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Digestive and Urinary System Terminology
Digestive and Urinary Flashcards
135
Medical
Beginner
01/27/2026

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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
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
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
ogy: 
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 collaps
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
nstrument 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
omy: 
Definition
Incision, cut into Example: Laparotomy – A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, often performed to diagnose or treat abdominal conditions.
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/
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
  • hepat/o:.
Definition
Liver Example: Hepatomegaly – Enlargement of the liver, often caused by infections, fatty liver disease, or cancer
Term
  • herni/o
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.
Term
  • lapar/o
Definition
Abdomen, abdominal cavity Example: Laparoscopy – A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to view and treat abdominal or pelvic conditions.
Term
  • lingu/o
Definition
 Tongue Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to the administration of medications for rapid absorption.
Term
  • or/o
Definition
 Mouth Example: Oral – Pertaining to the mouth, such as in oral hygiene practices.
Term
  • palat/o: 
Definition
Palate Example: Palatoplasty – Surgical repair of the palate, often performed to correct cleft palate deformities.
Term
  • pancreat/o
Definition
 Pancreas Example: Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption.
Term
  • peritone/o
Definition
Peritoneum Example: Peritonitis – Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, often caused by infection or perforation.
Term
  • polyp/o
Definition
Polyp, small growth Example: Polypectomy – Surgical removal of a polyp, often performed during a colonoscopy to prevent cancer development.
Term
  • proct/o
Definition
 Rectum Example: Proctitis – Inflammation of the rectum, which can cause discomfort, bleeding, and urgency.
Term
  • pylor/o
Definition
Pylorus, pyloric sphincter Example: Pyloroplasty – Surgical repair of the pyloric sphincter to improve food passage from the stomach to the small intestine.
Term
  • rect/o
Definition
Rectum Example: Rectocele – A bulging of the rectum into the vaginal wall, often caused by weakening of pelvic floor muscles.
Term
  • sial/o: 
Definition
Saliva, salivary gland Example: Sialadenitis – Inflammation of a salivary gland, often caused by bacterial infections or blockages.
Term
  • steat/o
Definition
 Fat Example: Steatorrhea – Excess fat in stool, often a sign of malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis.
Term
  • stomat/o
Definition
Mouth Example: Stomatitis – Inflammation of the mouth, which can result from infections, irritants, or systemic diseases.
Term
  • uvul/o
Definition
Uvula Example: Uvulectomy – Surgical removal of the uvula, often performed to treat snoring or sleep apnea.
Term
  • xer/o
Definition
 Dryness Example: Xerostomia – Dryness of the mouth caused by reduced saliva production, often associated with certain medications or medical conditions.
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
  • 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
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
  • 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.
  • pyel/o: 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.
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