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medical suffix/root word
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52
Medical
Beginner
09/18/2025

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
eu-:
Definition
Good, normal Example: Euthyroid: A state in which the thyroid gland functions normally, producing the right levels of thyroid hormones necessary for metabolism and growth.
Term
hyper-:
Definition
Above, excessive Example: Hyperthyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and nervousness.
Term
hypo-:
Definition
 Below, under, deficient Example: Hypoglycemia: A condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels, often causing symptoms such as dizziness, shakiness, and confusion.
Term
oxy-: 
Definition
Rapid, sharp, acid Example: Oxytocin: A hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and the release of milk during breastfeeding.
Term
pan-:
Definition
All, total Example: Panhypopituitarism: A condition in which the pituitary gland fails to produce or secretes all of its hormones, leading to a wide range of endocrine dysfunctions.
Term
para-: 
Definition
Around, beside, beyond, abnormal Example: Parathyroid: Small glands located beside the thyroid gland, responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood and bone metabolism.
Term
poly-: 
Definition
Many or much Example: Polyuria: Excessive urination, a common symptom of diabetes mellitus due to high blood sugar levels affecting kidney function.
Term
syn-: 
Definition
Joined, together Example: Synergistic hormones: Hormones that work together to amplify their effects, such as insulin and growth hormone in promoting cell growth.
Term
tetr-:
Definition
 Four Example: Tetralogy of Fallot: A condition involving four congenital heart defects that may indirectly affect endocrine function due to oxygenation issues.
Term
tri-: 
Definition
Three Example: Triiodothyronine (T3): A thyroid hormone that contains three iodine atoms and plays a critical role in regulating metabolism and energy levels.
Term
-drome:
Definition
 Run, running together Example: Syndrome: A group of symptoms or signs that occur together, such as Cushing’s syndrome, which results from excessive cortisol production by the adrenal glands.
Term
-ectomy: 
Definition
 Excision, cut out Example: Thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of the thyroid gland, often performed to treat conditions such as hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, or goiters.
Term
-emia:
Definition
 Condition of the blood Example: Hyperglycemia: High levels of glucose in the blood, commonly associated with diabetes mellitus and requiring careful monitoring and management.
Term
-ism: 
Definition
: State of Example: Hypothyroidism: A state of underactive thyroid function, resulting in reduced production of thyroid hormones and symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance
Term
-itis: 
Definition
Inflammation Example: Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which may result from autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or infections.
Term
-logist: 
Definition
 Specialist who studies and treats Example: Endocrinologist: A medical specialist who studies and treats disorders of the endocrine system, such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, and hormonal imbalances.
Term
-logy: 
Definition
Study of Example: Endocrinology: The study of the endocrine system, including the glands, hormones, and their related diseases.
Term
-megaly: 
Definition
 Enlarged, enlargement Example: Acromegaly: Abnormal enlargement of extremities caused by excessive growth hormone secretion from the pituitary gland in adulthood.
Term
-oid:
Definition
 Resembling Example: Adrenoid: Resembling the adrenal glands in shape or function, possibly used in anatomical studies or to describe tissue with adrenal-like characteristics.
Term
-oma: 
Definition
umor Example: Insulinoma: A tumor of the pancreas that produces excessive amounts of insulin, often leading to episodes of hypoglycemia.
Term
-pathy: 
Definition
: Disease Example: Adenopathy: A disease or enlargement of glandular tissue, such as in swollen lymph nodes or glandular dysfunction in the endocrine system.
Term
-plasia:
Definition
 Condition of, formation, development, growth Example: Hyperplasia: Excessive growth or formation of cells within an endocrine gland, such as adrenal hyperplasia, which can affect hormone production.
Term
-tomy: 
Definition
Incision, cut into Example: Adrenalotomy: A surgical incision into the adrenal gland, often performed to remove a tumor or investigate gland abnormalities.
Term
aden/o: 
Definition
 Gland Example Adenoma: A benign tumor of an endocrine gland, such as a pituitary adenoma, which can affect hormone production and cause symptoms like vision problems or hormonal imbalances.
Term
adren/o, adrenal/o: 
Definition
 Adrenal glands Example Adrenalectomy: Surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands, often performed to treat adrenal tumors or excessive hormone secretion.
Term
calc/i: 
Definition
Calcium Example Hypercalcemia: An elevated level of calcium in the blood, often caused by overactivity of the parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism).
Term
cortic/o: 
Definition
 Cortex, outer layer of a body organ Example Corticosteroids: Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, such as cortisol, which play roles in stress response, immune regulation, and metabolism.
Term
dips/o: 
Definition
Thirst Example Polydipsia: Excessive thirst, commonly associated with diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus due to hormonal imbalances affecting water regulation.
Term
endocrin/o: 
Definition
Endocrine Example Endocrinopathy: A disease or disorder affecting the endocrine system, including the glands and hormones that regulate bodily functions.
Term
glyc/o:
Definition
 Sugar Example Hyperglycemia: Elevated blood sugar levels, a hallmark of diabetes mellitus caused by insufficient insulin production or action.
Term
home/o:
Definition
 Sameness Example Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body, such as balanced hormone levels to regulate metabolism and growth.
Term
kal/i: 
Definition
 Potassium Example Hypokalemia: A condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, which can result from adrenal dysfunction such as hyperaldosteronism.
Term
myx/o: 
Definition
 Mucus Example Myxedema: Severe hypothyroidism characterized by swelling and deposits of mucus-like substances in the skin, often affecting the face and extremities.
Term
natr/o: 
Definition
 Sodium Example Hyponatremia: A condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, which can result from hormonal imbalances such as adrenal insufficiency.
Term
parathyroid/o: 
Definition
 Parathyroid gland Example Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands, often performed to treat hyperparathyroidism and manage calcium imbalances.
Term
pituitar/o: 
Definition
Pituitary gland Example Pituitarism: Any disorder of the pituitary gland, such as hypopituitarism, which results in decreased hormone production and widespread endocrine effects.
Term
somat/o: 
Definition
 Body Example Somatotropin: A growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates body growth and cell reproduction.
Term
thyr/o, thyroid/o:
Definition
 Thyroid gland Example Thyrotoxicosis: A condition caused by excessive thyroid hormone levels, leading to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and tremors.
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
  • A 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.
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