Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Lymphatic & Respiratory Word Roots
Word Roots for the Lymphatic & Respiratory System
45
Medical
Not Applicable
09/22/2025

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term

aden/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Gland
  • Example: Adenopathy –disease of the glands, especially the lymph nodes
Term

adenoid/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Adenoids
  • Example: Adenoidectomy –surgical removal of the adenoids, which are part of the lymphatic system
Term

carcin/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Cancer
  • Example: Carcinoma –a type of cancer that begins in epithelial tissues and can spread to the lymphatic system
Term

cerv/o, cervic/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Neck
  • Example: cervicodynia –pain in the neck, which can be associated with swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) or infections in the lymphatic system
Term

cyt/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Cell
  • Example: Cytology –the study of cells, often used to diagnose diseases affecting lymphatic cells
Term

fung/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Fungus
  • Example: Fungicide –an agent that kills fungi, often used to prevent fungal infections in the lymphatic system
Term

immun/o

Definition
  • Meaning: immune, immunity
  • Example: Immunogenic –something that can provoke an immune response, such as an antigen or vaccine component
Term

lymph/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Lymph
  • Example: Lymphoma –a type of cancer that begins in lymphatic tissues
Term

lymphaden/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Lymph node
  • Example: Lymphadenopathy –disease of the lymph nodes, often seen in infections or cancers
Term

lymphangi/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Lymph vessel
  • Example: Lymphangiography –imaging of the lymphatic vessels
Term

lymphocyt/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Lymphocyte
  • Example: Lymphocytopenia –a deficiency of lymphocytes, which are vital to immune function
Term

mamm/o, Mast/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Breast
  • Example: Mammogram –an image of the breast, used to screen for breast cancer, which can spread to lymph nodes; Mastectomy – surgical removal of the breast
Term

onc/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Tumor
  • Example: Oncology –the study of cancer, including cancers of the lymphatic system
Term

phag/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Eat, swallow
  • Example: Phagocyte –cell that engulfs and digests foreign substances, including bacteria, dead cells, and debris, which is crucial to the immune response
Term

plast/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Formation, development
  • Example: Neoplastic –pertaining to the growth of a tumor, often in lymphatic tissues
Term

splen/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Spleen
  • Example: Splenectomy –surgical removal of the spleen
Term

thym/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Thymus gland
  • Example: Thymoma –a tumor originating from the thymus gland, part of the lymphatic system
Term

tonsill/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Tonsil
  • Example: Tonsillectomy –surgical removal of the tonsils
Term

vir/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Virus
  • Example: Viremia –the presence of viruses in the blood, often affecting the lymphatic and immune systems
Term

(RESPIRATORY)

Alveol/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Alveolus, air sac
  • Example: Alveolitis – Inflammation of the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. This condition can result from infections, autoimmune diseases, or inhalation of harmful substances, leading to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen absorption
Term

Bronch/o, bronchi/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Bronchus
  • Example: Bronchostenosis – a narrowing of the bronchial passages, which can develop due to scarring, inflammation, tumors, or chronic infections. The reduced airway size can make breathing difficult and may cause wheezing or recurring respiratory problems
Term

Capn/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Carbon dioxide
  • Example: Hypercapnia – A condition marked by excessive carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, often caused by hypoventilation or lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Symptoms include confusion, shortness of breath, and headaches, requiring ventilation support in severe cases

 

Term

Cyst/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Bladder, sac
  • Example: Cystic fibrosis – A genetic disorder that leads to thick, sticky mucus buildup in the lungs and digestive system. It causes difficulty breathing, chronic lung infections, and malnutrition due to pancreatic enzyme deficiencies. Treatment involves mucus-thinning drugs and airway clearance techniques
Term

Diaphragmat/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Diaphragm
  • Example: Diaphragmatocele – A hernia in the diaphragm, where abdominal organs push into the chest cavity. This condition may lead to breathing difficulties, chest pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Surgical repair is often necessary to correct the defect
Term

Epiglott/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Epiglottis
  • Example: Epiglottitis – Severe inflammation of the epiglottis, which is the flap covering the windpipe during swallowing. Often caused by bacterial infections, it can obstruct airflow and lead to a life-threatening emergency. Immediate medical attention is required, often involving antibiotics and airway management
Term

Fibr/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Fiber
  • Example: Pulmonary fibrosis – A condition characterized by scarring and thickening of lung tissue, which reduces oxygen transfer. Causes may include long-term exposure to toxins, radiation therapy, or autoimmune diseases. Symptoms include chronic dry cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue, often treated with medications or lung transplants
Term

Hem/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Blood
  • Example: Hemothoractomy– A surgical procedure involving an incision into the thorax, or chest cavity, to drain blood that has accumulated in the pleural space
Term

Laryng/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Larynx (voice box)
  • Example: Laryngomalacia – A condition where the soft tissues of the larynx are abnormally flexible, causing them to collapse inward during breathing. This can result in noisy breathing (stridor), especially in infants
Term

Lob/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Lobe
  • Example: Lobectomy – Surgical removal of a lobe of the lung, often performed to treat lung cancer, tuberculosis, or severe infections. Recovery may involve pulmonary rehabilitation and breathing exercises to improve lung function
Term

Muc/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Mucus
  • Example: Mucolytic – A medication that helps break down and thin mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. Mucolytics are commonly used in treating chronic respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and COPD
Term

Nas/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Nose
  • Example: Nasopharyngitis – Inflammation of the nasal passages and pharynx, commonly referred to as the common cold. Symptoms include nasal congestion, sore throat, and sneezing. Treatments focus on symptom relief with decongestants and hydration
Term

Ox/i, Ox/o, Ox/y

Definition
  • Meaning: Oxygen
  • Example: Hypoxia – A condition characterized by low oxygen levels in body tissues, which can result from respiratory failure, high altitudes, or anemia. Symptoms include shortness of breath, confusion, and cyanosis. Treatment may involve supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation
Term

Pharyng/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Pharynx (throat)
  • Example: Pharyngitis –Inflammation of the throat, usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. Treatments depend on the cause and may include antibiotics or throat lozenges
Term

Phon/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Voice
  • Example: Aphonia –Loss of voice due to laryngeal damage, vocal cord paralysis, or psychological factors. Treatment may involve speech therapy, rest, or surgery in severe cases
Term

Phren/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Diaphragm
  • Example: Phrenospasm –an involuntary spasm or contraction of the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a key role in breathing
Term

Pleur/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Pleura (membrane surrounding the lungs)
  • Example: Pleurisy –Inflammation of the pleura, often caused by infections, injuries, or autoimmune diseases. It causes sharp chest pain when breathing. Treatment targets the underlying cause and may include anti-inflammatory drugs
Term

Pneum/o, Pneumon/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Lung, air
  • Example: Pneumonia –An infection causing inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, leading to fluid buildup, fever, cough, and chest pain. Treatment depends on the cause and may include antibiotics, antivirals, or oxygen therapy
Term

Pulm/o, Pulmon/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Lung
  • Example: Pulmonologist –A physician specializing in diseases of the respiratory system, such as asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. They perform diagnostic tests and create treatment plans to manage lung conditions
Term

Radi/o

Definition
  • Meaning: X-rays, radiation
  • Example: Radiology –The medical field focused on imaging techniques, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to diagnose and treat conditions. Radiologists interpret these images to identify abnormalities like tumors, fractures, or infections
Term

Respir/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Breathing
  • Example: Cheyne-Stokes respiration –An abnormal breathing pattern seen in patients with heart failure or neurological disorders, characterized by alternating periods of rapid and shallow breathing followed by apnea
Term

Rhin/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Nose
  • Example: Rhinoplasty –A condition involving excessive mucus discharge from the nose, often caused by allergies, infections, or irritants
Term

Sept/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Septum
  • Example: Septoplasty –Surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum, improving airflow and relieving nasal congestion
Term

Sinus/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Sinus
  • Example: Sinusitis –Inflammation or infection of the sinuses, leading to congestion, facial pain, and pressure
Term

Somn/o

Definition
  • Meaning: Sleep
  • Example: Hypersomnia –A condition marked by excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged nighttime sleep that may occur even after receiving sufficient rest
Term

Tom/o

Definition
  • Meaning: To cut, section
  • Example: Tomography –Imaging technique that captures cross-sectional views of the body, such as CT scans, to visualize internal structures
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