Medical Terminology Chapter 14 Flashcards

Word Parts and Their Definitions in Medical Terminology

• Axill/o: Refers to the armpit area; used in contexts related to the upper limb and shoulder.
• Cervic/o: Indicates the neck; commonly used in conditions affecting cervical spine or cervical region.
• Immun/o: Relates to protection; crucial in immunology and discussions of the immune system's defense mechanisms.
• Inguin/o: Associated with the groin; often relevant in examinations involving lower abdominal area.
• Lymph/o: Represents lymph; integral to discussions involving the lymphatic system and its functions.
• Lymphaden/o: Denotes lymph node; important in understanding the role of nodes in immune response and disease.
• Splen/o: Refers to the spleen; a vital organ in filtering blood and supporting immune function.
• Thym/o: Indicates the thymus gland; essential for T-cell development and maturation in the immune system.
• Tox/o: Related to poison; significant in toxicology, discussing harmful substances and their effects on health.
• -cytosis: Describes an abnormal condition of cells; relevant in hematology and cell pathologies.
• -edema: Refers to swelling; often discussed in cases of inflammation, injury, or fluid retention.
• -globulin: Indicates protein; important in understanding body proteins, especially in immune responses.
• -megaly: Denotes enlargement; used to describe the abnormal increase in the size of organs.
• -oid: Means resembling; frequently used to categorize anatomical structures resembling others.
• -oma: Refers to tumor; crucial in oncology for identifying various types of growths, both benign and malignant.
• -pathy: Indicates disease; used broadly across medical terminology to describe various conditions.
• -penia: Refers to deficiency; often discusses reductions in blood components or nutrients.
• -phylaxis: Means protection; relevant in immunology, particularly in the context of allergic reactions and vaccinations.
• -poiesis: Refers to formation; commonly used regarding the production of blood cells or other cell types.
• -stitial: Means to set; used in contexts involving tissue types and structures.
• -suppression: Indicates stopping; relevant in discussions of immune responses or certain bodily functions.
• Ana-: Means again; commonly used in terms indicating a return or reversal of certain conditions.
• Auto-: Refers to self; often related to autoimmune diseases where the body attacks its own cells.
• Hyper-: Indicates excessive; frequently used to describe elevated levels of substances or activities (e.g., hypertension).
• Inter-: Means between; often discussed in anatomical terms or in describing interactions between structures.
• Retro-: Refers to back; used for terms indicating a backward orientation in anatomy or physiology.