Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Medical Terminology-Rebecca R.
Digestive and Urinary Systems
131
Medical
Not Applicable
10/01/2025

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

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
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
-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
-ectomy
Definition

 

  • Excision Example: Appendectomy – Surgical removal of the appendix, often performed in cases of appendicitis.

Term
-gram
Definition
he 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
-logy
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 collapse.
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
-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
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/o
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
peritone/o
Definition

 

  • Peritoneum Example: Peritonitis – Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, often caused by infection or perforation.

Term
pancreat/o
Definition
Pancreas Example: Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption.
Term
palat/o
Definition

 

  • Palate Example: Palatoplasty – Surgical repair of the palate, often performed to correct cleft palate deformities.

Term
or/o
Definition

 

  • Mouth Example: Oral – Pertaining to the mouth, such as in oral hygiene practices.

Term
lingu/o
Definition

 

  • Tongue Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to the administration of medications for rapid absorption.

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.

Term
pyel/o
Definition
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
Definition

 

  • urin/o: 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.

Term
uvul/o
Definition

 

  • Uvula Example: Uvulectomy – Surgical removal of the uvula, often performed to treat snoring or sleep apnea.

Term
stomat/o
Definition
Mouth Example: Stomatitis – Inflammation of the mouth, which can result from infections, irritants, or systemic diseases.
Term
steat/o:
Definition

 

  • Fat Example: Steatorrhea – Excess fat in stool, often a sign of malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis.

Term
sial/o
Definition
Saliva, salivary gland Example: Sialadenitis – Inflammation of a salivary gland, often caused by bacterial infections or blockages.
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
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
proct/o
Definition

 

  • Rectum Example: Proctitis – Inflammation of the rectum, which can cause discomfort, bleeding, and urgency.

Term
polyp/o
Definition

 

  • Polyp, small growth Example: Polypectomy – Surgical removal of a polyp, often performed during a colonoscopy to prevent cancer development.

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

 

  • amed 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
Whipple Procedure
Definition

 

  • Named After: Allen Whipple, an American surgeon.

Term
ARF
Definition

 

Acute Renal Failure

Term
BPH = Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Definition
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.
Term
Cath = Catheterization
Definition
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
Term
CKD = Chronic Kidney Disease
Definition
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.
Term
Cysto = Cystoscopy
Definition
A long-term condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time, potentially leading to end-stage renal disease if untreated.
Term
DRE = Digital Rectal Examination
Definition
A diagnostic procedure in which a thin, flexible scope is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urethra for abnormalities.
Term
ESRD = End-Stage Renal Disease
Definition
A manual exam where a healthcare provider inserts a finger into the rectum to check for abnormalities in the prostate gland or rectal area.
Term
ESWL = Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy
Definition
The final stage of chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys can no longer support the body's needs, often requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Term

 

  • PKD = Polycystic Kidney Disease

Definition
A non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass through the urinary tract.
Term
TURP = Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
Definition
A genetic disorder characterized by the development of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney enlargement and impaired function.
Term

 

  • UTI = Urinary Tract Infection

Definition
A surgical procedure to remove part of the prostate gland through the urethra to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (BPH).
Term
Bartter Syndrome
Definition
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. Named After: Frederic Bartter, an American endocrinologist.
Term
Bowman’s Capsule
Definition
Named After: Sir William Bowman, an English surgeon. 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
Term
Henle’s Loop
Definition
Named After: Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle, a German anatomist.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
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.

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