• dys-: Painful, abnormal, difficult, labored Example: Dyspepsia – Difficult or painful digestion, often referred to as indigestion, characterized by symptoms like bloating, nausea, or heartburn.
• endo-: 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.
• hemi-: Half Example: Hemigastrectomy – Surgical removal of half of the stomach, typically performed to treat severe ulcers or stomach cancer.
• hyper-: 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-: 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-: 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.
• para-: Beside, near, or abnormal Example: Paracolitis – Inflammation occurring near or adjacent to the colon, often associated with diverticulitis or infections.
• peri-: Around or surrounding Example: Perigastric – Pertaining to the area around the stomach, often used to describe inflammation, abscesses, or surgical observations in this region.
• sub-: Under, below Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to medications that dissolve beneath the tongue for quick absorption.
• trans-: 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.

• -ac: 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: Pertaining to Example: Colorectal – Pertaining to the colon and rectum, often used in the context of colorectal cancer or surgeries.
• -cele: Hernia, protrusion Example: Gastrocele – A hernia of the stomach, often resulting from a weakness in the diaphragm or abdominal wall.
• -centesis: 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.
• -eal: Pertaining to Example: Esophageal – Pertaining to the esophagus, such as in esophageal reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
• -ectomy: Excision Example: Appendectomy – Surgical removal of the appendix, often performed in cases of appendicitis.
• -gram: 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.
• -graphy: 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: Condition of, diseased state, abnormal state Example: Dyspepsia – A condition of impaired digestion, often characterized by bloating, discomfort, and nausea.
• -iasis: Condition Example: Cholelithiasis – A condition involving the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder, which can cause pain and blockages.
• -ic: Pertaining to Example: Hepatic – Pertaining to the liver, as in hepatic function tests, which evaluate liver health.
• -itis: Inflammation Example: Gastritis – Inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by infections, medications, or alcohol use.
• -logist: Specialist who studies and treats Example: Gastroenterologist – A specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, and liver.
• -logy: Study of Example: Hepatology – The study of the liver, including diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
• -malacia: 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.
• -megaly: Enlargement Example: Hepatomegaly – Enlargement of the liver, which can occur in conditions like fatty liver disease or hepatitis.
• -oma: Tumor Example: Gastrinoma – A tumor that secretes gastrin, often associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, leading to excessive stomach acid production.
• -osis: Abnormal condition Example: Diverticulosis – A condition where small pouches form in the colon wall, which can become inflamed (diverticulitis).
• -pathy: Disease Example: Gastropathy – A disease of the stomach, often referring to damage caused by chronic use of NSAIDs or alcohol.
• -phagia: Eating or swallowing Example: Dysphagia – Difficulty swallowing, which can result from conditions affecting the esophagus or nervous system.
• -plasty: 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.
• -ptosis: Prolapse, drooping Example: Gastroptosis – Prolapse or downward displacement of the stomach, often caused by weakened abdominal muscles.
• -rrhaphy: Suturing, repairing Example: Herniorrhaphy – Surgical repair of a hernia, often performed to reinforce the abdominal wall.
• -rrhea: Flow, discharge Example: Diarrhea – Frequent, watery bowel movements, often caused by infections, medications, or food intolerances.
• -scope: Instrument used for visualization Example: Colonoscope – An instrument used to visualize the interior of the colon during a colonoscopy.
• -scopy: Process of viewing, visualization Example: Endoscopy – The process of visualizing the digestive tract using a flexible tube with a camera.
• -stomy: Creation of an artificial opening Example: Colostomy – A surgical procedure to create an opening from the colon to the abdominal surface for waste elimination.
• -tomy: Incision, cut into Example: Laparotomy – A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, often performed to diagnose or treat abdominal conditions.

• abdomin/o: Abdomen, abdominal Example: Abdominoplasty – Surgical repair or reconstruction of the abdomen, often referred to as a "tummy tuck."
• an/o: Anus Example: Anoplasty – Surgical repair of the anus, often performed to treat congenital defects or damage caused by trauma.
• antr/o: Antrum Example: Antrectomy – Surgical removal of the antrum, a part of the stomach, often done to treat ulcers or cancer.
• append/o: Appendix Example: Appendectomy – Surgical removal of the appendix, typically performed in cases of appendicitis.
• appendic/o: Appendix Example: Appendicitis – Inflammation of the appendix, often causing abdominal pain and requiring surgical intervention.
• cec/o: Cecum Example: Cecopexy – Surgical fixation of the cecum, often performed to correct volvulus (twisting of the bowel).
• celi/o: Abdomen, abdominal cavity Example: Celiotomy – Surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, often performed to explore or treat abdominal conditions.
• cheil/o: Lip Example: Cheilitis – Inflammation of the lips, often caused by irritation, infection, or nutritional deficiencies.
• chol/e: Gall, bile Example: Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts.
• choledoch/o: Common bile duct Example: Choledocholithiasis – The presence of stones in the common bile duct, often requiring removal to restore bile flow.
• col/o, colon/o: Colon Example: Colitis – Inflammation of the colon, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping.
• enter/o: Intestine Example: Enteritis – Inflammation of the intestines, often caused by infection or irritants.
• esophag/o: Esophagus Example: Esophagitis – Inflammation of the esophagus, often resulting from acid reflux or infections.
• gastr/o: Stomach Example: Gastrectomy – Surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, typically to treat ulcers, cancer, or severe obesity.
• gingiv/o: Gum Example: Gingivitis – Inflammation of the gums, often caused by poor oral hygiene or bacterial infection.
• gloss/o: Tongue Example: Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue that can cause swelling, redness, and pain. It is often caused by infections or nutritional deficiencies.
• hepat/o: Liver Example: Hepatomegaly – Enlargement of the liver, often caused by infections, fatty liver disease, or cancer.
• herni/o: 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.
• lapar/o: Abdomen, abdominal cavity Example: Laparoscopy – A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to view and treat abdominal or pelvic conditions.
• lingu/o: Tongue Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to the administration of medications for rapid absorption.
• or/o: Mouth Example: Oral – Pertaining to the mouth, such as in oral hygiene practices.
• palat/o: Palate Example: Palatoplasty – Surgical repair of the palate, often performed to correct cleft palate deformities.
• pancreat/o: Pancreas Example: Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption.
• peritone/o: Peritoneum Example: Peritonitis – Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, often caused by infection or perforation.
• polyp/o: Polyp, small growth Example: Polypectomy – Surgical removal of a polyp, often performed during a colonoscopy to prevent cancer development.
• proct/o: Rectum Example: Proctitis – Inflammation of the rectum, which can cause discomfort, bleeding, and urgency.
• pylor/o: Pylorus, pyloric sphincter Example: Pyloroplasty – Surgical repair of the pyloric sphincter to improve food passage from the stomach to the small intestine.
• rect/o: Rectum Example: Rectocele – A bulging of the rectum into the vaginal wall, often caused by weakening of pelvic floor muscles.
• sial/o: Saliva, salivary gland Example: Sialadenitis – Inflammation of a salivary gland, often caused by bacterial infections or blockages.
• steat/o: Fat Example: Steatorrhea – Excess fat in stool, often a sign of malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis.
• stomat/o: Mouth Example: Stomatitis – Inflammation of the mouth, which can result from infections, irritants, or systemic diseases.
• uvul/o: Uvula Example: Uvulectomy – Surgical removal of the uvula, often performed to treat snoring or sleep apnea.
• xer/o: Dryness Example: Xerostomia – Dryness of the mouth caused by reduced saliva production, often associated with certain medications or medical conditions.

ARF = Acute Renal Failure

• 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. BPH = Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
• 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. Cath = Catheterization
• 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. CKD = Chronic Kidney Disease
• A long-term condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time, potentially leading to end-stage renal disease if untreated. Cysto = Cystoscopy
• A diagnostic procedure in which a thin, flexible scope is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urethra for abnormalities. DRE = Digital Rectal Examination
• A manual exam where a healthcare provider inserts a finger into the rectum to check for abnormalities in the prostate gland or rectal area. ESRD = End-Stage Renal Disease
• The final stage of chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys can no longer support the body's needs, often requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. ESWL = Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy
• A non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass through the urinary tract. PKD = Polycystic Kidney Disease
• A genetic disorder characterized by the development of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney enlargement and impaired function. TURP = Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
• A surgical procedure to remove part of the prostate gland through the urethra to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (BPH). UTI = Urinary Tract Infection
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.