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Endocrine and Reproductive systems
suffixes prefixes, root words, abbreviations acronyms and eponyms
146
Medical
Not Applicable
09/18/2025

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
eu-
Definition
Good, normal
Term
hyper-
Definition
above, excessive
Term
hypo-
Definition
under, below, deficient
Term
oxy-
Definition
rapid, sharp, acid
Term
pan-
Definition
all, total
Term
para-
Definition
around, beyond, beside, abnormal
Term
poly-
Definition
many, more
Term
syn-
Definition
joined, together
Term
tetr-
Definition
four
Term
tri-
Definition
three
Term
-drome
Definition
run, running, together
Term
-ectomy
Definition
excision, cut out
Term
-emia
Definition
condition of the blood
Term
-ism
Definition
state of
Term
-itis
Definition
inflammation
Term
-logist
Definition
specialist who studies and treats
Term
-logy
Definition
study o
Term
-megaly
Definition
enlarge, enlargement
Term
-oid
Definition
resembling
Term
-oma
Definition
tumor
Term
-pathy
Definition
disease
Term
-plasia
Definition
condition of, formation, development, growth
Term
-tomy
Definition
incision, cut into
Term
aden/o
Definition
gland
Term
adren/o adrenal/o
Definition
adrenal glands
Term
calc/i
Definition
calcium
Term
cartic/o
Definition
cortex, outer layer of body organ
Term
dips/o
Definition
thirst
Term
endocrin/o
Definition
endocrine
Term
glyc/o
Definition
sugar
Term
home/o
Definition
sameness
Term
kal/i
Definition
potassium
Term
myx/o
Definition
mucus
Term
natr/o
Definition
sodium
Term
parathyroid/o
Definition
parathyroid gland
Term
pituitar/o
Definition
pituitary gland
Term
somat/o
Definition
body
Term
thyr/o thyroid/o
Definition
thyroid gland
Term
abbreviation
Definition
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase used for convenience, often consisting of initial letters or a shortened version of the full term 
Term
eponym
Definition
An eponym is a medical term derived from the name of a person—often a researcher, physician, or patient—associated with a condition, discovery, or procedure 
Term
acronym
Definition
An acronym is a specific type of abbreviation formed from the initial letters of a series of words and pronounced as a single word
Term
ALD = Aldosterone
Definition
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure and balance electrolytes by promoting sodium retention and potassium excretion.
Term
ACTH = Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Definition
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, which helps regulate stress, metabolism, and immune response.
Term
ADH = Antidiuretic Hormone
Definition
A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland that regulates water balance in the body by reducing urine production and increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Term
DKA = Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Definition
A serious complication of diabetes where the body produces high levels of blood acids (ketones) due to insufficient insulin, often accompanied by high blood sugar levels and dehydration.
Term
DM = Diabetes Mellitus
Definition
A group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from either insufficient insulin production (type 1) or resistance to insulin (type 2).
Term
EPI, Epi = Epinephrine
Definition
hormone and neurotransmitter, also known as adrenaline, produced by the adrenal glands to prepare the body for the "fight or flight" response by increasing heart rate, blood flow, and energy availability.
Term
FBS = Fasting Blood Sugar
Definition
A test that measures blood glucose levels after an overnight fast to help diagnose diabetes or monitor blood sugar control.
Term
FSH = Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
Definition

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a critical role in reproductive processes, including the maturation of eggs in females and the production of sperm in males.

 

Term

GD = Graves’ Disease

 

Definition

 

An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to overproduction of thyroid hormones.

Term

HGH = Human Growth Hormone

 

Definition

 

 

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in the body, particularly during childhood and adolescence.

Term

LADA = Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults

 

Definition

 

A form of type 1 diabetes that develops more slowly and typically occurs in adults, often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes due to its gradual onset.

Term

OGTT = Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

 

 

Definition

 

A test that measures blood sugar levels before and after drinking a glucose-containing solution to diagnose diabetes or gestational diabetes.

Term

RAI = Radioactive Iodine Treatment

 

 

Definition

 

 

A therapy using radioactive iodine to destroy overactive thyroid cells, commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer.

Term

TSH = Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

 

Definition

 

 

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) by stimulating the thyroid gland.

Term
Addison's Disease
Definition

Named After: Thomas Addison, a British physician.

A condition caused by adrenal insufficiency, leading to reduced production of cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms include fatigue, hyperpigmentation, low blood pressure, and weight loss.

Term
Cushing's Syndrome
Definition

Named After: Harvey Cushing, an American neurosurgeon.

A disorder caused by excessive cortisol levels, often due to a pituitary adenoma or long-term corticosteroid use. Symptoms include moon face, central obesity, purple striae, and hypertension.

Term
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Definition

Named After: Hakaru Hashimoto, a Japanese physician.

An autoimmune disorder leading to hypothyroidism due to chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and dry skin.

Term

Islets of Langerhans

 

 

Definition

 

Named After: Paul Langerhans, a German pathologist.

Clusters of endocrine cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin. Dysfunction can lead to diabetes mellitus or other metabolic disorders.

Term
a-
Definition
Absence of, without Example Azoospermia: The absence of sperm in semen, which can cause male infertility and may result from blockages or testicular failure.
Term
an-
Definition
Absence of, without Example Anovulation: The absence of ovulation, often leading to infertility and irregular menstrual cycles, commonly caused by hormonal imbalances or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Term
dys-
Definition
Painful, difficult Example Dysmenorrhea – Painful menstrual cramps, often caused by uterine contractions or underlying conditions like endometriosis.
Term
endo-
Definition
Within Example Endometritis: Inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium), often caused by infection or retained tissue after childbirth or miscarriage.
Term
epi-
Definition
Above Example Epidural: Pertaining to the area upon or above the dura mater of the spinal cord, commonly referring to a type of anesthesia used during childbirth to provide pain relief while allowing the patient to remain awake and alert.
Term
hyper-
Definition
Above, excessive Example Hypergonadism: A condition characterized by excessive activity of the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females), leading to overproduction of sex hormones, which can result in early puberty, menstrual irregularities, or fertility issues.
Term
hypo-
Definition
Below Example Hypogonadism: Reduced function of the gonads (testes or ovaries), leading to decreased hormone production and issues like infertility or delayed puberty.
Term
oligo-
Definition
Small amount Example Oligospermia: A condition characterized by a low sperm count in semen, often contributing to male infertility.
Term
par-
Definition

 Near

Example Parovarian cyst: A fluid-filled cyst near the ovary, usually arising from the remnants of embryonic structures.

Term
peri-
Definition

Surrounding

Example: Perimetrium: The outermost layer of the uterus, surrounding the uterine wall and providing structural support.

Term
trans-
Definition

Through, across, beyond

Example Transvaginal ultrasound: An imaging procedure where a probe is inserted through the vaginal canal to obtain detailed images of reproductive organs like the uterus and ovaries.

Term
-al
Definition

 Pertaining to

Example Vaginal: Pertaining to the vagina, as in vaginal delivery, which refers to childbirth through the birth canal.

Term
-algia
Definition

 Pain

Example Orchidalgia: Pain in one or both testicles. The pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe and may be acute (sudden) or chronic (lasting for a longer time).

Term
-ar
Definition

Pertaining to

Example Seminiferous: Pertaining to the production of semen, such as in seminiferous tubules found in the testes.

Term
-atresia
Definition

Occlusion, closure

Example Vaginal atresia: Congenital closure or absence of the vaginal canal, which may require surgical correction.

Term
-cision
Definition

Process of cutting

Example Incision: A surgical cut made during procedures, such as a cesarean section (C-section).

Term
-cleisis
Definition

 Surgical closure

Example Colpocleisis: Surgical closure of the vaginal canal, often performed to treat uterine prolapse in elderly patients who are not sexually active.

Term
-ectomy
Definition

Excision or surgical removal

Example Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, commonly performed to treat fibroids, cancer, or severe uterine bleeding.

Term
-genesis
Definition

Beginning, development, or production

Example Spermatogenesis: The production and development of sperm in the testes.

Term
-gram
Definition

Record 

Example Hysterosalpingogram: A radiographic image of the uterus and fallopian tubes, used to assess fertility or detect blockages.

Term
-graphy
Definition

 Process of recording

Example Mammography: The process of obtaining X-ray images of the breasts to screen for abnormalities such as tumors.

Term
-ia
Definition

Diseased state, abnormal state, condition of

Example Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual periods, which can result from hormonal imbalances or other medical conditions.

Term
-ic
Definition

 Pertaining to

Example Pelvic: Pertaining to the pelvis, as in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the reproductive organs.

Term
-ism
Definition

State of, condition

Example Cryptorchidism: A condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum, often requiring surgical correction.

Term
-itis
Definition

Inflammation

Example Endometritis: Inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus, often caused by infection or retained tissue after childbirth.

Term
-logy
Definition

Study of

Example Gynecology: The study of the female reproductive system, including its disorders and diseases.

Term
-lysis
Definition

Loosening, dissolution, separating

Example Adhesiolysis: The surgical removal of adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can form in the pelvic region and affect fertility.

Term
-oma
Definition

tumor, mass

Example Teratoma: A type of tumor composed of tissues from different germ layers, often found in the ovaries or testes.

 

Term
-ous
Definition

Pertaining to

Example Gravidous: Pertaining to pregnancy, often used in terms like multigravidous (having had multiple pregnancies).

Term
-pathy
Definition

Disease

Example Endometriopathy: Disease of the endometrium, which may lead to abnormal uterine bleeding or infertility.

Term
-pexy
Definition

 Surgical fixation, suspension

Example Oophoropexy: Surgical fixation of an ovary, often performed to prevent ovarian torsion.

Term
-plasia
Definition

 Development, growth

Example Hyperplasia: Excessive growth of cells, such as endometrial hyperplasia, which can increase the risk of uterine cancer.

Term
-plasty
Definition

Surgical repair

Example Vaginoplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of the vagina, often performed for congenital abnormalities or after trauma.

Term
-rrhagia
Definition

Rapid flow of blood

Example Menorrhagia: Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding, which may result from uterine fibroids or hormonal imbalances.

Term
-rrhaphy
Definition

Suturing, repairing

Example Perineorrhaphy: Surgical suturing of the perineum, often performed after childbirth to repair tears.

Term
-rrhea
Definition

 Flow, discharge

Example Leukorrhea: A white or yellowish vaginal discharge, often indicating an infection or hormonal changes.

Term
-stomy
Definition

Creation of a new opening

Example Colpostomy: The surgical creation of an opening in the vaginal wall to drain fluid or provide access for treatment.

Term
-tomy
Definition

 Cut into, incision

Example Episiotomy: A surgical incision made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth.

Term
andr/o
Definition
male
Term
arche/o
Definition
First, beginning
Term
balan/o
Definition
Glans penis
Term
cervic/o
Definition
Cervix
Term
colp/o
Definition
Vagina
Term
crypt/o
Definition
Hidden
Term
endometri/o
Definition
Endometrium
Term
epididym/o
Definition
Epididymis
Term
episi/o
Definition
Vulva
Term
gonad/o
Definition
Gonad
Term
gyn/o, gynec/o
Definition
Woman
Term
hemat/o
Definition
Blood
Term
hymen/o
Definition
Hymen
Term
hyster/o
Definition
Uterus E
Term
leuk/o: Whiteleuk/o
Definition
White
Term
mamm/o, mast/o
Definition
Breast
Term
men/o
Definition
Menstruation
Term
metr/i
Definition
Uterus
Term
oophor/o
Definition
Ovary
Term
orch/o, orchi/o, orchid/o
Definition
Testis, testicle
Term
pelv/i
Definition
Pelvis, pelvic bones, pelvic cavity
Term
pen/I, phall/o
Definition
Penis
Term
perine/o
Definition
Perineum
Term
posth/o, preputi/o
Definition
Prepuce, foreskin
Term
prostat/o
Definition
Prostate gland
Term
salping/o
Definition
Uterine tube, fallopian tube
Term
scrot/o
Definition
Scrotum
Term
son/o
Definition
Sound waves
Term
sperm/o, spermat/o
Definition
Sperm, spermatozoon
Term
test/o, testicular/o
Definition
Testis, testicle
Term
trachel/o
Definition
Cervix
Term
urethr/o
Definition
Urethra
Term
vagin/ovagin/o
Definition
Vagina
Term
vas/o
Definition
Vas deferens, vessel, duct
Term
vesicul/o
Definition
Seminal vesicle
Term
vulv/o
Definition
Vulva
Term
AMN = Amniocentesis
Definition

A diagnostic procedure in which a needle is inserted into the amniotic sac to collect amniotic fluid, often used to detect chromosomal abnormalities or infections during pregnancy.

 

Term
BV = Bacterial Vaginosis
Definition
A common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria of the vagina, often resulting in unusual discharge, odor, and irritation.
Term
C-section = Cesarean Section
Definition
A surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions made in the abdomen and uterus, often performed when a vaginal delivery is unsafe.
Term
HRT = Hormone Replacement Therapy
Definition
A treatment involving supplemental hormones, typically estrogen and/or progesterone, used to alleviate symptoms of menopause or hormonal imbalances.
Term
HPV = Human Papillomaviruses
Definition
A group of viruses that can cause genital warts and are associated with cervical cancer, as well as other types of cancer in both men and women.
Term
HYS = Hysteroscopy
Definition
A minimally invasive procedure in which a thin, lighted scope is inserted into the uterus through the vagina to examine the uterine cavity and treat abnormalities.
Term
IUD = Intrauterine Device
Definition
A small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus for long-term contraception, available in hormonal and non-hormonal (copper) types
Term
NICU = Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Definition
A specialized unit in a hospital that provides intensive care to premature or critically ill newborns.
Term
PID = Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Definition
an infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, which can lead to infertility if untreated.
Term
PMS = Premenstrual Syndrome
Definition
A group of symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, and irritability, that occur in the days leading up to menstruation.
Term
STIs, STDs= Sexually Transmitted Infections or Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Definition
Infections transmitted through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.
Term

Bartholin's Glands

 

Definition

 

Named After: Caspar Bartholin the Younger, a Danish anatomist.

Paired glands located on either side of the vaginal opening that secrete mucus to lubricate the vulva. Infections of these glands can result in Bartholin's cysts or abscesses, causing pain and swelling in the vulvar region.

Term

Cowper's Glands

 

Definition

 

Named After: William Cowper, an English anatomist.

Also known as the bulbourethral glands, they are small glands in males that produce a pre-ejaculate fluid to neutralize acidity in the urethra. These glands play a role in enhancing sperm viability during ejaculation and reducing damage to sperm caused by residual urine.

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