Medical Terminology Chapter 11 (Eye) Flashcards

Medical Terminology for the Eye

• Bi/o-: Root meaning "life"
• -metry: Suffix denoting the "process of measuring"
• -metrist: Suffix indicating a "skilled in measuring"
• Biometry/Biometrist: Refers to study of biologic numeric data and the skilled individual in this field
• -al: Suffix meaning "pertaining to"
• Conjunctiv-: Root referring to the "conjunctiva"
• -itis: Suffix indicating "inflammation"
• Conjunctiva: Inner lining of eyelids; also known as conjunctival. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, commonly referred to as "pink eye"
• Cornea: The transparent part of the eye covering the iris and pupil, also called corneal
• Lacrimal: Pertaining to tears; nasolacrimal duct leads from the lacrimal sac to the nose
• -logy: Suffix meaning "study of"
• Ophthalm/o-: Root for "eye"
• -logist: Suffix referring to a "specialist or one who studies"
• Ophthalmology: Field focusing on diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. Ophthalmologist is the medical specialist in this field; ophthalmic means "pertaining to the eye"
• Orbit-: Root regarding the "orbit" or bony socket of the eye
• Peri-: Prefix meaning "around"
• -ia: Suffix indicating a "condition"
• Phot/o-: Root denoting "light"
• Photophobia: Fear of light that causes discomfort to the eyes; photophobic refers to those suffering from this condition
• -tic: Suffix indicating "pertaining to"
• Anti-: Prefix meaning "against"
• Antibiotic: A substance that inhibits the growth of or destroys bacteria and other microorganisms
• Blephar-: Root meaning "eyelid"
• -ptosis: Suffix meaning "drooping"
• -plasty: Suffix for "surgical repair"
• Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid; blepharoptosis refers to drooping of the upper eyelid; blepharoplasty is the surgical repair of the eyelid
• Contagious: Infection that can transmit person to person or via surfaces
• Con-: Prefix meaning "together"
• -ation: Suffix denoting "process"
• Contaminate/Contamination: Presence of infectious agents on surfaces
• Hordeolum (stye): Abscess in an eyelash follicle
• Paresis: A term for "partial paralysis"
• Ptosis: Drooping of the upper eyelid or an organ
• Purulent: Containing a significant amount of pus
• Avascular: Lacking blood supply
• Constrict/Constriction: Refers to narrowing of structures in the body
• Dilate/Dilation: The act of enlarging an opening or structure
• Iris: The diaphragm of the eye, which is the colored portion surrounding the pupil
• Lens: Transparent structure behind the iris that refracts light
• Presbyopia: Age-related difficulty in focusing on near objects, often seen in middle to older age individuals
• Pupil: The aperture in the center of the iris that allows light to enter
• Refract/Refraction: Bending of light as it passes through different media
• Retina: The light-sensitive inner layer of the eye; retinal pertains to this structure
• Sclera: The tough outer covering of the eyeball; also known as the "white of the eye"
• Choroid: Membranous layer of the eye located between the retina and the sclera
• Fovea Centralis: Small pit in the center of the macula with the highest visual acuity; important for detailed vision
• Macula Lutea: Yellowish spot on the retina housing the fovea
• Optic: Related to the eye or vision
• Photoreceptor: A specialized cell that reacts to light and converts it into electrical signals for visual processing
• Uve-: Root for "uvea," part of the eye involved in its vascular supply

General Terms

• Understanding roots, suffixes, and prefixes aids in deciphering complex medical terms related to the anatomy and function of the eye.

Test your knowledge of medical terminology related to the eye in this comprehensive flashcard quiz. Each card explores important roots and suffixes that are foundational in understanding eye-related vocabulary. Perfect for students and professionals in the medical field!