- around something else?
- within something else?
- below something else?
Suffixes
Suffixes are word parts that are located at the end of words. Suffixes can alter the meaning of medical terms. It is important to spell and pronounce suffixes correctly.
Suffixes in medical terms are common to English language suffixes. Suffixes are not always explicitly stated in the definition of a word. It is common that suffixes will not be explicitly stated when defining a medical term in the workplace. However, when transcribing or reading medical reports the suffix is always clearly written. In order to properly spell and pronounce medical terms, it is helpful to learn the suffixes.
Common Suffixes
| SUFFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLE OF USE IN MEDICAL TERMS |
|---|---|---|
| -ac | Pertaining to | Cardiac |
| -blast, -blasto, -blastic | Bud; Germ | Myeloblast |
| -cyte, -cytic | Cell | Thrombocyte |
| -dynia | Pain; Swelling | Thoracodynia |
| -eal, -ial | Pertaining to | Esophageal |
| -ectasis | Expansion; Dilation | Atelectasis |
| -emia | Blood condition | Anemia |
| -ia | Condition | Hemophilia |
| -iasis | Condition; Formation of | Psoriasis |
| -ism | Condition | Hypothyroidism |
| -ites, -itis | Inflammation | Arthritis |
| -ity | Pertaining to | Immunity |
| -ium | Structure or tissue | Epithelium |
| -lysis, -lytic | Break down; Destruction; Dissolving | Osteolytic |
| -malacia | Softening | Osteomalacia |
| -megaly | Enlargement | Acromegaly |
| -oid | Resembling | Arachnoid trabeculae |
| -oma | Tumor | Angiosarcoma |
| -osis | Condition; Usually abnormal | Endometriosis |
| -ous | Pertaining to | Aqueous |
| -pathy | Disease | Lymphadenopathy |
| -penia | Deficiency; Lack of | Thrombocytopenia |
| -phagia, -phagy | Eating; Swallowing | Dysphagia |
| -phasia | Speech | Aphasia |
| -plasia, -plastic | Growth | Hyperplasia |
| -plegia | Paralysis | Hemiplegia |
| -pnea | Breathing | Sleep apnea |
| -poiesis | Production | Hemopoiesis |
| -ptosis | Falling; Drooping | Apoptosis |
| -rrhage, -rrhagic | Bleeding | Hemorrhage |
| -rrhea | Flow or discharge | Diarrhea |
| -sclerosis | Hardening | Arteriosclerosis |
| -sis | Condition | Agranulocytosis |
| -stasis | Level; Unchanging | Homeostasis |
| -trophy | Growth | Hypertrophy |
| -uria | In the urine | Anuria |
Procedure Suffixes
| SUFFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLE OF USE IN MEDICAL TERMS |
|---|---|---|
| -centesis | Surgical puncture to remove fluid | Thoracentesis |
| -desis | Surgical binding | Pleurodesis |
| -ectomy | Cut out; Removal | Mastectomy |
| -gram | Record; Picture | Electrocardiogram |
| -graph | Instrument used to create a record or picture | Electrocardiograph |
| -graphy | To record or take a picture | Echocardiography |
| -meter | Device used for measuring | Sphygmomanometer |
| -opsy | Visual examination | Biopsy |
| -ostomy | Opening | Colostomy |
| -otomy | Incision | Laparotomy |
| -pexy | Surgical fixation | Oophoropexy |
| -plasty | Surgical reconstruction | Vertebroplasty |
| -scope | For examining | Endoscope |
| -scopy | Examine | Endoscopy |
Concept Check
- Do you know the difference between the suffixes -gram, -graph, and -graphy?
- Which suffixes denote a condition or disease?
Word parts and definitions from “Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean” by MedlinePlus and is under public domain.
Definitions of medical term examples from:
- Anatomy and Physiology (on OpenStax), by Betts et al. and is used under a CC BY 4.0 international license. Download and access this book for free at https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/1-introduction
- Concepts of Biology (on OpenStax), by Fowler et al. and is used under a CC BY 4.0 international license. Download and access this book for free at https://openstax.org/books/concepts-biology/pages/1-introduction
- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms by the National Cancer Institute and is used under public domain.
Word part at the beginning of a medical term that changes the meaning of the word root
× Close definitionA condition in which the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin is deficient (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionMale sex hormones; for example, testosterone (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionDrugs that inhibit the release of acetylcholine (ACh) (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA chemical that elicits a response in the same cell that secreted it (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA science concerned with the origin, structure, development, growth, function, genetics, and reproduction of animals, plants, and microorganisms (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
× Close definitionTreatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe use of drugs, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA signaling molecule that allows cells to communicate with each other over short distances (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionWhen a body is dissected, its structures are cut apart in order to observe their physical attributes and relationships to one another (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionDifficulty breathing (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA mode of breathing that occurs at rest and does not require the cognitive thought of the individual; also known as quiet breathing (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA process in which muscle fibers are replaced by scar tissue (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA polysaccharide that is converted to glucose (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA medical-surgical specialty concerned with the physiology and disorders primarily of the female genital tract, as well as female endocrinology and reproductive physiology (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
× Close definitionThe abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionSomething that is unknown (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionAn organelle that contains enzymes that break down and digest unneeded cellular components (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionCancerous (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA chronic subcutaneous infection (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
× Close definitionAccidental cell death (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionAn infant during the first 28 days after birth (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
× Close definitionHypothalamic hormone stored in the posterior pituitary gland and important in stimulating uterine contractions in labor, milk ejection during breastfeeding, and feelings of attachment (also produced in males) (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA condition in which there is a lower-than-normal number of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA health professional who has special training in preparing and dispensing (giving out) prescription drugs (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe phenomenon of youthfulness, vitality, and freshness being restored (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
× Close definitionGeneral term for a body cell (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe opening that provides for passage of the nerve from the hearing and equilibrium organs of the inner ear (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionPharyngeal tonsil (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionFat cell (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe outer region of the adrenal gland; secretes steroid hormones (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA procedure in which an occlusion is mechanically widened with a balloon (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA very small artery that leads to a capillary (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionJoint replacement surgery (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe cheeks, tongue, and palate (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionLarge airway that leads from the trachea (windpipe) to a lung (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionBranches of the bronchi (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA thin connective tissue sac filled with lubricating liquid (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA form of cancer that affects the stratum basale of the epidermis (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe study of the heart (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe curve between the brain stem and forebrain (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionAn important component of bile acids; a building block of many hormones (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA type of cancer that forms in bone cartilage (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionSupply blood to the myocardium and other components of the heart (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionMade of hyaline cartilage and located at the end of each rib (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionCompletely surrounds and protects the brain from non-traumatic injury (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionSkin (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionExamination of the bladder and urethra using a cystoscope, inserted into the urethra (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionMedical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin disorders (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe first portion of the small intestine (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionInflammation of the duodenum (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionStomach removal (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionSurgical removal of all or part of the tongue (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe production of blood cells (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionCarriers blood to the liver for processing before it enters circulation (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe study of tissues (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionSurgery to remove the uterus and, sometimes, the cervix (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe longest part of the small intestine (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA procedure in which the ileum is brought through the abdominal wall (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe lower and back part of the hip bone (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe large, roughened area of the inferior ischium (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionAn intracellular fibrous protein that gives hair, nails, and skin their hardness and water-resistant properties (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionTears of the eye (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionMilk sugar (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA cartilaginous structure inferior to the laryngopharynx that connects the pharynx to the trachea and helps regulate the volume of air that enters and leaves the lungs; also known as the voice box (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionInflammation of the larynx (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionLymphoid tissue located at the base of the tongue (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe breakdown of adipose tissue (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe second most common type of leukocyte and are essential for the immune response (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionModified sweat glands that produce breast milk (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe membranes that surround the central nervous system (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionInflammation of the meninges, the tough membranes that surround the central nervous system (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionRefers to both the muscular system and skeletal system (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe middle and thickest muscle layer of the heart (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionLipid-rich layer of insulation that surrounds an axon, formed by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system; facilitates the transmission of electrical signals (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA highly specialized tubular structure responsible for creating the final urine composition (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionCells that propagate information via electrochemical impulses (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionResponsible for eye movements (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA gene that is a mutated form of a gene involved in normal cell growth and may cause the growth of cancer cells (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionAbnormal changes in the shape, color, texture, and growth of the fingernails or toenails (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionImmature egg cell (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionSurgery to remove one or both ovaries (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionCarriers signals from the retina to the brain (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionProvides blood to the eyes (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionSurgery to remove one or both testicles; also called orchiectomy (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionStanding up (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionBone tissue (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThree small bones located in the middle ear (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass that occurs when the rate of bone resorption exceeds the rate of bone formation (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat; also called ENT doctor (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe oocyte and its supporting cells (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionAny bone in the fingers or toes (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionFinger and toe bones (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe tonsil located at the back of the throat; also known as the adenoid when swollen (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA medical professional trained to draw blood, typically by performing a venipuncture of a surface vein of the arm (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe nerve connected to the spinal cord at cervical levels 3 to 5; it is responsible for the muscle contractions that drive ventilation (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe membrane that wraps around the outside of your lungs and lines the inside of your chest cavity (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe space between the lung's visceral and parietal layers (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA severe inflammation of the lungs in which the alveoli (tiny air sacs) are filled with fluid (National Cancer Institute, n.d.).
× Close definitionA procedure that uses a proctoscope to look inside the anus and rectum (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionSurgery to remove part or all of the prostate and some of the tissue around it (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionTissue with a single layer of irregularly shaped cells that give the appearance of more than one layer (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA medical doctor who specializes in neuroscience and diagnoses and treats mental disorders (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionRadioactive isotopes (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe outer region of the kidney, between the renal capsule and the renal medulla (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA disease that causes deterioration of the retinas of the eyes (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the nose (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionSurgical removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe functional unit of a skeletal muscle fiber (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA group of severe mental disorders in which a person has trouble telling the difference between real and unreal experiences, thinking logically, having normal emotional responses to others, and behaving normally in social situations (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionHardening of tissue (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionExamination of the lower colon using a sigmoidoscope, inserted into the rectum (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA male gametocyte from which a spermatozoon develops (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionEnlarged spleen (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA condition in which the heart valves become rigid and may calcify over time (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionBreastbone (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe only bony articulation between the pectoral girdle of the upper limb and the axial skeleton (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionInflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA chamber located within the upper human torso which contains the heart and lungs (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA class of drugs that can help speed up the degradation of an abnormal clot (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionInflammation of the thyroid gland (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe windpipe (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA smooth muscle that bridges the gap between the free ends of C-shaped cartilages at the posterior border of the trachea (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe ear drum (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary organs in females and the urinary and reproductive organs in males (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionPertaining to the vagina (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionDistended, twisted veins (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionInflammation of blood vessels (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe two major systemic veins (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe spine (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA green pigment that captures the energy of sunlight for photosynthesis (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
× Close definitionComposed of DNA and proteins; the condensed form of chromatin (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA condition in which the oxygen supply is restricted, causing the skin to look blue (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA red blood cell (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionWhite blood cell(s) (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionPigment that gives the hair and skin its color (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA procedure in which an extremely cold liquid or an instrument called a cryoprobe is used to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe record of the heart's function produced by the electrocardiograph (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe energy matter possesses because of its motion (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionAn excessive posterior curvature of the thoracic region (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionCancer that forms in the soft tissues in a type of muscle called striated muscle (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA specialized receptor in the eye that responds to light stimuli (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionImmature erythrocytes (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionLateral curvature of the spine (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionTreatment of disease using heat (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionMoves the bone away from the midline (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionMoves the bone toward the midline (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionHaving to do with the time a female is pregnant, before birth occurs; also called prenatal (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe surgical removal of the prepuce (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA condition in which the number of neutrophils in the blood goes in cycles from normal to low and back to normal again (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA net loss of water that results in insufficient water in blood and other tissues (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe process of identifying a disease, condition, or injury from its signs and symptoms (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA gland whose secretions leave through a duct that opens directly, or indirectly, to the external environment (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA ductless gland that releases secretions directly into surrounding tissues and fluids (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe outer, protective layer of the skin (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionExhalation, or the process of causing air to leave the lungs (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionLocated below the zygomatic arch and deep to the ramus of the mandible (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionExtracellular fluid not contained within blood vessels (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe fluid interior of the cell (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe middle germ layer in the embryo (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions that take place in the body (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionSmall structures located on the posterior thyroid gland that produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA doctor who has special training in identifying diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionMembrane that separates the heart from other mediastinal structures; consists of two distinct, fused sublayers: the fibrous pericardium and the parietal pericardium (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe period of approximately 6 weeks immediately following childbirth (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA term used to describe a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionLocated behind the peritoneum (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe layer of skin directly below the dermis (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA position above or higher than another part of the body proper (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe upper part of the larynx (voice box), including the epiglottis (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA set of symptoms or conditions that occur together and suggest the presence of a certain disease or an increased chance of developing the disease (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionAbsorbed through the unbroken skin (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionMuscles with two origins (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA condition in which the heart beats slower than 50 beats per minute (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA cell containing two matched sets of chromosomes (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA condition in which one side of the body or a part of one side is larger than the other (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionMade up of elements or ingredients that are not alike (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA term that describes having two identical versions of the same gene (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionAbnormally high blood pressure (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionBlood pressure goes below the homeostatic set point when standing (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionHaving the same intensity as another object (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA large cell derived from a monocyte; they participate in innate immune responses (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionSmaller than most of the other glial cells; they ingest and digest cells or pathogens that cause disease (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA type of immune cell that is made in the bone marrow (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionBelow-average production of urine (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionExcessive urine production (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA group of four muscles located on the anterior (front) thigh (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe generic name for the the openings that lead to the pulmonary trunk and aorta (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA condition in which the resting rate is above 100 bpm (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA congenital heart condition comprised of four defects (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe three-headed muscle that extends the forearm (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionSingle-celled (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA word part added to the end of a word that changes the meaning of the word root
× Close definitionHaving to do with the heart (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA type of immature white blood cell that forms in the bone marrow (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionPlatelets (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionChest pain (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionOf or pertaining to the esophagus (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionFailure of the lung to expand (inflate) completely (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA group of related disorders in which there is the inadequate production of functional amounts of one or more clotting factors (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA chronic disease of the skin marked by red patches covered with white scales (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe disease state caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionChronic inflammation of the synovial joints (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionPertaining to the body's ability to mount an overwhelming immune response against a pathogen so that it cannot produce disease (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionSheets of cells that cover the exterior surfaces of the body, line internal cavities and passageways, and form certain glands; also known as epithelial tissue (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionCausing the breakdown of bone (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA softening of adult bones due to Vitamin D deficiency (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA disorder that results in the growth of bones in the face, hands, and feet in response to excessive levels of growth hormone in individuals who have stopped growing (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA membrane layer of the CNS that resembles a spider web (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA type of cancer that begins in the cells that line blood vessels or lymph vessels (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA disease characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue found outside the uterus (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionHaving to do with water (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionDisease or swelling of the lymph nodes (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA condition in which there is an insufficient number of platelets (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionDifficulty swallowing (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionLoss of language function (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionAbnormal growth due to the production of cells (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionParalysis on one side of the body (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA chronic disorder characterized by the cessation of breathing during sleep (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe process by which the body produces blood (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionProgrammed cell death (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionExcessive bleeding (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionFrequent and watery bowel movements (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe generalized loss of compliance; "hardening of the arteries" (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA serious condition that occurs when there is an extremely low number of granulocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the blood (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe enlargement of muscles (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe absence of urine production (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionRemoval of fluid from the pleural cavity through a needle inserted between the ribs (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA medical procedure that uses chemicals or drugs to cause inflammation and adhesion between the layers of the pleura to prevent buildup of fluid (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe surgical procedure to remove all or part of a breast (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionThe instrument that generates an electrocardiogram (ECG); 10 electrodes are placed in standard locations on the patient's skin to record heart function (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionA procedure that uses high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) to look at tissues and organs inside the chest (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA blood pressure cuff attached to a measuring device (Betts et al., 2013)
× Close definitionThe removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionAn opening into the colon from the outside of the body (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA procedure in which one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes are separated from the uterus and attached to the wall of the abdomen (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA procedure used to repair a bone in the spine that has a break caused by cancer, osteoporosis, or trauma (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA thin, tube-like instrument used to look at tissues inside the body (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionA procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the inside of the body (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)
× Close definitionLicense
Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professions Copyright © 2020 by Andrea Nelson and Katherine Greene is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
