Category: Medical Terminology

Download this worksheet here.

• Cephalic: head
• Cervical: neck
• Cranial: skull
• Facial: face
• Frontal: forehead
• Temporal: temples
• Orbital or ocular: eye
• Otic: ear
• Buccal: cheek
• Nasal: nose
• Oral:  mouth
• Mental: chin
• Thoracic
• Abdominal
• Pelvic
• Axillary: armpit
• Brachial: arm
• Antebrachial: forearm
• Carpal: wrist
• Palmar or volar: palm
• Digital or phalangeal: fingers or toes
• Femoral: thigh
• Patellar: anterior surface of knee
• Crural: leg
• Tarsal: ankle
• Pedal: foot
• Sternal: breastbone
• Mammary: breast
• Umbilical: navel
• Coxal: hip
• Inguinal: groin
• Pollex: thumb
• Manual: hand
• Dorsum: top of foot
• Hallux: great toe
• Occipital: base of skull
• Acromial: shoulder
• Scapular: shoulder blade
• Vertebral: spinal column
• Sacral: between hips
• Coccygeal: tailbone
• Gluteal: buttok
• Perineal: region between anus and external genitals
• Popliteal: hollow behind knee
• Sural: calf
• Plantar: sole
• Lumbar: loin
• Calcaneal: heel
• Dorsum: back of hand

Reference

Bliven, K. (2014, May 29). KINE 5003: Functional anatomy, terminology [PDF].

Des Moines University, Matz, D., & Dyche, W. (n.d.). Online Medical Terminology Course. Retrieved from https://www.dmu.edu/medterms/

Jenkins, G., & Tortora, G. J. (2012). Anatomy and Physiology: From Science to Life, 3rd Edition International Stu. John Wiley & Sons.

Medical Terminology [PDF]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://samples.jbpub.com/9780763779306/Medical%20Terminology.pdf

Download this worksheet here.

• Rectus: parallel to midline.
• Transverse: perpendicular to midline.
• Oblique: diagonal to midline.
• Maximus: largest.
• Medius: intermediate.
• Minimus: smallest.
• Longus: long.
• Brevis: short.
• Latissimus: widest.
• Longissimus: longest.
• Magnus: large.
• Major: larger.
• Minor: smaller.
• Vastus: huge.
• Deltoid: triangular.
• Trapezius: trapezoidal.
• Serratus: saw-toothed, serrated like knives.
• Rhomboid: diamond-shaped.
• Orbicularis: circular.
• Pectinate: comblike.
• Piriformis: pear-shaped.
• Platys: flat.
• Quadratus: square, 4-sided.
• Gracilis: slender.
• Flexor: decreases joint angle.
• Extensor: increases joint angle.
• Abductor: move away from midline.
• Adductor: bring toward midline.
• Levator: elevate, raise.
• Depressor: depresses, lowers.
• Supinator: to rotate to supine position.
• Pronator: to rotate to prone position.
• Sphincter: to decrease size of an opening.
• Tensor: make more rigid.
• Rotator: to rotate.
• Biceps: 2 origins.
• Triceps: 3 origins.
• Quadricips: 4 origins

 

Reference

Bliven, K. (2014, May 29). KINE 5003: Functional anatomy, terminology [PDF].

Des Moines University, Matz, D., & Dyche, W. (n.d.). Online Medical Terminology Course. Retrieved from https://www.dmu.edu/medterms/

Jenkins, G., & Tortora, G. J. (2012). Anatomy and Physiology: From Science to Life, 3rd Edition International Stu. John Wiley & Sons.

Medical Terminology [PDF]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://samples.jbpub.com/9780763779306/Medical%20Terminology.pdf

Download this worksheet here.

• ā: before
• āā: of each
• abd: abdomen
• ABG: arterial blood gas
• ac: before meals
• ACLS: advanced cardiac life support
• ad lib: as much as desired
• ADL: activities of daily living
• AED: automated external defibrillator
• AF: atrial fibrillation
• AK: above the knee
• AKA: above the knee amputation
• A-line: arterial line
• AMA: against medical advice
• amb: ambulatory
• AMI: acute myocardial infarction
• AMS: altered mental status
• ant: anterior
• AOx4: alert and oriented to person, place, time, and self
• AP: anteroposterior, front-to-back, action potential, angina pectoris, anterior pituitary, arterial pressure
• APC: atrial premature complex, activated protein C, aspirin-phenacetin-caffeine
• Aq: water
• ARDS: adult respiratory distress syndrome
• ASA: aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
• ASHD: arteriosclerotic or atherosclerotic heart disease
• AV, A-V: atrioventricular, arteriovenous
• BBB: bundle branch block
• bid: twice daily
• BKA: below the knee amputation
• BM: bowel movement
• BP: blood pressure
• BS: blood sugar, breath sounds, bowel sounds
• BSA: body surface area
• bx: biopsy
• c (with bar over): with
• CA: cancer, cardiac arrest, chronologic age, coronary artery, cold agglutinin
• CABG: coronary artery bypass graft
• CAD: coronary artery disease
• CBC: complete blood count
• cc: cubic centimeter
• CC or C/C: chief complaint
• CCU: coronary care unit
• CHF: congestive heart failure
• c/o:  complaining of
• CO: cardiac output, carbon monoxide
• COLD: chronic obstructive lung disease
• COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• CP: chest pain, chemically pure, cerebral palsy
• CRT: capillary refill time, cathode-ray tube
• CSF: cerebrospinal fluid
• CSM: carotid sinus massage, cerebrospinal meningitis
• CVA: cerebrovascular accident
• CVP: central venous pressure
• CXR: chest x-ray
• D&C: dilation and curettage
• D/C: discontinue
• diff: differential
• dig:  digoxin
• DM: diabetes mellitus
• DOA: dead on arrival
• DOE: dyspnea on exertion
• DOS: dead on scene
• DPT: diphtherial, pertussis, and tetanus toxoids vaccine
• DSD: dry sterile dressing
• DtaP: diphtheria tetanus toxoids, and acellular pertussis vaccine
• DTP: diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, and pertussis vaccine
• DTs: delirium tremens
• DVT: deep venous thrombosis
• D5W: dextrose 5% in water
• Dx: diagnosis
• EDC: estimated date of confinement
• ET: endotracheal tube, endotracheal
• ETOH: ethyl alcohol
• ETT: endotracheal tube
• FIO2: fractionof inspired oxygen
• FBS: fasting blood sugar
• FHR: fetal heart rate
• FHT: fetal heart tones
• FHx: family history
• fL: femtoliter
• fl: fluid
• fld: fluid
• fx: fracture
• GB: gallbladder
• gr: grain
• GSW: gunshot wound
• gtt: drop(s)
• GTT: glucose tolerance test
• GU: genitourinary
• (H): hypodermic
• H: hypodermic
• H&H: hemoglobin and hematocrit
• H&P: history and physical
• H/A: headache
• Hb: hemoglobin
• Hct: hematocrit
• Hgb: hemoglobin
• HH: hiatal hernia
• HPI: history of present illness
• hs: at bedtime
• HTN: hypertension
• Hx: history
• I&O: intake and output
• IC: intracardiac, inspiratory capacity irritable colon
• ICP: intracranial pressure
• IDDM: insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• IM: intramuscular
• IO: intraosseuous
• IPPB: intermittent positive pressure breathing
• JVD: jugular venous distention
• KUB: kidneys, ureters, and bladder
• KVO: keep vein open
• LAC: laceration laparoscopic-assisted colectomy
• LE: lower extremity, left eye, lupus erythematosus
• LLL: left lower lobe of the lung
• LLQ: left lower quadrant of the abdomen
• L/M: liters per minute
• LMP: last menstrual period
• LOC: level of consciousness
• LPM: liters per minute
• LR: lactated Ringer’s
• LSD: lysergic acid diethylamide
• LUL: left upper lobe of the lung
• LUQ: left upper quadrant of the abdomen
• MAE: moves all extremities
• MAEW: moves all extremities well
• MAP: mean arterial pressure
• mcg: microgram
• MCL: midclavicular line, modified chest lead
• mEq: milliequivalen
• MI: myocardial infarction
• MICU: mobile intensive care unit; medical intensive care unit
• MS: morphine sulfate
• MSO4: morphine sulfate
• MVA: motor vehicle accident
• MVC: motor vehicle crash
• MVP: mitral valve prolapse
• N: normal
• NA, N/A: not applicable
• NAD: no apparent distress, no appreciable disease
• NC: nasal cannula
• NG: nasogastric
• NIDDM: non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• NKA: no known allergies
• NKDA: no known drug allergies
• NPA: nasopharyngeal airway
• NPO: nil per os (nothing by mouth)
• NS: normal saline
• NSR: normal sinus rhythm
• NTG: nitroglycerin
• N/V: nauseaand vomiting
• N/V/D: nausea, vomiting, and diarhhea
• NVD: neck vein distention
• OBS: organic brain syndrome
• OP: outpatient
• OPA: oropharyngeal airway
• OS: left eye
• OU: both eyes
• p (with bar over): after
• pc: after meals
• PE: pulmonary embolism, physical examination
• PEA: pulseless electrical activity
• PEARL: pupils equal and reactive to light
• PEEP: positive end expiratory pressure
• PERL: pupils equal and reactive to light
• PERRL: pupils equal, round, and reactive to light
• PID: pelvic inflammatory disease
• PND: paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
• po: per os (by mouth)
• PO: post operative
• PRN: pro re nata (as needed)
• PSVT: paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
• pt: patient
• PTA: prior to admission, plasma thromboplastin antecedent
• PTT: partial thromboplastin time
• PVC: premature venricular complex, polyvinyl chloride
• PVD: peripheral vascular disease
• q: every
• qd: every day
• qh: every hour
• quid: four times a day
• qod: every other day
• RA: rheumatoid arthritis, right atrium
• RAD: reactive airway disease, right axis deviation
• RHD: rheumatic heart disease
• RL: Ringer’s lactate
• RLL: right lower quadrant of the abdomen
• R/O: rule out
• RUL: right upper lobe of the lung
• RUQ: right upper quadrant of the abdomen
• Rx: prescription
• s (with bar over): without
• SC: subcutaneous, secretory component
• SICU: surgical intensive care unit
• SL: sublingual
• SOB: shortness of breath
• SQ: subcutaneous
• ss: half
• S/S: signs and symptoms
• SubQ: subcutaneous
• SVT: supraventricular tachycardia
• Sx: symptoms
• sym: symptoms
• tab: tablet
• TBA: to be admitted
• TIA: transient ischemic attack
• tid: three times a day
• TKO: to keep open
• TPR: temperature, pulse, respiration
• Tx: treatment
• U: unit
• UA: urinalysis
• UE: upper extremity
• URI: upper respiratory infection
• VS: vital signs
• WNL: within normal limits
• x (with bar over): except
• ↑ (up arrow): increased
• ↓ (down arrow): decreased
• Ø (zero with diagonal slash): no, not, none
• ® (R inside a circle): right
• Ⓛ (L inside a circle): left
• ~ (tilde): approximately
• x2: times two
• Δ : change

Reference

Bliven, K. (2014, May 29). KINE 5003: Functional anatomy, terminology [PDF].

Des Moines University, Matz, D., & Dyche, W. (n.d.). Online Medical Terminology Course. Retrieved from https://www.dmu.edu/medterms/

Jenkins, G., & Tortora, G. J. (2012). Anatomy and Physiology: From Science to Life, 3rd Edition International Stu. John Wiley & Sons.

Medical Terminology [PDF]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://samples.jbpub.com/9780763779306/Medical%20Terminology.pdf

Download this worksheet here.

• afferent: carry nerve impulses from receptors in periphery toward the CNS
• anterior: in front of
• asymmetrical: not the same on both sides
• bilateral: present on both sides
• contralateral: opposite sides
• distal: farther/further from
• dorsal: back
• efferent: carry nerve impulses away from CNS to effectors
• inferior: below, lower
• ipsilateral: same side
• lateral: further away from midline
• medial: closer to midline
• posterior: in the back; back of
• prone: lying, face down
• proximal: closer to, nearer to
• superior: higher than
• supine: lying, face up
• symmetrical: same on both sides
• ventral: the front of

Reference

Bliven, K. (2014, May 29). KINE 5003: Functional anatomy, terminology [PDF].

Des Moines University, Matz, D., & Dyche, W. (n.d.). Online Medical Terminology Course. Retrieved from https://www.dmu.edu/medterms/

Jenkins, G., & Tortora, G. J. (2012). Anatomy and Physiology: From Science to Life, 3rd Edition International Stu. John Wiley & Sons.

Medical Terminology [PDF]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://samples.jbpub.com/9780763779306/Medical%20Terminology.pdf

Download this worksheet here.

• a/an: without, lack of
• ab: away from
• abdomi: referring to abdomen
• acro: an extremity
• ad: to, toward
• adeno: referring to gland
• ana: up, back, again
• angio: referring to vessel
• ante: before, forward
• anti: against, opposed to
• arterio: referring to artery
• arthro: referring to a joint
• auto: self
• bi, bis: twice, double, in two’s
• bio: life
• blasto: referring to germ or cell
• blepharo: referring to an eyelid
• brady: slow
• branchy: short, around
• carcino: malignant
• circum: around
• co, col, com, con: with, together
• contra: against, opposite
• cyano: blue
• di: twice, double
• dia: through, between, completely
• de: down from
• dors: back
• dys: difficult, painful, abnormal
• ecto, ectomy: to cut out; remove
• electro: pertaining to electricity
• end: inside
• endo: in, inner [layer]; within; inside of
• epi: upon, on, above
• erythro: referring to anything red or erythrocytes (red blood cells)
• eu: easy, good, normal
• exo: outside, outer
• extra: outside; in addition to
• glyco: sugar
• hemi: half
• heter: other, different
• homeo, homo: same, similar, alike
• hydro: water
• hyper: beyond, excessive, over
• hypo: less, under, below, deficient
• infra: beneath, below
• inter: between, among
• intra: within
• iso: equal, like
• itis: inflammation
• kinetic: movement
• latero: side
• leuko: anything white or leukocytes (white blood cells)
• leuko: white
• litho: referring to a stone
• macro: large, great
• mal: bad, abnormal
• med, medi: middle
• mega, megal: great, large
• melano: black
• micro: small
• mono: one
• morph: shape
• myopathy: damage to the muscle
• mega, megaly: enlargement
• neo: new
• noct: night
• oligo: little, deficient
• para: near, beside, apart from, by the side of
• patho: disease
• per: through
• peri: outer [layer], around
• poly: much, many, multiple
• post: after, behind
• pre, pro: before, preceding, in front of
• pseudo: false
• quad, quadri, quar, quat: four, in fours
• retro: backward, located behind
• sclera, sclero: hard; or related to schlera
• semi: half
• sub: below, beneath, under
• super: above, over
• tachy: fast
• trans: across, through, beyond
• tri: three, in three’s
• uni: one; single or singly

Reference

Bliven, K. (2014, May 29). KINE 5003: Functional anatomy, terminology [PDF].

Des Moines University, Matz, D., & Dyche, W. (n.d.). Online Medical Terminology Course. Retrieved from https://www.dmu.edu/medterms/

Jenkins, G., & Tortora, G. J. (2012). Anatomy and Physiology: From Science to Life, 3rd Edition International Stu. John Wiley & Sons.

Medical Terminology [PDF]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://samples.jbpub.com/9780763779306/Medical%20Terminology.pdf

Download this worksheet here.

• able: capable of, having ability to
• algia: referring to pain
• ac, al: pertaining to
• asis, asia, esis, osis: condition or state
• astheno: weakness
• blast: immature cell
• cel, cele: swelling, enlarged space, tumor
• centesis: referring to an organ or body cavity being punctured (usually to drain excess fluid)
• cid, cide, cis: cut, kill, destry
• cyte: cell
• ectomy: surgical removal of
• emia: referring to a substance in blood
• ferent: carry
• form: shape
• genic: causing
• gram: record
• graph, graphy, gram: image/imaging
• ia: state, condition; noun ending
• ism: condition, state
• itis: inflammation
• logy, ology: study of
• lysis: decline; disintegration of; destruction of
• megaly: enlargement of
• malacia: softening
• ologist: a specialist of
• ology: science of
• oma: tumor
• ory: pertaining to
• osis: abnormality; disease process
• ostomy: to make an opening or hole
• otomy: to cut into, incision
• penia: deficiency
• path, pathy: disease
• phagia: related to eating or swallowing
• phasia: relating to speech
• phobia: relating to fear
• plasty: plastic surgery
• plegia: paralysis
• pnea: to breathe
• ptosis: drooping
• retro: behind
• rrhage, rrhagia: abnormal/excessive flow/discharge
• rrhaphy: suture of; repair of
• rrhea: flow or discharge
• scopy, scopic: look into, examine
• sis: a process, action, or condition
• sub: below
• taxis: order, arrangement of
• trophic: nutrition
• therm: heat
• uria: referring to a substance in the urine
• xantho: yellow

Reference

Bliven, K. (2014, May 29). KINE 5003: Functional anatomy, terminology [PDF].

Des Moines University, Matz, D., & Dyche, W. (n.d.). Online Medical Terminology Course. Retrieved from https://www.dmu.edu/medterms/

Jenkins, G., & Tortora, G. J. (2012). Anatomy and Physiology: From Science to Life, 3rd Edition International Stu. John Wiley & Sons.

Medical Terminology [PDF]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://samples.jbpub.com/9780763779306/Medical%20Terminology.pdf

Download this worksheet here.

Bone surface descriptors (form) also give us clues to their function.

Depressions and/or openings allow the passage/formation of soft tissue.

• fissure: narrow slit/groove/cleft as a passageway for vessels/nerves.
• foramen: opening (hole-like) allowing a passageway for vessels/nerves/ligaments.
• fossa: shallow depression/trench.
• fovea: rounded depression.
• sulcus: furrow or linear groove along a bone accomodating vessels/nerves/tendons.
• meatus: tubelike opening/passageway.
• notch: indentation.
• sinus: cavity/space.

Processes which are prominent projections/outgrowths (something sticking out) allowing formation of joints or attachment points for soft tissue.

Joint Processes:

• condyle: large, round protuberance/process at end of bone for articulation.
• facet: smooth, flat articular surface.
• head: rounded articular projection supported on the neck (narrow portion) of bone; enlargement at end of bone.

Attachment Processes:

• crest: prominent ridge/long projection on bone.
• epicondyle: smaller condyle/process/projection above (“epi”) the condyle.
• line (linea): long narrow ridge/long projection that not as severe/distinguished as a crest.
• ramus: a large/substantial mass of bone protruding from a body
• spinous processes: sharp slender projection.
• trochanter: large, blunt process/projection.
• tubercle: small, knob-like process/projection.
• tuberosity: large, rounded, typically rough-like projection.

Reference

Bliven, K. (2014, May 29). KINE 5003: Functional anatomy, terminology [PDF].

Jenkins, G., & Tortora, G. J. (2012). Anatomy and Physiology: From Science to Life, 3rd Edition International Stu. John Wiley & Sons.

Download this worksheet here.

• abdomi: referring to abdomen
• acou: hear
• adip: fat
• adeno: referring to gland
• alb: white
• alges: pain
• andr: male
• angi: referring to vessel
• aqua: water
• arterio: referring to artery
• arthro: joint
• asphixia: lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide
• asthen: weak
• audi: to hear
• auto: self
• blasto: referring to germ or cell
• blepharo: referring to eyelid
• brachii: arm
• bronch: windpipe
• bucc: cheek
• bursa: pouch or sac
• calc: stone; heel
• callus: hard, thick skin; meshwork of connective tissue
• capit: head
• carcin: cancer
• card: heart
• cardio: of or relating to the heart
• cardiologist: heart specialist
• carpus: wrist
• caud: tail
• cente: to puncture (usually a body/cavity)
• cephal: head
• cerebro: brain
• cervico: neck or uterine cervix
• chole: referring to bile
• chondro: cartilage
• cili: eyelid
• cleido: clavicle
• colo: of or relating to the the colon
• costo: referring to rib
• cranio: skull
• cubitus: elbow
• cut: skin
• cycl: circle or cycle
• cysto: of or relating to the bladder
• cyto: pertaining to a cell
• dento: of or relating to the teeth
• dermo/dermato: of or relating to the skin
• digi: finger or toe
• dors: back
• ede: swelling
• encephalo: of or relating to the brain
• end: inside
• entero: of or relating to the intestines
• esthesio: sensation or perception
• febre: fever
• flex: bend
• foramen: opening or hole
• fract: break
• gastro: of or relating to the stomach
• gest: carry, produce, congestion
• gingivo: of or relating to the gums
• glosso, linguo: of or relating to the tongue
• gno: know
• gyn/gyne: female, woman
• hem, hemat, hemo, emia: of or relating to blood
• hepato: of or relating to the liver
• hystero, metro: of or relating to the uterus
• idi: separate, distinct
• ilio: ilium
• iodo: iodine
• lachry, lacri: tears
• lact: milk
• lingu: tongue
• lipo: fat
• lympho: lymph
• masto, mammo: of or relating to the breast
• men: month
• meningo: membrane
• metric: length
• myelo: spinal cord
• myo: muscle
• myopathy: damage to the muscle
• naso: nose
• neuro: nerve
• nephro nephrene: of or relating to the kidney
• oculo: eye
• odonto: tooth
• oophoro: of or relating to the ovaries
• opthalmo: eye
• orchido: of or relating to the testes
• oss, osteo: of or relating to the bones
• oto: ear
• ov: egg
• ped: child or foot
• percuss: to examine by tapping/striking gently
• phago: related to eating, ingesting, or engulfing
• pharyngo: related to the throat or pharynx
• phlebo, veno: of or relating to the veins
• phot, photo: light
• pleur: rib, side
• pneuo, pulmo: of or relating to the lungs
• pod: foot
• procto: of or relating to the the anus/rectum
• psycho: pertaining to the mind
• pto: fall
• ptyal: saliva
• pulmo: referring to the lung
• pur, pyo: pertaining to pus
• pyelo: relating to kidney or pelvis
• pyr, pyro: fire
• ren: kidney
• rhino: of or relating to the nose
• salpingo: of or relating to the fallopian tubes
• sangui, sanguin: blood
• sect: cut
• sepsis: presence of microorganisms/toxins in the blood; or the toxic condition caused by
• sept: wall, divider; seven
• sinus: cavity, channel, hollow space
• soma, somat: body
• spas: draw, pull
• spir: coil
• stasis: slowing/stopping of the normal flow of fluid
• sterno: sternum
• stoma: any small opening on the surface of the body; opening created in the abdominal wall
• stomato: of or relating to the mouth
• tact: touch
• tetra: four
• therm: heat
• thoraco: referring to the chest
• tom: cut
• trich: hair
• ur: urine
• varic: varicose vein
• vaso: referring to vessel
• viscer: organ
• xen: foreign [material]
• xer: dry

Reference

Bliven, K. (2014, May 29). KINE 5003: Functional anatomy, terminology [PDF].

Des Moines University, Matz, D., & Dyche, W. (n.d.). Online Medical Terminology Course. Retrieved from https://www.dmu.edu/medterms/

Jenkins, G., & Tortora, G. J. (2012). Anatomy and Physiology: From Science to Life, 3rd Edition International Stu. John Wiley & Sons.

Medical Terminology [PDF]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://samples.jbpub.com/9780763779306/Medical%20Terminology.pdf