Definition: Painful, abnormal, difficult, labored

Example: Dyspepsia – Difficult or painful digestion, often referred to as indigestion, characterized by symptoms like bloating, nausea, or heartburn.

Definition: Within or in 

example : Endogastric – A term referring to something occurring within the stomach, such as an endogastric procedure that involves accessing the interior of the stomach for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Definition: half 

example: Hemigastrectomy – Surgical removal of half of the stomach, typically performed to treat severe ulcers or stomach cancer.

Definition: Excessive or above normal 

Example: Hypergastrinemia – A condition involving excessive levels of gastrin (a digestive hormone) in the blood, which can lead to overproduction of stomach acid and conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

hypo:

Definition: Below normal or deficient

Example: Hypoglycemia – A condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels, often causing symptoms like dizziness, weakness, and confusion, and requiring prompt treatment with glucose.

mal: 

Definition: Bad or poor 

Example:  Malabsorption – Poor absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract, which can result from conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or chronic pancreatitis, leading to malnutrition.

Definition: Beside, near, or abnormal

Example: Paracolitis – Inflammation occurring near or adjacent to the colon, often associated with diverticulitis or infections.

peri:

Definition: Around or surrounding

Example: Perigastric – Pertaining to the area around the stomach, often used to describe inflammation, abscesses, or surgical observations in this region.

Definition: Under or below 

Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to medications that dissolve beneath the tongue for quick absorption.

Definition:  Across or through 

Example: Transgastric – Referring to procedures or conditions that occur through the stomach, such as a transgastric endoscopic procedure used for accessing abdominal organs.

Definition: Without, lack of  

Example: Anuria – The absence of urine production, often indicating kidney failure or severe dehydration, requiring immediate medical evaluation and treatment.

Definition: Through, complete

Example: Dialysis is a medical procedure that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer function properly.

Definition: Difficult, painful, or abnormal

Example: Dysuria – Painful or difficult urination, often caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, or other underlying conditions.

Hyper:

Definition:  Excessive, above normal 

Example: Hyperuricemia – Excessive levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to conditions such as gout or kidney stones if untreated.

Hypo:

Definition: Below normal, deficient 

Hyposthenuria – The excretion of excessively dilute urine due to the kidneys' inability to concentrate it properly, often associated with conditions like diabetes insipidus or chronic kidney disease.

Definition: Pertaining to

Example: Celiac – Pertaining to the abdomen, often used in conditions like celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten damages the small intestine.

-al:

Definition:  Pertaining to

Example: Colorectal – Pertaining to the colon and rectum, often used in the context of colorectal cancer or surgeries.

Definition: Hernia, protrusion 

Example: Gastrocele – A hernia of the stomach, often resulting from a weakness in the diaphragm or abdominal wall.

Definition: Surgical puncture to aspirate fluid 

Example: Paracentesis – A procedure involving the surgical puncture of the abdomen to remove excess fluid, commonly performed in cases of ascites.

Definition:  Pertaining to

Example: Esophageal – Pertaining to the esophagus, such as in esophageal reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

Definition: Excision

Example: Appendectomy – Surgical removal of the appendix, often performed in cases of appendicitis.

Definition:  The record, radiographic image

Example: Cholangiogram – A radiographic image of the bile ducts obtained using contrast material, often performed during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to assess blockages or other abnormalities in the bile ducts.

Definition: Process of recording 

 Example: Electrogastrography – The process of recording the electrical activity of the stomach to assess its motility and function, often used to diagnose conditions like gastroparesis or dyspepsia..

-ia:

Definition: Condition of, diseased state, abnormal state

Example: Dyspepsia – A condition of impaired digestion, often characterized by bloating, discomfort, and nausea.

Definition: Condition

Example: Cholelithiasis – A condition involving the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder, which can cause pain and blockages.

Definition: Pertaining to 

Example: Hepatic – Pertaining to the liver, as in hepatic function tests, which evaluate liver health.

Definition:  Inflammation

 Example: Gastritis – Inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by infections, medications, or alcohol use.

Definition:Specialist who studies and treats

Example: Gastroenterologist – A specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, and liver. 

Definition: Study of

Example: Hepatology – The study of the liver, including diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Definition: Softening

Example: Esophagomalacia – Softening of the esophageal walls, often caused by chronic acid reflux (GERD), prolonged inflammation, or structural weakness, which may lead to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or esophageal collapse.

Definition: Enlargement

 Example: Hepatomegaly – Enlargement of the liver, which can occur in conditions like fatty liver disease or hepatitis.

Definition: Tumor 

 Example: Gastrinoma – A tumor that secretes gastrin, often associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, leading to excessive stomach acid production.

Definition: Abnormal condition 

Example: Diverticulosis – A condition where small pouches form in the colon wall, which can become inflamed (diverticulitis).

Definition: Disease 

Example: Gastropathy – A disease of the stomach, often referring to damage caused by chronic use of NSAIDs or alcohol.

Definition: Eating or swallowing

Example: Dysphagia – Difficulty swallowing, which can result from conditions affecting the esophagus or nervous system.

Definition:  Surgical repair 

Example: Pyloroplasty – Surgical repair or widening of the pyloric sphincter to improve the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

Definition: Prolapse, drooping

 Example: Gastroptosis – Prolapse or downward displacement of the stomach, often caused by weakened abdominal muscles.

Definition: Suturing, repairing

Example: Herniorrhaphy – Surgical repair of a hernia, often performed to reinforce the abdominal wall.

Definition: Flow, discharge 

Example: Diarrhea – Frequent, watery bowel movements, often caused by infections, medications, or food intolerances.

Definition: Instrument used for visualization

Example: Colonoscope – An instrument used to visualize the interior of the colon during a colonoscopy.

Definition: Process of viewing, visualization 

Example: Endoscopy – The process of visualizing the digestive tract using a flexible tube with a camera.

Definition:  Creation of an artificial opening 

Example: Colostomy – A surgical procedure to create an opening from the colon to the abdominal surface for waste elimination.

Definition: Incision, cut into

Example: Laparotomy – A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, often performed to diagnose or treat abdominal conditions.

Definition: Pertaining to 

Example: Urinary – Pertaining to urine or the urinary system, such as in urinary tract infection (UTI), which affects the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.

Definition: Hernia, protrusion 

Example: Cystocele – A herniation of the bladder into the vaginal wall, often caused by weakened pelvic muscles.

Definition: In the blood 

Example: Uremia – A buildup of urea and other waste products in the blood due to kidney dysfunction, often requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Definition: Condition 

Example: Diuresis – A condition of increased or excessive production of urine, often induced by medications like diuretics.

Definition: The recorded radiographic image 

 Example: Urogram – A radiographic image of the urinary tract, used to identify blockages, stones, or other abnormalities.

Definition:  Instrument used to record 

Example: Cystograph – An instrument used to record images of the bladder, often during a cystography procedure.

Definition: Process of recording, radiographic imaging 

 Example: Pyelography – The process of obtaining X-ray images of the renal pelvis and ureters, often using contrast dye.

Definition: Condition 

 Example: Nephrolithiasis – A condition characterized by the presence of kidney stones, which can cause pain and urinary obstruction. 

Definition: Inflammation 

Example: Cystitis – Inflammation of the bladder, often caused by bacterial infections and characterized by pain and frequent urination.

Definition: Abdomen, abdominal 

 Example: Abdominoplasty – Surgical repair or reconstruction of the abdomen, often referred to as a "tummy tuck."

Definition: Anus 

Example: Anoplasty – Surgical repair of the anus, often performed to treat congenital defects or damage caused by trauma.

Definition: Antrum

Example: Antrectomy – Surgical removal of the antrum, a part of the stomach, often done to treat ulcers or cancer.

Definition: Appendix

Example: Appendectomy – Surgical removal of the appendix, typically performed in cases of appendicitis.

Definition: Appendix

Example: Appendicitis – Inflammation of the appendix, often causing abdominal pain and requiring surgical intervention.

Definition:  Cecum

Example: Cecopexy – Surgical fixation of the cecum, often performed to correct volvulus (twisting of the bowel).

Definition: Abdomen, abdominal cavity 

Example: Celiotomy – Surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, often performed to explore or treat abdominal conditions.

Definition: Lip 

Example: Cheilitis – Inflammation of the lips, often caused by irritation, infection, or nutritional deficiencies.

  Definition: Gall, bile

Example: Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts.

Definition: Common bile duct 

Example: Choledocholithiasis – The presence of stones in the common bile duct, often requiring removal to restore bile flow.

Definition: Colon

Example: Colitis – Inflammation of the colon, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping.

Definition:  Intestine 

Example: Enteritis – Inflammation of the intestines, often caused by infection or irritants.

Definition: Esophagus

Example: Esophagitis – Inflammation of the esophagus, often resulting from acid reflux or infections.

Definition: Stomach

Example: Gastrectomy – Surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, typically to treat ulcers, cancer, or severe obesity.

Definition: Gum

Example: Gingivitis – Inflammation of the gums, often caused by poor oral hygiene or bacterial infection.

Definition: Tongue

Example: Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue that can cause swelling, redness, and pain. It is often caused by infections or nutritional deficiencies.

Definition:  Liver

Example: Hepatomegaly – Enlargement of the liver, often caused by infections, fatty liver disease, or cancer.

Definition: Hernia, protrusion of an organ through a membrane or cavity wall

Example: Herniorrhaphy – Surgical repair of a hernia to reposition the protruding organ and strengthen the surrounding tissue.

Definition: Abdomen, abdominal cavity

Example: Laparoscopy – A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to view and treat abdominal or pelvic conditions.

Definition:  Tongue

Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to the administration of medications for rapid absorption. 

 Definition: Mouth

Example: Oral – Pertaining to the mouth, such as in oral hygiene practices.

Definition: Palate

Example: Palatoplasty – Surgical repair of the palate, often performed to correct cleft palate deformities.

Definition:  Pancreas

Example: Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption.

Definition:  Peritoneum

Example: Peritonitis – Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, often caused by infection or perforation.

Definition: Polyp, small growth

Example: Polypectomy – Surgical removal of a polyp, often performed during a colonoscopy to prevent cancer development.

Definition: Rectum

Example: Proctitis – Inflammation of the rectum, which can cause discomfort, bleeding, and urgency.

Definition: Pylorus, pyloric sphincter

Example: Pyloroplasty – Surgical repair of the pyloric sphincter to improve food passage from the stomach to the small intestine.

Definition: Rectum

Example: Rectocele – A bulging of the rectum into the vaginal wall, often caused by weakening of pelvic floor muscles.

Definition: Saliva, salivary gland

Example: Sialadenitis – Inflammation of a salivary gland, often caused by bacterial infections or blockages.

Definition: Fat

Example: Steatorrhea – Excess fat in stool, often a sign of malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis.

Definition: Mouth

Example: Stomatitis – Inflammation of the mouth, which can result from infections, irritants, or systemic diseases.

Definition: Uvula

Example: Uvulectomy – Surgical removal of the uvula, often performed to treat snoring or sleep apnea.

Definition: Dryness

Example: Xerostomia – Dryness of the mouth caused by reduced saliva production, often associated with certain medications or medical conditions.

Definition:  Albumin

Example: Albuminuria – The presence of albumin (a type of protein) in the urine, often a sign of kidney damage or disease, such as nephrotic syndrome.

Definition: Urea, nitrogen

Example: Azotemia – An elevated level of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood, typically resulting from kidney dysfunction.

Definition: Developing cell, germ cell

Example: Nephroblastoma – A cancerous tumor of the kidney that arises from immature kidney cells, also known as Wilms tumor, commonly found in children.

Definition: Bladder, sac

Example: Cystitis – Inflammation of the urinary bladder, often caused by bacterial infection, leading to frequent and painful urination.

Definition: Glomerulus

Example: Glomerulonephritis – Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney dysfunction or failure.

glyc/o, glycos/o: 

Definition: Sugar

Example: Hyperglycosuria – Excess sugar in the urine, commonly associated with uncontrolled diabetes or kidney filtration issues.

Definition: Water

Example: Hydronephrosis – The swelling of a kidney due to a buildup of urine caused by obstruction in the urinary tract.

Definition: Stone, calculus

Example: Nephrolithiasis – The formation or presence of kidney stones, often causing severe pain and urinary obstruction.

 Definition: Kidney

Example: Nephrectomy – Surgical removal of a kidney, often performed due to cancer, trauma, or severe infectio

Definition:  Night

Example: Nocturnal Enuresis – Involuntary urination during sleep, commonly known as bedwetting. This condition is most often seen in children, but it can also occur in adults due to medical issues such as diabetes, bladder dysfunction, or neurological disorders.

Definition: Pus

Example: Pyuria – The presence of pus in the urine, indicating a urinary tract infection or kidney infection.

Definition: Renal pelvis

Example: Pyelitis – Inflammation of the renal pelvis, often caused by bacterial infections ascending from the bladder.

Definition: Kidney

Example: Renal failure – The inability of the kidneys to filter waste products and balance fluids and electrolytes in the body. 

Definition: urin/o: Urine, urinary tract

Example: Urology – The branch of medicine focused on the study and treatment of urinary tract diseases and disorders.

Definition: Ureter

Example: Ureteroplasty – Surgical repair of a ureter to correct blockages or structural abnormalities.

BMI = Body Mass Index

Definition: 

• A measurement of body fat based on height and weight, used to assess whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

• A diagnostic procedure in which a flexible endoscope is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).

FTT = Failure to Thrive

• A condition in infants or children characterized by insufficient weight gain or growth, often caused by inadequate nutrition or underlying medical conditions.

GERD = Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• A chronic condition in which stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.

GI = Gastrointestinal

• Referring to the digestive system, which includes the stomach, intestines, and associated organs involved in digestion and nutrient absorption.

IH = Inguinal Hernia

• A condition in which a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, causing a bulge in the groin.

IBD = Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• A group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, primarily including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

IBS = Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• A common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or both).

NG Tube = Nasogastric Tube

• A tube inserted through the nose into the stomach, used for feeding, administering medications, or draining stomach contents.

NAFLD = Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

• A condition characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver not caused by alcohol consumption, often associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

PUD = Peptic Ulcer Disease

• A condition characterized by open sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of NSAIDs.

PN = Parenteral Nutrition

• A method of providing nutrition intravenously, bypassing the digestive tract, often used in patients with severe gastrointestinal conditions or after surgery.

UC = Ulcerative Colitis

• A form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.

Brunner’s Glands

• Named After: Johann Conrad Brunner, a Swiss anatomist. Glands in the duodenum that secrete alkaline mucus to protect the intestinal lining. These glands help neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine, playing a key role in preventing damage to the intestinal mucosa.

Crohn’s Disease

• Named After: Burrill Crohn, an American gastroenterologist.
• A chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, often affecting the ileum and colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Gilbert’s Syndrome

• Named After: Augustin Nicolas Gilbert, a French physician.
• A hereditary liver disorder resulting in mildly elevated bilirubin levels, typically without significant symptoms. It is often detected incidentally during routine blood tests and is usually benign.

• Named After: Frederic Bartter, an American endocrinologist.
• A rare genetic condition affecting the kidneys' ability to reabsorb sodium, leading to hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and dehydration. Symptoms include muscle weakness, growth delays, and excessive urination, typically diagnosed in childhood.

• Named After: Sir William Bowman, an English surgeon.
• A cup-shaped structure in the nephron of the kidney that surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtrate from blood plasma. They are integral to the filtration process in the kidneys, initiating urine formation.

• Named After: Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle, a German anatomist.
• The U-shaped portion of the nephron, crucial for concentrating urine by creating a gradient in the kidney's medulla. It plays a key role in water and salt reabsorption, maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance.