Medical Greek and Latin Roots

Root Words Relating to the Human Body

• Phren/o refers to the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Biological Processes

• Physis means to grow, a fundamental biological process that occurs in living organisms.

Respiratory System

• Phys/o relates to air or gas, essential components of the respiratory system.

Integumentary System

• Pil/o refers to hair, a key component of the integumentary system.
• Pimel/o is related to fat or fatty tissues, which play a crucial role in the integumentary system.

Digestive System

• Pin/o means to drink, an essential function of the digestive system.

Endocrine System

• Pituit/o refers to the pituitary gland, a vital endocrine gland located at the base of the brain.

Dental Health

• -Plakia refers to plaque, a sticky biofilm that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Anatomy

• Plan/o means flat or level, which is essential in understanding anatomical structures.

Lower Limb Anatomy

• Plant/o refers to the sole of the foot, a critical structure in the lower limb.

Developmental Biology

• -Plasia means development or formation, a crucial aspect of developmental biology.
• -Plasm refers to formation or structure, essential concepts in understanding biological development.

Surgical Interventions

• -Plasty means surgical repair, a common medical intervention.

Neurological Disorders

• -Plegia refers to paralysis, a loss of muscle function often resulting from neurological disorders.

Respiratory Function

• -Pnea means breathing, a critical function of the respiratory system.