Medical Terms: The 5 RRH's Flashcards

Medical Terminology: 5 RRH’S

• rrhagia, rrhage

  • Refers to abnormal or excessive bleeding and fluid discharge.
  • Example terms include:
    • Hemorrhage: excessive blood flow.
    • Metrorrhagia: abnormal menstrual bleeding.

• rrhaphy

  • Signifies surgical suturing or stitching something closed.
  • Common examples:
    • Herniorrhaphy: surgical repair of a hernia.
    • Osteorrhaphy: wiring of bones during surgery.

• rrhea

  • Denotes flow or discharge of fluids.
  • Example terms include:
    • Rhinorrhea: nasal discharge, often associated with colds or allergies.
    • Galactorrhea: abnormal discharge of breast milk.

• rrhexis

  • Indicates rupture or bursting of tissues.
  • Notable examples:
    • Enterorrhexis: rupture of the intestine.
    • Metrorrhexis: rupture of the uterus.

• rrhythm/o

  • Represents rhythm in medical terms.

Examination Instruments

• scope

  • Refers to instruments designed for examining bodily structures.
  • Key examples:
    • Microscope: used for viewing minute objects.
    • Cystoscope: specifically for examining the urinary bladder.

• scopy/scopic

  • Relates to the act of examining or observing through an instrument.
  • Example applications include:
    • Microscopy: the practice of using microscopes to observe small details.
    • Cystoscopy: examination of the urinary bladder using a scope.

• tome

  • Indicates an instrument designed for cutting.
  • Related examples:
    • Cystotome: a surgical tool used for cutting into the bladder.
    • Neurotome: a device used for dissecting nerves.

• tomy

  • Refers to the act of cutting or making an incision.
  • Significant examples include:
    • Cystotomy: incision into the urinary bladder.
    • Phlebotomy: incision into a vein for blood sampling.