Medical Terms: Cec/o to Colp/o Flashcards

Medical Terminology - Cec/o through Colp/o

• cec/o: Refers to the cecum, which is the first part of the large intestine, crucial for digestion and absorption.

• -cele: Indicates herniation or protrusion, often relating to the displacement of an organ or tissue.

• celi/o: Pertains to the abdomen, the body cavity that houses major organs like the stomach and intestines.

• cellul/o: Signifies cell, the fundamental unit of life, vital in biological processes.

• cephal/o: Denotes the head, region containing vital structures including the brain and sensory organs.

• -centesis: Implies surgical puncture, a procedure often performed to access bodily cavities for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons.

• cerebell/o: Refers to the cerebellum, the brain region involved in coordination and balance.

• cerebr/o: Relates to the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain responsible for higher brain functions such as thought and action.

• cerumin/o: Refers to cerumen, commonly known as earwax, which protects the ear canal.

• cervic/o: Indicates the neck or cervix, the narrow lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina.

• -chalasia / -chalasis: Both terms denote a condition of relaxation or slackening, often used in medical descriptions of musculature or function.

• cheil/o: Refers to the lips, integral in functions like eating and speaking.

• chem/o: Indicates drugs or chemicals, essential in pharmacology and treatment formulations.

• -chezia: Relates to the condition of stools, often used in diagnosing gastrointestinal health.

• chol/e: Refers to bile or gall, substances produced by the liver, important for fat digestion.

• cholangi/o: Pertains to bile vessels, which transport bile to aid in digestion.

• cholecyst/o: Denotes the gallbladder, the organ that stores bile.

• choledoch/o: Refers to the common bile duct, crucial for the delivery of bile from the liver to the intestine.

• cholesterol/o: Relates to cholesterol, a substance important for cell membrane structure and hormone production.

• chondr/o: Pertains to cartilage, connective tissue important for joint function.

• chord/o: Refers to the spinal cord, the central nervous system component responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the body.

• chori/o / chorion/o: Both refer to the chorion, the outer fetal sac protecting the developing fetus during pregnancy.

• choroid/o: Indicates the choroid, a layer of the eye providing nourishment to the retina.

• chrom/o / chromat/o: Both terms signify color, often used in biology to indicate pigmentation in cells.

• chym/o: Refers to digestive juice, which is crucial for the breakdown of food.

• circum-: A prefix meaning 'around', used in anatomical terminology to describe the location of structures.

• cirrh/o: Describes a yellow-orange color, often associated with liver disease (cirrhosis).

• -cision: Refers to the process of cutting, commonly encountered in surgical terminologies.

• -clasis: Indicates intentional breaking, often used in orthopedic surgery to describe bone procedures.

• -clast: Refers to the process of breaking down, commonly used in contexts like bone remodeling.

• claustr/o: Refers to closing, often in anatomical contexts regarding openings or passages.

• clavicul/o / cleid/o: Both refer to the clavicle, also known as the collarbone, significant in connecting the arm to the body.

• clitorid/o: Indicates the clitoris, an important part of female reproductive anatomy.

• -coagulation: Refers to the process of clotting, essential in stopping bleeding within the body.

• coccyg/o: Pertains to the coccyx, or tailbone, the terminal portion of the vertebral column.

• cochle/o: Refers to the cochlea, part of the inner ear vital for hearing.

• col/o / colon/o: Both denote the colon or large intestine, essential for water absorption and waste elimination.

• colp/o: Refers to the vagina, part of the female reproductive system.