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Digestive and urinary system terminology
terminology
134
Medical
Not Applicable
05/27/2025

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Term
dys-
Definition
Painful, abnormal, difficult, labored Example: Dyspepsia – Difficult or painful digestion, often referred to as indigestion, characterized by symptoms like bloating, nausea, or heartburn.
Term
endo-
Definition
Within, 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.
Term
hemi-
Definition
Half Example: Hemigastrectomy – Surgical removal of half of the stomach, typically performed to treat severe ulcers or stomach cancer.
Term
hyper-
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.
Term
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.
Term
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.
Term
para-
Definition
Beside, near, or abnormal Example: Paracolitis – Inflammation occurring near or adjacent to the colon, often associated with diverticulitis or infections.
Term
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.
Term
sub-
Definition
Under, below Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to medications that dissolve beneath the tongue for quick absorption.
Term
trans-
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.
Term
An- / A-
Definition
Without, lack of Example: Anuria – The absence of urine production, often indicating kidney failure or severe dehydration, requiring immediate medical evaluation and treatment.
Term
Dia-
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.
Term
Dys-
Definition
Difficult, painful, or abnormal Example: Dysuria – Painful or difficult urination, often caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, or other underlying conditions.
Term
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
Term
Hypo-
Definition
Below normal, deficient Example: 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.
Term
Poly-
Definition
Many, excessive Example: Polyuria – Excessive urine output, commonly associated with conditions like diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, often leading to dehydration if untreated.
Term
Noct-
Definition
Night Example: Nocturia – Frequent urination at night, which can disrupt sleep and may result from conditions like overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, or heart failure.
Term
Oligo-
Definition
Few or scanty Example: Oliguria – Scanty urine output, often a sign of kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or shock, requiring urgent medical attention
Term
-ac
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.
Term
-al
Definition
Pertaining to Example: Colorectal – Pertaining to the colon and rectum, often used in the context of colorectal cancer or surgeries.
Term
-cele
Definition
Hernia, protrusion Example: Gastrocele – A hernia of the stomach, often resulting from a weakness in the diaphragm or abdominal wall.
Term
-centesis
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.
Term
-eal
Definition
Pertaining to Example: Esophageal – Pertaining to the esophagus, such as in esophageal reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
Term
-ectomy
Definition
Excision Example: Appendectomy – Surgical removal of the appendix, often performed in cases of appendicitis
Term
-gram
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.
Term
-graphy
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..
Term
-ia
Definition
Condition of, diseased state, abnormal state Example: Dyspepsia – A condition of impaired digestion, often characterized by bloating, discomfort, and nausea.
Term
-iasis
Definition
Condition Example: Cholelithiasis – A condition involving the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder, which can cause pain and blockages.
Term
-ic
Definition
Pertaining to Example: Hepatic – Pertaining to the liver, as in hepatic function tests, which evaluate liver health
Term
-itis
Definition
Inflammation Example: Gastritis – Inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by infections, medications, or alcohol use.
Term
-logist
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.
Term
-logy
Definition
Study of Example: Hepatology – The study of the liver, including diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Term
-malacia
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
Term
-megaly
Definition
Enlargement Example: Hepatomegaly – Enlargement of the liver, which can occur in conditions like fatty liver disease or hepatitis.
Term
-oma
Definition
Tumor Example: Gastrinoma – A tumor that secretes gastrin, often associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, leading to excessive stomach acid production.
Term
-osis
Definition
Abnormal condition Example: Diverticulosis – A condition where small pouches form in the colon wall, which can become inflamed (diverticulitis).
Term
-pathy
Definition
Disease Example: Gastropathy – A disease of the stomach, often referring to damage caused by chronic use of NSAIDs or alcohol.
Term
-phagia
Definition
Eating or swallowing Example: Dysphagia – Difficulty swallowing, which can result from conditions affecting the esophagus or nervous system.
Term
-plasty
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.
Term
-ptosis
Definition
Prolapse, drooping Example: Gastroptosis – Prolapse or downward displacement of the stomach, often caused by weakened abdominal muscles.
Term
-rrhaphy
Definition
Suturing, repairing Example: Herniorrhaphy – Surgical repair of a hernia, often performed to reinforce the abdominal wall.
Term
-rrhea
Definition
Flow, discharge Example: Diarrhea – Frequent, watery bowel movements, often caused by infections, medications, or food intolerances.
Term
-scope
Definition
Instrument used for visualization Example: Colonoscope – An instrument used to visualize the interior of the colon during a colonoscopy.
Term
-scopy
Definition
Process of viewing, visualization Example: Endoscopy – The process of visualizing the digestive tract using a flexible tube with a camera.
Term
-stomy
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.
Term
-tomy
Definition
Incision, cut into Example: Laparotomy – A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, often performed to diagnose or treat abdominal conditions.
Term
-al
Definition
Pertaining to Example: Renal – Pertaining to the kidneys, as in renal function, which refers to how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood
Term
-ary
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
Term
-cele
Definition
Hernia, protrusion Example: Cystocele – A herniation of the bladder into the vaginal wall, often caused by weakened pelvic muscles.
Term
-emia
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
Term
-esis
Definition
Condition Example: Diuresis – A condition of increased or excessive production of urine, often induced by medications like diuretics
Term
-gram
Definition
The recorded radiographic image Example: Urogram – A radiographic image of the urinary tract, used to identify blockages, stones, or other abnormalities
Term
-graph
Definition
Instrument used to record Example: Cystograph – An instrument used to record images of the bladder, often during a cystography procedure
Term
-graphy
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
Term
-iasis
Definition
Condition Example: Nephrolithiasis – A condition characterized by the presence of kidney stones, which can cause pain and urinary obstruction
Term
-itis
Definition
Inflammation Example: Cystitis – Inflammation of the bladder, often caused by bacterial infections and characterized by pain and frequent urination
Term
-lith
Definition
Stone Example: Urolith – A stone in the urinary tract, which may form in the kidneys, bladder, or ureters.
Term
-lysis
Definition
Loosening, dissolution, separating Example: Hemodialysis – A procedure that separates waste products from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function
Term
-megaly
Definition
Enlarged, enlargement Example: Nephromegaly – Enlargement of the kidneys, which may occur due to hydronephrosis or other conditions affecting the renal system
Term
-oma
Definition
Tumor, swelling Example: Nephroma – A tumor of the kidney, which may be benign or malignant
Term
-osis
Definition
Abnormal condition Example: Hydronephrosis – An abnormal condition characterized by the swelling of the kidney due to a buildup of urine
Term
-pexy
Definition
Surgical fixation, suspension Example: Nephropexy – Surgical fixation of a floating or mobile kidney to its normal anatomical position
Term
-ptosis
Definition
Drooping, sagging, prolapse Example: Nephroptosis – Drooping or displacement of the kidney, which may cause urinary obstruction or pain
Term
-rrhaphy
Definition
Suturing, repairing Example: Cystorrhaphy – Surgical suturing of the bladder, often performed to repair tears or injuries
Term
-scope
Definition
Instrument used for visual examination Example: Cystoscope – An instrument used to visually examine the bladder and urethra during a cystoscopy
Term
-scopic
Definition
Pertaining to visual examination Example: Urethroscopic – Pertaining to the visual examination of the urethra, often to diagnose strictures or obstructions
Term
-scopy
Definition
Visual examination Example: Cystoscopy – The visual examination of the bladder and urethra using a cystoscope to identify abnormalities or perform treatments
Term
-stomy
Definition
Creation of an artificial opening Example: Urostomy – A surgical procedure creating an artificial opening in the abdominal wall to divert urine from the bladder
Term
-tomy
Definition
Cut into, incision Example: Nephrotomy – A surgical incision into the kidney, often performed to remove kidney stones or treat other abnormalities
Term
-tripsy
Definition
Surgical crushing Example: Lithotripsy – A procedure that uses shock waves to crush kidney stones into smaller pieces for easier passage through the urinary tract
Term
-uria
Definition
Urine, urination Example: Hematuria – The presence of blood in the urine, often indicating infections, stones, or more serious conditions like bladder cancer
Term
abdomin/o
Definition
Abdomen, abdominal Example: Abdominoplasty – Surgical repair or reconstruction of the abdomen, often referred to as a "tummy tuck."
Term
an/o
Definition
Anus Example: Anoplasty – Surgical repair of the anus, often performed to treat congenital defects or damage caused by trauma.
Term
antr/o
Definition
Antrum Example: Antrectomy – Surgical removal of the antrum, a part of the stomach, often done to treat ulcers or cancer
Term
append/o
Definition
Appendix Example: Appendectomy – Surgical removal of the appendix, typically performed in cases of appendicitis
Term
appendic/o
Definition
Appendix Example: Appendicitis – Inflammation of the appendix, often causing abdominal pain and requiring surgical intervention
Term
cec/o
Definition
Cecum Example: Cecopexy – Surgical fixation of the cecum, often performed to correct volvulus (twisting of the bowel)
Term
celi/o
Definition
Abdomen, abdominal cavity Example: Celiotomy – Surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, often performed to explore or treat abdominal conditions
Term
cheil/o
Definition
Lip Example: Cheilitis – Inflammation of the lips, often caused by irritation, infection, or nutritional deficiencies
Term
chol/e
Definition
Gall, bile Example: Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts
Term
choledoch/o
Definition
Common bile duct Example: Choledocholithiasis – The presence of stones in the common bile duct, often requiring removal to restore bile flow
Term
col/o, colon/o
Definition
Colon Example: Colitis – Inflammation of the colon, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping
Term
enter/o
Definition
Intestine Example: Enteritis – Inflammation of the intestines, often caused by infection or irritants.
Term
esophag/o
Definition
Esophagus Example: Esophagitis – Inflammation of the esophagus, often resulting from acid reflux or infections
Term
gastr/o
Definition
Stomach Example: Gastrectomy – Surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, typically to treat ulcers, cancer, or severe obesity
Term
gingiv/o
Definition
Gum Example: Gingivitis – Inflammation of the gums, often caused by poor oral hygiene or bacterial infection
Term
gloss/o
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
Term
albumin/o
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
Term
azot/o
Definition
Urea, nitrogen Example: Azotemia – An elevated level of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood, typically resulting from kidney dysfunction
Term
blast/o
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
Term
cyst/o
Definition
Bladder, sac Example: Cystitis – Inflammation of the urinary bladder, often caused by bacterial infection, leading to frequent and painful urination
Term
glomerul/o
Definition
Glomerulus Example: Glomerulonephritis – Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney dysfunction or failure
Term
glyc/o, glycos/o
Definition
Sugar Example: Hyperglycosuria – Excess sugar in the urine, commonly associated with uncontrolled diabetes or kidney filtration issues
Term
hydr/o
Definition
Water Example: Hydronephrosis – The swelling of a kidney due to a buildup of urine caused by obstruction in the urinary tract
Term
lith/o
Definition
Stone, calculus Example: Nephrolithiasis – The formation or presence of kidney stones, often causing severe pain and urinary obstruction
Term
nephr/o
Definition
Kidney Example: Nephrectomy – Surgical removal of a kidney, often performed due to cancer, trauma, or severe infection
Term
noct/o
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
Term
py/o
Definition
Pus Example: Pyuria – The presence of pus in the urine, indicating a urinary tract infection or kidney infection
Term
pyel/o
Definition
Renal pelvis Example: Pyelitis – Inflammation of the renal pelvis, often caused by bacterial infections ascending from the bladder
Term
ren/o
Definition
Kidney Example: Renal failure – The inability of the kidneys to filter waste products and balance fluids and electrolytes in the body
Term
ur/o, urin/o
Definition
Urine, urinary tract Example: Urology – The branch of medicine focused on the study and treatment of urinary tract diseases and disorders
Term
ureter/o
Definition
Ureter Example: Ureteroplasty – Surgical repair of a ureter to correct blockages or structural abnormalities
Term
urethr/o
Definition
Urethra Example: Urethritis – Inflammation of the urethra, often caused by bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infections.
Term
vesic/o
Definition
Bladder, sac Example: Vesicoureteral reflux – A condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters, increasing the risk of kidney infections and damage
Term
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.
Term
EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Definition
A diagnostic procedure in which a flexible endoscope is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).
Term
FTT = Failure to Thrive
Definition
A condition in infants or children characterized by insufficient weight gain or growth, often caused by inadequate nutrition or underlying medical conditions.
Term
GERD = Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Definition
A chronic condition in which stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.
Term
GI = Gastrointestinal
Definition
Referring to the digestive system, which includes the stomach, intestines, and associated organs involved in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Term
IH = Inguinal Hernia
Definition
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.
Term
IBD = Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Definition
A group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, primarily including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Term
IBS = Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Definition
A common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or both).
Term
NG Tube = Nasogastric Tube
Definition
A tube inserted through the nose into the stomach, used for feeding, administering medications, or draining stomach contents.
Term
NAFLD = Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Definition
A condition characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver not caused by alcohol consumption, often associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Term
PUD = Peptic Ulcer Disease
Definition
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.
Term
PN = Parenteral Nutrition
Definition
A method of providing nutrition intravenously, bypassing the digestive tract, often used in patients with severe gastrointestinal conditions or after surgery
Term
UC = Ulcerative Colitis
Definition
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.
Term
Brunner’s Glands
Definition
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.
Term
Crohn’s Disease
Definition
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).
Term
Gilbert’s Syndrome
Definition
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.
Term
Whipple Procedure
Definition
Named After: Allen Whipple, an American surgeon
Term
BPH = Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Definition
A sudden loss of kidney function, leading to the accumulation of waste products in the blood and an imbalance of electrolytes. It is often reversible with prompt treatment
Term
Cath = Catheterization
Definition
A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in older men, that can cause urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting urination or a weak urine stream
Term
CKD = Chronic Kidney Disease
Definition
The insertion of a catheter, a thin flexible tube, into the bladder to drain urine, monitor output, or deliver medications directly to the urinary tract
Term
Cysto = Cystoscopy
Definition
A long-term condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time, potentially leading to end-stage renal disease if untreated.
Term
DRE = Digital Rectal Examination
Definition
A diagnostic procedure in which a thin, flexible scope is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urethra for abnormalities
Term
ESRD = End-Stage Renal Disease
Definition
A manual exam where a healthcare provider inserts a finger into the rectum to check for abnormalities in the prostate gland or rectal area
Term
ESWL = Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy
Definition
The final stage of chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys can no longer support the body's needs, often requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation
Term
PKD = Polycystic Kidney Disease
Definition
A non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass through the urinary tract
Term
TURP = Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
Definition
A genetic disorder characterized by the development of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney enlargement and impaired function.
Term
UTI = Urinary Tract Infection
Definition
A surgical procedure to remove part of the prostate gland through the urethra to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (BPH)
Term
Bartter Syndrome
Definition
An infection affecting any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, or kidneys, commonly causing symptoms like painful urination and frequent urges to urinate. Bartter Syndrome
Named After: Frederic Bartter, an American endocrinologist.
Term
Bowman’s Capsule
Definition
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. Bowman’s Capsule
Named After: Sir William Bowman, an English surgeon.
Term
Henle’s Loop
Definition
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. Henle’s Loop
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.
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