Every word, defined and illustrated

without, not, lacking

Origin: Greek a-/an-, not or without (an- is used before a vowel)

• anemia = a shortage of healthy red blood cells (not enough of them)
• apnea = a pause in breathing (not breathing for a moment)
• atypical = not typical or not usual

against, opposing, working to stop

Origin: Greek anti, against or opposite

• antibiotic = a medicine that works against bacteria
• antibody = a protein that works against germs
• antiseptic = a cleaner that works against germs on the skin

self, on its own

Origin: Greek autos, self

• autoimmune = when the body's defenses attack its own cells
• autonomic = the part of the nervous system that runs by itself
• autograft = tissue moved from one part of a person to another part of the same person

two, twice, double

Origin: Latin bi-, two

• bilateral = on both sides
• biceps = the arm muscle with two heads (two anchor points)

slow

Origin: Greek bradus, slow

• bradycardia = a slow heart rate
• bradypnea = slow breathing

through, across, completely

Origin: Greek dia, through

• diagnosis = figuring out what illness someone has by studying it fully
• dialysis = cleaning the blood by passing it through a filter
• diarrhea = when fluid flows through the gut too fast

bad, painful, difficult, or not working right

Origin: Greek dus-, bad or hard

• dysfunction = when something does not work the way it should
• dyspnea = hard or labored breathing
• dyslexia = trouble reading words

within, inside

Origin: Greek endon, within or inside

• endoscope = a tool used to look inside the body
• endocrine = glands that release chemical messengers (hormones) inside the body
• endocardium = the lining inside the heart

upon, on top of, over

Origin: Greek epi, upon or on

• epidermis = the top layer of the skin (upon the skin)
• epidemic = a disease that spreads over many people
• epidural = on top of the tough covering around the spinal cord

good, normal, healthy

Origin: Greek eu, good or well

• euphoria = a feeling of great happiness
• eupnea = normal, easy breathing

outside, outer

Origin: Greek exo, outside, and ektos, outside or external

• exoskeleton = a hard skeleton on the outside of an animal, like a beetle's shell
• ectoderm = the outer layer of cells in an early, developing baby (embryo)
• exocrine = glands that send their fluid out through a small tube, like sweat

half, one side

Origin: Greek hemi-, half

• hemisphere = one half of the brain (or of the Earth)
• hemiplegia = weakness or loss of movement on one half of the body

above, over, too much

Origin: Greek huper, over or above

• hypertension = blood pressure that is too high
• hyperglycemia = too much sugar in the blood
• hyperactive = overly active

below, under, too little

Origin: Greek hupo, under or below

• hypotension = blood pressure that is too low
• hypoglycemia = too little sugar in the blood
• hypodermic = under the skin (like a needle)

between, among

Origin: Latin inter, between

• intercostal = the muscles between the ribs
• intercellular = between the cells

within, inside

Origin: Latin intra, within

• intravenous = within a vein (an IV)
• intracellular = inside a cell

large, big

Origin: Greek makros, large or long

• macrophage = a large cell that eats germs and dead cells
• macromolecule = a very large molecule, like a protein or DNA

small, tiny

Origin: Greek mikros, small

• microscope = a tool for looking at tiny things
• microbe = a tiny living thing too small to see
• microorganism = a living thing so small you need a microscope to see it

one, single

Origin: Greek monos, single, and Latin unus, one

• mononucleosis = an illness with a rise in a type of white blood cell that has one center
• unicellular = made of just one cell
• monocyte = a white blood cell with a single, round center

new, recent

Origin: Greek neos, new

• neonatal = having to do with a newborn baby
• neoplasm = a new, unusual growth of body tissue (a tumor)

few, scanty, too little

Origin: Greek oligos, few or little

• oliguria = making too little urine
• oligosaccharide = a small sugar chain made of a few sugar units

all, whole, complete

Origin: Greek pan, all

• pandemic = a disease that spreads to people all over the world
• pancytopenia = a low count of all types of blood cells

around, surrounding

Origin: Greek peri, around

• pericardium = the sac around the heart
• perimeter = the distance around the outside of a shape

many, much

Origin: Greek polus, many

• polyuria = making too much urine (going often)
• polydipsia = feeling very thirsty and drinking a lot
• polygraph = a machine that records many body signals at once

after, behind, following

Origin: Latin post, after or behind

• postoperative = the time after surgery
• postpartum = the time after giving birth

before, in front of, ahead of time

Origin: Latin prae, before

• prenatal = before birth
• prediabetes = an early stage before someone actually has diabetes

under, below, beneath

Origin: Latin sub, under

• subcutaneous = under the skin
• sublingual = under the tongue

above, over

Origin: Latin supra, above or beyond

• suprarenal = sitting above the kidney (the adrenal gland)
• supraclavicular = above the collarbone

fast, rapid

Origin: Greek takhus, swift or fast

• tachycardia = a fast heart rate
• tachypnea = fast breathing

across, through, over to the other side

Origin: Latin trans, across or through

• transfusion = putting donated blood into a patient's body
• transdermal = through the skin, like a medicine patch
• transplant = moving an organ from one body to another

three

Origin: Greek and Latin tri-, three

• triceps = the arm muscle with three heads (three anchor points)
• trimester = one of the three stages of a pregnancy

blood vessel (a tube that carries blood)

Origin: Greek angeion, vessel or container

• angiogram = an x-ray picture of blood vessels
• angioplasty = surgery to open a narrowed blood vessel
• angiogenesis = the growth of new blood vessels

artery (a vessel that carries blood away from the heart)

Origin: Greek arteria, artery

• arteriole = a tiny artery
• arteriosclerosis = hardening of the arteries
• endarterectomy = surgical removal of buildup inside an artery

joint

Origin: Greek arthron, joint

• arthritis = inflammation of a joint
• arthroscopy = looking inside a joint with a small camera
• osteoarthritis = joint damage that wears down bone and cartilage

life, living things

Origin: Greek bios, life

• biology = the study of life
• biopsy = taking a small sample of living tissue to examine it
• antibiotic = a medicine that kills germs like bacteria

bronchus (a large airway leading into the lung)

Origin: Greek bronchos, windpipe

• bronchitis = inflammation of the airways
• bronchoscopy = looking inside the airways with a scope
• bronchodilator = a medicine that widens the airways

cancer

Origin: Greek karkinos, crab (an early name for cancer)

• carcinoma = a cancer that starts in the skin or in the tissue that lines organs
• carcinogen = something that can cause cancer

heart

Origin: Greek kardia, heart

• cardiology = the study of the heart
• cardiac = relating to the heart
• myocardium = the heart muscle

cerebrum (the large upper part of the brain that handles thinking)

Origin: Latin cerebrum, brain

• cerebral = relating to the cerebrum, the main part of the brain
• cerebrospinal = relating to the brain and the spinal cord
• cerebrovascular = relating to the blood vessels of the brain

green

Origin: Greek chloros, green (pale green)

• chlorophyll = the green pigment plants use to catch sunlight
• chloroplast = the green part of a plant cell that makes food

bile (the greenish fluid that helps digest fat) and the gallbladder

Origin: Greek chole, bile or gall

• cholecystitis = swelling and irritation of the gallbladder
• cholesterol = a fatty substance found in bile and in the blood
• cholelithiasis = the condition of having gallstones

cartilage (the smooth, rubbery tissue that cushions joints)

Origin: Greek chondros, cartilage (also grain, gristle)

• chondrocyte = a cell that makes and keeps cartilage
• chondromalacia = a softening of cartilage
• osteochondritis = inflammation of bone and its nearby cartilage

colon (the large intestine)

Origin: Greek kolon, large intestine

• colitis = swelling and irritation of the colon
• colonoscopy = looking inside the colon with a scope
• colectomy = surgical removal of part or all of the colon

rib

Origin: Latin costa, rib

• intercostal = between the ribs
• costochondritis = inflammation of the cartilage that joins a rib to the breastbone

blue

Origin: Greek kyanos, dark blue

• cyanosis = a bluish color of the skin from too little oxygen
• cyanotic = turning blue from low oxygen

bladder or a fluid-filled sac

Origin: Greek kystis, bladder or pouch

• cystitis = swelling and irritation of the bladder
• cystoscopy = looking inside the bladder with a scope
• cystic = relating to a sac or bladder

cell

Origin: Greek kytos, hollow vessel (used for cell)

• cytology = the study of cells
• cytoplasm = the jelly-like fluid inside a cell
• leukocyte = a white blood cell

skin

Origin: Greek derma (dermatos), skin

• dermatology = the study of the skin
• epidermis = the outer layer of the skin
• dermatitis = inflammation of the skin (a rash)

brain

Origin: Greek enkephalos, brain (literally "in the head": en, in, plus kephale, head)

• encephalitis = inflammation of the brain
• encephalopathy = any disease or damage of the brain
• electroencephalogram = a record of the brain's electrical activity

intestine, gut

Origin: Greek enteron, intestine

• enteritis = swelling and irritation of the intestine
• gastroenteritis = swelling of the stomach and intestines (a stomach bug)
• enteral = given through the intestine, such as feeding by tube

red

Origin: Greek erythros, red

• erythrocyte = a red blood cell
• erythema = redness of the skin

stomach

Origin: Greek gaster, stomach or belly

• gastritis = swelling and irritation of the stomach lining
• gastroenterology = the study of the stomach and intestines
• gastric = relating to the stomach

produce, give rise to, origin

Origin: Greek genos/gignesthai, birth/to be produced

• genotype = the set of genes an organism is born with
• pathogen = something that produces disease, like a germ

blood

Origin: Greek haima (haimatos), blood

• hemoglobin = the protein that carries oxygen in blood
• hematology = the study of blood
• hemorrhage = heavy bleeding

liver

Origin: Greek hepar, genitive hepatos, liver

• hepatitis = swelling and irritation of the liver
• hepatology = the study of the liver
• hepatomegaly = an enlarged liver

tissue (a group of similar cells working together)

Origin: Greek histos, web or tissue (originally a loom's warp)

• histology = the study of tissues under a microscope
• histopathology = the study of diseased tissue under a microscope
• histocompatibility = how well tissues match between a donor and a patient

uterus (the womb)

Origin: Greek hystera, womb or uterus

• hysterectomy = surgical removal of the uterus
• hysteroscopy = looking inside the uterus with a thin camera tool

larynx (the voice box)

Origin: Greek larynx (laryngos), larynx or throat

• laryngitis = swelling and irritation of the voice box
• laryngoscope = a tool used to look at the voice box

white

Origin: Greek leukos, white

• leukocyte = a white blood cell that fights infection
• leukemia = a cancer of the white blood cells

stone

Origin: Greek lithos, stone

• lithotripsy = breaking up a stone (like a kidney stone) into small pieces
• nephrolithiasis = the condition of having kidney stones

breast

Origin: Latin mamma, breast

• mammogram = an x-ray picture of the breast
• mammography = the process of taking breast x-rays to check for cancer
• mammary = relating to the breast

black, dark

Origin: Greek melas/melanos, black

• melanoma = a dangerous skin cancer of dark pigment cells
• melanin = the dark pigment that colors skin and hair

shape, form

Origin: Greek morphe, shape/form

• morphology = the study of the shape and structure of living things
• metamorphosis = a big change in body form, like a caterpillar into a butterfly

muscle

Origin: Greek mys (genitive myos), muscle (the same word also meant mouse)

• myocardium = the muscle layer of the heart
• myopathy = a disease of muscle
• myalgia = muscle pain

spinal cord or bone marrow (the meaning depends on the word)

Origin: Greek myelos, marrow

• myelin = the fatty coating around nerve fibers that helps signals travel
• poliomyelitis = swelling of the spinal cord caused by the polio virus
• myeloma = a cancer of cells in the bone marrow

death (of cells or tissue)

Origin: Greek nekros, dead body

• necrosis = the death of body tissue
• necrotic = describing tissue that has died

kidney

Origin: Greek nephros, kidney

• nephritis = swelling and irritation of the kidney
• nephrology = the study of the kidneys
• nephron = the tiny filtering unit inside a kidney

nerve, nervous system

Origin: Greek neuron, nerve (sinew)

• neurology = the study of the nervous system
• neuron = a nerve cell
• neuropathy = a disease of the nerves

tumor, mass

Origin: Greek onkos, mass/bulk

• oncology = the study and treatment of tumors and cancer
• oncogene = a gene that can turn a normal cell into a tumor cell

ovary (the organ that holds and releases egg cells)

Origin: Greek oophoron, from oon (egg) and phoros (bearing)

• oophorectomy = surgical removal of an ovary
• oophoritis = swelling and irritation of an ovary

eye

Origin: Greek ophthalmos, eye

• ophthalmology = the study and care of the eye
• ophthalmoscope = a tool for looking inside the eye
• xerophthalmia = a condition of dry eyes

testis (testicle)

Origin: Greek orchis, genitive orchidos, testicle

• orchidectomy = surgical removal of a testis
• orchitis = swelling and irritation of a testis
• cryptorchidism = a testis that never moved down into place, so it stays hidden

bone

Origin: Greek osteon, bone

• osteoporosis = a condition where bones become full of tiny holes and weak
• osteoblast = a cell that builds new bone
• osteomyelitis = an infection of bone and its marrow

ear

Origin: Greek ous (otos), ear

• otitis = swelling and irritation of the ear (an ear infection)
• otoscope = a tool for looking inside the ear
• otology = the study of the ear

oxygen

Origin: Greek oxys, sharp or sour (the base of the word oxygen)

• hypoxia = too little oxygen reaching the body's tissues
• pulse oximeter = a device that measures oxygen in the blood
• hypoxemia = too little oxygen in the blood

pancreas (the organ that makes insulin and digestive juices)

Origin: Greek pankreas, from pan (all) and kreas (flesh)

• pancreatitis = swelling and irritation of the pancreas
• pancreatic = relating to the pancreas

disease, suffering

Origin: Greek pathos, suffering/disease

• pathology = the study of disease
• pathogen = something that causes disease, like a germ

eat, swallow

Origin: Greek phagein, to eat

• phagocyte = a cell that eats and destroys germs and debris
• esophagus = the tube that carries swallowed food to the stomach

pharynx (the throat)

Origin: Greek pharynx (pharyngos), throat

• pharyngitis = a sore, swollen throat
• nasopharynx = the part of the throat behind the nose

vein (a tube that carries blood back to the heart)

Origin: Greek phleps (phlebos), vein

• phlebotomy = cutting into a vein to draw blood
• phlebitis = a swollen, irritated vein

lung or air

Origin: Greek pneumon, lung (from pneuma, air or breath)

• pneumonia = an infection that makes the lungs swollen and irritated
• pneumothorax = air trapped in the chest that collapses a lung

rectum and anus (the very end of the digestive tract)

Origin: Greek proktos, anus

• proctology = the study of the rectum and anus
• proctoscopy = looking inside the rectum with a scope

lung

Origin: Latin pulmo (pulmonis), lung

• pulmonary = relating to the lungs
• cardiopulmonary = relating to the heart and lungs

pus (the thick yellowish fluid that forms in an infection)

Origin: Greek pyon, pus

• pyogenic = producing pus
• pyuria = pus in the urine

kidney

Origin: Latin ren, kidney

• renal = relating to the kidneys
• renal failure = when the kidneys stop working well

nose

Origin: Greek rhis (rhinos), nose

• rhinitis = a swollen, stuffy, runny nose
• rhinoplasty = surgery to reshape the nose
• rhinovirus = a virus that causes the common cold

hard, hardening

Origin: Greek skleros, hard

• sclerosis = when soft body tissue becomes hard when it should not
• arteriosclerosis = a hardening of the artery walls

tendon (the tough cord that ties a muscle to a bone)

Origin: Greek tenon, tendon (sinew)

• tendinitis = a swollen, irritated tendon
• tenotomy = surgically cutting a tendon
• tenosynovitis = a swollen, irritated tendon and the sleeve around it

chest

Origin: Greek thorax (thorakos), chest

• thoracic = relating to the chest
• thoracotomy = a surgical cut into the chest
• pneumothorax = air trapped in the chest that collapses a lung

blood clot

Origin: Greek thrombos, clot or lump

• thrombosis = the forming of a blood clot in a vessel
• thrombus = a blood clot stuck inside a vessel
• thrombocyte = a platelet, the blood cell that helps clotting

urine or the urinary system

Origin: Greek ouron, urine

• urology = the study of the urinary system
• urinalysis = a test that checks a sample of urine
• urologist = a doctor who treats the urinary system

vein (a tube that carries blood back to the heart)

Origin: Latin vena, vein

• venous = relating to the veins
• intravenous = within a vein (an IV)
• venipuncture = sticking a needle into a vein to draw blood

yellow

Origin: Greek xanthos, yellow

• xanthoma = a yellow, fatty bump under the skin
• xanthophyll = a yellow coloring found in plants

pertaining to (relating to something)

Origin: Latin -acus (from Greek -akos), pertaining to

• cardiac = relating to the heart
• celiac = relating to the belly or abdomen

pertaining to (relating to something)

Origin: Latin -alis, pertaining to

• abdominal = relating to the abdomen (belly)
• neural = relating to the nerves
• renal = relating to the kidneys

pain (a hurting feeling in a body part)

Origin: Greek algos, pain

• neuralgia = pain along a nerve
• myalgia = muscle pain
• arthralgia = joint pain

a cell (one of the tiny building blocks of the body)

Origin: Greek kutos, a hollow vessel (used to mean cell)

• leukocyte = a white blood cell
• erythrocyte = a red blood cell
• osteocyte = a bone cell

surgical removal (cutting a part out of the body)

Origin: Greek ektome, a cutting out (ek, out + tome, a cut)

• appendectomy = surgical removal of the appendix
• tonsillectomy = surgical removal of the tonsils
• mastectomy = surgical removal of a breast

a blood condition (a problem with the blood or something in it)

Origin: Greek haima, blood

• anemia = a shortage of healthy red blood cells
• leukemia = a cancer of the white blood cells
• hyperglycemia = too much sugar in the blood

the formation, making, or beginning of something

Origin: Greek genesis, origin or production

• pathogenesis = how a disease starts and develops
• angiogenesis = the making of new blood vessels
• carcinogenesis = the process by which cancer forms

a record, picture, or tracing (the finished result you can look at)

Origin: Greek gramma, something written or drawn

• electrocardiogram = a record of the heart's electrical activity
• mammogram = an x-ray picture of the breast
• sonogram = a picture made using sound waves (ultrasound)

the process of recording or making a picture

Origin: Greek graphein, to write or record

• radiography = the process of making x-ray images
• sonography = the process of making pictures of the body with sound waves
• angiography = the process of making pictures of blood vessels

pertaining to (relating to something)

Origin: Greek -ikos and Latin -icus, both meaning pertaining to

• gastric = relating to the stomach
• chronic = relating to a long, lasting condition
• hepatic = relating to the liver

inflammation (redness, swelling, heat, and pain in a body part)

Origin: Greek -itis, inflammation

• arthritis = inflammation of a joint
• bronchitis = inflammation of the airways in the lungs
• appendicitis = inflammation of the appendix

breakdown (something being broken apart or falling apart)

Origin: Greek lusis, a loosening or breaking apart (from luein, to loosen)

• hemolysis = the breaking apart of red blood cells
• dialysis = a treatment that cleans wastes out of the blood
• paralysis = loss of muscle movement (the ability to move is broken down)

enlargement (a body part that has grown too big)

Origin: Greek megas (megalo-), large or great

• cardiomegaly = an enlarged heart
• hepatomegaly = an enlarged liver
• splenomegaly = an enlarged spleen

a specialist (a person who studies or is an expert in a field)

Origin: Greek logos, study, plus -ist, one who does

• cardiologist = a doctor who specializes in the heart
• neurologist = a doctor who specializes in the nervous system
• pathologist = a doctor who studies disease, often in a lab

the study of a subject

Origin: Greek logia, the study or account of (from logos, word or reason)

• biology = the study of life
• cardiology = the study of the heart
• pathology = the study of disease

a tumor or mass (an abnormal lump of tissue)

Origin: Greek -oma, tumor or swelling

• carcinoma = a cancer tumor that starts in the skin or in the lining of an organ
• melanoma = a tumor of the color-making cells of the skin
• lymphoma = a tumor of the lymph tissue (part of the immune system)

an abnormal condition or process (something not working the normal way)

Origin: Greek -osis, condition or state

• osteoporosis = an abnormal condition of weak, brittle bone full of tiny holes
• necrosis = the abnormal condition of body tissue dying
• fibrosis = an abnormal buildup of tough, scar-like tissue

surgically making a new opening in the body that stays open

Origin: Greek stoma, mouth or opening

• colostomy = a new opening made from the colon to the outside of the body
• tracheostomy = a lasting opening made into the windpipe
• gastrostomy = a new opening made into the stomach for feeding

cutting into a body part (making a surgical cut)

Origin: Greek tome, a cutting (from temnein, to cut)

• tracheotomy = cutting into the windpipe to help someone breathe
• phlebotomy = cutting into a vein to draw blood
• laparotomy = a surgical cut into the belly

a disease of, or disorder of, a body part

Origin: Greek pathos, suffering or disease

• neuropathy = a disease of the nerves
• myopathy = a disease of the muscle
• cardiomyopathy = a disease of the heart muscle

having too few of something (usually too few blood cells)

Origin: Greek penia, poverty or lack

• leukopenia = too few white blood cells
• thrombocytopenia = too few platelets (the cells that help blood clot)
• osteopenia = lower-than-normal bone mass (thinner bone)

an intense fear of something

Origin: Greek phobos, fear

• claustrophobia = a strong fear of closed-in spaces
• arachnophobia = a strong fear of spiders
• hydrophobia = a fear of water (an old name for rabies)

surgical repair or reshaping of a body part

Origin: Greek plastos, formed or molded (from plassein, to shape)

• rhinoplasty = surgical repair or reshaping of the nose
• angioplasty = surgical repair of a blocked blood vessel
• arthroplasty = surgical repair or rebuilding of a joint

paralysis (loss of the ability to move a body part)

Origin: Greek plege, a stroke or blow (from plessein, to strike)

• paraplegia = paralysis of the lower body and both legs
• quadriplegia = paralysis of all four limbs
• hemiplegia = paralysis of one side of the body

breathing (a way that a person is breathing)

Origin: Greek pnoia, breath (from pnein, to breathe)

• apnea = a pause when breathing stops for a short time
• dyspnea = hard or labored breathing
• tachypnea = abnormally fast breathing

a sudden burst of heavy bleeding

Origin: Greek rhegnunai, to burst forth

• hemorrhage = heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• menorrhagia = unusually heavy bleeding during a period

a flow or leaking of fluid out of the body

Origin: Greek rhoia, a flow (from rhein, to flow)

• diarrhea = a flow of loose, watery stool
• rhinorrhea = a runny nose (flow of mucus from the nose)

hardening (tissue becoming abnormally stiff or hard)

Origin: Greek skleros, hard, plus -osis, condition

• atherosclerosis = hardening of arteries from fatty buildup
• arteriosclerosis = hardening and stiffening of the arteries

an instrument (tool) used to look at or examine something

Origin: Greek skopein, to look at or examine

• microscope = a tool for looking at very tiny things
• stethoscope = a tool for listening to the chest (heart and lungs)
• endoscope = a lighted tool for looking inside the body

the act of looking inside or examining (usually with a special tool)

Origin: Greek skopein, to look at or examine

• endoscopy = looking inside the body with a lighted scope
• colonoscopy = looking inside the colon with a scope
• microscopy = examining tiny things with a microscope

the growth or development of a body part (whether it grows well or poorly)

Origin: Greek trophe, nourishment

• hypertrophy = an increase in size because the cells grow larger
• atrophy = wasting or shrinking of a body part
• dystrophy = faulty development, as in muscular dystrophy

having to do with the urine (often what is found in it)

Origin: Greek ouron, urine

• hematuria = blood in the urine
• glycosuria = sugar in the urine
• polyuria = passing much more urine than normal