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Digestive and Urinary Flashcards
Digestive and Urinary Medical Terminology
132
Medical
Not Applicable
01/07/2026

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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
peri-
Definition
 Around or surrounding Example: Perigastric – Pertaining to the area around the stomach, often used to describe inflammation, abscesses, or surgical observations in this region.
Term
sub-
Definition
Under, below Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to medications that dissolve beneath the tongue for quick absorption.
Term
trans-
Definition
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.
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
-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
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.
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
  • -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.
Term
  • -rrhea:
Definition
 Flow, discharge Example: Diarrhea – Frequent, watery bowel movements, often caused by infections, medications, or food intolerances.
Term
  • -scope: 
Definition
Instrument used for visualization Example: Colonoscope – An instrument used to visualize the interior of the colon during a colonoscopy.
Term
  • -scopy: 
Definition
Process of viewing, visualization Example: Endoscopy – The process of visualizing the digestive tract using a flexible tube with a camera.
Term
  • -stomy:
Definition
 Creation of an artificial opening Example: Colostomy – A surgical procedure to create an opening from the colon to the abdominal surface for waste elimination.
Term
  • -tomy: 
Definition
Incision, cut into Example: Laparotomy – A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, often performed to diagnose or treat abdominal conditions.
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
  • 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
lingu/o:
Definition
Tongue Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to the administration of medications for rapid absorption.
Term
  • or/o: 
Definition
Mouth Example: Oral – Pertaining to the mouth, such as in oral hygiene practices.
Term
  • palat/o:
Definition
 Palate Example: Palatoplasty – Surgical repair of the palate, often performed to correct cleft palate deformities.
Term
  • pancreat/o: 
Definition
Pancreas Example: Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption.
Term
  • peritone/o: 
Definition
Peritoneum Example: Peritonitis – Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, often caused by infection or perforation.
Term
  • polyp/o: 
Definition
Polyp, small growth Example: Polypectomy – Surgical removal of a polyp, often performed during a colonoscopy to prevent cancer development.
Term
  • proct/o: 
Definition
Rectum Example: Proctitis – Inflammation of the rectum, which can cause discomfort, bleeding, and urgency.
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
  • rect/o: 
Definition
Rectum Example: Rectocele – A bulging of the rectum into the vaginal wall, often caused by weakening of pelvic floor muscles.
Term
  • sial/o:
Definition
 Saliva, salivary gland Example: Sialadenitis – Inflammation of a salivary gland, often caused by bacterial infections or blockages.
Term
  • steat/o: 
Definition
Fat Example: Steatorrhea – Excess fat in stool, often a sign of malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis.
Term
  • stomat/o: 
Definition
Mouth Example: Stomatitis – Inflammation of the mouth, which can result from infections, irritants, or systemic diseases.
Term
  • uvul/o:
Definition
 Uvula Example: Uvulectomy – Surgical removal of the uvula, often performed to treat snoring or sleep apnea.
Term
  • xer/o: 
Definition
Dryness Example: Xerostomia – Dryness of the mouth caused by reduced saliva production, often associated with certain medications or medical conditions.
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

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
  • Named 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 = Acute Renal Failure

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
  • BPH = Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
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
  • ath = Catheterization
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
  • CKD = Chronic Kidney Disease
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
  • Cysto = Cystoscopy
Definition
  • A diagnostic procedure in which a thin, flexible scope is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urethra for abnormalities. 
Term
  • DRE = Digital Rectal Examination
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
  • ESRD = End-Stage Renal Disease
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
  • ESWL = Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy
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
  • PKD = Polycystic Kidney Disease
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
  • TURP = Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
Definition
  • A surgical procedure to remove part of the prostate gland through the urethra to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (BPH).
Term
  • UTI = Urinary Tract Infection
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.
Term
  • Bartter Syndrome
Definition
  • 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.
Term
  • Bowman’s Capsule
Definition
  • 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.
Term
  • Henle’s Loop
Definition
  • 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.
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