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Endocrine and Reproductive Root Words
Endocrine and Reproductive Word Roots
51
Medical
Not Applicable
10/14/2025

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Term

(ENDOCRINE)

aden/o: Gland

Definition
Example Adenoma: A benign tumor of an endocrine gland, such as a pituitary adenoma, which can affect hormone production and cause symptoms like vision problems or hormonal imbalances.
Term
adren/o, adrenal/o: Adrenal glands
Definition
Example Adrenalectomy: Surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands, often performed to treat adrenal tumors or excessive hormone secretion.
Term
calc/i: Calcium
Definition
Example Hypercalcemia: An elevated level of calcium in the blood, often caused by overactivity of the parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism).
Term
cortic/o: Cortex, outer layer of a body organ
Definition
Example Corticosteroids: Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, such as cortisol, which play roles in stress response, immune regulation, and metabolism.
Term
dips/o: Thirst
Definition
Example Polydipsia: Excessive thirst, commonly associated with diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus due to hormonal imbalances affecting water regulation.
Term
endocrin/o: Endocrine
Definition
Example Endocrinopathy: A disease or disorder affecting the endocrine system, including the glands and hormones that regulate bodily functions.
Term
glyc/o: Sugar
Definition
Example Hyperglycemia: Elevated blood sugar levels, a hallmark of diabetes mellitus caused by insufficient insulin production or action.
Term
home/o: Sameness
Definition
Example Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body, such as balanced hormone levels to regulate metabolism and growth.
Term
kal/i: Potassium
Definition
Example Hypokalemia: A condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, which can result from adrenal dysfunction such as hyperaldosteronism.
Term
myx/o: Mucus
Definition
Example Myxedema: Severe hypothyroidism characterized by swelling and deposits of mucus-like substances in the skin, often affecting the face and extremities.
Term
natr/o: Sodium
Definition
Example Hyponatremia: A condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, which can result from hormonal imbalances such as adrenal insufficiency.
Term
parathyroid/o: Parathyroid gland
Definition
Example Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands, often performed to treat hyperparathyroidism and manage calcium imbalances.
Term
pituitar/o: Pituitary gland
Definition
Example Pituitarism: Any disorder of the pituitary gland, such as hypopituitarism, which results in decreased hormone production and widespread endocrine effects.
Term
somat/o: Body
Definition
Example Somatotropin: A growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates body growth and cell reproduction.
Term
thyr/o, thrroid/o: Thyroid gland
Definition
Example Thyrotoxicosis: A condition caused by excessive thyroid hormone levels, leading to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and tremors.
Term

(REPRODUCTIVE)

andr/o: Male 

Definition
Example Androgen: A group of male sex hormones, including testosterone, responsible for the development of male characteristics such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle mass. Androgens also play roles in libido, bone density, and reproductive health in both males and females.
Term
arche/o: First, beginning
Definition
Example Menarche: The first occurrence of menstruation, marking the onset of reproductive capability in females.
Term
balan/o: Glans penis
Definition
Example Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans penis, often caused by poor hygiene, infections, or irritants.
Term
cervic/o: Cervix
Definition
Example Cervicitis: Inflammation of the cervix, often caused by infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Term
colp/o: Vagina
Definition
Example Colposcopy: A visual examination of the vagina and cervix using a specialized magnifying instrument to detect abnormalities.
Term
crypt/o: Hidden
Definition
Example Cryptomenorrhea: A condition where menstrual blood is produced but cannot exit the body due to an obstruction, most commonly an imperforate hymen. It causes pelvic pain without visible menstruation and typically requires a minor surgical procedure to restore normal menstrual flow.
Term
endometri/o: Endometrium
Definition
Example Endometriosis: A condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain, heavy periods, and potential infertility.
Term
epididym/o: Epididymis
Definition
Example Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm.
Term
episi/o: Vulva
Definition
Example Episiotomy: A surgical incision made in the vulva to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth.
Term
gonad/o: Gonad
Definition
Example The surgical removal of the gonads (testes in males or ovaries in females). This procedure is performed to treat conditions such as gonadal cancer, hormone-sensitive cancers like breast or prostate cancer, or as part of gender-affirming surgeries.
Term
gyn/o, gynec/o: Woman
Definition
Example Gynecomastia: A condition in males characterized by the enlargement of breast tissue, giving a female-like appearance. It is often caused by hormonal imbalances, medications, or underlying health conditions and can occur during puberty or in adulthood.
Term
hemat/o: Blood
Definition
Example Hematosalpinx: The presence of blood in the fallopian tube, often associated with ectopic pregnancy or trauma.
Term
hymen/o: Hymen
Definition
Example Hymenotomy: A surgical procedure to remove or open the hymen, often performed to address issues like imperforate hymen.
Term
hyster/o: Uterus
Definition
Example Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, often performed to treat fibroids, uterine cancer, or severe bleeding.
Term
leuk/o: White
Definition
Example Leukoplakia: The formation of white patches on mucous membranes, such as the vulva in reproductive health. Vulvar leukoplakia can cause discomfort and may sometimes be precancerous, requiring further medical evaluation.
Term
mamm/o, mast/o : Breast 
Definition
Example Mammogram: An X-ray image of the breast used to screen for abnormalities such as lumps or tumors.
Term
men/o: Menstruation
Definition
Example Menopause: The cessation of menstruation, marking the end of reproductive capability in women.
Term
metr/i: Uterus
Definition
Example Metritis: Inflammation of the uterus, often caused by infections following childbirth or miscarriage.
Term
oophor/o: Ovary
Definition
Example Oophorectomy: Surgical removal of one or both ovaries, often performed to treat ovarian cancer or cysts.
Term
orch/o, orchi/o, orchid/o: Testis, testicle
Definition
Example: Orchiectomy – Surgical removal of one or both testicles, often performed to treat testicular cancer.
Term
pelv/i: Pelvis, pelvic bones, pelvic cavity
Definition
Example Pelvimetry: Measurement of the dimensions of the pelvis, often performed during pregnancy to assess the feasibility of vaginal delivery.
Term
pen/I, phall/o: Penis
Definition
Example Phalloplasty: Surgical reconstruction or construction of a penis, often performed in gender-affirming surgeries
Term
perine/o: Perineum
Definition
 Perineoplasty: Surgical repair of the perineum, often performed after childbirth or trauma.
Term
posth/o, preputi/o: Prepuce, foreskin
Definition
Example Posthitis: Inflammation of the foreskin, often associated with infections or poor hygiene.
Term
prostat/o: Prostate gland
Definition
Example Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause pain, urinary problems, and sexual dysfunction.
Term
salping/o: Uterine tube, fallopian tube
Definition
Example Salpingectomy: Surgical removal of a fallopian tube, often performed in cases of ectopic pregnancy or severe infections.
Term
scrot/o: Scrotum
Definition
Example Scrotoplasty: Surgical repair of the scrotum, often performed for injuries or congenital abnormalities.
Term
son/o: Sound waves
Definition
Example Sonohysterography: A diagnostic imaging technique using sound waves to evaluate the uterus and detect abnormalities.
Term
sperm/o, spermat/o: Sperm, spermatozoon
Definition
Example Spermatorrhea: The involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm, which can result from neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, or infections affecting the male reproductive system.
Term
test/o, testicular/o: Testis, testicle
Definition
Example Testicular torsion: A condition where the testicle twists, cutting off its blood supply, and requiring emergency treatment.
Term
trachel/o: Cervix 
Definition
Example Trachelectomy: Surgical removal of the cervix, often performed as a fertility-sparing option for early-stage cervical cancer.
Term
urethr/o: Urethra
Definition
Example Urethrocele: Prolapse or herniation of the urethra, often seen in women due to pelvic floor weakness.
Term
vagin/o: Vagina
Definition
Example Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle contractions of the vagina, often causing pain during intercourse or medical exams.
Term
vas/o: Vas deferens, vessel, duct
Definition
Example Vasectomy: Surgical cutting and sealing of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from reaching the semen as a form of permanent contraception.
Term
vesicul/o: Seminal vesicle
Definition
Example Vesiculitis: Inflammation of the seminal vesicles, which can cause pain and affect fertility.
Term
vulv/o: Vulva
Definition
Example Vulvodynia: Chronic pain or discomfort of the vulva, often with no identifiable cause.
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