Faculty of Medicine

Alexandria University
Short course
in

Medical Terminology
for medical students

Course Description
Medical terminology is a specialized language used by health care
practitioners and just like any foreign language; it has its own vocabulary and
ways of stringing together words in an acceptable i.e. understandable to
everyone format.

The goal of this course is medical terminology is to help students to learn the
basics of what makes up medical terms so that he/she can not only use and
understand them but be able to recognize and learn new terms when he/pr
she comes across them in the future.

Course objectives
At the end of the medical terminology course, students will be able to

1. Become familiar with medical terms

2. Learn the categories of medical terms ( eponyms and descriptive)
3. Learn the basic parts of medical terms ( word roots, prefix and suffix)
4. Learn the word roots for different organs in the human body
5. Be able to recognize and learn medical terms when coming across
them during the different medical courses.

Free resources: visit

http://the point.iww.com/colins ….http:/www.dmu.edu/medterms

1
 Contents

Basics……………………………………………………………… 3

Cardiovascular system…………………………………………. 14

Nervous system………………………………………………...... 18

Digesive system………………………………………………….. 22

Respiratory system………………………………………………. 26

Urinary system…………………………………………………….. 30

Male reproductive system……………………………………..... 34

Female reproductive system…………………………………... 37

Musculoskeletal system-………………………………………… 41

Cancer words……………………………………………………… 47

Exercise……………………………………………………………… 50

2
 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Every profession including the medical profession has its jargon, a specialized language
that allows for quick, efficient communication between members of the same profession
while minimizing the potential for misunderstandings. .

Medical terminology is a specialized language used by health care practitioners. And, just
like a foreign language, it has its own vocabulary and ways of stringing together words in
an acceptable, i.e., understandable to everyone, format.

The goal of this course in medical terminology is to learn the basics of what makes up
medical terms so that the medical student can not only use and understand them himself ,
but be able to recognize and learn new terms when he comes across them in the future.

There are two major categories of medical terms:

1- Descriptive- describing shape, color, size, function, etc,

2- Eponyms, literally "putting a name upon". The latter has been used to honor those
who first discovered or described an anatomical structure or diagnosed a disease or
first developed a medical instrument or procedure. Examples of eponyms:
 Fallopian tubes (uterine tubes-Gabriello Fallopio)
 Eustachian tubes (auditory tubes-Bartolommeo Eustachii

Fundamentals of how medical terminology is constructed as a language.

There are three basic parts to medical terms:

1- A word root (usually the middle of the word and its central meaning),
2- A prefix (comes at the beginning and usually identifies some subdivision or part of
the central meaning),
3- A suffix (comes at the end and modifies the central meaning as to what or who is
interacting with it or what is happening to it

Word Root

therm = heat

 hypothermia (less heat): prefix +word root)

 thermometer (measuring heat)" :Word root + suffix

3
 myocarditis

(prefix) (root) (suffix)

myo = muscle card = heart itis = inflammation

Prefix and suffix changes can alter the meaning of a term without changing its
central meaning by keeping the root the same.

Prefix change:

myocarditis = muscle layer of heart inflamed

pericarditis = outer layer of heart inflamed

endocarditis = inner layer of heart inflamed

Suffix change:

cardiologist = a physician specializing in the heart

Cardiomyopathy = damage to heart muscle layer

Cardiomegaly = enlargement of the heart

Examples of prefixes and suffixes.

-itis = inflammation tonsillitis, appendicitis

-osis = abnormal condition cyanosis (of blueness, due to cold or

low oxygen)

-ectomy = to cut out (remove) appendectomy, tonsillectomy

-otomy = to cut into tracheotomy (to cut into the windpipe,

temporary opening)

-ostomy = to make a "mouth" colostomy (to make a permanent opening in

colon)

a/an = without, none anemia (literally no blood but means few

red cells)

micro = small microstomia (abnormally small mouth)

macro = large macrostomia (abnormally large mouth)

mega/ - = enlarged megacolon (abnormally large colon =

4
megaly large intestine)

Dys- Difficult/faulty Dyphagia: difficulty in swallowing

-scopy/ - = to look, observe colonoscopy (look into colon)

scopic

-graphy/ - = recording an image mammography (imaging the breasts)

graph

-gram = the image (X-ray) mammogram

The endings, -graphy, -graph, -gram, relate to recording an image such as an X-ray,
CT or MRI scan or a written recording with pen and moving paper.

 Mammography is the process of recording, i.e. the machine and

procedure. Mammogram is the image itself, the X-ray.
 A recording of heart activity is called an electrocardiogram using an
electrocardiograph.
 A recording of brain activity is an electroencephalogram and the medical
procedure and machine is called electroencephalography

-ology/ - = study, specialize in Cardiologist ( specialized in the study of

ologist heart diseases,

Pulmonogist ( specialist in lung diseases)

Neurologist ( specialist in nerve and brain

diseases.

Ophthalmologist ( specialist in eye

diseases)

5
Word roots that identify major organs in the body.

Note that some organs have more than one word root. Example: "masto" and "mammo".
Typically, one is derived from the Greek and one from Latin. The word ending itis means
inflammation,

Stomato = mouth stomatitis

Dento = teeth dentist

Glosso/linguo = tongue glossitis, lingual

nerve

Gingivo = gums gingivitis

Encephalo = brain encephalitis

Gastro = stomach gastritis

Entero = intestine gastroenteritis

Colo =large colitis, megacolon

intestine

6
Procto = anus/rectum proctitis,
proctologist

Hepato = liver hepatitis,

hepatomegaly

Nephro/rene = kidney nephrosis, renal

artery

Orchido = testis orchiditis,

orchidectomy

Oophoro = ovary oophorectomy

Hystero/metro =uterus hysterectomy,

endometritis

Salpingo = uterine hystosalpingogram

tubes

Dermo = skin dermatitis

7
Masto/mammo = breast mammography,
mastectomy

Osteo = bones osteoporosis

Cardio = heart electrocardiogram

(ECG)

Cysto = bladder cystitis

Rhino = nose rhinitis (runny

nose!)

Phlebo/veno = veins phlebitis,

phlebotomy

Pneumo/pulmo = lung pneumonitis,

pulmonologist

Hemo/emia = blood hematologist,

anemia

8
Technicolor Terms

Leuk/o = white leukemia ( excess of white

blood cells)
melan/o = black melanoma (black tumor of the
skin)
cyan/o = blue cyanosis (blueness may be due
to cold or not enough oxygen in
blood)
xanth/o = yellow xanthoma (yellow tumor)

Tumor Talk

Adding -- oma (a swelling) to organ and tissue word roots names tumors.

Aden/o
= gland adenoma

Lip/o = fat lipoma

My/o = muscle myoma

Lymph/o = lymph tissue lymphoma

Carcin/o = malignant carcinoma

Osteo/o = bone osteoma

Directions

endoscopy (to inspect the

Endo = within, inside of inside of an organ or space
with a lighted instrument)

Peri = around perianal (around the anus)

Circum = around circumcise (cut around)

9
 retrosternal (behind the
Retro = behind
breastbone)

epidermis (the top or

Epi = upon, on top
outermost layer of skin)

transurethral (through the

Trans = through
urinary exit duct)

intravenous (inside the veins,

Intra = within
e.g. IV fluids)

subclavian (below the clavicle

Sub = below
= collar bone)

In review, the word parts that make up medical terminology are prefixes, suffixes and
word roots. The most typical sequence is prefix, word root, suffix with the word root
being central but this is not always the case.

Sometimes a slash and vowel are added to the word root to make it easier to attach to
word parts and make pronounciation easier.

10
 Quiz I
1-If I haven't been brushing my teeth often enough, I may end up with bleeding
from my gums, a condition called

hepatitis
colitis
gingivitis
stomatitis
proctitis

2-A patient has had a diagnosis of colon cancer and will need surgical removal
of the colon. She will end up with a permanent hole in her abdomen for drainage
into a bag. The permanent opening is called a

megacolon
colitis
colonoscopy
colostomy
colectomy

3-You have been having chronic pains in your upper abdomen, and your family
physician refers you to a specialist in diseases of the digestive tract called a

cardiologist
pulmonologist
neurologist
gastroenterologist
proctologist

4-You have just been diagnosed as having an enlarged liver. The doctor
describes it as

megacolon
hepatomegaly
macrostomia
hepatitis
gastroenteritis

11
5-You have taken your friend to the emergency room with severe lower back
pain and blood in his urine. After examination and lab tests, the physician
reports that your friend has an inflammation of his kidneys and makes a
diagnosis of

hepatitis
cystitis
proctitis
nephritis
orchiditis

6-Your friend who is a long distance runner is told by his physician that he has
an enlarged heart, but that this can be a normal finding in well conditioned
athletes. The doctor writes on his chart that your friend has

hepatomegaly
cardiomegaly
megacolon
macrostomia
myocarditis

7-Your mother is having her uterus surgically removed along with her ovaries.
Removal of ovaries is called

hysterectomy
orchidectomy
appendectomy
oophorectomy
gastrectomy

8-A patient has become sterile due to chronic inflammation of her uterine tubes
from frequent infection with sexually transmitted diseases. This tubal
inflammation is called

endometritis
perimetritis
salpingitis
hepatitis
proctitis

12
9- A patient with epilepsy has had a procedure performed that records brain
electrical activity. This procedure is called

electrocardiography
electroencephalography
electromyography
electrogastrography
electrophoresis

10-A female patient has a special X-ray procedure of the breasts

performed. The X-ray image is called a

mammoplasty
mammoplasia
mammography
mastectomy
mammogram

13
 Cardivascular system Term

Cardi/o = heart Endocarditis, myocarditis,

pericarditis (inflammation of the
lining, the muscle layer, the outer
layer of the heart)

Brady/tachy = slow/fast Bradycardia (rate<60) tachycardia

(rate>100)

Angi/o = vessel Angiography, angiogram (X-ray

of artery)

Veno/phlebo = vein Venogram (X-ray of veins),

phlebitis (inflammation of veins)

-stasis = to stop Hemostasis (to stop bleeding),

hemostat (a clamp-like
instrument)

-cyte = cell Erythrocytes, leucocytes (red,

white blood cells)

Hem/o, -emia = blood Hypoxemia (low oxygen),

hematosalpinx (blood in the
uterine tubes)

Cardiovascular system procedures

 Cardiologist-

a physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the

cardiovascular system, especially, the heart.

 Hematologist

- a physician specializing in diseases of the blood.

14
 Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)-

A printout recording of the electrical activity of the heart.

 Echocardiography-

Using ultra high frequency sound waves (beyond human hearing), similar to

"sonar", to form an image of the inside of the heart. This procedure can

demonstrate valve damage, congenital (before birth) defects and other

abnormalities.

 Cardiac scan-

Using a radioactive element to inject into the blood stream and create an image

of the heart showing activity of uptake of radioactivity in various areas of the

heart. Cardiac scans can identify areas of damaged or dead tissue, or reduced

metabolism due to reduced or blocked blood flow.

 Cardiac catheterization-

A long hollow tube, a catheter, can be threaded into a vein up into the heart.

Then material opaque to X-rays can be released into the blood flow through the

heart imaging the details of coronary arteries. Typically used to identify a

blockage and location in the coronary circulation.

 Phlebotomist/venipuncturist-

the specially trained nurse or technician draws blood for lab tests and may also

start IV's (intravenous fluids). The Greek and Latin versions of "cutting into a

vein".

15
 QUIZ 2
1- Pericarditis is a term describing inflammation of

the inside lining of heart chambers

the tough sac surrounding the heart
the muscular layer of the heart
a coronary artery
a heart valve

2-A physician who specializes in diagnosis of diseases of the heart is a called a

hematologist
serologist
pathologist
cardiologist
cardiovascular surgeon

3-A recording of the electrical activity of the heart is termed

echocardiogram
cardiac scan
electrocardiogram
cardiac catheterization
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

4-Bradycardia is a term describing an

abnormally fast heart rate

inflammation of heart muscle
enlarged heart
abnormally slow heart rate
abnormally small heart

16
5-Which of the following cells gives the red color to the blood?

leucocytes
erythrocytes
melanocytes
cenocytes
phagocytes

6-Inflammation of veins is termed

lymphangitis
hemangioma
phlebitis
arteritis
angina

7-Permanent damage to heart muscle due to a blocked artery is termed

angina pectoris
myocardial infarct
cardiomyopathy
cardiomegaly
myocarditis

8-The medical technician who draws blood from a vein for laboratory tests is called
a

cardiologist
hematologist
phlebotomist
radiologist
serologist

17
 Nervous system terms
Cephal/o Head Cephalgia (a headache)

Encephal/o Inside the head (brain) Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

Anencephalic (born without a brain)

Mening/o Membranes Meningitis (inflammation of the

surrounding the brain membranes)
and spinal cord

Myel/o Spinal cord Myelogram (X-ray of the spinal cord)

Neur/o Nerve Neuroma (tumor)

Neuritis (inflammation)

Dys Difficult, painful, Dyslexia (difficulty reading)

abnormal

-cele Hernia, abnormal Meningomyelocele (protrusion of

protrusion of structure membranes and spinal cord)
out of normal
anatomical position

-pathy Disease, abnormality Encephalopathy (disease of the brain)

Neuropathy (disease of the nerves)

-plasia Development, Aplasia (no development)

formation, growth
Hyperplasia (over development)

-plegia Paralysis Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the

body)

Quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs)

Nervous system procedures.

 Neurologist-

a physician specializing in diseases of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

18
 Lumbar (spinal) puncture or tap (LP)-

Introducing a needle between the lower bony vertebrae of our spinal column allows

a physician to sample the fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), surrounding the brain and

spinal cord. Lab tests on the fluid are used for diagnostic purposes such as

presence of bacteria in meningitis, special proteins in multiple sclerosis, or blood

cells.

 Brain scan-

Introducing a radioactive element into the blood can image possible tumors in the

brain.

 Electroencephalography (EEG)- .

Starting at the end of the word: an image (in this case a written recording) of the

brain's electrical activity. EEG's are used to diagnose different types of seizure

disorders such as epilepsy, brain tumors, and are used in sleep research to

identify stages of sleep.

 Computed tomography (CT)-

A specialized X-ray machine that takes multiple images of a body area from

different angles and has a computer that integrates the multiple images into

"slices" of the body. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-

 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Although the image produces the "slices" through the body seen by CT , no

X-rays are involved. The patient's body is placed in a strong magnetic field.

Radio pulses affect the resonance or "spin" of atoms in the tissues. A

computer analyzes this information to show subtle differences in tissue

molecular structure producing very high resolution and better differentiation

of soft tissue.

19
 Quiz 3
1-Meningitis refers to

inflammation of the brain

inflammation of the membranes around the brain
inflammation of the spinal cord
a sensation of itchiness of the scalp
an inflammation unique to males

2-Neuropathy is a term describing

a specialist in diseases of the nervous system

inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain
a noninflammatory disease of nerves
absence of a brain at birth
a herniation of the brain outside the skull

3-A meningomyelocele describes

herniation of the brain out of the skull

herniation of protective membranes surrounding the brain
herniation of both protective membranes and spinal cord
inflammation of membranes surrounding the brain
a hole in the protective membranes surrounding the brain

4-Aphasia is a term defining difficulty or loss of ability to

read
write
see
hear
speak
5-Which of the following procedures involves injecting a radioactive element into a
patient's vein that may mark the presence of a tumor?

A brain scan
Computed tomography
Electroencephalography

20
 Magnetic resonance imaging
Angiography

6-A baby is born without a brain. The diagnosis would be

encephalitis
myelodysplasia
meningocele
anencephalic
meningomyelocele

7-A patient may have a brain tumor, and the physician decides to use a procedure
that will give the highest resolution of imaging soft tissues. He gives orders for

a brain scan
computed tomography
electroencephalography
magnetic resonance imaging
lumbar puncture

8-A tumor of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord is
called a/an

neuroma
encephalocele
myeloma
meningioma
meningocele

21
 Digestive System Terms
Gastr/o Stomach Gastritis, Gastrectomy

Chol/e Gall, bile Cholecystitis, cholecystectomy (inflammation

of, removal of gallbladder)

Cyst/o Bladder, sac (see above)

Emes/o Vomit Emesis (vomiting), emetic (stimulating

vomiting), antiemetic (stopping vomiting

Lith/o Stone Cholelithotomy (removal of gall stones)

Lapar/o Abdominal wall Laparotomy (cutting into the abdomen)

-centesis To puncture Abdominocentesis (puncturing and draining)

-tripsy To crush Cholelithotripsy (smashing gall stones with

sound waves)

-rrhea Flow, discharge Diarrhea

-iasis Abnormal Cholelithiasis (presence of gall stones causing

(-osis) condition symptoms)

Digestive system procedures and specialist.

Gastroenterologist-

a physician specializing in diseases of the digestive system including esophagus,

stomach and intestines. These specialists do not do surgery. Patients needing surgery
are referred to a general surgeon.

Proctologist-

a physician specializing in diseases of the rectum and anus. Proctology is a surgical

subspecialty.

22
Liver scan-

Injecting a radioactive element into the blood stream that can image tumors in the liver.
The radioactivity is very low and detectable only with an instrument more sophisticated
than the old Geiger counter.

Endoscopy-

use of a flexible fiberoptic instrument attached to a video camera that can be used to
directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and large bowel. Special names may be used
for each area explored such as colonoscopy.

Ultrasonography (ultrasound)-

a procedure using high frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs. Primarily
used to visualize abdominal and pelvic organs, such as the pregnant uterus

23
 QUIZ 4
1-An emetic drug would have which of the following actions?

Stop bleeding
Induce vomiting
Stop vomiting
Stop diarrhea
Kill bacteria

2-Introduction of a fiberoptic instrument through the abdominal wall for diagnostic

purposes is called

sigmoidoscopy
colonoscopy
laparoscopy
endoscopy
colposcopy

3-The procedure of crushing gallstones with ultrasound rather than surgical

removal is termed

cholelithiasis
cholelithotomy
cholelithotripsy
cholecystectomy
cholangiography

4-Cirrhosis is a condition involving

abnormal outpocketing of the large intestine

inflammation of the small intestine
constriction of the esophagus with a tumor
difficulty swallowing
degeneration of the liver

24
5-You read in a medical report that a patient had a proctoscopic examination. You
conclude that the physician will be looking for, among other possibilities, a tumor in
the

mouth
colon
rectum
stomach
gallbladder

6-Dysphagia is a term describing difficult, painful or abnormal

passing of stool
emptying of the stomach
swallowing
passing gas (flatulence)
chewing of food

7-A patient from a car accident has a swollen belly and the surgeon suspects
bleeding into the abdomen. He/she will puncture the belly and drain any fluid
looking for blood. This procedure is termed

laparotomy
endoscopy
thoracocentesis
abdominocentesis
colectomy

8-Cholangioenterostomy describes a procedure that

examines the interior of the gallbladder with a lighted fiberoptic instrument.

surgically creates an opening between the intestines and the abdominal wall.
surgically creates a passageway between the gallbladder duct to the intestine.
Involves X-rays showing the gallbladder draining into the intestine.
surgically removes gallstones through an opening in the abdomene pregnant uterus

25
 Respiratory System Terms
Rhin/o Nose Rhinitis, rhinorrhea (inflammation of and
"runny" nose)

Laryng/o Larynx, "voice box" Laryngotomy, Laryngectomy (cutting into,

surgically removing the larynx)

Trache/o Trachea, "windpipe" Tracheotomy, tracheostomy (temporary

and permanent openings)

Bronch/o Lung air passageways Bronchoscopy (looking into the bronchi)

Pne/u, - Breath, air, lung Tachypnea, dyspnea, apnea (accelerated,

pnea difficult/painful, cessation of breathing)

Pulmo/o Lung Pulmonary artery

-ptysis Spitting (coughing) Hemoptysis (spitting or coughing up blood

from lungs)

-plasty Reconstruction Rhinoplasty (surgical reconstruction of

nose)

Respiratory system procedures.

Pulmonologist-

a physician specializing in diseases of the lungs.

Respiratory Therapist-

a specially trained technician who administers, among other treatments, inhalation therapy
to patients with lung disease.

Pulmonary angiography-

special X-rays of the vessels of the lungs.

Laryngoscopy-

visual examination of the larynx.

26
Endotracheal intubation-

passing a special air-tube into the trachea so oxygen can be reliably supplied directly to
the lungs without risk of inhaling vomit from the stomach. Typically done for surgery or
whenever general anesthesia is administered among other situations where the patient's
airway must be secured.

27
 QUIZ 5
1-Surgical reconstruction or cosmetic alteration of the nose is termed

rhinectomy
rhinoplasty
rhinopexy
rhinotomy
rhinoscopy

2-A faster than normal respiratory rate of breathing is termed

dyspnea
apnea
tachypnea
pleurisy
pneumoconiosis

3-Hemoptysis is a term describing

a bloody nose
bleeding from the gums
blood in the chest cavity
a clot in a pulmonary artery
coughing up blood from the lungs

4-A patient with a foreign body trapped in a lung passageway would be a candidate
for which of the following procedures?

Laryngoscopy
Tracheostomy
Bronchoscopy
Laryngectomy
Pulmonectomy

5-Patients with pneumonia often find it difficult or painful to take deep breaths. The
term for this is

tachypnea
dyspnea
apnea
28
 atelectasis
emphysema

6-A special procedure to examine the blood vessels of the lungs by X-ray is called

a lung scan
thoracocentesis
bronchoscopy
endotracheal intubation
pulmonary angiography

7-A tracheostomy is a procedure involving

visual examination of the interior of the trachea

a temporary opening cut into the trachea
a permanent opening cut into the trachea
visual examination of the lung passageways
surgical reconstruction of a crushed trachea

8-Epistaxis is the term for

a collapsed lung
a nosebleed
uncontrollable sneezing
coughing up blood from the lungs
"miner's lung" disease

29
 Urinary System Terms

Nephr/o, ren/o Kidney Nephritis, renal artery

Hydro/o Water Hydronephrosis

(abnormal condition
involving back up of urine
into the kidney

Cyst/o Bladder Cystitis:Inflammation of

bladder

cystectomy :removal of
bladder)

Pyel/o Renal collecting ducts Pyelogram (X-ray of the

collecting ducts)

Ur/o, -uria Urine Polyuria,= (frequent

urination,

Anuria= no urine
formation)

Olig/o Scanty, less than normal Oliguria (reduced urine

formation)

-pexy To surgically reattach, fix Nephropexy (surgically

in normal position attach kidney in normal
anatomical position

Nephrosis- a noninflammatory disease of kidneys.

Nephrolith- a kidney stone.

Urethritis- inflammation of the urethra, the final pathway for urine in both sexes, and the
common pathway for urine and semen in the male.

Nocturia- frequently getting up and urinating during the night.

Enuresis- involuntary release of urine, most often in reference to "bedwetting".

30
Urinary System Procedures
Nephrologist - is a physician specializing in kidney diseases.

Urologist - a physician specializing in diseases of the lower urinary tract, that is, the
bladder and urethra. Also, urology is the profession that takes care of problems of the
male reproductive system, sort of the male equivalent of a gynecologist.

Cystoscopy - looking into the urinary bladder with a fiberoptic instrument.

Intravenous pyelogram - special X-rays showing the drainage pattern of the kidneys.
A dye opaque to X-rays is injected into a vein. After a waiting period for the blood and dye
to pass through the kidneys, X-rays can be taken of the collecting system of the kidney,
ureter and bladder.

Retrograde pyelogram - In this procedure a dye opaque to X-rays is flushed

backwards up the urethra and bladder and up the ureters to the kidneys.

Voiding cystourethrogram - take this apart starting at the end of the word: an
imaging technique (X-ray) displaying the urethra and bladder while urinating

Dialysis - a procedure for cleansing the blood of waste products in individuals with
complete kidney failure or who have had kidneys removed by surgery. With the in-hospital
procedure, the patient's blood is circulated through a machine that removes waste
products. The blood is recirculated back into the patient.

Lithotripsy - Crushing kidney stones with sound waves.

31
 QUIZ SIX

1-Frequently after surgery involving general anesthetic, a patient may not void urine
for a period of time, because the kidneys have stopped producing urine. This
usually temporary condition is termed

polyuria
oliguria
anuria
nocturia
enuresis

2-Presence of a kidney "stone" is termed

nephrosis
hydronephrosis
nephritis
nephrolithiasis
pyelonephrosis

3-A specialist in diseases of the lower urinary tract, bladder and urethra, is called a

nephrologist
urologist
proctologist
blepharologist
serologist

4-Nephrolithotomy is the term for

removing a kidney
removing a kidney stone
crushing kidney stones with sound waves
removing a tumor from a kidney
transplanting a replacement kidney

32
5-The term for scanty or less than normal urine formation is

anuria
enuresis
oliguria
polyuria
nocturia

6-A procedure that allows a physician to look into the bladder and examine its
interior is termed a

retrograde pyelogram
cystoscopy
cystogram
voiding cystourethrogram
intravenous pyelogram

7-Surgical fixation or return and attachment of a kidney dislodged during an auto

accident would be termed

nephrotomy
nephrolithotomy
nephrolithotripsy
nephropexy
nephrectomy

8-A lab report comes back to a physician documenting numerous erythrocytes in

the urine specimen. The term for this is

oliguria
polyuria
anuria
hematuria
nocturia

33
 Male Reproductive system Terms

Orchid/o, Testes (male Orchiditis, orchidectomy, testicular artery,

test/o gonad) testosterone (male sex hormone)

Balan/o Head of the penis Balanitis

Andr/o Male Androgenic (stimulating maleness), androgynous

(characteristics of male and female appearance)

Prostat/o Prostate Prostatitis, prostatectomy

Vas/o Vessel, duct Vas deferens, vasectomy (duct carrying semen from
testes, cutting the duct)

-rrhaphy To suture Herniorrhaphy (surgical correction of inguinal

hernia)

Hypospadias- literally "below the fleshy spike". A condition in which the external urinary
meatus (opening) opens anywhere below the tip of the penis rather than at the tip.

Hydrocele- a fluid filled sac partially surrounding the testis. Manifests itself as a swelling
on the side of the scrotum.

Varicocele- dilated and twisted veins of the testis,

Cryptorchidism- literally "hidden testicle". A condition of lack of descent of one or both

testes into the scrotum. If not corrected, usually by surgery, before puberty, can lead to
sterility and increased risk of testicular cancer.

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)- swelling of the prostate gland which surrounds the
base of the male bladder and urethra causing difficulty urinating, dribbling, and nocturia

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)- the surgical cure for BPH. An
instrument inserted through the penile urethra is used to partially cut away the prostate to
relieve obstruction of the urinary tract.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)- PSA is a marker protein for prostate cell secretions
which can be detected with a lab test. A rising PSA may be an early sign of prostate
cancer, although there may be other causes including false positive tests.

34
 QUIZ SEVEN
1-Surgical repair of hypospadias using the
foreskin of the head of the penis would be termed

orchidopexy
balanopexy
oophoropexy
balanoplasty
colpoplasty

2-Cancer of the testicle usually requires

its surgical removal. This procedure is termed

orchidectomy
orchidoplasty
orchidopexy
orchiocatabasis
orchidoptosis

3-A hydrocele defines

blood engorged, enlarged testicular veins

a hernia in the inguinal region
a clear fluid filled sac partially surrounding the testis
a urinary tract opening along the under surface of the penis
a partial obstruction of the urethra at the base of the bladder

4-The surgical procedure performed to relieve

partial obstruction of the male urethra due to an
enlarged gland at the base of the bladder is called a

BPH
TURP
IVP
UTI
CVA

35
5-Cryptorchidism refers to

congenital absence of a testicle

an undescended testicle (not in scrotum)
inflammation of a testicle
a tumor of the testicle
presence of a testicle in a female

6-A male with testosterone deficiency may most

likely be treated with which of the following
agents to restore and maintain normal sexual function?

carcinogenic
iatrogenic
estrogenic
androgenic
androgynous

7-Surgical implantation of an undescended testicle

into the scrotum and anchoring it in its correct
anatomical position is termed

orchidectomy
orchidoplasty
orchidopexy
orchiocatabasis
orchidoptosis

8-Inflammation of the head of the penis is termed

oophoritis
salpingitis
orchiditis
balanitis
epididymitis

36
 Female reproductive system terms

Hyster/o, Uterus Hysterectomy=surgical removal of the uterus

metr/o endometritis (inflammation of the lining of uterus)

Salping/o, Uterine tube Salpingitis,=inflammation of the uterine tube

-salpinx hematosalpinx (blood in the uterine tube)

Colp/o Vagina Colporrhaphy (suturing a tear),

colpoplasty (surgical reconstruction),

colposcopy (viewing the interior)

Oophor/o Ovary Oophorectomy, (surgical removal of the ovaries

oophoropexy (surgery fixation, reattachment)

Men/o Menstruation Menarche (first),

dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)

Mamm/o, Breast Mammogram, mastectomy

mast/o
- Intercourse Dyspareunia (painful intercourse),
pareunia, precoital,=before intercourse
coitus
postcoital (after intercourse)

Female genital system procedures and specialists

Obstetrician- literally "midwife" in Latin. A physician specializing in the diagnosis and
management of pregnancy and delivering babies.

Gynecologist- a physician specializing in diseases of the female reproductive system

and surgery of this area. Most physicians currently specialize in combined practice of
OB/GYN.

37
Episiotomy- a surgical procedure cutting into the perineal area, the area between the
vagina and anus in order to prevent tearing of tissues when the baby's head traverses the
vaginal opening.

Hysterosalpingogram- special X-rays of the uterus and uterine tubes involving passing
an opaque dye backwards up through the uterus to determine if the tubes are patent.
Since the tubes are open into the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity, if patent, dye should spill
out of the end of the tubes and be manifest on the X-ray.

Colposcopy- using a magnifying instrument to inspect the interior of the vagina and
cervix, the entrance to the uterus.

Dilatation and curettage (D &C)- dilating the cervix, the entrance into the uterus, and
passing instruments that enable scrapping off superficial layers of the endometrium. May
be done as an early therapeutic abortion, or following a normal pregnancy to remove
residual tissue remaining in the uterus, or may be done as a diagnostic procedure to
examine lining tissue of the uterus.

Mammoplasty- Surgical reconstruction of the breast may involve breast enlargement or

reduction or cosmetic reconstruction after mastectomy.

Female reproductive system terms of pregnancy

- Pregnancy Nulligravida (never

pregnant), primigravida
gravida (first-time pregnant),
multigravida (many
pregnancies)

-para Live birth Nullipara (no live births),

multipara (many live births)

Part/o, Labor/birth/delivery Prepartum, postpartum

(before and after delivery),
toc/o dystocia (difficult delivery)

EXAMPLE: On an OB patient's chart you may see the

abbreviations: gravida 3, para 2. This means three pregnancies,
two live births. Possibly one baby was stillborn.

38
 QUIZ EIGHT
1-Hematosalpinx is a term describing

inflammation of the uterus

blood in a uterine tube
a tear in the wall of the vagina
blood in the uterus
blood in the abdomen

2-Surgical reconstruction of the vagina would be termed

oophoropexy
balanoplasty
colpoplasty
orchidopexy
colposcopy

3-Dyspareunia is the term for painful, difficult or abnormal

intercourse
menstruation
childbirth (delivery)
labor
lactation (milk production)

4-A hysterosalpingo-oophorectomy is the term for surgical removal of the

uterus
uterus and uterine tubes
uterus, uterine tubes and ovaries
uterus, uterine tubes and vagina
ovaries

5-A woman who has two children, but had four pregnancies would be noted on her
chart as

gravida 2, para 4
gravida 4, para 2

39
 gravida 4, para 4
gravida 4, para 0

6-Mammoplasty refers to

removal of a breast
an X-ray of a breast
an abnormally large breast
inflammation of a breast
surgical reconstruction of a breast

7-Oligomenorrhea refers to

painful menstruation
cessation of regular menstrual periods
a "missed" period
scanty, less than normal menstrual flow
abnormally heavy menstrual flow

8-Difficult, complicated, labor and delivery is termed

dyspnea
dyspareunia
dyspepsia
dysuria
dystocia

9-A patient requires surgery to restore and reattach the uterus back in its normal
anatomical position because of uterine prolapse into the vagina. This procedure is
termed

colpopexy
colpoplasty
hysteropexy
hysterocleisis
hysterocolpectomy

40
 Musculoskeletal system terms

Oste/o Bone Osteitis, osteoma, osteocyte

Chondr/o Cartilage Chondritis, chondroma,

chondrocyte

Arthr/o Joint Arthritis, arthroplasty

Myel/o Bone marrow Myeloma

Ten/o, Tendon (binds muscle Tendonitis, tenorrhaphy

tendin/o to bone)

Ligament/o Ligament (binds bone Ligamentous injury

to bone)

Burs/o Bursa, "bag", (shock Bursitis

absorber between
tendons and bones)

My/o, Muscle Myoma, myositis

myos/o

41
 -malacia Softening Osteomalacia, chondromalacia

-porosis Porous Osteoporosis

-asthenia Weakness, loss of Myasthenia gravis

strength

-trophy Development, Atrophy (shriveling of muscles),

stimulation, hypertrophy (increase in size and
maintenance strength of muscles)

-algia, Pain Myalgia, arthralgia, analgesia (take

algesia away pain

Musculo skeletal system procedures and specialists.

Orthopaedist- "To straighten up children" Orthopaedics is a surgical subspecialty that in
the past devoted much of its time to treating musculoskeletal deformities in children. Now
with improved prenatal diagnosis and better nutrition, orthopaedists still treat children with
spine and limb deformities but also adults with complicated bone fractures, damaged
tendons or ligaments, or needing surgery to replace a damaged hip or knee joint.

Rheumatologist- "To study the flux of fluids". Rheuma is an old medical term for a
watery discharge. Among other diseases, Rheumatologists treat joint diseases such as
the various forms of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis. Inflamed joints accumulate
"fluid" and swell among other signs and symptoms. This medical subspecialty also
evaluates and treats osteoporosis, tendonitis, gout, and lupus among many other chronic
musculoskeletal pain disorders.

Physical Therapist- Although not a physician, this health care professional typically has
at least two years of specialized training beyond a college degree. PT's are rehabilitation
specialists treating a multitude of medical problems including patients recovering from joint
surgery, limb amputation, a stroke, heart attack, and suffering with chronic neuromuscular
diseases.

42
Arthroscopy- A fiberoptic instrument is introduced into a joint cavity in order to visualize
surfaces of bones entering into a joint, find tears in internal joint structures and evaluate
sources of inflammation.

Bone scan- A radioactive element in very small amounts, not enough to cause any
radiation injury to the patient, is introduced into the blood stream. The specially selected
element accumulates in bone and using a much more sophisticated version of the old
Geiger Counter instrument, the distribution of the element is used to diagnose potential
bone tumors among other bone pathologies.

Electromyography- A big, scary word! But, you are experienced by now in taking them
apart. I like to start at the end and work backward: "a recording of muscle electrical
activity". Fine needles are introduced into muscles in order to make recordings of
contractile activity. This procedure is useful in evaluating causes of paralysis, diagnosing
muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders.

Muscle biopsy- Cutting out a small tissue sample of muscle in order to examine it under
a microscope. This procedure can be useful in diagnosing muscular dystrophy and other
neuromuscular disorders

43
 QUIZ Nine

1- Arthroplasty describes

visualization of the interior of a joint

inflammation of a joint
surgical reconstruction of a joint
autoimmune degeneration of a joint
abnormal development of a joint

2-Tenorrhaphy is the term describing

a torn tendon
inflammation of a tendon
surgical removal of a tendon
surgically suturing a torn tendon
measuring the length of a tendon

3-If your arthritis has noticeably worsened and pain and swelling no longer is
controlled with high dose aspirin, your family physician would most likely refer you
to a

pathologist
neurologist
orthopaedic surgeon
rheumatologist
physical therapist

4-Soft, rubbery bones due to inadequate calcium deposition related to vitamin D

deficiency would be termed

osteoporosis
osteitis
osteomyelitis
osteomalacia
myeloma

44
5-The term for painful, aching muscles is

neuralgia
myalgia
analgesia
arthralgia
cephalgia

6-Myasthenia gravis involves

inflammation of muscles
degeneration of muscles
severe muscular weakness
inflammation of joints
paralysis of muscles

7-When weight-lifters exercise regularly their muscles become stronger and the
increase in muscular size is do to

atrophy
dystrophy
myasthenia
myositis
hypertrophy

8-Chondrocytes are cells found in

tendons
bones
bone marrow
cartilage
blood

9-A bone marrow tumor is termed

osteitis
osteoma
myoma
myeloma
lymphoma

45
10-A form of dwarfism results from achondroplasia, a term meaning

a cartilage tumor
inflammation of cartilage
lack of normal cartilage development
cartilage transforming into bone
degeneration of cartilage

11-A procedure to evaluate concentration of an injected radioactive element in bone

to localize a possible tumor is termed

electromyography
pyeloscopy
bone scan
bone biopsy
osteopathy

12-Inflammation of the shock absorber-like structure protecting a tendon sliding

over a bone is termed

arthritis
tendonitis
bursitis
osteitis
osteomyelitis

46
 CANCER TERMS
Oncology:

The study of tumors

Oncologist

Physician specialised in the treatment of cancer

TUMOR TYPES

Malignant vs. benign (literally, "evil" versus "good")

Tumors are masses of cells that have slipped the bonds of control of cell multiplication.
Malignant tumors, cancers, are life-threatening because they are invasive (spread into
surrounding organs) and metastasize (travel to other areas of the body to form new
tumors).

Specifically, invasiveness results in penetration, compression and destruction of

surrounding tissue causing such problems as loss of organ function (liver, kidneys),
difficulty breathing (lungs), obstruction (intestines), possible catastrophic bleeding, and
severe pain. .

Carcinoma

is the most common form of cancer.

By definition, this type develops from epithelia (sheets of cells that cover a surface,
example-skin, or line a body cavity, example-glandular lining of stomach).

Some names for tumors of this type would be: carcinoma of the prostate,
adenocarcinoma of the lung, hepatocellular carcinoma

Note that the term carcinoma typically appears in the name.

SARCOMA

A rarer form of cancer that arises from connective and supportive tissues, examples:
bone, bone marrow, muscle, lymphatics.

Some names of this type of tumor would be: osteosarcoma (malignancy of bone),
multiple myeloma (malignancy of bone marrow). Note that the term sarcoma does not
always appear in the name.

GRADING AND STAGING

Tumor biopsies (tissue samples) are examined microscopically to determine type and
degree of development

47
A grading scale is used, Grade I to Grade IV, to describe tumor tissues as well
differentiated (still look like the original source tissue which is good) to poorly differentiated
(has taken on a more primitive structure and may not resemble its original tissue source
which is bad).

Staging tumor biopsies evaluates whether they have invaded surrounding tissue, have
involved lymphatics (drainage channels for cell fluids other than blood) and whether they
have metastasized to other sites in the body.

Grading and staging tumors are important ways to predict the progress and outcome of the
disease, called the "prognosis", and the type of treatments that may most likely succeed.

In general low grade tumors that have not invaded tissues, have not involved lymph
nodes (negative nodes) and have not metastasized would be expected to have a better
prognosis than a high grade tumor that has invaded tissues, has invaded lymphatics
(positive nodes) and has metastasized.

CAUSES OF CANCER

Any injury to DNA (the genetic code) may result in loss of control of cell division and the
cell population multiplying out of control.

Carcinogens are cancer causing agents. Broad categories include radiation exposure,
chemicals, drugs and viruses. Only certain types of chemicals, drugs and viruses are
carcinogens and excessive radiation exposure.

CANCER THERAPY
TUMOR MARKERS

Tumor markers are substances that are produced by tumors or the body's response to
presence of a tumor.

Tumor markers found in various body fluids, such as the blood, can be useful in the
detection of certain cancers and treatment of cancer

,Tumor markers are most useful in indicating the progress of treatment in known cancer
patients, reducing in level or disappearing with successful treatment, or increasing in level
in spite of treatment which may indicate spreading of the cancer.

Two well known markers are Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer and CA
125 for ovarian cancer.

RADIATION

High dose radiation focused on cells causes massive damage to them, effectively,
destroying cancerous cells. However, even with highly focused radiation treatment,
normal tissue cells may suffer some damage leading to undesirable side effects.

Some terms you will hear about are:

Radiosensitive- cancer degenerates in response to radiation

48
Radioresistant- cancer slow to respond or may not respond at all to radiotherapy

Fractionation- repeated low doses that allow a higher total dose

CHEMOTHERAPY

Perhaps nothing short of surgery strikes fear into our hearts more than being told, "You're
going to need chemo". Stories of hair falling out and nausea and/or diarrhea are awful.
But, the essential action of most chemotherapeutic agents is to kill or stop development
of rapidly dividing cells. Right up there with the rapidly dividing malignant cells are
perfectly normal tissues that have rapidly dividing cells to replace those we lose naturally
on a recurring basis: hair follicles and the lining cells of our stomach and intestines

Another side effect of chemotherapy is myelosuppression, reduction of bone marrow

blood cell replacement. Patients may complain of extreme fatigue due to anemia (reduced
number of erythrocytes) and can be at increased risk of infectious disease (reduced
number of leucocytes).

Promising new treatments are being developed. One of the newest is an angiogenesis
(blood vessel growing) inhibitor. A medication called Avastin blocks blood vessels from
growing into a tumor thereby starving the growth.

SURGERY

The best way to treat cancer is probably by surgery. However, some tumors are so
enmeshed in normal tissues that they can not be safely cut out without severe damage to
normal tissues, they are inoperable. And, depending upon the location (brain, prostate)
and amount of excised tissue, one may be left with severe disability. However, surgery
can be a complete cure for some types of tumors if done early such as malignant
melanoma (skin cancer). The probability of a cure may be enhanced after surgery by
following up with additional treatments, chemotherapy, radiation, or combination of both.
This procedure is called "adjuvant therapy".

Some surgical terms you will hear:

Cryosurgery- destroying malignant tissue by freezing it with a cold probe. Often used for
soft tissues like the liver.

Fulguration- "Lightning" in Latin. Malignant tissue destroyed with an electrocautery

instrument (electric current).

Excisional biopsy- removal of tumor and a safe margin of normal tissue. Can be curative
for many cancers if done before metastases.

En bloc resection- removal of tumor and large amount of surrounding tissue including
positive lymph nodes.

Unfortunately, not all cancer treatments are curative. Palliative treatment gives relief of
symptoms, but does not cure and is reserved for advanced malignancy.

49
.

Exercise

1-Following is an abstract of a simulated patient's medical record. Note words in italics.

Take them apart. Look for the "root" meaning. Read the record and answer the questions
that follow to yourself.

-A 48 year old male complains of abdominal discomfort after meals, especially, high fat
meals. At those times he also has aching in his right shoulder and back. An ultrasound
of the upper abdomen revealed cholelithiasis. A consult with a gastroenterologist
determined that cholelithotripsy was considered but it was decided that a laparoscopic
cholecystectomy would be the first procedure attempted. If complications were
encountered then an open cholecystectomy would be performed.

Significant medical history: patient had a coronary angiography performed at age 46

following suspected myocardial infarct.

1. What is the diagnosis (the patient's current medical problem)?

2. Did the procedure performed to aid in the diagnosis involve use of X-rays?
3. Was a specialist appropriate to the diagnosis consulted?
4. What treatments were considered?
5. What significant event was in the patient's medical history?
6. What procedure was performed in the patient's medical history?

2--A 48 year old male complains of abdominal discomfort after meals, especially, high
fat meals. At those times he also has aching in his right shoulder and back. A procedure
using high frequency sound waves to image the upper abdomen revealed stones in
the gallbladder. A consult with a specialist in diseases of the digestive tract
determined that crushing the gallbladder stones with sound waves was considered but
it was decided that a removal of the gallbladder using a scope and instruments
inserted into the abdominal wall would be the first procedure attempted. If
complications were encountered then opening up the abdomen and removing the
gallbladder would be performed.

Significant medical history: The patient had a heart attack. The patient's heart arteries
were imaged by injecting a dye opaque to X-rays into a vein to show area of blockage
of blood flow to heart muscle.

Replace each of the underlying phrases with the appropriate medical term.

50