition
"Windpipe" tube leading from the throat to the bronchial tubes
Term
thyroid gland
Definition
Endocrine gland that surrounds the trachea in the neck
Term
pituitary gland
Definition
Endocrine gland at the base of the brain
Term
pharynx
Definition
Throat. It serves as the common passageway for food and air
Term
larynx
Definition
"Voice box" - located at the upper part of the trachea
Term
epithelial cells
Definition
Skin cells that cover the external body surface and line the internal surfaces of organs
Term
cartilage
Definition
Flexible connective tissue attached to bones at joints.
Term
adipose tissue
Definition
Collection of fat cells
Term
abdominal cavity
Definition
Space below the chest containing organs such as the liver, stomach, gallbladder, and intestines. Also called the abdomen.
Term
Cranial cavity
Definition
Space in the head containing the brain and surrounded by skull. Cranial means pertaining to the skull.
Term
Diaphragm
Definition
Muscle separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities. The diaphragm moves up and down and aids in breathing.
Term
dorsal (posterior)
Definition
Pertaining to the back
Term
mediastinum
Definition
centrally located space between the lungs
Term
pelvic cavity
Definition
Space below the abdomen containing portions of the intestines, rectum, urinary bladder and reproductive organs. Pelvic means pertaining to the pelvis, composed of the hip bones surrounding the pelvic cavity.
Term
peritoneum
Definition
Double-layered membrane surrounding the abdominal organs
Term
pleura
Definition
Doulbe-layered membrane surrounding each lung
Term
pleural cavity
Definition
Space between the pleural membranes
Term
spinal cavity
Definition
Space within the spinal column (backbones) and containing the spinal cord. Also called the spinal canal
Term
thoracic cavity
Definition
Space in the chest containing the heart, lungs, bronchial tubes, trachea, esophagus and other organs
Term
ventral (anterior)
Definition
Pertaining to the front
Term
Deep
Definition
Away from the surface
Term
Distal
Definition
Far from the point of attachment to the trunk or far from the beginning of a structure
Term
Frontal (Coronal) plane
Definition
Vertical plane dividing the body or structure into anterior and posterior portions.
Term
Inferior (caudal)
Definition
Below another structure; pertaining to the tail or lower portion of the body
Term
lateral
Definition
pertaining to the side
Term
medial
Definition
pertaining to the middle or near the medial plane of the body
Term
prone
Definition
lying on the belly (face down, palms down)
Term
proximal
Definition
Near the point of attachment to the trunk or near the beginning of a structure
Term
sagittal (lateral) plane
Definition
Lengthwise, vertical plane dividing the body or structure into right and left sides. From the Latin saggita meaning arrow.
Term
superficial
Definition
On the surface
Term
superior (cephalic)
Definition
Above another structure; pertaining to the head
Term
supine
Definition
lying on the back (face up, palms up)
Term
transverse (cross-sectional or axial) plane
Definition
Horizontal plane dividing the body into upper and lower portions
Term
abdomin/o
Definition
Abdomen
Term
adip/o
Definition
fat (ex: adipose)
Term
anter/o
Definition
front (ex: anterior)
Term
bol/o
Definition
to cast (throw) ex: anabolism
Term
cervic/o
Definition
neck (of the body or of the uterus) - ex: cervical
Term
chondro/o
Definition
cartilage (type of connective tissue) ex: chondroma
Term
chrom/o
Definition
color (ex: chromosomes)
Term
coccyg/o
Definition
coccyx (tailbone) ex: coccygeal
Term
crani/o
Definition
skull (ex: craniotomy)
Term
cyt/o
Definition
cell
Term
dist/o
Definition
far, distant
Term
dors/o
Definition
back portion of the body
Term
histo/o
Definition
tissue
Term
ili/o
Definition
ilium (part of the pelvic bone)
Term
inguin/o
Definition
groin
Term
kary/o
Definition
nucleus
Term
later/o
Definition
side
Term
lumb/o
Definition
lower back (side and back between the ribs and the pelvis)
Term
medi/o
Definition
middle
Term
nucle/o
Definition
nucleus
Term
pelv/i
Definition
pelvis, hip region
Term
poster/o
Definition
back, behind
Term
proxim/o
Definition
nearest
Term
sacr/o
Definition
sacrum
Term
sarc/o
Definition
flesh
Term
spin/o
Definition
spine, backbone
Term
thel/o
Definition
nipple
Term
thorac/o
Definition
chest
Term
trache/o
Definition
trachea, windpipe
Term
umbilic/o
Definition
navel, umbilicus
Term
ventr/o
Definition
belly side of the body
Term
vertebr/o
Definition
vertebra(e), backbone(s)
Term
viscer/o
Definition
internal organs
Term
ana-
Definition
up
Term
cata-
Definition
down
Term
epi-
Definition
above
Term
inter-
Definition
between
Term
meta-
Definition
change
Term
-eal
Definition
pertaining to
Term
-iac
Definition
pertaining to
Term
-ior
Definition
pertaining to
Term
-ism
Definition
process, condition
Term
-ose
Definition
pertaining to, full of
Term
-plasm
Definition
formation
Term
-somes
Definition
bodies
Term
-type
Definition
picture, classification
Term
acr/o
Definition
extremities, top, extreme point
Term
acu/o
Definition
sharp, sudden, severe
Term
amni/o
Definition
amnion (sac surrounding the embryo in the uterus)
Term
angi/o
Definition
vessel
Term
arteri/o
Definition
artery
Term
axill/o
Definition
armpit
Term
blephar/o
Definition
eyelid
Term
bronch/o
Definition
bronchial tubes (two tubes, one rt and one left, that branch from trachea to enter lungs)
Term
chem/o
Definition
drug, chemical
Term
chondr/o
Definition
cartilage
Term
chron/o
Definition
time
Term
col/o
Definition
colon (large intestine)
Term
encephal/o
Definition
brain
Term
hydr/o
Definition
water, fluid
Term
isch/o
Definition
to hold back
Term
lapar/o
Definition
abdomen, abdominal wall
Term
laryng/o
Definition
larynx (voice box)
Term
lymph/o
Definition
lymph
Term
mamm/o
Definition
breast
Term
mast/o
Definition
breast
Term
morph/o
Definition
shape, form
Term
muc/o
Definition
mucus
Term
my/o
Definition
muscle
Term
myel/o
Definition
spinal cord, bone marrow
Term
necr/o
Definition
death (of cells or whole body)
Term
neutr/o
Definition
neutrophil (a white blood cell)
Term
nucle/o
Definition
nucleus
Term
oste/o
Definition
bone
Term
ot/o
Definition
ear
Term
peritone/o
Definition
peritoneum
Term
phleb/o
Definition
vein
Term
plas/o
Definition
formation, development
Term
pleur/o
Definition
pleura (membrane surrounding lungs and adjacent to chest wall)
Term
pneumon/o
Definition
lungs
Term
pulmon/o
Definition
lungs
Term
rect/o
Definition
rectum
Term
splen/o
Definition
spleen
Term
staphyl/o
Definition
clusters
Term
strept/o
Definition
chains
Term
thorac/o
Definition
chest
Term
tonsill/o
Definition
tonsils
Term
trache/o
Definition
trachea (windpipe)
Term
ven/o
Definition
vein
Term
-cele
Definition
hernia
Term
-centesis
Definition
surgical puncture to remove fluid
Term
-coccus (plural -cocci)
Definition
berry-shaped bacterium
Term
-cyte
Definition
cell
Term
-dynia
Definition
pain
Term
-ectomy
Definition
excision, removal, resection
Term
-genesis
Definition
condition of producing, forming
Term
-graph
Definition
instrument for recording
Term
-graphy
Definition
process of recording
Term
-lysis
Definition
breakdown, destruction, separation
Term
-malacia
Definition
softening
Term
-megaly
Definition
enlargement
Term
-penia
Definition
deficiency
Term
-phobia
Definition
fear
Term
-plasia
Definition
development, formation, growth
Term
-plasty
Definition
surgical repair
Term
-ptosis
Definition
falling, dropping, prolapse
Term
-sclerosis
Definition
hardening
Term
-stasis
Definition
stopping, controlling
Term
-stomy
Definition
opening to form a mouth (stoma)
Term
-therapy
Definition
treatment
Term
-trophy
Definition
development, nourishment
Term
-er
Definition
one who
Term
-ia
Definition
condition
Term
-ole
Definition
little, small
Term
-ule
Definition
little, small
Term
-um, -ium
Definition
structure, tissue
Term
-us
Definition
structure, substance
Term
-y
Definition
condition, process
Term
-ar, -ary, -ac, -iac, -al, -eal, -ic, -ical, -ous, -ose, -tic
Definition
pertaining to
Term
-oid
Definition
resembling
Term
-rrhaphy
Definition
means suture
Term
Ather/o
Definition
plaque (fatty substance)
Term
Gon/o
Definition
Seed
Term
carp/o
Definition
wrist bones
Term
cib/o
Definition
meals
Term
cis/o
Definition
to cut
Term
cost/o
Definition
rib
Term
cutane/o
Definition
skin
Term
dactyl/o
Definition
fingers, toes
Term
duct/o
Definition
to lead, carry
Term
flex/o
Definition
to bed
Term
Adenitis
Definition
general term for an inflammation of a gland or lymph node
Term
Anemia
Definition
a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells
Term
Cephalic
Definition
Of, in, or relating to the head
Term
Erythrocyte
Definition
A red blood cell in humans. No nucleus
Term
Gastrotomy
Definition
Surgical incision into the stomach
Term
Iatrogenic
Definition
Illness or any adverse condition in a patient resulting from treatment by a physician
Term
Nephrosis
Definition
Any kidney disease
Term
Osteitis
Definition
Inflammation of bones
Term
Choledocholithiasis
Definition
Presence of gallstones (calculi) in the common bile duct
Term
Emulsification
Definition
The breakdown of large fat globules into smaller, uniformly distributed particles
Term
Palatopharyngoplasty
Definition
Surgical resection (or excision) of unnecessary palatal and oropharyngeal tissue to open the airway; intended to cure extreme cases of snoring
Term
Hyperbilirubinemia
Definition
Excess of bilirubin in the blood
Term
Stomatitis
Definition
Inflammation of the mucous tissue of the mouth
Term
Osteotomy
Definition
a surgical procedure to cut a bone
Term
Retrocardiac
Definition
Situated behind the heart
Term
Anabolism
Definition
The phase of metabolism in which simple substances are synthesized into the complex materials of living tissue
Term
Catabolism
Definition
 The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in a release of energy
Term
Caudal
Definition

Of, at, or near the tail or hind parts; posterior; (the caudal fin of a fish)

situated beneath or on the underside.

Term
Coccygeal
Definition
of or relating to, or near, the coccyx
Term
Coccyx
Definition
 small, triangular bone at the base of the spinal column in humans and some apes (formed of fused vestigial vertebrae)
Term
Craniotomy
Definition
Surgical opening/incision into the skull
Term
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Definition
A membrane network within the cytoplasm of cells involved in the synthesis, modification, and transport of cellular materials
Term
Mitochondria
Definition
A spherical or elongated organelle in the cytoplasm of nearly all eukaryotic cells. Sometimes described as "cellular power plants" because they generate most of the cell's supply of ATP
Term
Nucleic
Definition
referring to the nucleus of something. (As nucleic acids are found in the nucleus of cells.)
Term
Nucleus
Definition
a membrane bound structure that contains the cell's hereditary information and controls the cell's metabolism, growth, and reproduction
Term
Peritoneum
Definition
The serous membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs
Term
Pharynx
Definition
The throat  (the membrane-lined cavity behind the nose and mouth, connecting them to the esophagus)
Term
Prone
Definition
Lying with the front or face downward (lying on your face, butt in the air)
Term
Proximal
Definition
nearest to a point of reference or attachment; as to near the midline of the body or a point of attachment
Term
Sagittal Plane
Definition
Lengthwise vertical plane dividing the body or structure into right and left sides.
Term
Enteroenterostomy
Definition
 A surgical connection between two segments of intestine (with creation of an opening between them)
Term
Sublingual
Definition
Situated beneath or on the underside of the tongue
Term
Supine
Definition
Lying face upward (lying on the back, face up)
Term
Transverse Plane
Definition
Horizontal plane running across the body parallel to the ground.
Term
Viscera
Definition
 internal organs in the main cavities of the body, esp. those in the abdomen (such as the intestines)
Term
Visceral
Definition
Relating to, situated in, or affecting the viscera.
Term
Carcinogenic
Definition
A cancer-causing substance or agent
Term
Chondromalacia
Definition
Abnormal softening or degeneration of cartilage of the joints
Term
Colostomy
Definition
Surgical construction of an opening from the colon through the abdominal wall to the outside of the body for the purpose of excretion.
Term
Cystocele
Definition
a hernia of the urinary bladder, esp one protruding into the vagina
Term
Inguinal
Definition
Of, relating to, or located in the groin
Term
Ischemia
Definition
decrease in the blood supply to a bodily organ, tissue, or part caused by constriction or obstruction of the blood vessels
Term
Leukocytosis
Definition
an abnormally large increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood, often occurring during an acute infection or inflammation
Term
Monocyte
Definition
A large, circulating, phagocytic white blood cell, having a single well-defined nucleus and very fine granulation in the cytoplasm. Monocytes constitute from 3 to 8 percent of the white blood cells in humans.
Term
Morphology
Definition
The branch of biology that deals with the form and structure of organisms without consideration of function. (The size, shape, and structure of an organism or one of its parts.)
Term
Mucoid
Definition

 

Of, involving, resembling, or of the nature of mucus.

 

Term
Myalgia
Definition
Pain in a muscle, or group of muscles
Term
Necropsy
Definition
 To perform an autopsy -  an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease.
Term
Choledochotomy
Definition
incision into the common bile duct
Term
Gastrojejunostomy
Definition
 surgical creation of a new passage between the stomach and jejunum
Term
Peristalsis
Definition
 involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine or another canal, creating wavelike movements (helps food move along in the digestive system)
Term
Sialadenitis
Definition
Inflammation of a salivary gland.
Term
Uvula
Definition
 fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate that hangs above the throat
Term
Nephropathy
Definition
kidney disease
Term
Osteogenic
Definition
Producing bone; the process of laying down new bone material by cells called osteoblasts.
Term
Osteomalacia
Definition
softening of the bones (typically a deficiency of vitamin D or calcium)
Term
Peritoneal
Definition
pertaining to the peritoneum
Term
Pleurodynia
Definition
pain in the pleural cavity (pain in the chest)
Term
Ptosis
Definition
Prolapse; abnormal lowering or drooping of an organ or part. (Usually a drooping upper eyelid)
Term
Retocele
Definition
 hernial protrusion of part of the rectum into the vagina/vaginal wall
Term
Splenomegaly
Definition
enlargement of the spleen
Term
Eosinophil
Definition
A type of white blood cell containing cytoplasmic granules that are easily stained by eosin or other acid dye. They are a polymorphonuclear cell.  Increase in reaction to allergies
Term
Venule
Definition
A very small vein, esp. one collecting blood from the capillaries
Term
Achlorhydria
Definition
Absence of hydrochloric acid from the gastric juice
Term
Thrombophlebitis
Definition
 inflammation of a vein with blood clot formation inside the vein at the site of the inflammation / infammation of the wall of a vein with associated thrombosis, often occurring in the legs during pregnancy.
Term
Anabolism
Definition
phase of metabolism in which simple substances are synthesized into the complex materials of living tissue
Term
Cecal
Definition
Pertaining to the cecum (the first part of the large intestine)  OR ending in a blind passage
Term
Antepartum
Definition
Of or occurring before childbirth
Term
Antitoxin
Definition
An antibody formed in response to and capable of neutralizing a specific biological toxin.
Term
Cheilosis
Definition
a noninflammatory disorder of the lips and mouth  (marked by scaling and fissures at the corners of the mouth)
Term
Congenital Anomaly
Definition
birth defect: a defect that is present at birth
Term
Contralateral
Definition
Taking place or originating in a corresponding part on an opposite side
Term
Dyspnea
Definition
Difficulty in breathing, often associated with lung or heart disease and resulting in shortness of breath.
Term
deglutition
Definition
to swallow; swallowing
Term
Gluconeogenesis
Definition
 formation of glucose, from molecules such as amino and fatty acids (not from carbs)
Term
Hypoglossal
Definition
Of or relating to the area under the tongue
Term
Steatorrhea
Definition
excessive discharge of fat in the feces
Term
Intussusception
Definition
the enfolding of one segment of the intestine within another (painful, causes obstruction) -  a problem with the intestine in which one portion of the bowel slides into the next, much like the pieces of a telescope
Term
Epithelium
Definition
One of the four basic types of animal tissue. Lines the cavities and surfaces of structures throughout the body
Term
Exophthalmos
Definition
 bulging of the eye anteriorly out of the orbit
Term
Hypoglycemia
Definition
abnormally low level of blood sugar (glucose) (in the blood)
Term
Marcocephaly
Definition
Abnormal smallness of the head (usually associated with mental defects)
Term
Panctyopenia
Definition
A marked reduction in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (all the blood cells)
Term
Periosteum
Definition
a thick fibrous two-layered membrane covering the surface of bones
Term
Pseudocyesis
Definition
physiological state in which a woman exhibits symptoms of pregnancy but is not pregnant
Term
Symbiosis
Definition
Interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both.
Term
Transurethral
Definition
Passing through or performed by way of the urethra
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