2 Prefixes and Suffixes
Learning Objectives
- Understand the difference between a prefix and a suffix.
- Differentiate prefixes that deal with body parts, color, and direction.
- Distinguish suffixes that deal with procedures.
Prefixes
Prefixes are located at the beginning of a medical term. The prefix alters the meaning of the medical term. It is important to spell and pronounce prefixes correctly.
Many prefixes that you find in medical terms are common to English language prefixes. A good technique to help with memorization is the following:
- Start by reviewing the most common prefixes.
- Consider common English language words that begin with the same prefixes.
- Compare them to the examples of use in medical terms.
Common Prefixes
| PREFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLE OF USE IN MEDICAL TERMS |
|---|---|---|
| A-, An- | Without; Lacking | Anemia |
| Andr/o- | Male | Androgen |
| Anti- | Against | Anticholinergic drugs |
| Auto- | Self | Autocrine |
| Bio- | Life | Biology |
| Chem/o- | Chemistry | Chemotherapy |
| Contra- | Against | Contraception |
| Cyt/o- | Cell | Cytokine |
| Dis- | Separation; Taking apart | Dissection |
| Dys- | Difficult; Abnormal | Dyspnea |
| Eu- | Good; Well | Eupnea |
| Fibr/o- | Fiber | Fibrosis |
| Gluco-, Glyco- | Glucose; Sugar | Glycogen |
| Gyn/o-, Gynec- | Female | Gynecology |
| Hydr/o- | Water | Hydrocephalus |
| Idio- | Self; One’s own | Idiopathic |
| Lyso-, Lys- | Break down; Destruction; Dissolving | Lysosome |
| Mal- | Bad; Abnormal | Malignant |
| Myc/o- | Fungus | Mycetoma |
| Necr/o- | Death | Necrosis |
| Neo- | New | Neonate |
| Oxy- | Sharp; Acute; Oxygen | Oxytocin |
| Pan-, Pant/o- | All or everywhere | Pancytopenia |
| Pharmaco- | Drug; Medicine | Pharmacist |
| Re- | Again; Backward | Rejuvenation |
| Somat/o-, Somatico- | Body; Bodily | Somatic cell |
Body Part Prefixes
| PREFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLE OF USE IN MEDICAL TERMS |
|---|---|---|
| Acous/o- | Hearing | Acoustic meatus |
| Aden/o- | Gland | Adenoid |
| Adip/o- | Fat | Adipocyte |
| Adren/o- | Gland | Adrenal cortex |
| Angi/o- | Blood vessel | Angioplasty |
| Arteri/o- | Artery | Arteriole |
| Arthr/o- | Joint | Arthroplasty |
| Bucc/o- | Cheek | Buccal cavity |
| Bronch/i- | Bronchus | Bronchioles |
| Burs/o- | Bursa | Bursa |
| Carcin/o- | Cancer | Basal cell carcinoma |
| Cardi/o- | Heart | Cardiology |
| Cephal/o- | Head | Cephalic flexure |
| Chol- | Bile | Cholesterol |
| Chondri- | Cartilage | Chondrosarcoma |
| Coron- | Heart | Coronary arteries |
| Cost- | Rib | Costal cartilage |
| Crani/o- | Brain | Cranium |
| Cutane- | Skin | Cutaneous |
| Cyst/o-, Cysti- | Bladder or sac | Cystoscopy |
| Derm-, Dermat/o- | Skin | Dermatologist |
| Duoden/o- | Duodenum | Duodenitis |
| Gastr- | Stomach | Gastrectomy |
| Gloss- | Tongue | Glossectomy |
| Hem-, Hema-, Hemat-, Hemo-, Hemat/o- | Blood | Hematopoiesis |
| Hepat/o-, Hepatico- | Liver | Hepatic portal system |
| Hist/o-, Histio- | Tissue | Histology |
| Hyster/o- | Uterus | Hysterectomy |
| Ileo- | Ileum | Ileostomy |
| Ischi/o- | Ischium | Ischial tuberosity |
| Kerat/o- | Cornea (eye or skin) | Keratin |
| Lacrim/o- | Tear (from your eyes) | Lacrimal fluid |
| Lact/o-, Lacti- | Milk | Lactose |
| Laryng/o- | Larynx | Laryngitis |
| Lingu/o- | Tongue | Lingual tonsil |
| Lip/o- | Fat | Lipolysis |
| Lymph/o- | Lymph | Lymphocyte |
| Mamm-, Mast/o- | Breast | Mammary glands |
| Mening/o- | Meninges | Meningitis |
| Muscul/o- | Muscle | Musculoskeletal |
| My/o- | Muscle | Myocardium |
| Myel/o- | Spinal cord or bone marrow | Myelin |
| Nephr/o- | Kidney | Nephron |
| Neur/i-, Neur/o- | Nerve | Neuron |
| Oculo- | Eye | Oculomotor nerve |
| Onco- | Tumor; Bulk; Volume | Oncogene |
| Onych/o- | Fingernail; Toenail | Onychodystrophy |
| Oo- | Egg; Ovary | Oocyte |
| Oophor/o- | Ovary | Oophorectomy |
| Op-, Opt- | Vision | Optic nerve |
| Ophthalm/o- | Eye | Ophthalmic artery |
| Orchid/o-, Orchio- | Testis | Orchidectomy |
| Orth/o- | Straight; Normal; Correct | Orthostatic |
| Osseo- | Bony | Osseous tissue |
| Ossi- | Bone | Ossicles |
| Ost-, Oste/o- | Bone | Osteoporosis |
| Ot/o- | Ear | Otolaryngologist |
| Ovar/i-, Ovario-, Ovi-, Ovo- | Ovary | Ovarian follicle |
| Phalang- | Phalanx | Phalanges |
| Pharyng/o- | Pharynx; Throat | Pharyngeal tonsil |
| Phleb/o- | Vein | Phlebotomist |
| Phren/i-, Phreno-, Phrenico- | Diaphragm | Phrenic nerve |
| Pleur-, Pleur/a-, Pleur/o- | Rib, pleura | Pleural cavity |
| Pneum/a- Pneumat/o- | Air; Lung | Pneumonia |
| Proct/o- | Anus; Rectum | Proctoscopy |
| Prostat- | Prostate | Prostatectomy |
| Pseudo- | False | Pseudostratified |
| Psych/o-, Psyche- | Mind | Psychiatrist |
| Radio- | Radiation; Radius | Radioisotopes |
| Ren/o- | Kidney | Renal cortex |
| Retin- | Retina (of the eye) | Retinitis pigmentosa |
| Rhin/o- | Nose | Rhinoscope |
| Salping/o- | Tube | Salpingo-oophorectomy |
| Sarco- | Muscular; Flesh-like | Sarcomere |
| Schiz/o- | Split; Cleft | Schizophrenia |
| Sclera-, Sclero- | Hardness | Sclerosis |
| Sigmoid/o- | Sigmoid colon | Sigmoidoscopy |
| Sperma-, Spermo-, Spermato- | Sperm | Spermatocyte |
| Splen/o- | Spleen | Splenomegaly |
| Sten/o- | Narrowed; Blocked | Stenosis |
| Stern- | Sternum | Sternoclavicular joint |
| Stom/a-, Stomat/o- | Mouth | Stomatitis |
| Thorac/o-, Thoracico- | Chest | Thoracic cavity |
| Thromb/o- | Blood clot | Thrombolytic |
| Thyr/o- | Thyroid gland | Thyroiditis |
| Trache/o- | Trachea | Trachealis |
| Tympan/o- | Eardrum | Tympanic membrane |
| Ur/o- | Urine | Urologist |
| Vagin- | Vagina | Vaginal |
| Varic/o- | Duct; Blood vessel | Varicose veins |
| Vasculo- | Blood vessel | Vasculitis |
| Ven/o- | Vein | Venae cavae |
| Vertbr- | Vertebra; Spine | Vertebral column |
Color Prefixes
| PREFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLE OF USE IN MEDICAL TERMS |
|---|---|---|
| Chlor/o- | Green | Chlorophyll |
| Chrom-, Chromato- | Color | Chromosome |
| Cyano- | Blue | Cyanosis |
| Erythr/o- | Red | Erythrocyte |
| Leuk/o- | White | Leukocyte |
| Melan/o- | Black | Melanin |
Physical Property and Shape Prefixes
| PREFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLE OF USE IN MEDICAL TERMS |
|---|---|---|
| Cry/o- | Cold | Cryotherapy |
| Elect- | Electrical activity | Electrocardiogram |
| Kin/o-, Kine-, Kinesi/o- | Movement | Kinetic energy |
| Kyphy/o- | Humped | Kyphosis |
| Rhabd/o- | Rod-shaped; Striated | Rhabdomyosarcoma |
| Phot/o- | Light | Photoreceptor |
| Reticul/o- | Net | Reticulocytes |
| Scoli/o- | Twisted | Scoliosis |
| Therm/o- | Heat | Thermotherapy |
Direction and Position Prefixes
| PREFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLE OF USE IN MEDICAL TERMS |
|---|---|---|
| Ab-, Abs- | Away from | Abductor |
| Ad- | Towards | Adductor |
| Ante- | Before; Forward | Antenatal |
| Circum- | Around | Circumcision |
| Cycl- | Circle; Cycle | Cyclic neutropenia |
| De- | Away from; Ending | Dehydration |
| Dia- | Across; Through | Diagnosis |
| Ect/o-, Exo- | Outer; Outside | Exocrine gland |
| End/o-, Ent-, Enter/o- | Within; Inner | Endocrine gland |
| Epi- | Upon; Outside of | Epidermis |
| Ex-, Extra- | Beyond | Expiration |
| Infra- | Beneath; Below | Infratemporal fossa |
| Inter- | Between | Interstitial fluid |
| Intra- | Within | Intracellular fluid |
| Meso- | Middle | Mesoderm |
| Meta- | Beyond; Change | Metabolism |
| Para- | Alongside; Abnormal | Parathyroid glands |
| Path/o- | Disease | Pathologist |
| Peri- | Around | Pericardium |
| Post- | Behind; After | Postpartum |
| Pre- | Before; In front | Precancerous |
| Retro- | Backward; Behind | Retroperitoneum |
| Sub- | Under | Subcutaneous layer |
| Super- | Above | Superior |
| Supra- | Above; Upon | Supraglottis |
| Sy-, Syl-, Sym-, Syn-, Sys- | Together | Syndrome |
| Trans- | Across; Through | Transdermal |
Quantity Prefixes
| PREFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLE OF USE IN MEDICAL TERMS |
|---|---|---|
| Bi- | Two | Biceps |
| Brady- | Slow | Bradycardia |
| Diplo- | Double | Diploid |
| Hemi- | Half | Hemihypertrophy |
| Hetero- | Other; Different | Heterogeneous |
| Homo- | Same | Homozygous genotype |
| Hyper- | Above; Beyond; Excessive | Hypertension |
| Hypo- | Under; Deficient | Hypotension |
| Iso- | Equal; Like | Isointense |
| Macro- | Large; Long; Big | Macrophage |
| Mic-, Micro- | Small | Microglia |
| Mon-, Mono- | One | Monocyte |
| Olig/o- | Few; Little | Oliguria |
| Poly- | Many; Excessive | Polyuria |
| Quadri- | Four | Quadriceps |
| Semi- | Half | Semilunar valves |
| Tachy- | Fast | Tachycardia |
| Tetra- | Four | Tetralogy of Fallot |
| Tri- | Three | Triceps |
| Uni- | One | Unicellular |
Concept Check
- Do you know the difference between the prefixes inter-, infra-, and intra-?
- What color is an erythrocyte? A leukocyte?
- Which prefixes could you use to indicate something is:
- around something else?
- within something else?
- below something else?
Suffixes
Suffixes are word parts that are located at the end of words. Suffixes can alter the meaning of medical terms. It is important to spell and pronounce suffixes correctly.
Suffixes in medical terms are common to English language suffixes. Suffixes are not always explicitly stated in the definition of a word. It is common that suffixes will not be explicitly stated when defining a medical term in the workplace. However, when transcribing or reading medical reports the suffix is always clearly written. In order to properly spell and pronounce medical terms, it is helpful to learn the suffixes.
Common Suffixes
| SUFFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLE OF USE IN MEDICAL TERMS |
|---|---|---|
| -ac | Pertaining to | Cardiac |
| -blast, -blasto, -blastic | Bud; Germ | Myeloblast |
| -cyte, -cytic | Cell | Thrombocyte |
| -dynia | Pain; Swelling | Thoracodynia |
| -eal, -ial | Pertaining to | Esophageal |
| -ectasis | Expansion; Dilation | Atelectasis |
| -emia | Blood condition | Anemia |
| -ia | Condition | Hemophilia |
| -iasis | Condition; Formation of | Psoriasis |
| -ism | Condition | Hypothyroidism |
| -ites, -itis | Inflammation | Arthritis |
| -ity | Pertaining to | Immunity |
| -ium | Structure or tissue | Epithelium |
| -lysis, -lytic | Break down; Destruction; Dissolving | Osteolytic |
| -malacia | Softening | Osteomalacia |
| -megaly | Enlargement | Acromegaly |
| -oid | Resembling | Arachnoid trabeculae |
| -oma | Tumor | Angiosarcoma |
| -osis | Condition; Usually abnormal | Endometriosis |
| -ous | Pertaining to | Aqueous |
| -pathy | Disease | Lymphadenopathy |
| -penia | Deficiency; Lack of | Thrombocytopenia |
| -phagia, -phagy | Eating; Swallowing | Dysphagia |
| -phasia | Speech | Aphasia |
| -plasia, -plastic | Growth | Hyperplasia |
| -plegia | Paralysis | Hemiplegia |
| -pnea | Breathing | Sleep apnea |
| -poiesis | Production | Hemopoiesis |
| -ptosis | Falling; Drooping | Apoptosis |
| -rrhage, -rrhagic | Bleeding | Hemorrhage |
| -rrhea | Flow or discharge | Diarrhea |
| -sclerosis | Hardening | Arteriosclerosis |
| -sis | Condition | Agranulocytosis |
| -stasis | Level; Unchanging | Homeostasis |
| -trophy | Growth | Hypertrophy |
| -uria | In the urine | Anuria |
Procedure Suffixes
| SUFFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLE OF USE IN MEDICAL TERMS |
|---|---|---|
| -centesis | Surgical puncture to remove fluid | Thoracentesis |
| -desis | Surgical binding | Pleurodesis |
| -ectomy | Cut out; Removal | Mastectomy |
| -gram | Record; Picture | Electrocardiogram |
| -graph | Instrument used to create a record or picture | Electrocardiograph |
| -graphy | To record or take a picture | Echocardiography |
| -meter | Device used for measuring | Sphygmomanometer |
| -opsy | Visual examination | Biopsy |
| -ostomy | Opening | Colostomy |
| -otomy | Incision | Laparotomy |
| -pexy | Surgical fixation | Oophoropexy |
| -plasty | Surgical reconstruction | Vertebroplasty |
| -scope | For examining | Endoscope |
| -scopy | Examine | Endoscopy |
Concept Check
- Do you know the difference between the suffixes -gram, -graph, and -graphy?
- Which suffixes denote a condition or disease?
Word parts and definitions from “Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean” by MedlinePlus and is under public domain.
Definitions of medical term examples from:
- Anatomy and Physiology (on OpenStax), by Betts et al. and is used under a CC BY 4.0 international license. Download and access this book for free at https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/1-introduction
- Concepts of Biology (on OpenStax), by Fowler et al. and is used under a CC BY 4.0 international license. Download and access this book for free at https://openstax.org/books/concepts-biology/pages/1-introduction
- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms by the National Cancer Institute and is used under public domain.
Word part at the beginning of a medical term that changes the meaning of the word root
A condition in which the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin is deficient (Betts et al., 2013)
Male sex hormones; for example, testosterone (Betts et al., 2013)
Drugs that inhibit the release of acetylcholine (ACh) (Betts et al., 2013)
A chemical that elicits a response in the same cell that secreted it (Betts et al., 2013)
A science concerned with the origin, structure, development, growth, function, genetics, and reproduction of animals, plants, and microorganisms (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The use of drugs, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A signaling molecule that allows cells to communicate with each other over short distances (Betts et al., 2013)
When a body is dissected, its structures are cut apart in order to observe their physical attributes and relationships to one another (Betts et al., 2013)
Difficulty breathing (Betts et al., 2013)
A mode of breathing that occurs at rest and does not require the cognitive thought of the individual; also known as quiet breathing (Betts et al., 2013)
A process in which muscle fibers are replaced by scar tissue (Betts et al., 2013)
A polysaccharide that is converted to glucose (Betts et al., 2013)
A medical-surgical specialty concerned with the physiology and disorders primarily of the female genital tract, as well as female endocrinology and reproductive physiology (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
The abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Something that is unknown (Betts et al., 2013)
An organelle that contains enzymes that break down and digest unneeded cellular components (Betts et al., 2013)
Cancerous (Betts et al., 2013)
A chronic subcutaneous infection (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
Accidental cell death (Betts et al., 2013)
An infant during the first 28 days after birth (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
Hypothalamic hormone stored in the posterior pituitary gland and important in stimulating uterine contractions in labor, milk ejection during breastfeeding, and feelings of attachment (also produced in males) (Betts et al., 2013)
A condition in which there is a lower-than-normal number of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A health professional who has special training in preparing and dispensing (giving out) prescription drugs (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The phenomenon of youthfulness, vitality, and freshness being restored (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
General term for a body cell (Betts et al., 2013)
The opening that provides for passage of the nerve from the hearing and equilibrium organs of the inner ear (Betts et al., 2013)
Pharyngeal tonsil (Betts et al., 2013)
Fat cell (Betts et al., 2013)
The outer region of the adrenal gland; secretes steroid hormones (Betts et al., 2013)
A procedure in which an occlusion is mechanically widened with a balloon (Betts et al., 2013)
A very small artery that leads to a capillary (Betts et al., 2013)
Joint replacement surgery (Betts et al., 2013)
The cheeks, tongue, and palate (Betts et al., 2013)
Large airway that leads from the trachea (windpipe) to a lung (Betts et al., 2013)
Branches of the bronchi (Betts et al., 2013)
A thin connective tissue sac filled with lubricating liquid (Betts et al., 2013)
A form of cancer that affects the stratum basale of the epidermis (Betts et al., 2013)
The study of the heart (Betts et al., 2013)
The curve between the brain stem and forebrain (Betts et al., 2013)
An important component of bile acids; a building block of many hormones (Betts et al., 2013)
A type of cancer that forms in bone cartilage (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Supply blood to the myocardium and other components of the heart (Betts et al., 2013)
Made of hyaline cartilage and located at the end of each rib (Betts et al., 2013)
Completely surrounds and protects the brain from non-traumatic injury (Betts et al., 2013)
Skin (Betts et al., 2013)
Examination of the bladder and urethra using a cystoscope, inserted into the urethra (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin disorders (Betts et al., 2013)
The first portion of the small intestine (Betts et al., 2013)
Inflammation of the duodenum (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Stomach removal (Betts et al., 2013)
Surgical removal of all or part of the tongue (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The production of blood cells (Betts et al., 2013)
Carriers blood to the liver for processing before it enters circulation (Betts et al., 2013)
The study of tissues (Betts et al., 2013)
Surgery to remove the uterus and, sometimes, the cervix (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The longest part of the small intestine (Betts et al., 2013)
A procedure in which the ileum is brought through the abdominal wall (Betts et al., 2013)
The lower and back part of the hip bone (Betts et al., 2013)
The large, roughened area of the inferior ischium (Betts et al., 2013)
An intracellular fibrous protein that gives hair, nails, and skin their hardness and water-resistant properties (Betts et al., 2013)
Tears of the eye (Betts et al., 2013)
Milk sugar (Betts et al., 2013)
A cartilaginous structure inferior to the laryngopharynx that connects the pharynx to the trachea and helps regulate the volume of air that enters and leaves the lungs; also known as the voice box (Betts et al., 2013)
Inflammation of the larynx (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Lymphoid tissue located at the base of the tongue (Betts et al., 2013)
The breakdown of adipose tissue (Betts et al., 2013)
The second most common type of leukocyte and are essential for the immune response (Betts et al., 2013)
Modified sweat glands that produce breast milk (Betts et al., 2013)
The membranes that surround the central nervous system (Betts et al., 2013)
Inflammation of the meninges, the tough membranes that surround the central nervous system (Betts et al., 2013)
Refers to both the muscular system and skeletal system (Betts et al., 2013)
The middle and thickest muscle layer of the heart (Betts et al., 2013)
Lipid-rich layer of insulation that surrounds an axon, formed by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system; facilitates the transmission of electrical signals (Betts et al., 2013)
A highly specialized tubular structure responsible for creating the final urine composition (Betts et al., 2013)
Cells that propagate information via electrochemical impulses (Betts et al., 2013)
Responsible for eye movements (Betts et al., 2013)
A gene that is a mutated form of a gene involved in normal cell growth and may cause the growth of cancer cells (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Abnormal changes in the shape, color, texture, and growth of the fingernails or toenails (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Immature egg cell (Betts et al., 2013)
Surgery to remove one or both ovaries (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Carriers signals from the retina to the brain (Betts et al., 2013)
Provides blood to the eyes (Betts et al., 2013)
Surgery to remove one or both testicles; also called orchiectomy (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Standing up (Betts et al., 2013)
Bone tissue (Betts et al., 2013)
Three small bones located in the middle ear (Betts et al., 2013)
A disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass that occurs when the rate of bone resorption exceeds the rate of bone formation (Betts et al., 2013)
A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat; also called ENT doctor (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The oocyte and its supporting cells (Betts et al., 2013)
Any bone in the fingers or toes (Betts et al., 2013)
Finger and toe bones (Betts et al., 2013)
The tonsil located at the back of the throat; also known as the adenoid when swollen (Betts et al., 2013)
A medical professional trained to draw blood, typically by performing a venipuncture of a surface vein of the arm (Betts et al., 2013)
The nerve connected to the spinal cord at cervical levels 3 to 5; it is responsible for the muscle contractions that drive ventilation (Betts et al., 2013)
The membrane that wraps around the outside of your lungs and lines the inside of your chest cavity (Betts et al., 2013)
The space between the lung's visceral and parietal layers (Betts et al., 2013)
A severe inflammation of the lungs in which the alveoli (tiny air sacs) are filled with fluid (National Cancer Institute, n.d.).
A procedure that uses a proctoscope to look inside the anus and rectum (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Surgery to remove part or all of the prostate and some of the tissue around it (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Tissue with a single layer of irregularly shaped cells that give the appearance of more than one layer (Betts et al., 2013)
A medical doctor who specializes in neuroscience and diagnoses and treats mental disorders (Betts et al., 2013)
Radioactive isotopes (Betts et al., 2013)
The outer region of the kidney, between the renal capsule and the renal medulla (Betts et al., 2013)
A disease that causes deterioration of the retinas of the eyes (Betts et al., 2013)
A thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the nose (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Surgical removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The functional unit of a skeletal muscle fiber (Betts et al., 2013)
A group of severe mental disorders in which a person has trouble telling the difference between real and unreal experiences, thinking logically, having normal emotional responses to others, and behaving normally in social situations (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Hardening of tissue (Betts et al., 2013)
Examination of the lower colon using a sigmoidoscope, inserted into the rectum (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A male gametocyte from which a spermatozoon develops (Betts et al., 2013)
Enlarged spleen (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A condition in which the heart valves become rigid and may calcify over time (Betts et al., 2013)
Breastbone (Betts et al., 2013)
The only bony articulation between the pectoral girdle of the upper limb and the axial skeleton (Betts et al., 2013)
Inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A chamber located within the upper human torso which contains the heart and lungs (Betts et al., 2013)
A class of drugs that can help speed up the degradation of an abnormal clot (Betts et al., 2013)
Inflammation of the thyroid gland (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The windpipe (Betts et al., 2013)
A smooth muscle that bridges the gap between the free ends of C-shaped cartilages at the posterior border of the trachea (Betts et al., 2013)
The ear drum (Betts et al., 2013)
A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary organs in females and the urinary and reproductive organs in males (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Pertaining to the vagina (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Distended, twisted veins (Betts et al., 2013)
Inflammation of blood vessels (Betts et al., 2013)
The two major systemic veins (Betts et al., 2013)
The spine (Betts et al., 2013)
A green pigment that captures the energy of sunlight for photosynthesis (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
Composed of DNA and proteins; the condensed form of chromatin (Betts et al., 2013)
A condition in which the oxygen supply is restricted, causing the skin to look blue (Betts et al., 2013)
A red blood cell (Betts et al., 2013)
White blood cell(s) (Betts et al., 2013)
Pigment that gives the hair and skin its color (Betts et al., 2013)
A procedure in which an extremely cold liquid or an instrument called a cryoprobe is used to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The record of the heart's function produced by the electrocardiograph (Betts et al., 2013)
The energy matter possesses because of its motion (Betts et al., 2013)
An excessive posterior curvature of the thoracic region (Betts et al., 2013)
Cancer that forms in the soft tissues in a type of muscle called striated muscle (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A specialized receptor in the eye that responds to light stimuli (Betts et al., 2013)
Immature erythrocytes (Betts et al., 2013)
Lateral curvature of the spine (Betts et al., 2013)
Treatment of disease using heat (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Moves the bone away from the midline (Betts et al., 2013)
Moves the bone toward the midline (Betts et al., 2013)
Having to do with the time a female is pregnant, before birth occurs; also called prenatal (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The surgical removal of the prepuce (Betts et al., 2013)
A condition in which the number of neutrophils in the blood goes in cycles from normal to low and back to normal again (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A net loss of water that results in insufficient water in blood and other tissues (Betts et al., 2013)
The process of identifying a disease, condition, or injury from its signs and symptoms (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A gland whose secretions leave through a duct that opens directly, or indirectly, to the external environment (Betts et al., 2013)
A ductless gland that releases secretions directly into surrounding tissues and fluids (Betts et al., 2013)
The outer, protective layer of the skin (Betts et al., 2013)
Exhalation, or the process of causing air to leave the lungs (Betts et al., 2013)
Located below the zygomatic arch and deep to the ramus of the mandible (Betts et al., 2013)
Extracellular fluid not contained within blood vessels (Betts et al., 2013)
The fluid interior of the cell (Betts et al., 2013)
The middle germ layer in the embryo (Betts et al., 2013)
The sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions that take place in the body (Betts et al., 2013)
Small structures located on the posterior thyroid gland that produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) (Betts et al., 2013)
A doctor who has special training in identifying diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Membrane that separates the heart from other mediastinal structures; consists of two distinct, fused sublayers: the fibrous pericardium and the parietal pericardium (Betts et al., 2013)
The period of approximately 6 weeks immediately following childbirth (Betts et al., 2013)
A term used to describe a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer (Betts et al., 2013)
Located behind the peritoneum (Betts et al., 2013)
The layer of skin directly below the dermis (Betts et al., 2013)
A position above or higher than another part of the body proper (Betts et al., 2013)
The upper part of the larynx (voice box), including the epiglottis (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A set of symptoms or conditions that occur together and suggest the presence of a certain disease or an increased chance of developing the disease (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Absorbed through the unbroken skin (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Muscles with two origins (Betts et al., 2013)
A condition in which the heart beats slower than 50 beats per minute (Betts et al., 2013)
A cell containing two matched sets of chromosomes (Betts et al., 2013)
A condition in which one side of the body or a part of one side is larger than the other (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Made up of elements or ingredients that are not alike (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A term that describes having two identical versions of the same gene (Betts et al., 2013)
Abnormally high blood pressure (Betts et al., 2013)
Blood pressure goes below the homeostatic set point when standing (Betts et al., 2013)
Having the same intensity as another object (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A large cell derived from a monocyte; they participate in innate immune responses (Betts et al., 2013)
Smaller than most of the other glial cells; they ingest and digest cells or pathogens that cause disease (Betts et al., 2013)
A type of immune cell that is made in the bone marrow (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Below-average production of urine (Betts et al., 2013)
Excessive urine production (Betts et al., 2013)
A group of four muscles located on the anterior (front) thigh (Betts et al., 2013)
The generic name for the the openings that lead to the pulmonary trunk and aorta (Betts et al., 2013)
A condition in which the resting rate is above 100 bpm (Betts et al., 2013)
A congenital heart condition comprised of four defects (Betts et al., 2013)
The three-headed muscle that extends the forearm (Betts et al., 2013)
Single-celled (Betts et al., 2013)
A word part added to the end of a word that changes the meaning of the word root
Having to do with the heart (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A type of immature white blood cell that forms in the bone marrow (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Platelets (Betts et al., 2013)
Chest pain (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Of or pertaining to the esophagus (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Failure of the lung to expand (inflate) completely (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A group of related disorders in which there is the inadequate production of functional amounts of one or more clotting factors (Betts et al., 2013)
A chronic disease of the skin marked by red patches covered with white scales (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The disease state caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland (Betts et al., 2013)
Chronic inflammation of the synovial joints (Betts et al., 2013)
Pertaining to the body's ability to mount an overwhelming immune response against a pathogen so that it cannot produce disease (Betts et al., 2013)
Sheets of cells that cover the exterior surfaces of the body, line internal cavities and passageways, and form certain glands; also known as epithelial tissue (Betts et al., 2013)
Causing the breakdown of bone (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A softening of adult bones due to Vitamin D deficiency (Betts et al., 2013)
A disorder that results in the growth of bones in the face, hands, and feet in response to excessive levels of growth hormone in individuals who have stopped growing (Betts et al., 2013)
A membrane layer of the CNS that resembles a spider web (Betts et al., 2013)
A type of cancer that begins in the cells that line blood vessels or lymph vessels (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A disease characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue found outside the uterus (Betts et al., 2013)
Having to do with water (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Disease or swelling of the lymph nodes (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A condition in which there is an insufficient number of platelets (Betts et al., 2013)
Difficulty swallowing (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
Loss of language function (Betts et al., 2013)
Abnormal growth due to the production of cells (Betts et al., 2013)
Paralysis on one side of the body (Betts et al., 2013)
A chronic disorder characterized by the cessation of breathing during sleep (Betts et al., 2013)
The process by which the body produces blood (Betts et al., 2013)
Programmed cell death (Betts et al., 2013)
Excessive bleeding (Betts et al., 2013)
Frequent and watery bowel movements (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The generalized loss of compliance; "hardening of the arteries" (Betts et al., 2013)
A serious condition that occurs when there is an extremely low number of granulocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the blood (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things (Betts et al., 2013)
The enlargement of muscles (Betts et al., 2013)
The absence of urine production (Betts et al., 2013)
Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity through a needle inserted between the ribs (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A medical procedure that uses chemicals or drugs to cause inflammation and adhesion between the layers of the pleura to prevent buildup of fluid (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The surgical procedure to remove all or part of a breast (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
The instrument that generates an electrocardiogram (ECG); 10 electrodes are placed in standard locations on the patient's skin to record heart function (Betts et al., 2013)
A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) to look at tissues and organs inside the chest (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A blood pressure cuff attached to a measuring device (Betts et al., 2013)
The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
An opening into the colon from the outside of the body (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A procedure in which one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes are separated from the uterus and attached to the wall of the abdomen (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A procedure used to repair a bone in the spine that has a break caused by cancer, osteoporosis, or trauma (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A thin, tube-like instrument used to look at tissues inside the body (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
A procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the inside of the body (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
