Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Words Flashcards

Covers the structure of medical terms, including the most common prefixes, suffixes, and root words. (157 cards)

1
Q

Prefix:

a-, an-

A

A prefix meaning ‘without’ or ‘not’.

The patient was anemic, indicating a lack of sufficient red blood cells.

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2
Q

Prefix:

ab-

A

A prefix meaning ‘away from’.

The physical therapist noted that the patient’s arm remained abducted at 30 degrees

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3
Q

Prefix:

ad-

A

A prefix meaning ‘toward’.

The therapy aims to promote adduction of the limbs.

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4
Q

Prefix:

ante-

A

A prefix meaning ‘before’ or ‘forward’.

The antepartum care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.

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5
Q

Prefix:

anti-

A

A prefix meaning ‘against’.

The patient was prescribed an antibiotic to fight the infection.

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6
Q

Prefix:

auto-

A

A prefix meaning ‘self’.

The body has an autonomous system for regulating blood pressure.

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7
Q

Prefix:

bi-

A

A prefix meaning ‘two’ or ‘double’.

The procedure was performed under binaural anesthesia.

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8
Q

Prefix:

brady-

A

A prefix meaning ‘slow’.

The patient’s bradycardia was monitored closely during recovery.

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9
Q

Prefix:

circum-

A

A prefix meaning ‘around’.

The surgeon made a circumferential incision to access the area.

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10
Q

Prefix:

co-, com-

A

Prefixes meaning ‘with’ or ‘together’.

The coagulation process is essential for wound healing.

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11
Q

Prefix:

contra-

A

A prefix meaning ‘against’ or ‘opposite’.

The medication is contradicted in patients with liver disease.

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12
Q

Prefix:

de-

A

A prefix meaning ‘down’ or ‘away from’.

The treatment aims to decrease inflammation in the joints.

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13
Q

Prefix:

dia-

A

A prefix meaning ‘through’ or ‘across’.

The doctor ordered a diagonal scan to check for abnormalities.

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14
Q

Prefix:

dys-

A

A prefix meaning ‘bad’, ‘difficult’, or ‘painful’.

The patient reported dysphagia, making swallowing challenging.

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15
Q

Prefix:

ecto-

A

A prefix meaning ‘outside’ or ‘external’.

The ectopic pregnancy required immediate medical attention.

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16
Q

Prefix:

en-, endo-, intra-

A

Prefixes meaning ‘inside’ or ‘within’.

The endoscope was used to examine the internal organs.

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17
Q

Prefix:

epi-

A

A prefix meaning ‘upon’ or ‘over’.

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.

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18
Q

Prefix:

eu-

A

A prefix meaning ‘good’ or ‘normal’.

The patient’s eupnea indicated normal breathing.

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19
Q

Prefix:

exo-

A

A prefix meaning ‘outside’ or ‘outward’.

The exocrine glands secrete substances outside the bloodstream.

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20
Q

Prefix:

extra-

A

A prefix meaning ‘outside’ or ‘beyond’.

The extracellular fluid surrounds the cells in the body.

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21
Q

Prefix:

hemi-

A

A prefix meaning ‘half’.

The patient experienced hemiplegia following the stroke.

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22
Q

Prefix:

hetero-

A

A prefix meaning ‘different’.

The heterogeneous mixture of cells was analyzed under a microscope.

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23
Q

Prefix:

homo-, homeo-

A

Prefixes meaning ‘same’ or ‘alike’.

The procedure aims to maintain homeostasis within the body.

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24
Q

Prefix:

hyper-

A

A prefix meaning ‘excessive’ or ‘above normal’.

The patient was diagnosed with hypertension, indicating high blood pressure.

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25
# Prefix: hypo-
A prefix meaning '**deficient**' or '**below normal**'. ## Footnote *Hypoglycemia* can lead to dizziness and confusion.
26
# Prefix: inter-
A prefix meaning '**between**'. ## Footnote The *interstitial* fluid plays a role in nutrient exchange.
27
# Prefix: intra-
A prefix meaning '**within**'. ## Footnote The *intravenous* therapy delivered fluids directly into the bloodstream.
28
# Prefix: iso-
A prefix meaning '**equal**'. ## Footnote The *isotonic* solution helps maintain cell integrity.
29
# Prefix: macro-
A prefix meaning '**large**'. ## Footnote The *macrophage* plays a crucial role in the immune response.
30
# Prefix: mal-
A prefix meaning '**bad**'. ## Footnote *Malnutrition* can lead to serious health complications.
31
# Prefix: mega-, megal-
Prefixes meaning '**large**' or '**great**'. ## Footnote *Megacolon* can cause significant gastrointestinal distress.
32
# Prefix: micro-
A prefix meaning '**small**'. ## Footnote *Microscopy* allows for the examination of tiny cellular structures.
33
# Prefix: mono-
A prefix meaning '**one**' or '**single**'. ## Footnote *Mononucleosis* is often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
34
# Prefix: multi-
A prefix meaning '**many**'. ## Footnote *Multifocal* lesions were detected during the imaging study.
35
# Prefix: neo-
A prefix meaning '**new**'. ## Footnote *Neoplasia* refers to the formation of new, abnormal tissue.
36
# Prefix: pan-
A prefix meaning '**all**'. ## Footnote *Pancytopenia* indicates a deficiency of all blood cell types.
37
# Prefix: para-
A prefix meaning '**beside**' or '**near**'. ## Footnote *Paralysis* can occur on one side of the body.
38
# Prefix: per-
A prefix meaning '**through**'. ## Footnote *Percutaneous* procedures are done through the skin.
39
# Prefix: peri-
A prefix meaning '**around**'. ## Footnote *Pericarditis* is inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart.
40
# Prefix: poly-
A prefix meaning '**many**' or '**much**'. ## Footnote *Polydipsia* is a condition characterized by excessive thirst.
41
# Prefix: post-
A prefix meaning '**after**'. ## Footnote *Postoperative* care is critical for patient recovery.
42
# Prefix: pre-
A prefix meaning '**before**'. ## Footnote *Prenatal* vitamins are important for expecting mothers.
43
# Prefix: pro-
A prefix meaning '**before**' or '**forward**'. ## Footnote *Prophylactic* treatment can prevent disease onset.
44
# Prefix: pseudo-
A prefix meaning '**false**'. ## Footnote The diagnosis was *pseudomembranous* colitis, not an actual membrane.
45
# Prefix: re-
A prefix meaning '**again**' or '**back**'. ## Footnote *Rehabilitation* is essential after surgery.
46
# Prefix: retro-
A prefix meaning '**backward**' or '**behind**'. ## Footnote *Retroperitoneal* space is behind the peritoneum.
47
# Prefix: sub-
A prefix meaning '**under**' or '**below**'. ## Footnote *Subcutaneous* injections are administered under the skin.
48
# Prefix: super-, supra-
Prefixes meaning '**above**' or '**beyond**'. ## Footnote *Suprarenal* glands are located above the kidneys.
49
# Prefix: syn-, sym-
Prefixes meaning '**together**' or '**with**'. ## Footnote *Symbiosis* refers to interaction between different organisms.
50
# Prefix: tachy-
A prefix meaning '**fast**'. ## Footnote *Tachycardia* is characterized by an abnormally fast heart rate.
51
# Prefix: trans-
A prefix meaning '**across**' or '**through**'. ## Footnote *Transfusion* involves transferring blood from one person to another.
52
# Prefix: tri-
A prefix meaning '**three**'. ## Footnote The patient had a *triad* of symptoms indicative of the disease.
53
# Prefix: ultra-
A prefix meaning '**beyond**' or '**excess**'. ## Footnote *Ultrasonography* is used for imaging soft tissues.
54
# Prefix: uni-
A prefix meaning '**one**' or '**single**'. ## Footnote The patient underwent a *unilateral* mastectomy.
55
# Roots: aden/o
A root meaning '**gland**'. ## Footnote The *adenoma* was found to be benign during the biopsy.
56
# Roots: angi/o
A root meaning '**vessel**'. ## Footnote *Angioplasty* is a procedure to widen narrowed blood vessels.
57
# Roots: arthr/o
A root meaning '**joint**'. ## Footnote *Arthritis* can cause pain and stiffness in the joints.
58
# Roots: bi/o
A root meaning '**life**'. ## Footnote *Biopsy* is a procedure to remove tissue for examination.
59
# Roots: blephar/o
A root meaning '**eyelid**'. ## Footnote *Blepharoplasty* is a surgical procedure to correct eyelid issues.
60
# Roots: cardi/o
A root meaning '**heart**'. ## Footnote *Cardiology* is the study and treatment of heart conditions.
61
# Roots: cephal/o
A root meaning '**head**'. ## Footnote *Cephalalgia* refers to pain in the head, commonly known as a headache.
62
# Roots: cerebr/o
A root meaning '**brain**'. ## Footnote *Cerebrovascular* accidents can lead to strokes.
63
# Roots: chol/e
A root meaning '**bile**' or '**gall**'. ## Footnote *Cholecystectomy* is the surgical removal of the gallbladder.
64
# Roots: chondr/o
A root meaning '**cartilage**'. ## Footnote *Chondroma* is a benign tumor of cartilage.
65
# Roots: col/o, colon/o
Roots meaning '**colon**'. ## Footnote *Colonoscopy* is a procedure to examine the inner lining of the colon.
66
# Roots: cost/o
A root meaning '**rib**'. ## Footnote *Costochondritis* is inflammation of the rib cartilage.
67
# Roots: crani/o
A root meaning '**skull**'. ## Footnote *Craniotomy* is a surgical procedure to open the skull.
68
# Roots: cyan/o
A root meaning '**blue**'. ## Footnote *Cyanosis* is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen.
69
# Roots: cyst/o
A root meaning '**bladder**' or '**sac**'. ## Footnote *A cystoscopy* is a procedure to examine the bladder.
70
# Roots: cyt/o
A root meaning '**cell**'. ## Footnote *Cytology* is the study of cells and their functions.
71
# Roots: derm/o, dermat/o
Roots meaning '**skin**'. ## Footnote *Dermatitis* is inflammation of the skin.
72
# Roots: encephal/o
A root meaning '**brain**'. ## Footnote *Encephalitis* is inflammation of the brain.
73
# Roots: enter/o
A root meaning '**intestine**'. ## Footnote *Enteritis* refers to inflammation of the intestines.
74
# Roots: erythr/o
A root meaning '**red**'. ## Footnote *Erythrocytes* are red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport.
75
# Roots: gastr/o
A root meaning '**stomach**'. ## Footnote *Gastritis* is inflammation of the stomach lining.
76
# Roots: glyc/o
A root meaning '**sugar**'. ## Footnote *Glycosuria* is the presence of sugar in the urine.
77
# Roots: gynec/o
A root meaning '**woman**' or '**female**'. ## Footnote *Gynecology* is the study of women's health.
78
# Roots: hemat/o, hem/o
Roots meaning '**blood**'. ## Footnote *Hemoglobin* is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
79
# Roots: hepat/o
A root meaning '**liver**'. ## Footnote *Hepatitis* is inflammation of the liver.
80
# Roots: hyster/o
A root meaning '**uterus**'. ## Footnote *Hysterectomy* is the surgical removal of the uterus.
81
# Roots: ile/o
A root meaning '**ileum**' (the last part of the small intestine). ## Footnote *Ileostomy* is a surgical opening created from the ileum.
82
# Roots: immun/o
A root meaning '**immune**' or '**protection**'. ## Footnote *Immunology* is the study of the immune system.
83
# Roots: laryng/o
A root meaning '**larynx**' or '**voice box**'. ## Footnote *Laryngitis* is inflammation of the larynx.
84
# Roots: leuk/o
A root meaning '**white**'. ## Footnote *Leukocytes* are white blood cells that fight infection.
85
# Roots: lip/o
A root meaning '**fat**'. ## Footnote *Liposuction* is a procedure to remove excess fat from the body.
86
# Roots: lith/o
A root meaning '**stone**'. ## Footnote *Lithotripsy* is a procedure to break down kidney stones.
87
# Roots: mamm/o, mast/o
Roots meaning '**breast**'. ## Footnote *Mammography* is an imaging technique for breast examination.
88
# Roots: mening/o
A root meaning '**meninges**' (the covering of the brain and spinal cord). ## Footnote *Meningitis* is inflammation of the meninges.
89
# Roots: my/o
A root meaning '**muscle**'. ## Footnote *Myopathy* refers to muscle disease.
90
# Roots: myel/o
A root meaning '**spinal cord**' or '**bone marrow**'. ## Footnote *Myelitis* is inflammation of the spinal cord.
91
# Roots: nephr/o, ren/o
Roots meaning '**kidney**'. ## Footnote *Nephrology* is the study of kidney diseases.
92
# Roots: neur/o
A root meaning '**nerve**'. ## Footnote *Neuropathy* refers to nerve damage.
93
# Roots: ocul/o, ophthalm/o
Roots meaning '**eye**'. ## Footnote *Ophthalmology* is the branch of medicine dealing with eye disorders.
94
# Roots: onc/o
A root meaning '**tumor**'. ## Footnote *Oncology* is the study and treatment of tumors.
95
# Roots: or/o, stomat/o
Roots meaning '**mouth**'. ## Footnote *Stomatitis* is inflammation of the mouth.
96
# Roots: oste/o
A root meaning '**bone**'. ## Footnote *Osteoporosis* is a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.
97
# Roots: ot/o
A root meaning '**ear**'. ## Footnote *Otitis* is inflammation of the ear.
98
# Roots: path/o
A root meaning '**disease**'. ## Footnote *Pathology* is the study of diseases.
99
# Roots: phleb/o, ven/o
Roots meaning '**vein**'. ## Footnote *Phlebitis* is inflammation of a vein.
100
# Roots: pneum/o, pulmon/o
Roots meaning '**lung**' or '**air**'. ## Footnote *Pulmonology* is the study of lung conditions.
101
# Roots: proct/o
A root meaning '**rectum**' or '**anus**'. ## Footnote *Proctology* is the branch of medicine dealing with the rectum and anus.
102
# Roots: psych/o
A root meaning '**mind**'. ## Footnote *Psychiatry* is the study and treatment of mental disorders.
103
# Roots: py/o
A root meaning '**pus**'. ## Footnote *Pyogenic* infections produce pus.
104
# Roots: radi/o
A root meaning '**x-rays**' or '**radiation**'. ## Footnote *Radiology* is the study of medical imaging.
105
# Roots: rhin/o
A root meaning '**nose**'. ## Footnote *Rhinitis* is inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
106
# Roots: sarc/o
A root meaning '**flesh**' or '**connective tissue**'. ## Footnote *Sarcoma* is a type of cancer that arises from connective tissues.
107
# Roots: splen/o
A root meaning '**spleen**'. ## Footnote *Splenectomy* is the surgical removal of the spleen.
108
# Roots: therm/o
A root meaning '**heat**'. ## Footnote *Thermoregulation* is the process of maintaining body temperature.
109
# Roots: thromb/o
A root meaning '**clot**'. ## Footnote *Thrombosis* refers to the formation of a blood clot.
110
# Roots: tox/o
A root meaning '**poison**'. ## Footnote *Toxicology* is the study of the effects of poisons.
111
# Roots: trache/o
A root meaning '**trachea**' or '**windpipe**'. ## Footnote *Tracheostomy* is a procedure to create an opening in the trachea.
112
# Roots: ur/o
A root meaning '**urine**' or '**urinary tract**'. ## Footnote *Urology* is the study of the urinary system.
113
# Roots: vas/o
A root meaning '**vessel**' or '**duct**'. ## Footnote *Vasectomy* is a surgical procedure for male sterilization.
114
# Roots: viscer/o
A root meaning '**internal organs**'. ## Footnote *Visceromegaly* refers to enlargement of the internal organs.
115
# Suffixes: -algia
A suffix meaning '**pain**'. ## Footnote *Neuralgia* is characterized by severe nerve pain.
116
# Suffixes: -cele
A suffix meaning '**hernia**' or '**swelling**'. ## Footnote *Hernia* can cause a *cele* in the abdominal wall.
117
# Suffixes: -centesis
A suffix meaning '**surgical puncture**'. ## Footnote *Amniocentesis* is performed to collect amniotic fluid.
118
# Suffixes: -cide
A suffix meaning '**killing**'. ## Footnote *Bactericide* refers to substances that kill bacteria.
119
# Suffixes: -cyte
A suffix meaning '**cell**'. ## Footnote *Erythrocyte* is a red blood cell.
120
# Suffixes: -ectomy
A suffix meaning '**surgical removal**'. ## Footnote *Appendectomy* is the removal of the appendix.
121
# Suffixes: -emia
A suffix meaning '**blood condition**'. ## Footnote *Anemia* indicates a deficiency of red blood cells.
122
# Suffixes: -gen, -genesis
Suffixes meaning '**producing**' or '**formation**'. ## Footnote *Carcinogenesis* is the process by which cancer develops.
123
# Suffixes: -gram
A suffix meaning '**record**' or '**picture**'. ## Footnote *Electrocardiogram* records the electrical activity of the heart.
124
# Suffixes: -graph
A suffix meaning '**instrument for recording**'. ## Footnote *Sphygmograph* measures and records blood pressure.
125
# Suffixes: -graphy
A suffix meaning '**process of recording**'. ## Footnote *Radiography* is the process of imaging using x-rays.
126
# Suffixes: -iasis
A suffix meaning '**abnormal condition**'. ## Footnote *Cholelithiasis* refers to the presence of gallstones.
127
# Suffixes: -itis
A suffix meaning '**inflammation**'. ## Footnote *Arthritis* is inflammation of the joints.
128
# Suffixes: -logist
A suffix meaning '**specialist**'. ## Footnote *Cardiologist* specializes in heart conditions.
129
# Suffixes: -logy
A suffix meaning '**study of**'. ## Footnote *Dermatology* is the study of skin conditions.
130
# Suffixes: -lysis
A suffix meaning '**breakdown**' or '**separation**'. ## Footnote *Hemolysis* is the breakdown of red blood cells.
131
# Suffixes: -malacia
A suffix meaning '**softening**'. ## Footnote *Osteomalacia* refers to the softening of bones.
132
# Suffixes: -megaly
A suffix meaning '**enlargement**'. ## Footnote *Cardiomegaly* indicates an enlarged heart.
133
# Suffixes: -oid
A suffix meaning '**resembling**'. ## Footnote *Lymphoid* tissue resembles lymphatic tissue.
134
# Suffixes: -oma
A suffix meaning '**tumor**' or '**mass**'. ## Footnote *Lipoma* is a benign tumor of fat tissue.
135
# Suffixes: -opathy
A suffix meaning '**disease**'. ## Footnote *Neuropathy* refers to a disease affecting nerves.
136
# Suffixes: -osis
A suffix meaning '**condition**', usually abnormal. ## Footnote *Fibrosis* is a condition characterized by excessive fibrous tissue.
137
# Suffixes: -otomy
A suffix meaning '**cutting into**'. ## Footnote *Laparotomy* is a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity.
138
# Suffixes: -paresis
A suffix meaning '**partial paralysis**'. ## Footnote *Hemiparesis* refers to weakness on one side of the body.
139
# Suffixes: -pathy
A suffix meaning '**disease condition**'. ## Footnote *Neuropathy* is a disease affecting the nervous system.
140
# Suffixes: -penia
A suffix meaning '**deficiency**'. ## Footnote *Leukopenia* indicates a reduced white blood cell count.
141
# Suffixes: -phagia
A suffix meaning '**eating**' or '**swallowing**'. ## Footnote *Dysphagia* refers to difficulty swallowing.
142
# Suffixes: -phobia
A suffix meaning '**fear**'. ## Footnote *Claustrophobia* is an extreme fear of confined spaces.
143
# Suffixes: -plasia
A suffix meaning '**development**' or '**formation**'. ## Footnote *Hyperplasia* refers to an increase in the number of cells.
144
# Suffixes: -plasty
A suffix meaning '**surgical repair**'. ## Footnote *Rhinoplasty* is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose.
145
# Suffixes: -plegia
A suffix meaning '**paralysis**'. ## Footnote *Quadriplegia* is paralysis of all four limbs.
146
# Suffixes: -pnea
A suffix meaning '**breathing**'. ## Footnote *Apnea* refers to a temporary cessation of breathing.
147
# Suffixes: -ptosis
A suffix meaning '**drooping**' or '**sagging**'. ## Footnote *Blepharoptosis* is drooping of the upper eyelid.
148
# Suffixes: -rrhage, -rrhagia
Suffixes meaning '**bursting forth**' or '**excessive flow**'. ## Footnote *Hemorrhage* refers to excessive bleeding.
149
# Suffixes: -rrhea
A suffix meaning '**flow**' or '**discharge**'. ## Footnote *Diarrhea* is characterized by frequent, watery bowel movements.
150
# Suffixes: -sclerosis
A suffix meaning '**hardening**'. ## Footnote *Atherosclerosis* is the hardening of the arteries.
151
# Suffixes: -scope
A suffix meaning '**instrument for viewing**'. ## Footnote *Endoscope* is used to view the interior of a hollow organ.
152
# Suffixes: -scopy
A suffix meaning '**visual examination**'. ## Footnote *Colonoscopy* allows for visual examination of the colon.
153
# Suffixes: -stasis
A suffix meaning '**stopping**' or '**controlling**'. ## Footnote *Homeostasis* is the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.
154
# Suffixes: -stomy
A suffix meaning '**creation of an opening**'. ## Footnote *Colostomy* is the creation of an opening from the colon to the abdominal wall.
155
# Suffixes: -tomy
A suffix meaning '**incision**' or '**cutting into**'. ## Footnote *Laparotomy* involves making a large incision in the abdomen.
156
# Suffixes: -trophy
A suffix meaning '**nourishment**' or '**development**'. ## Footnote *Hypertrophy* refers to the increase in cell size.
157
# Suffixes: -uria
A suffix meaning '**condition of urine**'. ## Footnote *Hematuria* is the presence of blood in the urine.