Anatomy and Physiology Vocabulary1
Anatomy and Physiology Vocabulary1
Anatomy and Physiology Vocabulary1
There are literally thousands of medical terms. It would be very difficult to memorize the meaning of
each and every word. Most of the terms have a Greek or Latin origin.
However, it is not necessary to learn each and every word. A more efficient approach is to learn the
basic word parts and recognize them in a word.
The vocabulary will be broken down in to 3 categories:
1. Prefix - word part attached to the beginning of a word root and modifies its
meaning.
2. Root - contains the fundamental meaning of the word.
3. Suffix - word part attached to the end of a word root to modify its meaning.
PREFIX#1
1.a- not, without. Atresia: A (without) + tresia (perforation). Not having an
opening.
2.para- beside, beyond. Paracervical: Para beside) + cervical (cervix). Next to the uterine
cervix. “para” sounds like “pair”
3.amnio- amnion or membraneous fetal sac. Amniocentesis: Amnio (fetal sac) + centesis
(puncture). The removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid for analysis. “amnio”
sounds like “I am new”.
4.ante- before. Anterior: Ante (before) + rior (foremost). The front portion of a
structure. “ante” sounds like “auntie”.
5.cyes- pregnancy. Pseudocyesis: Psuedo (false) +cyes (pregnant) + esis (condition). A
condition in which a woman believes she is pregnant. “cyes” sounds like “sighs”.
6. tendin- fibrous band. Tendinitis: Tendin(tendons) + itis (inflammation). The
inflammation of the tendons. “tend” sounds like “ten”.
7. alb- white. Albino: An individual with a lack of coloring pigment in the skin eyes, and hair.
“alba” sounds like “album”.
8. peri- around. Pericardium: Peri (around) + cardium(heart). A fibroserous sac that
surrounds the heart and the roots of the great vessels. “peri” sounds like
“Perry”.
9. nulli- none. Nullipara: Nulli (none) + para (childbirth). A woman who has not yet
delivered an infant. “nulli” sounds like “no light”.
10. alve- channel, cavity. Alveolitis: Alve (cavity) + ol (small) + itis (inflammation). An allergic
inflammation of the alveoli.
PREFIX#2
11.lacrim- tears. Lacrimal gland: Lacrim (tears) + - al (related to), The lacrimal gland
secretes tears. “lacrim” sounds like “lake rim”
12.lei- smooth. Leiodermia: Leio (smooth) + derm (skin) + ia (condition). Smooth
skin. “leio” sounds like “lying”.
13.nephr- kidney. Nephritis: Nephr (kidney) + -itis (inflammation). An inflammation
of the kidney. “nephr” sounds like “nephew”.
14.crypto- hidden. Cryptogenic: Crypto (hidden) + genic (origin). A disease whose
origin is unknown. “crypto” sounds like “crept”
15.aur- ear. Auricle: Aur (ear) + i + cle (small). The outer part of the ear. “auri” sounds like
“oar”
16. cry- cold. Cryotherapy: Cry (cold) + therapy . Treatment using cold.
17. dia- across. Diaphragm: Dia (cross) +phragm (muscular wall). The muscle
that goes across the chest cavity. “dia” sounds like “diary”.
18. eti- causing disease. Etiology: Eti (causing disease) + logy (study of). The study of
the caused of disease. “eti” sounds like “eating”.
19. bi- two. Binocular: Bi (two) + ocular (eye). Having two eyes. “bi” sounds like
“bicycle”.
20. meta- change of exchange. Metamorphosis: Meta (change) + morph (shape) + osis
(condition). A change in shape. “meta” sounds like “ met a”.
PREFIX#3
21. ex- outside, without. Exoskeleton: Ex (outside) + skeleton. The hard outer covering of
many invertebrates.
22. noct- night. Nocturia: Noct (night) + uria (urination). Excessive urination at night. “noct”
sounds like “knock”.
23. poly- many, much. Polymorphous: Poly (many) + morp (shape) + ous (relating to).
Changing in structure or form at different stages. “poly” sounds like “police”.
24. ecto- outside, misplaced. Ectoderm: Ecto (ouside) + derm (skin). The outer layer
of cells in the embryo. “ecto” sounds like “octopus”
25. myo- muscle. Myocardium: Myo (muscle) + card (heart) + ium. The muscle of the
heart. “myo” sounds like “my O”
26. brady- slow. Bradypnea: Brady (slow) + pnea (breathing). An abnormally slow rate of
breathing. “brady” sounds like “braid”
27. dys- painful or difficult. Dysmenorrhea: Dys (painful) + men (month) + rrhea
(bursting forth). Painful menstruation.
28. trans- across, through. Transducer: Trans (through) + duc (lead) + er (agent of).
An electronic device that sends and receives a soundwave signal.
29. supra- above or over. Suprapatellar: Supra “above” + patell (kneecap) + ar (related
to). Above the patella.
30. eu- normal, well, good. Euthanasia: Eu (normal) + thanas (death) + ia (condition).
Bringing about the death of someone with an incurable disease, in an attempt to
alleviate suffering. “eu” sounds like “you”
PREFIX#4
31. pan- all. Panacea: Pan (all) + acea (remedy). A remedy that is imagined to cure all
ills.
32. rhabdo- striated, rod shaped. Rhabdomyoma: Rhabdo (striated) + myo (muscle) + oma (tumor).
A tumor of the striated muscle. “rhabdo” sounds like “rabbit”.
33. scler- hard. Sclera: Scler (hard) + a (singular noun). The hard white membrane covering the
front of the eye. “sclera” sound like “skull”
34. ton- pressure, tension. Tonometer: Ton (pressure) + 0 + meter (instrument for measuring).
An instrument that measures pressure in the eyeball.
35. sym- with, together. Symmetry: Sym syn (together) + metry (measure). A correspondence of
body parts on both sides of the body.
36. sub- under. Subcutaneous: Sub(under) + cutaneous (skin). Underneath the skin.
37. hemi- half. Hemiplegia: Hemi (half) + plegia (paralysis). Paralysis of one side of the
body.
38. pre- before. Prefrontal: Pre (before) + front (front) + al (related to). Related to
extreme front of the brain.
39. post- after, behind. Post Partum: Post (after) + Partum (birth). An example is post-
partum care, or “after-birth” care.
40. photo- light. Photophobia: Photo (light) + phobia (fear). An aversion to light.
PREFIX#5
41. phon- voice sound. Phonation: Phon (voice) + ation (process). The production of
speech sounds through the vibration of the voice cords.
42. per- throughout. Percutaneous: Per (through) + cutaneous (skin). A
procedure performed through the skin.
43. neo- new. Neonate: Neo (new) + nate (birth). A newborn baby.
44. multi- many. Multiparous: Multi (many) + par (birth) + -ous (relating to). Having
given birth to more than one child.
45. micro- small. Microsurgery: Micro (small) + surgery. Surgery on very small physical
structures.
46. intra- within, inside. Intravenous: Intra (inside) + venous (veins). Inside the veins.
47. inter- between. Intercostal muscles: Inter (between) + cost (ribs) + al (related to)
muscles. Between the ribs.
48. hyp- below, not enough. Hypoglycemia: Hypo (below) + glyc (sugar) + emia (blood). Low
blood sugar.
49. hyper- above or excessive. Hyperpnea: Hyper (excessive) + pnea (breathing). Abnormally
excessive rapid breathing.
50. epi- covering, on, upon. Epidemic: Epi (covering) + demic (people). Disease
covering a large area and many people.
51. andr- male. Androgen: Andr (male) + gen (to produce). Any hormone that increases
male characteristics.
52. cyst- bladder or sac. Cystectomy: Cyst (bladder/sac) + ectomy (surgical removal). Surgical
removal of all or part of the bladder.
53. bio- life. Biopsy: Bio (life) + opsy (look at). The examination of a small piece of living
tissue in order to establish a diagnosis.
54. auto- self. Autoplasty: Auto (self) + plasty (to shape). Surgery in which parts of the patients
own tissues are used to replace other parts.
55. an- without. Anemia: An (without) + emia (blood). A condition in which blood in absent,
or there is not enough blood.
56. -cele swelling, hernia. Cystocele: Cyst (bladder) + o + cele (swelling). A swelling of the
tissue of the lung through an opening in the chest.
57. -ectas extension, dilatation. Pharyngectasis: Pharyng (throat) + ectas (stretching). The
expansion of the throat.
58. -pexy surgical fixation. Cecopexy: Cec (cecum) + o + pexy (surgical fixation). Surgery that
reduces the movement of the cecum, or the first part of the large intestine.
59. -scopy visual examination. Rhinoscopy: Rhino (nose) + scopy (visual examination). The visual
examination of the interior passages of the nose.
60. -plasty surgical repair. Otoplasty: Oto (ear) + plasty (surgical repair). Surgery performed on
the external ear.
Suffix#7
61. -malacia softening of tissue. Osteomalacia: Osteo (bone) + malacia (softening). Softening of the
bones.
62. -opia nearsightedness. Diplopia: (Dipl) (double) + opia (near sighted). Double-vision.
63. -penia deficiency. Leukopenia: Leuk (white) + o + penia (deficiency). Leukopenia is a
deficiency of white blood cells.
64. -coccus berry-shaped bacterium. Streptococcus: Strepto (twisted) + coccus (berry-shaped). A
genus of cocus-type bacteria responsible for a wide range of human diseases.
65. -ptosis dropping, falling. Glossoptosis: Gloss (tongue) + o + ptosis (falling). Downward
displacement of the tongue.
66. -plegia paralysis. Hemiplegia: Hemi (half) + plegia (paralysis). Paralysis of one side
of the body.
67. -ectomy surgical removal. Mastectomy: Mast (breast) + ectomy (surgical removal).
The surgical removal of a breast.
68. -ician specialist. Pediatrician: Ped (children) + iatr (treatment) + ician (specialist). A
specialist in the treatment of children.
69. -phobia fear. Claustrophobia: Claustro (closed) + phobia (fear). The fear of enclosed or
confined spaces.
70. -rrhage bursting forth. Hemorrhage: Hemo (blood) + rrhage (bursting forth).
Profuse bleeding.
Suffix #8
71. -phagia eat, injest. Osteophagia: Osteo (bone) + phagia (consume). A process in which certain
bone cells consume an rebuild bone tissue during growth and repair.
72. -algia pain. Neuralgia: Neur (nerves) + algia (pain). Nerve pain.
73. -metry measure. Geometry: Geo (earth) + metry (measure). Literally, the
measurement of the earth.
74. -asthen weakness. Phlebasthenia: Phleb (vein) + asthen (weakness) + ia (condition).
Weakness of a vein.
75. -itis inflammation. Adenitis: Aden (gland) + itis (inflammation). Inflammation of a gland.
76. -osis a condition. Narcosis: Narc (drugs) + -osis (a condition). The condition of
being drugged.
77. -stenosis narrowing or constriction. Aortic stenosis: The narrowing of the aorta of the
heart.
78. -poiesis formation or production. Leukopoesis: Leuk (white) + o + poesis (formation).
The formation of white blood cells.
79. -paresis partial paralysis. Hemiparesis: Hemi (half) + paresis (partial paralysis).
Paralysis of one half of the body.
80. -ostomy surgical opening. Tracheotomy: -otomy Trache (trachea) + otomy (to cut into).
An opening through the neck into the trachea.
Suffix#9
81. -gram record, drawing. Mammogram: Mamm (breast) + o + gram (record). An x-ray
recording the structures within the breast.
82. -megaly enlarged. Cardiomegaly: Cardi (heart) + o + -megaly (enlarged). A condition in which
the heart is enlarged.
83. -meter measuring instrument. Thermometer: Therm (heat) + o + meter (measuring
instrument). An instrument for measuring temperature.
84. -oid resembling. Mastoid: Mast (breast) + -oid (resembling). Resembling the
breast.
85. -drome moving together. Syndrome: Syn (union) + drome (moving together). Signs and
symptoms occurring together and having a common cause.
86. -graph record. Sonographer: Sono (sound) + graph (record) + er (one who does). A sonogram
techician.
87. -lysis break down, detach. Dialysis: Dia (through) + lysis (separate of loosen).
A procedure in which waste materials are removed from the blood of a person
with advanced kidney disease.
88. -phragm muscular wall. Diaphragm: Dia (across) + phragm (muscular wall). The muscular wall
that goes across the thoracic cavity just below the lungs.
89. -ole small. Bronchiole: Bronchi (air passage) + ole (small). The small
airways of the respiratory system, form the larger bronchi into the lobes
of the lung.
90. -centesis puncture of cavity. Paracentesis: Para (through) + centesis (puncture of cavity). Any
procedure in which fluid is withdrawn from a bodily cavity.
Suffix#10
91. -crit to separate. Hematocrit: Hemato (blood) + crit ( to separate). A measure of the packed
cell volume of red blood cells.
92. -clasia crushing or breaking. Osteoclasia: Osteo (bone) + clas (crushing) + ia(diseased
condition). The degeneration of bone through disease.
93. -phasia speech. Dysphasia: Dys (bad) + phasia (speech). Difficulty in speaking.
94. -ism state or condition. Autism: Aut (self) + ism (a state or condition). A
psychological state of extreme withdrawl.
95. -stasis stoppage, control. Hemostasis. Hemo (blood) + stasis (stoppage). Stopping of
blood flow.
96. -oma swelling or tumor. Carcinoma: Carcin (cancer) + oma (tumor). A cancerous tumor.
97. path- disease, suffering. Pathogenesis: Path (disease) + o + genesis (origin). The origin of
disease.
98. ren- kideny. Adrenal: Ad (toward) + ren (kidney) + al (pertaining to). Pertaining to the
adrenal gland.
99. pro- before, in front of. Progeria: Pro (before) + ger (old age) + -ia (diseased condition).
Progeria means early aging.
100. cortic- cortex or outside organ layers. Cortical: Cortic (outside organ layer) + al (relating to).
Related to cortex - as in cortical fracture; a fracture of the outer layers of
bone.
ROOT#11
101. kerat hard, horny. Keratolysis: kerato (hard) + lysis (loosening). The loosening and
shedding of the outer layer of the skin.
102. strepto- twisted. Streptococcus: Strepto (twisted) + coccus (berry-shaped). A
genus of round or spherical bacteria responsible for a wide range of human
diseases.
103. -tome cutting instrument. Osteotome: Osteo (bone) + tome (cutting instrument). A
surgical instrument for cutting through bone.
104. tricho- hair. Trichopathy: tricho (hair) + pathy (disease). Any disease involving the
hair.
105. hyster uterus. Hysterectomy: Hyster (uterus) + ectomy (surgical removal). The surgical
removal of the uterus.
106. myc- fungus. Dermatomycosis: Dermato (skin) + myc (fungus) + osis (condition). An
infection of the skin.
107. necr- dead. Necrosis: necr (dead) + osis (condition). The death of localized tissues resulting
from illness or injury.
108. onych- nail. Onychomycosis: onycho (nail) + myc (fungus) + osis (condition). A fungal
infection of the nails.
109. pachy- thick. Pachydactyly: Pachy (thick) + dactyly (fingers). An abnormal thickening of the
fingers and toes.
110. placent- organ that supports the fetus. Placental scan. Imagery used to locate the
placenta and detect bleeding.
ROOT#12
111. radicul nerve root. Radiculitis: Radicul (nerve root) + itis (inflammation). The inflammation of
a spinal nerve root.
112. cerebell posterior portion of brain.: Cerebellospinal: cerebell (the cerebellum) + o +
spinal. Leading from the cerebellum to the spine.
113. thym gland in chest. Thymosin: Thym (thymus gland) + osin (hormone). An immunologic
hormone secreted by the thymus gland.
114. splen spleen. Splenomegaly: Splen (the spleen) + o + megaly (enlargement). The abnormal
enlargement of the spleen.
115. thromb clot. Thrombbolytic: thromb (vein) + o + lyt (loosening) + ic (substance). A drug or
other agent that dissolves clots.
116. synov synovial membrane. Synovitis: Synov (synovial membrane) + itis (inflammation). An
inflammation of the synovial membrane.
117. oophor ovary. Oophorectomy: Oophor (ovary) + ectomy (surgical removal). The surgical
removal of one or both ovaries.
118. stern sternum, breastbone. Suprasternal: Supra (above) + stern (sternum) + al (related
to). Above the sternum.
119. pupill center of eye. Pupilloplegia: pupill (center of eye) + o + plegia (paralysis). Paralysis of
the pupil.
120. fibr fibers. Fibrin: A stringy blood protein formed during clotting.
ROOT#13
121. myel spinal cord. Myelodysplasia: myelo (spinal columnd) + dys (bad) + plasia
(growth). Abnormalities of the lower spinal cord.
122. myel bone marrow. Myelogram: myelo (bone marrow) + gram (record). A graphic
representation of the different kinds of cells in bone marrow.
123. kyph hump. Kyphos: kyph (hump) + os (structure). The hump of the thoracic column.
124. ischi ischium or round portion of pelvis. Ischial spines: ischi (ischium) + al (related to)
spines. Relating to the ischium.
125. ili illium or bone of pelvis. Ilioinguinal: ilio (ilium) + inguin (groin) + al (related to).
Relating to the hip and the groin regions
126. cervic neck. Cervicodynia: cervico (neck) + dynia (pain). Pain in the neck.
127. burs fibrous sac between tendons and bones. Bursitis: burs (fibrous sac between
tendons and bones) + itis (inflammation). An inflammation of the bursa.
128. fibul fibula, smaller of 2 shin bones. Fibular fracture: Fibul (fibula) + ar (related to) fracture.
Relating to the fibula.
129. disk circular structure. Diskography: Disk (intervertebral disk) + o + graphy (recoding). The
x-ray examination of individual intervertebral disks.
130. phalang bones of fingers and toes. Symphalangia: Sym (together) + phlang (bones of fingers of
toes) + ia (diseased condition). A congenital abnormality in which fingers or toes are
webbed together.
ROOT#14
131. vulvo- vagina. Vulvectomy: Vulv (structures covering the vagina) + ectomy (surgical
removal). The removal of all or parts of the tissues of the vuvla.
132. cec- 1st portion of large intestine. Cecostomy: Cec (cecum) + ostomy (surgical incision). The
surgical construction of an opening into the cecum.
133. duoden- 1st part of small intestine. Duodenal digestion: Duoden (duodenum) + al (related to)
digestion.
134. jejun 2nd portion of small intestine. Jejunal feeding tube: Jejun (jejunum) + al (relating to). A
tube inserted into the jejunum to help administer liquids.
135. ile 3rd portion of small intestine. Ileal bypass: Ile (ileum) + al (related to) bypass. A
surgical procedure to treat obesity.
136. celi abdominal cavity. Celioma: Celi (abdominal cavity) + oma (tumor). A tumor in the
abdominal area.
137. pancreat pancreas or gland in abdomen that secretes insulin. Pancreatitis: Pancreat (pancreas) +
itis (inflammation). Inflammation of the pancreas.
138. palat hard palate or roof of mouth. Palatine arch: Palat (palate) + ine (pertaining to) arch.
The muscular structure forming the soft palate.
139. polyp- small growth. Polypectomy: Polyp (small growth) + ectomy (surgical removal). The
removal of any polyp in the digestive system.
140. peritoneo peritoneum or membrane lining abdominal wall. Peritoneal fluid: Peritone (peritoneum)
+ al (relating to) fluid. A naturally produced fluid that lubricates the peritoneum.
ROOT#15
141. sono sound. Sonogram: Sono (sound) + gram (recording). Imaging body structures by
recording the reflection of sound waves.
142. ophthalm eye. Ophthalmologist: Ophthalmo (eye) + logist (one who studies), A physician who
specializes in eye treatment.
143. sphygm pulse. Sphygmoid: Sphygm (pulse) + oid (resembling). Resembling a pulse.
144. echo- reflected sound. Echocardiogram: Echo (reflected sound) + cardi (heart) + o + gram
(recording). A recording of heart movements from ultrasound virbrations.
145. ventricul small cavity. Ventricular hypertrophy: Ventricul (small cavity) + ar (relating to)
hypertrophy. Relating to the ventricles, an abnormal enlargement of the
ventricles.
146. tars ankle. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrom: Tars (ankle) + al (related to) tunnel syndrome. Relating
to the tarsals.
147. blephar eyelid. Blepharitis: Blephar (eyelid) + itis (inflammation). Inflammation of the eyelid.
148. dacry tears. Dacryadenitis: Dacry (tears) + aden (gland) + itis (inflammation).
149. stape- 3rd bone in middle ear. Stapedectomy: stapes (third bone - ear) + d + ectomy
(surgical removal). Surgical removal of the stapes.
150. myring eardrum. Myringitis: Myring (eardrum) + itis (inflammation). Inflammation of the
eardrum.
ROOT#16
151. labyrinth maze-like inner ear. Labyrinthitis: labyrinth (maze-like inner ear) + -itis
(inflammation). Inflammation of the labyrinth.
152. retin back of eye. Retinitis: retins (retina) + itis (inflammation). Inflammation of the retina.
153. ren kidney. Renal: ren (kidney) + -al (relating to). Relating to the kindney –as in the renal
artery.
154. pyel collection area inside kidney. Pyelitis: Pyel (kidney collection area) + -itis
(inflammation). An inflammation of the pelvis of the kindey area.
155. gen cause, become. Pathogenesis: Patho (disease) + gen (cause) + esis (condition). The
origin of a disease.
156. olig few. Oliguria: Olig (few) + uria (urination). The diminished capacity to form and pass
urine.
157. glyc sugar. Hypoglycemia: Hypo ( low) + glyco (sugar) + -emia (blood condition). Low
blood sugar.
158. dips thirst, condition of. Dipsomania: Dips (thirst) + o + mania (madness). The craving for
alcoholic beverages, or alcoholism.
159. sial saliva. Sialorrhea: Sialo (saliva) + rrhea (flow). An excessive flow of saliva.
160. men egg month, menses. Menopause: Meno (month, menses) + pause (stop).
Cessation of menses.
ROOT #17
161. iatr treatment or physician. Pediatric: Ped (children) + iatr (treatment) + ic (related
to). The treatment of children.
162. gnosis knowledge. Prognosis: Pro (before) + gnosis (knowledge). Knowledge of how and
when a patient will recover.
163. opt vision. Optician: Opt (vision) + -ician (specialist). A person who makes, fits, or sells
eyewear.
164. tonsill small masses of tissue in pharynx. Tonsillits: Tonsill ( tonsils) + itis (inflammation).
An inflammation of the tonsils.
165. viscer internal organs. Visceral: Viscer (internal organs) + -al (relating to). Relating to the
viscera, as in visceral cavity – the space in the abdomen containing the internal organs.
166. somat body. Somatotrophic: Somat (body) + o + trop (nourishment) + ic (relating to).
Relating to the growth of the body, as in somatrophic hormone or
growth hormone.
167. plasia formation or development. Hyperplasia: Hyper (excessive) + plasia (formation).
Hyperplasia means an increase in the number of cells in the body.
168. sarc flesh. Sarcoma: Sarc (flesh) + -oma (tumor). A cancerous tumor.
169. tripsy surgical crushing. Lithotripsy: Lith (stone) + o + tripsy (surgical crushing).
The surgical crushing of kidney stones.
170. lith stone. Lithiasis: Lith (stone) + -iasis (condition). The formation of calculi, or stones, in
the organs of the body, such as kidney stones.
ROOT#18
171. physi nature. Physiology: Physi (nature) + ology (the study of). The study of the nature of the
human body.
172. spondyl vertebrae. Spondylosis: Spondyl (vertebrae) + osis (condition). A condition in which
the spinal vertebrae are fixed or stiff.
173. lapar abdomen. Laparotomy: Laparo (abdomen) + tomy (surgical incision). An incision into
the abdominal cavity, usually exploratory.
174. or mouth. Oral temperature: Or (mouth) + al (relating to) temperature. Relating to the
mouth.
175. stomat mouth. Stomatitis: Stomat (mouth) + tis (inflammation). Any inflammation of the
mouth.
176. cheil lips. Cheilosis: Cheil (lips) + osis (condition). A scaly condition of the mouth and lips.
177. gingiv gums. Gingivitis: Gingiv (gums) + itis (inflammation). Inflammation and bleeding of
the gums.
178. gloss tongue. Glossopathy: Glosso ( tongue) + pathy (disease). Any abnormal or diseased
condition of the tongue.
179. pseud false. Pseudocyesis: Pseud (false) + o + cyesis (pregnancy). A condition in which a
woman believes she is pregnant when she is not.
180. meatus opening, tunnel. Urinary meatus: The exterior of the urethra.
ROOT#19
181. encephal brain. Encephalitis: En(in) + cephal in) + itis (inflammation). An inflammatory
condition of the brain, cause by a viral infection.
182. polio gray matter of brain. Poliomyelitis: Polio (gray matter) + myel (marrow) + itis
(inflammation). An infectious viral disease with symptoms ranging from mild to severe
paralysis.
183. gangli groups of nerves. Ganglion: Gangli (groups of nerves) + on (unit). A mass of nerves.
184. -edem excessive fluid. Edematous: Edema (swelling of fluid) + tous (condition of).
185. isch deficiency of blockage. Ischemia: Isch (blocked) + emia (blood condition). A condition
in which the supply of oxygen to a part of the body is blocked.
186. kerat cornea. Keratectomy: Kerat (conrea) + -ectomy (surgical removal). The surgical
removal of part of the cornea.
187. lingu tongue. Lingual frenum: (Lingu (tongue) + al (relating to) frenum. The band of tissue
from the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
188. ovi egg. Oviduct: Ovi (egg) + duct (lead). The tubes leading from the ovaries to the uterus.
189. ocul eye. Ocular: Ocul (eye) + ar (relating to).
190. lymph lymphatic system. Lymphoma: Lymph (lymphatic system) + oma (tumor). A
cancerous tumor of the lymphatic system.
ROOT#20
191. pneumon lungs or the air. Pneumonia: Pneumon (lungs) + ia (condition). An acute inflammation
of the lungs.
192. oto- ear. Otoplasty: Oto (ear) + -plasty (surgery). Surgery performed on the external ear.
193. plasm cell or tissue substance. Plasma: Plasm (cell) + -a. The fluid portion of the
lymph and blood.
194. vas vessel. Vasodilator: Vaso (vessel) + dilat (open) + or (agent of). An agent that causes
the dilation, or opening, of blood vessels.
195. psych mind. Psychology: Psych (mind) + o + logy (the study of). The study of the mind.
206. rhin nose. Rhinoplasty: Rhino (nose) + plasty (surgical repair). Plastic surgery which
changes the structure of the nose.
197. angi blood vessel. Angiogram: Angio (blood vessel) + gram (recorder). A radiographic
image of a blood vessel.
198. arthr joint. Arthritis: Arthr (joint) + itis (inflammation). An inflammatory condition of the
joints.
199. ather fats or lipids. Atherectomy: Ather (fat or lipids) + ectomy (surgical removal). The
surgical removal of fatty plaque from the wall of an artery.
200. irid iris of the eye. Iridoplegia: Irid (iris) + plegia (paralysis). Paralysis of the sphincter
muscle of the iris.
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201. enter intestines. Enteritis: Enter (intestines) + itis (inflammation). Inflammation of the lining
of the small intestine.
202. gastr stomach. Gastrointestinal: Gastro (stomach) + intestin + al (relating to). Having to do
with any of the organs of digestion, from the mouth to the anus.
203. gyn female. Gynecology: Gyneco (female) + logy (study of). The study of the female
reproductive organs.
204. hepat liver. Hepatitis: Hepat (liver) + itis (inflammation). An inflammation of the liver.
205. heter different, another. Heterosexual: Hetero (different) + sexual. A person whose sexual
preference is for people of the opposite sex.
206. hydr water. Hydronephrosis: Hydro (water) + nephr (kidney) + -osis (condition). Distention
of the kidney due to an obstruction that prevents urination.
207. kary nucleus of the cell. Karyotype: Kary (nucleus of a cell) + o + type (characteristic). A
diagram of the total chromosomes of an individual or a species.
208. mon one. Mononucleosis: Mono (one ) + o + nucle (nucleus) + osis (condition). An
abnormal increase in the number of mononuclear leukocytes in the blood.
209. neuro nerve. Neuromuscular: Neuro (nerve) + muscul (muscle) + ar (related to).
Relating to the nerves and the muscles.
210. osteo bone. Osteoporosis: Osteo (bone) + por (pores) + osis (condition). A disorder in which
bones become porous and brittle.
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211. femur thigh bone. Femoral artery: Femor (thigh bone) + al (relating to) artery. Relating to the
femur.
212. esthesi feeling or perception. Anesthesia: An (not) + esthes (feeling or perception) + ia
(condition). The absence of normal sensation, usually induced for medical
purposes.
213. mening membrane. Meningitis: Mening (the meninges) + itis (inflammation). An inflammation
or the infection of the menginges, usually caused by bacterial infection.
214. crani skull. Cranial nerves: Crani (skull) + al (related to) nerves. Relating to the cranium.
215. steth chest. Stethoscope: Steth (chest) + o + scope (instrument for examining). An
instrument used to help in hearing chest sounds.
216. dur hard. Dura mater: Dur (hard) + a (singular noun) + mater (cover). The outermost and
most fibrous of the 3 membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
217. phleb vein. Phlebotomy: Phleb (vein) + otomy (surgical incision). The surgical incision of a
vein for the letting of blood.
218. polyp growth. Polyposis: Polyp (growth) + osis (condition). An abnormal condition with
numerous polyps on a body part.
219. coron heart. Coronary bypass: Coron (the heart) + ary (related to) bypass. Open heart surgery
in which a section of blood vessel is used to bypass damage in a coronary artery.
220. dipl two or double. Diplopia: Dipl (double) + opia (vision). Double vision.
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221. prostate male reproductive system gland. Prostatectomy: Prostate (prostate) + ectomy (surgical
removal). The surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland.
222. test male reproductive gland. Testes: Test (male reproductive gland) + es (plural). The pair
of male reproductive gonads in which sperm is produced.
223. spermat male germ cell. Spermatocide: Spermato (male germ cell) + cide (kill). A chemical
substance that kills sperm.
224. orchid testicle. Orchidopexy: Orchido (testicle) + pexy (surgical fixation). An operation to
mobilize an undescended testes.
225. scrotum bag of skin containing testes. Scrotal raphe: Scrot (scrotum) + al (related to) raphe. The
line of union of the two halves of the scrotum.
226. uter uterus womb. Uterotomy: Uter (uterus) + o + tomy (surgical incision). A surgical
incision, such as a cesarean section.
227. cervic cervix, narrow portion of the uterus. Cervicitis: Cervix (cervix) + itis (inflammation).
An inflammation of the uterus.
228. vagin canal leading from uterus outside of body. Vaginal speculum. Vagin (vagina) + al
(related to) speculum. Relating to the vagina. The instrument used to inspect the vaginal
cavity.
229. colpo vagina. Colposcope: Colpo (vagina) + scope (instrument for viewing). A lighted
instrument for examination of the vagina and the cervix.
230. oscheo pertaining to the scrotum. Oscheoma: Osche (scrotum) + oma (tumor). A tumor within
the scrotum.