Medical Terminology

Question 1

Positions, Directions, Locations Ab- Ad-

Answer

Prefixes - Positions, Directions, Locations Ab-: Away from - E.g., Abduction (movement of a limb away from the midline of the body) - The child was abducted and taken away. Ad-: Towards - E.g., Adduction (movement of a limb towards the midline of the body) - If you are an addict, you want to bring what you crave towards you.

Question 2

Body Cavities Dorsal (Posterior) Body Cavity Ventral (Anterior) Body Cavity

Answer

Body Cavities Internal chambers of the body that protect vital organs. Membranes and other structures separate these compartments. Dorsal (Posterior) Body Cavity: - Cranial Cavity: Contains the brain, enclosed by the skull. - Spinal Cavity: Contains the spinal cord, enclosed by the spine (vertebrae). Ventral (Anterior) Body Cavity: - Thoracic Cavity: Contains the heart and lungs, enclosed by the rib cage. The diaphragm separates the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. - Abdominopelvic Cavity: - Abdominal Cavity: Contains digestive organs and kidneys. - Pelvic Cavity: Contains bladder and reproductive organs, enclosed by the bones of the pelvis.

Question 3

Body Cavities Illustration

Answer

Body Cavities

Question 4

Body Planes Sagittal Plane Frontal Plane Transverse Plane

Answer

Body Planes Imaginary, two-dimensional surface that passes through the body. Sagittal Plane: Divides the body or an organ down the middle into left and right halves. If it does not go down the middle, it is called a parasagittal plane. Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides the body or an organ down the middle into front (anterior) and back (posterior) halves. Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: Divides the body or an organ into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) sections (i.e., cross-sections).

Question 5

Body Planes Illustration

Answer

Body Planes

Question 6

Directional Terms Medial Lateral Proximal Distal

Answer

Directional Terms Suffix Meaning Example Medial Towards the midline of the body Medial is towards the Middle. My big toe (hallux) is on the medial side of my foot. Lateral Away from the midline of the body My little toe (fifth digit) is on the lateral side of my foot. Proximal Toward or nearest the trunk (or point of origin) The elbow is proximal to the forearm. Distal Away from or farthest from the trunk (or point of origin) Distal sounds like "Distance", i.e., far away. The knee is distal to the thigh.

Question 7

Directional Terms Superior Inferior Anterior Posterior

Answer

Directional Terms Term Meaning Example Superior (or Cranial) Towards the head end of the body The head is superior or cranial to the neck. Inferior (or Caudal) Away from the head The pelvis is inferior or caudal to the head. Anterior (or Ventral) Front The umbilicus (i.e., belly button) is on the anterior or ventral side of the torso. Posterior (or Dorsal) Back The scapulas (i.e., shoulder blades) are on the posterior or dorsal side of the torso.

Question 8

Directional Terms Illustration

Answer

Directional Terms

Question 9

Body Parts Pes Tarsus Calcaneus Planta Hallux

Answer

Anatomical Terms Term Body Part Pes (pedal) Foot My pedal region helps me pedal my bike. Tarsus (tarsal) Ankle Calcaneus (calcaneal) Heel of foot The California coast can heal ("heel") my soul. Planta (plantar) Sole of the foot The sole of my foot is firmly planted on the ground. Hallux Great Toe (i.e., first digit on foot) The big toe is so great it's in the Hall of Fame.

Question 10

Body Parts Crus Femur Patella Popliteus Sura

Answer

Anatomical Terms Term Body Part Crus (crural) Leg If you break a crus, you might need a crutch. Femur (femoral) Thigh That guy's lemur sits on his femur while he's driving. Patella (patellar) Kneecap My pa often tells me about the time he fell and broke his kneecap. Popliteus (popliteal) Back of knee Sura (sural) Calf Surfing builds up the sura muscles.

Question 11

Body Parts Pelvis Ilium Pubis Gluteus Inguen

Answer

Anatomical Terms Term Body Part Pelvis (pelvic) Lower part of the torso, located between the hip bones Ilium (iliac) Top of hip bone Pubis (pubic) Anterior pelvis Gluteus (gluteal) Buttock Inguen (inguinal) Groin

Question 12

Body Parts Thorcis or Thorax Mamma Umbilicus Dorsum Lumbus

Answer

Anatomical Terms Term Body Part Thorcis (thoracic) or Thorax Chest Mamma (mammary) Breast A mama may feed her child from her mammary glands. Umbilicus (umbilical) Navel "Um... Billy, stop looking at my umbilicus (navel)!" Dorsum (dorsal) Back A swinging door (dor) will hit you on your backside. Lumbus (lumbar) Lower back

Question 13

Body Parts Manus Palma Digits Phalanges Pollex

Answer

Anatomical Terms Term Body Part Manus (manual) Hand You use your manus (hands) to do manual work. Palma (palmar) Palm Digits (digital) Fingers or Toes I use my digits (fingers) to use my digital devices. Phalanges (phalangeal) Fingers or Toes Pollex Thumb Polley the parrot bit my thumb when I tried to feed it!

Question 14

Body Parts Axilla Brachium Antecubitis Olecranon Antebrachium Carpus

Answer

Anatomical Terms Term Body Part Axilla (axillary) Armpit Brachium (brachial) Arm Antecubitis (antecubital) Front of elbow ("elbow pit") Olecranon (olecranal) Back of elbow That old cranky man has loose, wrinkly skin over his olecranon. Antebrachium (antebrachium) Forearm Carpus (carpal) Wrist You pull a carp out of the water with your carpus (wrist).

Question 15

Body Parts Auris Oculus Nasus Oris Cervicis

Answer

Anatomical Terms Term Body Part Auris (otic) Ear You listen to audio with your auris. Oculus (ocular or orbital) Eye When you use binoculars, you look with both eyes (ocular). Nasus (nasal) Nose Oris (oral) Mouth I put oranges in my oris. Cervicis (cervical) Neck When I drink my cerveza (beer), I tilt my cervicis back.

Question 16

Body Parts Cephalon Frons Facies Bucca Mentus

Answer

Anatomical Terms Term Body Part Cephalon (cephalic) Head An octopus is a cephalopod, an ocean creature with a big head. Frons (frontal) Forehead I would like someone to wave palm fronds over my frons, while someone else feeds me grapes. Facies (facial) Face Bucca (buccal) Cheek Mentus (mental) Chin When engaged in "mental" activities (i.e., thinking) you stroke your chin.

Question 17

Posterior (Back) Illustration

Answer

Posterior (Back) - Illustration

Question 18

Anterior (Front) Illustration

Answer

Anterior (Front) - Illustration

Question 19

Head Illustration

Answer

Head - Illustration

Question 20

Other Suffixes -ase -therapy -oid

Answer

Suffixes - Other Suffix Meaning Example -ase Enzyme Lactase (enzyme that breaks down lactose) -therapy Treatment Immunotherapy (a type of cancer treatment that enhances immune system function) -oid Resembling Schizoid (personality disorder that resembles schizophrenia)

Question 21

Other Suffixes -blast -clast -physis -stasis

Answer

Suffixes - Other Suffix Meaning Example -blast Immature (stem) precursor cell Blast = build more of! Osteoblast (a cell that gives rise to new bone cells) -clast To break If you clash ("clast") a lot with your boyfriend, you should probably break up. Osteoclast (a cell that breaks down bone) -physis Growth Metaphysis (portion of the long bone that contains the growth plate) -stasis Slow down, stop With stasis, you stay still. Hemostasis (to stop the flow of blood)

Question 22

Other Suffixes -philic -phobic

Answer

Suffixes - Other Suffix Meaning Example -philic Attracted to Don't tell him, but I am attracted to my friend Phil! Hydrophilic (pertaining to substances with a strong attraction to water) -phobic Aversion to Hydrophobic (pertaining to substances repelled by or averse to water)

Question 23

Other Suffixes -phagia -phasia

Answer

Suffixes - Other Suffix Meaning Example -phagia Eating, swallowing -phagia has a g, as in gulp or gag. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) -phasia Speech -phasia has an s, as in speak or stutter. Aphasia (a condition marked by the inability to speak)

Question 24

Other Suffixes -oxia -pnea

Answer

Suffixes - Other Suffix Meaning Example -oxia Pertaining to oxygenation Hypoxia (decreased oxygenation) -pnea Breathing Tachypnea (fast rate of breathing)

Question 25

Other Suffixes -genesis -genic -poiesis -tropin

Answer

Suffixes - Other Suffix Meaning Example -genesis Production of, formation of Gluconeogenesis (formation of glucose from noncarbohydrate precursors) -genic Producing, causing A genie will cause your wishes to come true. Teratogenic (causing harm to a fetus) -poiesis Production Erythropoiesis (production of red blood cells) -tropin Stimulating the production of Corticotropin releasing hormone (a hormone that stimulates the production of ACTH)

Question 26

Other Suffixes -ic -iac -eac -ial

Answer

Suffixes - Other Suffix Meaning Example -ic Pertaining to Anemic (pertaining to anemia, i.e., having deficient red blood cells or hemoglobin) -iac Pertaining to Cardiac (pertaining to the heart) -eal Pertaining to Esophageal (pertaining to the esophagus) -ial Pertaining to Bacterial (pertaining to conditions caused by bacteria)

Question 27

Other Suffixes -cyte -cytic -ium

Answer

Suffixes - Other Suffix Meaning Example -cyte Cell Lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) -cytic Cell Phagocytic (a cell that has the ability to engulf and destroy pathogenic cells) -ium Structure, tissue Pericardium (the tissue surrounding the heart)

Question 28

Problems & Conditions -ia -ism -esis

Answer

Suffixes - Problems & Conditions Suffix Meaning Example -ia Condition or state Anuria (state of the kidneys producing no urine) -ism Condition or state Priapism (a condition marked by prolonged erection) -esis Condition of, process of Hematopoiesis (process of creating blood cells)

Question 29

Problems & Conditions -sepsis -toxic -phobia

Answer

Suffixes - Problems & Conditions Suffix Meaning Example -sepsis Decay, putrefaction A septic tank is full of putrid wastewater. Asepsis (absence of disease-producing organisms, i.e., NOT causing decay) -toxic Poisonous to Hepatotoxic (medications poisonous to the liver) -phobia Fear of, sensitivity to Photophobia (abnormal sensitivity to or intolerance to light)

Question 30

Problems & Conditions -paresis -plegia -spasm

Answer

Suffixes - Problems & Conditions Suffix Meaning Example -paresis Weakness I was so weak I could barely lift my pear ("pare"). Hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body) -plegia Paralysis We were paralyzed with fear from the plague ("pleg"). Quadriplegia (paralysis of all four extremities) -spasm Sudden contraction of muscle Vasospasm (contraction of the muscular layer of an artery)

Question 31

Problems & Conditions -iasis -osis -pathy -oma

Answer

Suffixes - Problems & Conditions Suffix Meaning Example -iasis Pathological condition, process Nephrolithiasis (the pathological formation of kidney stones) -osis Abnormal condition, disease Acidosis (abnormal condition with a blood pH below 7.35) -pathy Disease This disease is making me feel sick and pathetic. Neuropathy (disease involving damage to the nerves) -oma Tumor Sarcoma (tumor of the bone and connective tissues)

Question 32

Problems & Conditions -penia -cytosis

Answer

Suffixes - Problems & Conditions Suffix Meaning Example -penia Deficiency, lack of My piña ("penia") colada was lacking in alcohol, so I'll be needing another one! Osteopenia (condition characterized by a lack of bone mass) -cytosis Large number of a particular cell Leukocytosis (abnormally large number of white blood cells)

Question 33

Problems & Conditions -malacia -sclerosis

Answer

Suffixes - Problems & Conditions Suffix Meaning Example -malacia Softening Malaysia ("malacia") is known for its soft sand beaches. Osteomalacia (softening of the bones) -sclerosis Hardening Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries due to a build up of plaque)

Question 34

Problems & Conditions -lithiasis -lysis -lytic

Answer

Suffixes - Problems & Conditions Suffix Meaning Example -lithiasis Presence of stones The Paleolithic period is considered the "Stone Age". Cholelithiasis (presence of stones in the gallbladder) -lysis Destruction, break down Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) -lytic Destruction, break down Mucolytic (medication that breaks down mucus)

Question 35

Problems & Conditions -emia -emic -uria -opia -opsia

Answer

Suffixes - Problems & Conditions Suffix Meaning Example -emia Condition of the blood Leukemia (cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow) -emic Condition of the blood Uremic (high levels of urea in the blood) -uria Condition of the urine Hematuria (blood found in the urine) -opia Condition of the vision Myopia (nearsightedness) -opsia Condition of the vision Hemianopsia (loss of vision in half of the visual field)

Question 36

Problems & Conditions -emesis -rrhea -rrhage

Answer

Suffixes - Problems & Conditions Suffix Meaning Example -emesis Vomiting I hate my nemesis so much he makes me want to vomit! Hematemesis (presence of blood in the vomit) -rrhea Flow, discharge Rhinorrhea (flow of mucus/fluid from the nose) -rrhage Bursting forth, excessive flow The surgeon raged when she saw the patient's extensive hemorrhage. Hemorrhage (abnormal, excessive flow of blood)

Question 37

Problems & Conditions -plasia -trophy -megaly -ectasis

Answer

Suffixes - Problems & Conditions Suffix Meaning Example -plasia Growth Hyperplasia (abnormal cell growth) -trophy Growth We won a trophy for being one of the fastest growing companies of the year. Ventricular hypertrophy (abnormal growth of the ventricles in the heart) -megaly Enlargement Hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver) -ectasis Dilation, widening Taking ecstasy (MDMA) can cause pupil dilation. Bronchiectasis (lung disorder that causes chronic widening of the bronchial airways)

Question 38

Problems & Conditions -cele -edema -itis

Answer

Suffixes - Problems & Conditions Suffix Meaning Example -cele Bulge, protrusion Cystocele (bulging of the bladder into the vagina) -edema Accumulation of fluid, swelling Lymphedema (abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid) -itis Inflammation Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils)

Question 39

Problems & Conditions -algia -dynia

Answer

Suffixes - Problems & Conditions Suffix Meaning Example -algia Pain Fibromyalgia (disorder causing widespread muscle pain) -dynia Pain If you dine ("dyne") on too much food, you will have stomach pain. Orchiodynia (testicular pain)

Question 40

Tests & Procedures -pexy -plasty -tripsy

Answer

Suffixes - Tests & Procedures Suffix Meaning Example -pexy Surgical fixation (holding something in the correct anatomical position) Hysteropexy (surgical fixation of a prolapsed uterus) -plasty Surgical repair or reconstruction I used plaster to repair a hole in my wall. Arthroplasty (surgical repair or replacement of a joint) -tripsy Crush, break up I tripped and broke my phone! Lithotripsy (medical procedure that uses shock waves to break up stones in the kidney, ureter, or gallbladder)

Question 41

Tests & Procedures -centesis -ectomy -ostomy -otomy

Answer

Suffixes - Tests & Procedures Suffix Meaning Example -centesis Puncture to remove fluid I will give you a cent for every mL of fluid you remove with the centesis. Paracentesis (puncture of the abdomen to remove fluid from the peritoneal cavity) -ectomy Removal of Nephrectomy (surgical removal of a kidney) -ostomy Surgical creation of an opening With an ostomy, you create a stoma (opening). Tracheostomy (a surgical opening made through the neck into the trachea) -otomy Incision Laparotomy (surgical incision into the abdomen)

Question 42

Tests & Procedures -meter -metry

Answer

Suffixes - Tests & Procedures Suffix Meaning Example -meter Device used for measuring Pulse oximeter (device that measures the oxygen saturation in the red blood cells) -metry Process of measuring Goniometry (measurement of the range of motion of a joint)

Question 43

Tests & Procedures -opsy -scope -scopy

Answer

Suffixes - Tests & Procedures Suffix Meaning Example -opsy Visual examination Autopsy (a postmortem, visual examination by a physician to discover the cause of death) -scope An instrument used for viewing Bronchoscope (instrument used to view the inside of the airways and lungs) -scopy Use of an instrument for viewing Colonoscopy (use of a thin, flexible instrument to view the rectum and colon)

Question 44

Tests & Procedures -gram -graph -graphy

Answer

Suffixes - Tests & Procedures Suffix Meaning Example -gram Picture, image I'm definitely posting this picture to the 'gram! Angiogram (an image visualizing blood vessels and blood flow) -graph Instrument for recording Electrocardiograph (an instrument for recording electrical activity of the heart) -graphy Process of writing or recording Computed tomography, i.e., CT scan (imaging procedure that generates, or records, cross-sectional images of the body)

Question 45

Specialties and Specialists -ology -ologist -iatry -iatrist

Answer

Suffixes - Specialties and Specialists Suffix Meaning Example -ology The study of Cardiology (field specializing in the study of the heart) -ologist A person working with a specific body part or disease Nephrologist (doctor specializing in the treatment of the renal system) -iatry Medical treatment Podiatry (treatment targeting the foot/feet) -iatrist A person providing medical treatment Podiatrist (doctor providing medical treatment of the feet)

Question 46

Other Roots Aden/o Crin/o Cid/o Somn/o

Answer

Roots - Other Root Meaning Example Aden/o Gland Adenopathy (abnormal swelling of the glands) Crin/o Secrete All those secretions make me cringe! Eccrine gland (gland that secretes sweat) Cid/o To kill A pesticide kills weeds. Bactericidal (substance that kills bacteria) Somn/o Sleep Insomnia (inability to sleep)

Question 47

Other Roots Phren/o Lapar/o Viscer/o Periton/o

Answer

Roots - Other Root Meaning Example Phren/o Diaphragm Phrenic nerve (the nerve innervating the diaphragm) Lapar/o Abdomen Laparoscopy (a surgical examination of the abdomen with a camera) Viscer/o Viscera (internal organs) You need an x-ray to visualize your viscera. Visceral peritoneum (the inner membrane lining of the abdomen which protects the visceral organs) Periton/o Peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) Peritoneal dialysis (a way of filtering the blood using the peritoneal membrane)

Question 48

Other Roots Somat/o Acr/o Dactyl/o

Answer

Roots - Other Root Meaning Example Somat/o Body Somatotropin (a hormone which regulates the growth of the body) Acr/o Extremities, height Acrobats do cool tricks with their extremities from great heights. Acrocyanosis (blue discoloration of the extremities) Dactyl/o Fingers or toes The pterodactyl's wings extend from their elongated fourth fingers. Polydactyly (having extra fingers or toes)

Question 49

Other Roots Cyt/o Cellul/o Hist/o Fibr/o

Answer

Roots - Other Root Meaning Example Cyt/o Cell Cytoplasm (the semifluid substance contained within a cell) Cellul/o Cell Cellulitis (a condition caused by infection of the cells of the skin) Hist/o Tissue You take an antihistamine to stop blowing your nose in tissues. Histocompatibility (an examination of the compatibility of two types of tissues) Fibr/o Fiber Fibroma (a cancer of the fibrous connective tissue)

Question 50

Integumentary System Onych/o Adip/o Lip/o

Answer

Roots - Integumentary System Root Meaning Example Onych/o Nail Onychomycosis (a fungal disease of the nail) Adip/o Fat If you eat too much of a dip with your chips, you could get fat. Adipocyte (a singular fat cell) Lip/o Fat, lipid Lipohypertrophy (abnormal overgrowth of fat)

Question 51

Integumentary System Derm/o Dermat/o Cutane/o

Answer

Roots - Integumentary System Root Meaning Example Derm/o Skin Hypodermis (connective tissue layer below the dermis) Dermat/o Skin Atopic dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease) Cutane/o Skin I do good skin care so I can stay cute. Subcutaneous (layer of tissue beneath the skin)

Question 52

Immune System Immun/o Lymph/o Tonsill/o Splen/o

Answer

Roots - Immune System Root Meaning Example Immun/o Safe (immunity) My immune system keeps me safe. Immunodeficiency (a deficiency of the immune system) Lymph/o Lymph Lymphadenopathy (enlarged, possibly tender, lymph nodes) Tonsill/o Tonsils Tonsillectomy (the surgical removal of the tonsils) Splen/o Spleen (organ that filters the blood and removes old/damaged red blood cells) Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen)

Question 53

Male Reproductive System Epididym/o Scrot/o Prostat/o

Answer

Roots - Male Reproductive System Root Meaning Example Epidiym/o Epididymis (coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores sperm) Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis) Scrot/o Scrotum Scrotal edema (swelling of the scrotum) Prostat/o Prostate (gland that produces fluid to help nourish and transport sperm) Benign prostatic hypertrophy (a non-cancerous overgrowth of the prostate)

Question 54

Male Reproductive System Testicul/o Orchi/o Orchid/o

Answer

Roots - Male Reproductive System Root Meaning Example Testicul/o Testicle Testicular torsion (twisting of the spermatic cord, which provides blood flow to the testicles) Orchi/o Testicle Orchiopexy (surgery to move an undescended testicle into the scrotum) Orchid/o Testicle Ancient Greek term because certain orchid roots look like testicles. Seriously, look it up. Monorchidism (having only one testicle)

Question 55

Male Reproductive System Andr/o Sperm/o Spermat/o

Answer

Roots - Male Reproductive System Root Meaning Example Andr/o Male My best male friend is named Andrew. Androgens (male hormones, such as testosterone) Sperm/o Sperm Spermicide (chemical that kills sperm) Spermat/o Sperm Spermatocyte (a cell that gives rise to sperm cells)

Question 56

Female Reproductive System Gravid/o Amni/o Nat/o

Answer

Roots - Female Reproductive System Root Meaning Example Gravid/o Pregnancy I feel like there is a lot more gravity weighing me down when I am pregnant. Multigravida (a woman who has been pregnant more than once) Amni/o Amnion (innermost layer of the placenta surrounding the fetus) Amniotomy (intentional rupture of the amnion sac by the provider) Nat/o Birth Perinatal (the period of time surrounding pregnancy and birth)

Question 57

Female Reproductive System Colp/o Vagin/o Vulv/o Episi/o

Answer

Roots - Female Reproductive System Root Meaning Example Colp/o Vagina Colposcopy (use of a light microscope to visualize inside the vagina) Vagin/o Vagina Vaginitis (inflammation or infection of the vagina) Vulv/o Vulva Vulvodynia (chronic pain of the vulva) Episi/o Vulva Episiotomy (surgical incision of the skin and muscle between the vulva and anus during childbirth)

Question 58

Female Reproductive System Uter/o Hyster/o Metr/o Cervic/o

Answer

Roots - Female Reproductive System Root Meaning Example Uter/o Uterus Uteroplacental insufficiency (insufficient blood flow to the uterine placenta) Hyster/o Uterus I was hysterical when I found out I had to get my uterus removed. Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) Metr/o Uterus Endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) Cervic/o Uterine cervix (or "neck" - see card 68) Cervical dilation (widening of the cervical os)

Question 59

Female Reproductive System O/o Salping/o

Answer

Roots - Female Reproductive System Root Meaning Example O/o Egg Oo looks like two round eggs sitting next to each other. Oogenesis (the production of female gametes known as eggs) Salping/o Fallopian tube Hysterosalpingogram (an x-ray exam of the uterus and fallopian tubes)

Question 60

Female Reproductive System Ovari/o Ov/o Oophor/o

Answer

Roots - Female Reproductive System Root Meaning Example Ovari/o Ovary Mesovarium (ligament that supports and stabilizes the ovary) Ov/o Ovary Ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary) Oophor/o Ovary Ooph, they just removed my ovaries! Oophorectomy (surgical removal of one or both ovaries)

Question 61

Female Reproductive System Mamm/o Mast/o Lact/o Galact/o

Answer

Roots - Female Reproductive System Root Meaning Example Mamm/o Breast Mammogram (the use of an x-ray to obtain a picture of the breast) Mast/o Breast Mastectomy (surgical removal of the entire breast) Lact/o Milk If you are lactose intolerant you should avoid milk. Lactation (production of milk) Galact/o Milk Our galaxy is the Milky Way. Galactorrhea (spontaneous flow of milk from the breast, unassociated with childbirth or nursing)

Question 62

Female Reproductive System Gyn/o Men/o

Answer

Roots - Female Reproductive System Root Meaning Example Gyn/o Female Gynecologist (physician who treats the female genital and reproductive systems) Men/o Menstruation Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods)

Question 63

Reproductive System Genit/o Gonad/o

Answer

Roots - Reproductive System Root Meaning Example Genit/o Genitals Genitourinary (pertaining to the genitals and urinary tract) Gonad/o Gonads (ovaries or testes) Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (hormone controlling the release of other hormones from the gonads)

Question 64

Renal System Urethr/o Ur/o Urin/o

Answer

Roots - Renal System Root Meaning Example Urethr/o Urethra Urethritis (inflammation or infection of the urethra) Ur/o Urine Urolithiasis (urinary tract stone) Urin/o Urine Urinalysis (examination of urine)

Answer 65

Roots - Renal System Root Meaning Example Cyst/o Bladder (or sac) My sister ("cyst"er) says my bladder is the size of a dime because I always have to pee. Cystitis (bladder inflammation) Vesic/o Urinary bladder Vesicoureteral reflux (abnormal flow of urine from the bladder back up the ureters)

Answer 66

Roots - Renal System Root Meaning Example Glomerul/o Glomerulus Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the glomerulus in the kidney) Ureter/o Ureter Ureterovesicular junction (location where the ureter meets the bladder)

Answer 67

Roots - Renal System Root Meaning Example Nephr/o Kidney Nephrotoxicity (toxic to the kidneys) Ren/o Kidney Acute renal failure (kidneys become unable to filter waste products from the body) Pyel/o Renal pelvis (central part of the kidney) Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)

Answer 68

Roots - Gastrointestinal System Root Meaning Example Cholecyst/o Gallbladder Cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder) Chol/e Bile Cholestasis (decrease or blockage of bile flow) Cholangi/o Bile duct Cholangiocarcinoma (cancer that begins in the bile duct)

Answer 69

Roots - Gastrointestinal System Root Meaning Example Hepat/o Liver He pat my liver so hard it hurt. Hepatitis B (viral liver infection spread by contact with infected body fluids) Pancreat/o Pancreas Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) Appendic/o Appendix Appendectomy (removal of the appendix)

Answer 70

Roots - Gastrointestinal System Root Meaning Example Rect/o Rectum Rectocele (bulging of the rectum into the back wall of the vagina) Proct/o Anus, rectum When you take an exam the proctor may be "up your butt". Think butt = anus. Proctitis (inflammation or infection of the rectum) An/o Anus Anorectal hemorrhoid (swollen veins in the anus/rectum)

Answer 71

Roots - Gastrointestinal System Root Meaning Example Col/o Colon (large intestine) Colostomy (surgery that reroutes part of the colon through the abdominal wall) Colon/o Colon Colonoscope (an endoscope used to examine the colon) Cec/o Cecum (first part of the colon) Ileocecal valve (valve connecting the ileum and the cecum) Sigmoid/o Sigmoid colon (last part of the colon) Sigmoidoscopy (use of a scope to view the sigmoid colon)

Answer 72

Roots - Gastrointestinal System Root Meaning Example Duoden/o Duodenum (first part of small intestine) Esophagoduodenoscopy (use of a scope to view the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) Jejun/o Jejunum (middle part of the small intestine) Duodenojejunal junction (the border between the duodenum and the jejunum) Ile/o Ileum (last part of the small intestine) Ileostomy (surgery to divert the ileum to the abdominal wall) DJ Ileum pumping the big beats! (Duodenum, Jejunum, Illeum).

Answer 73

Roots - Gastrointestinal System Root Meaning Example Esophag/o Esophagus Gastroesophageal reflux disease (disorder in which stomach contents regurgitate back into the esophagus) Gastr/o Stomach Gas truly makes my stomach hurt. Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) Enter/o Intestine Enteral nutrition (feeding via the gastrointestinal tract)

Answer 74

Roots - Endocrine System Root Meaning Example Pituitar Pituitary gland Hypopituitarism (pituitary glands do not produce enough of at least one hormone) Thyro Thyroid gland Thyrotoxicosis (dangerously high level of circulating thyroid hormones) Parathyroid Parathyroid gland Hypoparathyroidism (the body does not produce enough parathyroid hormone) Adren/o Adrenal gland Added on top of renal (kidney). Adrenocortical insufficiency (adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones)

Answer 75

Roots - Musculoskeletal System Root Meaning Example Tars/o Tarsal (ankle) Tarsals are near the Toes (in contrast to carpals in the wrist). Tarsals (7 ankle bones located proximally in the foot) Metatars/o Metatarsal (foot bone) Tarsometatarsal joints (articulation between the tarsal bones and metatarsal bones on the foot)

Answer 76

Roots - Musculoskeletal System Root Meaning Example Femor/o Femur (thigh bone) Femoral artery (the artery supplying blood to the region of the femur) Patell/o Patella (kneecap) Patellar reflex (kicking-like motion produced by striking below the kneecap with a reflex hammer) Fibul/o Fibula (outside, smaller calf bone) Fibularis longus (muscle that originates at the head of the fibula and runs down the lateral side of the lower leg) Tibi/o Tibia (shinbone) Tibia is the Top (anterior) bone in the lower leg. Tibial nerve (branch of the sciatic nerve that runs down the leg, posterior to the tibia)

Answer 77

Roots - Musculoskeletal System Root Meaning Example Ili/o Ilium (uppermost and largest part of the hip bone) Iliac fossa (large, smooth, concave surface on the internal surface of the ilium) Pub/o Pubis or pubic bone (forward/anterior part of the hip bone) Mons pubis (rounded mass of fatty tissue found over the pubic bone) Ischi/o Ischium (lower and back part of hip bone) Ischial tuberosity ("sit bone", lower part of the ischium)

Answer 78

Roots - Musculoskeletal System Root Meaning Example Pelv/o Pelvis Pelvic inflammatory disease (bacterial infection of the reproductive organs located in the pelvis) Sacr/o Sacrum (shield-shaped bony structure located at the base of the lumbar vertebrae, connected to the pelvis) Sacrococcygeal (pertaining to both the sacrum and the coccyx) Coccyg/o Coccyx (tailbone) Coccygeal plexus (network of nerves near the coccyx bone)

Answer 79

Roots - Musculoskeletal System Root Meaning Example Carp/o Carpus or Carpal (wrist bone) You pull a carp out of the water with your carpus (wrist). Carpal tunnel syndrome (disorder caused by prolonged compression of the median nerve at the wrist) Metacarp/o Metacarpal (hand bone) Metacarpophalangeal joint (articulation between the metacarpal bones and proximal phalanges on the hand) Phalang/o Phalanges (bones in fingers or toes) Interphalangeal joint (hinge joint between the phalanges of the fingers)

Answer 80

Roots - Musculoskeletal System Root Meaning Example Humer/o Humerus (upper arm bone) Humeroulnar joint (part of the elbow joint, articulation between the humerus and ulna bone) Radi/o Radius (lateral bone in the forearm, connects to the hand on the thumb side) Radial pulse (pulse taken over the radial artery, which lies in front of the distal end of the radius) Uln/o Ulna (medial bone in the forearm, connects to hand on the pinkie-finger side) ULna has an L for Little finger-side. Ulnar drift (joint disorder that causes the fingers to bend toward the ulna bone)

Answer 81

Roots - Musculoskeletal System Root Meaning Example Spondyl/o Vertebrae Spondylolisthesis (spinal disorder where a vertebra in the spine slips forward) Vertebr/o Vertebra, spine Vertebroplasty (procedure where cement is injected into a fractured vertebra) Lamin/o Lamina (rear portion of the vertebrae) Shepherds lead their flock of lambs from the rear. Laminectomy (a surgical removal of the lamina from a vertebra to reduce pressure on the spinal cord)

Answer 82

Roots - Musculoskeletal System Root Meaning Example Clavic/o Clavicle (collarbone) Sternoclavicular joint (joint between the clavicle and the sternum) Scapul/o Scapula (shoulder blade) Superscapular notch (depression in the superior border of the scapula) Stern/o Sternum (breastbone) He looked stern wearing his suit and tie (sternum resembles a tie). Sternocleidomastoid muscle (muscle that extends from the clavicle and sternum) Cost/o Rib It cost Adam a rib to make Eve. Costovertebral angle (the angle formed between the rib and the spine)

Answer 83

Roots - Musculoskeletal System Root Meaning Example Crani/o Skull Intracranial pressure (pressure exerted by fluids inside the skull) Maxill/o Maxilla (upper fixed bone of the jaw) Maxillary sinuses (cavities located behind the cheek bones, near the maxilla) Mandibul/o Mandible (lower jaw bone) Mandibular notch (depression in the mandible that allows for the passage of the masseteric nerve) Cervic/o Neck (or "uterine cervix" - see card 93) Cervical spine (vertebrae C1 to C7, located in the neck)

Answer 84

Roots - Musculoskeletal System Root Meaning Example Arthr/o Joint Arthralgia (joint pain) Burs/o Bursa (fluid-filled sac between bone and moving parts) Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa) Chondr/o Cartilage (connective tissue) Chondrosarcoma (cancer that develops in the bone cartilage)

Answer 85

Roots - Musculoskeletal System Root Meaning Example Muscul/o Muscle Intramuscular (located or occuring within a muscle) My/o Muscle Myasthenia gravis (autoimmune disorder that causes severe muscle weakness) Tendin/o Tendon (connective tissue, attaches muscle to bone) Tendinopathy (tendon disorder that results in pain, swelling, and impaired function)

Answer 86

Roots - Musculoskeletal System Root Meaning Example Oss/i Bone Ossification (formation of bone by osteoblasts) Osse/o Bone Osseous (composed of or resembling bone) Oste/o Bone Osteoporosis (bone disease of low mineral density and structural deterioration) Myel/o Bone marrow (or "spinal cord" - see card 57) Multiple myeloma (cancer that causes overgrowth of plasma cells in the bone marrow)

Answer 87

Roots - Mouth Root Meaning Example Gingiv/o Gums Gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue) Odont Tooth O, don't open that package with your teeth! Orthodontics (treatment of abnormalities of the teeth and jaw) Dent/o Tooth Dentist (a physician who specializes in treatment of the teeth and gums) Palat/o Roof of mouth Hard palate (bony anterior section of the roof of the mouth)

Answer 88

Roots - Mouth Root Meaning Example Gloss/o Tongue My tongue is covered in saliva so it looks glossy. Glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX, responsible for taste on the posterior 1⁄3 of the tongue) Lingu/o Tongue I use my tongue to get linguini noodles into my mouth. Sublingual (under the tongue) Bucc/o Cheek Buccal smear (test that uses cells from the inside surface of the cheek)

Answer 89

Roots - Mouth Root Meaning Example Oro Mouth Oropharynx (area at the back of the mouth that includes the soft palate, and tonsils) Stomat/o Mouth Stomatitis (inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes in the mouth) Cheil/o Lips Cheilosis (inflammation of the lips)

Answer 90

Roots - Ear Root Meaning Example Ot/o Ear Ototoxic (damaging to the ear) Acous/o Hearing Acoustic neuroma (benign tumor that develops on cranial nerve VIII, causing hearing loss) Tympan/o Eardrum Tympanic temperature (measuring the temperature of the blood vessels in the eardrum) Myring/o Eardrum I can hear my ringer going off! Myringotomy (surgery to create an opening in the eardrum to relieve pressure or drain fluid)

Answer 91

Roots - Eye Root Meaning Example Kerat/o Cornea Keratoconus (progressive thinning and changes in the shape of the cornea) Retin/o Retina Retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eyes) Scler/o Sclera (or "hard" - see card 29) Scleromalacia (degenerative thinning of the sclera)

Answer 92

Roots - Eye Root Meaning Example Ophthalm/o Eye Exophthalmos (anterior bulging of the eye) Blephar/o Eyelid When I am getting blessed by a priest, I close my blephara (eyelids). Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) Lacrim/o Tears I've cried so many tears, they can fill a lake ("lac"). Lacrimal duct (the tear duct)

Answer 93

Roots - Eye Root Meaning Example Opt/o Eye, vision Optometrist (provider that diagnoses and treats disorders of the eye) Optic/o Eye, vision Optic fundus (interior surface of the eye opposite the lens) Ocul/o Eye Oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III, responsible for eye movements and pupil constriction)

Answer 94

Roots - Nervous System Root Meaning Example Mening/o Meninges Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges surrounding the spinal cord and brain) Neur/o Nerve Neurogenic shock (central nervous system injury that results in life-threatening vasodilation and hypotension) Myel/o Spinal cord (or "bone marrow" - see card 65) Myelomeningocele (birth defect which results in protrusion of the spinal cord and meninges from the back)

Answer 95

Roots - Nervous System Root Meaning Example Cerebr/o Cerebrum, brain Cerebrospinal fluid (a clear fluid that bathes, nourishes, and protects the brain and spinal cord) Encephal/o Brain Hepatic encephalopathy (reversible brain disease/dysfunction secondary to advanced liver diseases) Psych/o Mind Psychology (the study of the mind)

Answer 96

Roots - Cardiovascular System Root Meaning Example Hem/o Blood Hemodialysis (procedure that filters waste and water from the blood) Hemat/o Blood Hematocrit (percentage of RBCs relative to whole blood volume) Sangu/i Blood Serosanguinous (pink-tinged discharge that contains both red blood cells and serum) Thromb/o Blood clot Thrombectomy (surgical removal of a blood clot)

Answer 97

Roots - Cardiovascular System Root Meaning Example Arteri/o Arteries Arteriosclerosis (abnormal accumulation of plaque in the walls of arteries) Phleb/o Veins Phlebitis (inflammation of the veins) Ven/o Veins Venous insufficiency (veins in the lower extremities do not transport blood back to the heart effectively)

Answer 98

Roots - Cardiovascular System Root Meaning Example Vas/o Vascular system (blood vessels) Vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels) Vascul/o Vascular system (blood vessels) Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) Angi/o Blood vessels Angiography (procedure that produces x-ray images of the blood vessels)

Answer 99

Roots - Cardiovascular System Root Meaning Example Atri/o Atrium Atrial flutter (an abnormal heart rhythm originating in the atria of the heart) Ventricul/o Ventricle Ventricular fibrillation (dysrhythmia that causes the ventricles to quiver instead of pumping normally) Aort/o Aorta Aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the aorta) Valvul/o Valve Balloon valvuloplasty (cardiac intervention to open up a heart valve using a catheter with a balloon on the tip)

Answer 100

Roots - Cardiovascular System Root Meaning Example Cardi/o Heart When you do your cardio workout, you are exercising your heart! Cardiomegaly (abnormal enlargement of the heart) Coron/o Crown, heart Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen)

Answer 101

Roots - Respiratory System Root Meaning Example Alveol/o Alveoli (air sacs at the end of the bronchioles where gas exchange occurs) Alveolar ducts (tiny ducts that connect the respiratory bronchioles to alveoli) Spir/o Breath During inspiration, you are taking a breath in. Incentive spirometer (device used to help patients take slow, deep breaths and improve functioning of their lungs) Capn/o Related to carbon dioxide Capnography (a measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide present in exhaled breath)

Answer 102

Roots - Respiratory System Root Meaning Example Pleur/o Pleura (membrane surrounding lungs) Pleuritis (inflammation of the pleura) Pulmon/o Lungs Pulmonary embolism (blockage of an artery in the lungs by a blood clot or other substance) Pneum/o Air, lungs Pneumothorax (abnormal accumulation of air in the pleural space)

Answer 103

Roots - Respiratory System Root Meaning Example Thorac/o Chest Thoracotomy (a surgical incision made into the chest) Bronch/o Bronchus (large airway that connects the trachea to the bronchioles) Bronchospasm (constriction of the bronchi due to the tightening of surrounding smooth muscle) Bronchiol/o Bronchiole (small airway in the lung that connects the bronchi to the alveoli) Bronchiolitis (inflammation and swelling of the bronchioles)

Answer 104

Roots - Respiratory System Root Meaning Example Pharyng/o Pharynx (throat) Oropharyngeal airway (an adjunct airway placed in the throat by way of the mouth) Laryng/o Larynx ("voice box") Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx) Trache/o Trachea ("windpipe") Endotracheal tube (an artificial airway placed in the trachea)

Answer 105

Roots - Respiratory System Root Meaning Example Nas/o Nose Nasogastric tube (tube inserted through the nose, down the throat, esophagus, and into the stomach) Rhin/o Nose A rhinoceros has a huge horn on its nose. Rhinoplasty (a surgery that changes the shape of the nose)

Answer 106

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Neo- New In a neonatal unit, they take care of newborn babies. Neoplasm (new, abnormal growth or tumor) Re- Again (or "back" - see card 5) A "redo" lets you try it again. Regenerate (to be formed again) Lith/o- Stone The Paleolithic period is considered the "Stone Age". Lithiasis (formation of stones in the body)

Answer 107

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Pan- All In a panoramic photo, you capture all of the view. Pancytopenia (low counts of all types of blood cells: white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets) Crypt/o- Hidden Some civilizations kept their dead hidden away in crypts. Cryptorchidism (undescended or "hidden" testicle) Psuedo- False The author used a pseudonym (fictitious or false name). Pancreatic pseudocyst (cyst that forms on the pancreas without an epithelial lining, making it a "false" cyst)

Answer 108

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Kines/o- Movement Kindergartners don't sit still, they like to move around a lot. Akinesia (inability to move) Kinesi/o- Movement Kinesiology (study of body movement) Orth/o- Straight, upright Orthodontics (braces) make your teeth straight! Orthopnea (difficulty breathing lying down, relieved by sitting or standing upright)

Answer 109

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Normo- Normal Normocephalic (normal-sized head) Eu- Good, well When you deliver a eulogy about someone, you say good things about the person. Euphoria (state of well-being and elevated mood)

Answer 110

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Gluc/o- Glucose, sugar Glucocorticoid (steroid hormone that regulates glucose homeostasis) Glyc/o- Glucose, sugar Glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen in the liver into glucose) Hydr/o- Water Firefighters use the fire hydrant to access water. Hydrocephalus (abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, which mostly consists of water, inside the brain)

Answer 111

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Echo- Using ultrasound waves, returned sound With an echo, the sound of your voice is repeated back. Echocardiogram (examination of the heart using ultrasound) Electr/o- Using electricity Electromyography (procedure that records the electrical activity of muscles during movement)

Answer 112

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Phon/o- Sound, voice When I use the phone I can hear the sound of my friend's voice. Phonophobia (intolerance or hypersensitivity to sound) Phot/o- Light Please turn on the light so I can take a photo. Phototherapy (the use of specialized light sources to treat certain diseases)

Answer 113

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Cry/o- Cold Being in cold weather makes me want to cry. Cryotherapy (use of extreme cold to destroy tissue) Therm/o- Heat I need to adjust the thermostat, it's too hot! Thermoregulation (process that allows the body to maintain a consistent internal temperature, or amount of "heat")

Answer 114

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Bio- Life Biopsy (examination of tissue from a living body) Chem/o- Chemical, drug Chemotherapy (treatment of cancer with chemicals) Pharmaco- Drug, medicine Pharmacokinetics (study of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs)

Answer 115

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Auto- Self My automobile is equipped with self-driving functionality. Autoimmunity (disorder that causes the immune system to attack healthy "self" cells) Idi/o- Self, individual, unknown That guy is such an idiot, he doesn't know anything! Idiopathic (disease with an unknown cause)

Answer 116

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example De- Down, less, removal of Decongestant (medication that results in less congestion) Dis- Apart, separation If you diss ("dis") me again, we are going to get separated. Aortic dissection (inner wall of the aorta tears, or comes apart)

Answer 117

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Homo- Same Homonymous hemianopia (vision loss on the same side of the visual field in both eyes) Is/o- Equal, same An isosceles triangle has two sides of equal length. Isotonic solution (solution that has the same salt concentration as bodily fluids)

Answer 118

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example All/o- Other, different Allograft (transplant of an organ, tissue, or cells from another individual of the same species who is not an identical twin) Heter/o- Other, different Heterozygous (having two different alleles of a particular gene)

Answer 119

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Anti- Against Antibiotic (a medication that works against bacterial infections) Contra- Against, opposite When you contradict someone, you are expressing an opposite opinion. Contraindication (a condition that makes a treatment or medication inadvisable, i.e., against recommendations)

Answer 120

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example Co- With A coworker is someone who works with you. Comorbidity (additional condition that occurs with the primary disorder or disease) Sym- With, together Symphysis (cartilaginous joint where two bones come together) Syn- With, together Synergy is working together to achieve a better result. Synovial joint (joint that contains a space, or joint cavity, where two bones come together)

Answer 121

Prefixes - Other Prefix Meaning Example A- Without, lack of Amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) An- Without, lack of The police tip was provided by an "anonymous" source (without a name). Anemia (blood disorder causing a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin) In- Not (or "in" - see card 9) Incontinent (not continent of bowel, bladder, or both) Non- Not Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (tumor of the lymphoid tissue that does not contain Reed-Sternberg cells)

Answer 122

Prefixes - Problems Prefix Meaning Example Para- Abnormal (or "alongside" - see card 7) Paraesthesia (abnormal sensation, such as tingling or numbness) Scler/o- Hardness (or "related to the sclera" - see card 60) Sounds like "skeleton", which is hard. Scleroderma (disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin) Sten/o- Narrowed, blocked Pulmonary stenosis (narrowing of the pulmonary valve) Xer/o- Dry With "xero" you have "zero" moisture. Xerostomia (dry mouth)

Answer 123

Prefixes - Problems Prefix Meaning Example Seps/o- Infection, contamination Sepsis (life-threatening response to infection, leading to organ damage) Py/o- Pus Pyuria (pus in urine) Pyr/o- Fever, heat A pyromaniac likes to set fires, which generate a lot of heat. Pyrogenic (causing fever)

Answer 124

Prefixes - Problems Prefix Meaning Example Carcin/o- Cancer My car emits carcinogenic fumes that can cause cancer. Carcinoma (cancerous tumor that originates in the epithelium) Onco- Tumor, bulk Oncogene (mutated gene that can cause the growth of a tumor) Necr/o- Death Necrotizing fasciitis (bacterial infection that causes tissue death)

Answer 125

Prefixes - Problems Prefix Meaning Example Dys- Abnormal, difficult, painful If you have dyslexia, you may have a difficult time reading. Dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing) Mal- Bad If you are malicious, you have bad intentions. Malodorous (bad smell) Path/o- Disease, suffering A pathogen (disease-causing agent) can make you sick and feel pathetic. Pathophysiology (physiological process that causes a disease)

Answer 126

Prefixes - Color Prefix Meaning Example Cyan/o- Blue Cyanosis (blue skin color indicating deoxygenated hemoglobin) Erythr/o- Red Erythrocyte (red blood cell) Melan/o- Black When I am feeling melancholy (sad), I like to wear black. Melanocyte (cell that produces melanin, which is black in color and absorbs UV light in the epidermis)

Answer 127

Prefixes - Color Prefix Meaning Example Alb/o- White The albino alligator is a beautiful shade of white. Lochia alba (vaginal discharge after birth that is white in color) Leuk/o- White You look ("leuk") like you just saw a ghost... your face is so white! Leukopenia (decreased number of total white blood cells)

Answer 128

Prefixes - Metric System Prefix Meaning Example Nano- One billionth (n) 1 gram = 1,000,000,000 nanograms 1/1,000,000,000 g = 1 ng Micro- One millionth (μ) (or "small" - see card 18) 1 gram = 1,000,000 micrograms 1/1,000,000 g = 1 μg Milli- One thousandth (m) 1 liter = 1,000 milliliters 1/1,000 L = 1 mL Deci- One tenth (d) 1 liter = 10 deciliters 1/10 L = 1 dL Kilo- One thousand (k) 1,000 grams = 1 kilogram 1/1,000 kg = 1 g

Answer 129

Prefixes - Numbers Prefix Meaning Example Tri- Three A triangle has three sides. Tricuspid valve (valve with three leaflets/cusps separating the right atrium from the right ventricle) Tetra- Four Tetralogy of Fallot (disorder that includes four congenital heart defects) Quadr/i- Four Abdominal quadrants (abdomen divided into four sections: RUQ, LUQ, LLQ, RLQ)

Answer 130

Prefixes - Numbers Prefix Meaning Example Mon/o- One That one company has a monopoly on the market. Mononuclear (cells with one nucleus) Uni- One A unicorn has one horn on its forehead. Unilateral (on one side) Bi- Two My bicycle has two wheels. Bicuspid valve (valve with two leaflets/cusps separating the left atrium from the left ventricle)

Answer 131

Prefixes - Length & Distance Prefix Meaning Example Brachy- Short-distance, short If I break ("brach") off a piece of this stick, it is much shorter. Brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy with an implant in or near a tumor; i.e., at short range) Tele/o- Distant A telescope lets you see distant stars and planets. Telemetry (patient data observed from a distance)

Answer 132

Prefixes - Speed Prefix Meaning Example Brady- Slow Tom Brady doesn't seem to be slowing down as he gets older. Bradycardia (slow heart rate, under 60 beats per minute) Tachy- Fast If you put your makeup on too fast, it will look tacky ("tachy")! Tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate, over 100 beats per minute)

Answer 133

Prefixes - Size Prefix Meaning Example Micro- Small (or "one millionth" - see card 23) A microscope is used to see very small things. Microsome (small particle in the cytoplasm of a cell) Macro- Large Macronutrients (nutrients needed in large amounts - protein, carbohydrates, fat) Meg/a- Large Megastars have a large number of fans. Megacolon (abnormally enlarged, dilated colon) Megal/o- Large, abnormal enlargement Megaloblastic anemia (disorder with abnormally large red blood cells)

Answer 134

Prefixes - Amount Prefix Meaning Example Hyper- Above, excessive When you are hyper, you have excessive energy! Hyperthyroidism (disorder that causes excessive amounts of thyroid hormones to be produced) Hypo- Below, deficient The words "hypo" and "below" rhyme, and both contain the letter "o". Hypokalemia (deficient levels of the electrolyte potassium in the blood)

Answer 135

Prefixes - Amount Prefix Meaning Example Hemi- Half The equator divides the earth into two halves, the northern and southern hemispheres. Hemiplegia (weakness or partial paralysis on one half of the body) Semi- Half, partially Semi-fowler's position (head of the bed is partially raised to 30°) Diplo- Double She was caught double-dipping! Diplopia (double vision)

Answer 136

Prefixes - Amount Prefix Meaning Example Multi- Many Multiple sclerosis (Autoimmune disease causing "many scars" in the CNS) Poly- Many, excessive In polygamy, you have many spouses. Polydipsia (excessive thirst)

Answer 137

Prefixes - Amount Prefix Meaning Example Nulli- None Nulliparous (never given birth; births = none) Olig/o- Few, little An oligarchy is a government where power resides with just a few people. Oliguria (urine output is reduced, just a "little" urine)

Answer 138

Prefixes - Positions, Directions, Locations Prefix Meaning Example Trans- Across, through I take the transit system through the city to avoid traffic. Transsphenoidal (surgical approach where instruments are inserted through the nose to get to the brain) Ultra- Beyond, extreme Someone who runs ultramarathons runs extreme distances, beyond 26.2 miles. Ultrasound (use of sound waves beyond the audible range to visualize internal body structures)

Answer 139

Prefixes - Positions, Directions, Locations Prefix Meaning Example Inter- Between An interview takes place between two people. Intercostal (space between ribs) Medi/o- Middle The median is in the middle of the road. Mediastinum (area in the middle of the chest, between the 2 lungs) Mes/o- Middle My kid left a big mess in the middle of the room. Mesoderm (the middle layer of cells in early embryonic development) Mid- Middle Midclavicular line (imaginary line passing vertically through the middle of the clavicle)

Answer 140

Prefixes - Positions, Directions, Locations Prefix Meaning Example Infra- Below, beneath The infrastructure of a city requires many things below the ground (pipes, wires, tunnels). Infraorbital (beneath the eye socket or orbit) Sub- Under A submarine goes under the water. Subdural hematoma (accumulation of blood under the dura mater)

Answer 141

Prefixes - Positions, Directions, Locations Prefix Meaning Example Epi- Upon, over The epicenter of an earthquake is directly over the place of origin. Epidermis (top layer of skin, rests upon/over the other layers) Super- Above Superior vena cava (large vein responsible for returning deoxygenated blood collected from structures located above the diaphragm) Supra- Above Suprapubic catheter (drainage tube above the pubic bone)

Answer 142

Prefixes - Positions, Directions, Locations Prefix Meaning Example En- Inside, within When you enter a building, you are going inside. Endemic (constant presence of a disease within a geographic area) End/o- Inner, within Endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart) In- In, into (or "not"- see card 30) Inpatient (patient who requires care in the hospital) Intra- Within, inside An organization's intranet only gives access to people inside the organization. Intracellular (inside a cell)

Answer 143

Prefixes - Positions, Directions, Locations Prefix Meaning Example Ect/o- Outer, outside Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus) Ex/o- Out, outside When you exit the building, you go outside. Exogenous hormone (hormone produced outside of a person, vs. internally) Extra- Outside You're just an extra in this movie...go wait outside! Extravasation (leakage of a vesicant medication outside the blood vessel into the surrounding tissue)

Answer 144

Prefixes - Positions, Directions, Locations Prefix Meaning Example Juxta- Nearby, next to Juxtaglomerular apparatus (structure in the kidney that is next to the glomerulus) Par/a- Alongside (or "abnormal" - see card 29) Parallel lines run alongside each other. Parathyroid glands (organs alongside the thyroid gland) Later/o- Side (farthest from the middle) I put a lattice fence on the side of my property. Lateralization of brain function (tendency of some functions to be specialized on one side of the brain or the other)

Answer 145

Prefixes - Positions, Directions, Locations Prefix Meaning Example Circum- Around (e.g., circle) Circumcision (removal of foreskin that is around the penis) Peri- Around, surrounding I periodically walk around the perimeter of my property. Periwound (area around the wound)

Answer 146

Prefixes - Positions, Directions, Locations Prefix Meaning Example Post- Behind, after "The post office appears to be behind, I'll go after the line gets shorter." Post-operative (after a surgery takes place) Re- Back (or "again" - see card 45) When you rewind a tape, you make it go backwards. Reflux (backflow of gastric contents into the esophagus) Retro- Behind, backward Is her 80s outfit "retro" fashion or just behind the times? Retroperitoneal cavity (space behind the abdominal/peritoneal cavity)

Answer 147

Prefixes - Positions, Directions, Locations Prefix Meaning Example Ante- Before You have to "ante up" before you start a hand of poker. Antepartum (before birth) Pre- Before Preterm birth (birth of a baby before 37 weeks) Anter/o- Front, before Anterior pituitary (front lobe of the pituitary gland) Ventr/o- Front or "belly side" of the body When I vent, the words come out of my mouth (on the front side of my body). Ventrolateral (to the front and the side)

Answer 148

Prefixes - Positions, Directions, Locations Prefix Meaning Example Ab- Away from The child was abducted and taken away. Abduction (movement of a limb away from the midline of the body) Ad- Towards If you are an addict, you want to bring what you crave towards you. Adduction (movement of a limb towards the midline of the body)

Answer 149

Prefix, Root, Suffix Combinations Prefix + root e.g., Hyperemesis (excessive vomiting) - Prefix: Hyper- = Above, excessive - Root: -emesis = Vomiting Root + suffix e.g., Craniotomy (removal of part of the skull) - Root: Crani- = Skull - Suffix: -otomy = Incision Prefix + root + suffix e.g., Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) - Prefix: Myo- = Muscle - Root: card = Heart - Suffix: -itis = Inflammation

Answer 150

Parts of Medical Terms Prefix = Beginning of the word - Often describes the position, direction, location, number, amount, speed, color, shape, or problem. Root = Basic part of the word - Often describes the part of the body. Suffix = End of the word - Often describes the type of test, problem, or condition.

Medical Terminology

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