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.
2
Q
Prefix:
ab-
A
A prefix meaning ‘away from’.
The physical therapist noted that the patient’s arm remained abducted at 30 degrees
3
Q
Prefix:
ad-
A
A prefix meaning ‘toward’.
The therapy aims to promote adduction of the limbs.
4
Q
Prefix:
ante-
A
A prefix meaning ‘before’ or ‘forward’.
The antepartum care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
5
Q
Prefix:
anti-
A
A prefix meaning ‘against’.
The patient was prescribed an antibiotic to fight the infection.
6
Q
Prefix:
auto-
A
A prefix meaning ‘self’.
The body has an autonomous system for regulating blood pressure.
7
Q
Prefix:
bi-
A
A prefix meaning ‘two’ or ‘double’.
The procedure was performed under binaural anesthesia.
8
Q
Prefix:
brady-
A
A prefix meaning ‘slow’.
The patient’s bradycardia was monitored closely during recovery.
9
Q
Prefix:
circum-
A
A prefix meaning ‘around’.
The surgeon made a circumferential incision to access the area.
10
Q
Prefix:
co-, com-
A
Prefixes meaning ‘with’ or ‘together’.
The coagulation process is essential for wound healing.
11
Q
Prefix:
contra-
A
A prefix meaning ‘against’ or ‘opposite’.
The medication is contradicted in patients with liver disease.
12
Q
Prefix:
de-
A
A prefix meaning ‘down’ or ‘away from’.
The treatment aims to decrease inflammation in the joints.
13
Q
Prefix:
dia-
A
A prefix meaning ‘through’ or ‘across’.
The doctor ordered a diagonal scan to check for abnormalities.
14
Q
Prefix:
dys-
A
A prefix meaning ‘bad’, ‘difficult’, or ‘painful’.
The patient reported dysphagia, making swallowing challenging.
15
Q
Prefix:
ecto-
A
A prefix meaning ‘outside’ or ‘external’.
The ectopic pregnancy required immediate medical attention.
16
Q
Prefix:
en-, endo-, intra-
A
Prefixes meaning ‘inside’ or ‘within’.
The endoscope was used to examine the internal organs.
17
Q
Prefix:
epi-
A
A prefix meaning ‘upon’ or ‘over’.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.
18
Q
Prefix:
eu-
A
A prefix meaning ‘good’ or ‘normal’.
The patient’s eupnea indicated normal breathing.
19
Q
Prefix:
exo-
A
A prefix meaning ‘outside’ or ‘outward’.
The exocrine glands secrete substances outside the bloodstream.
20
Q
Prefix:
extra-
A
A prefix meaning ‘outside’ or ‘beyond’.
The extracellular fluid surrounds the cells in the body.
21
Q
Prefix:
hemi-
A
A prefix meaning ‘half’.
The patient experienced hemiplegia following the stroke.
22
Q
Prefix:
hetero-
A
A prefix meaning ‘different’.
The heterogeneous mixture of cells was analyzed under a microscope.
23
Q
Prefix:
homo-, homeo-
A
Prefixes meaning ‘same’ or ‘alike’.
The procedure aims to maintain homeostasis within the body.
24
Q
Prefix:
hyper-
A
A prefix meaning ‘excessive’ or ‘above normal’.
The patient was diagnosed with hypertension, indicating high blood pressure.
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.
