eu- 

Good, normal 

Example: Euthyroid: A state in which the thyroid gland functions normally, producing the right levels of thyroid hormones necessary for metabolism and growth.

oxy-

Rapid, sharp, acid

Example: Oxytocin: A hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and the release of milk during breastfeeding.

pan-

All, total 

Example: Panhypopituitarism: A condition in which the pituitary gland fails to produce or secretes all of its hormones, leading to a wide range of endocrine dysfunctions.

para-

Around, beside, beyond, abnormal 

Example: Parathyroid: Small glands located beside the thyroid gland, responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood and bone metabolism.

syn

Joined, together 

Example: Synergistic hormones: Hormones that work together to amplify their effects, such as insulin and growth hormone in promoting cell growth.

tetr-

Four 

Example: Tetralogy of Fallot: A condition involving four congenital heart 

a-

Four 

Example: Tetralogy of Fallot: A condition involving four congenital heart 

dys-

Painful, difficult 

Example Dysmenorrhea – Painful menstrual cramps, often caused by uterine contractions or underlying conditions like endometriosis.

epi-

Above 

Example Epidural: Pertaining to the area upon or above the dura mater of the spinal cord, commonly referring to a type of anesthesia used during childbirth to provide pain relief while allowing the patient to remain awake and alert.

oligo-

Small amount 

Example Oligospermia: A condition characterized by a low sperm count in semen, often contributing to male infertility.

peri-

Surrounding 

Example: Perimetrium: The outermost layer of the uterus, surrounding the uterine wall and providing structural support.

-drome

Run, running together 

Example: Syndrome: A group of symptoms or signs that occur together, such as Cushing’s syndrome, which results from excessive cortisol production by the adrenal glands.

-ectomy

Excision, cut out 

Example: Thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of the thyroid gland, often performed to treat conditions such as hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, or goiters.

-emia

• -emia: Condition of the blood Example: Hyperglycemia: High levels of glucose in the blood, commonly associated with diabetes mellitus and requiring careful monitoring and management.

-ism

• -ism: State of Example: Hypothyroidism: A state of underactive thyroid function, resulting in reduced production of thyroid hormones and symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.

-logist 

• -logist: Specialist who studies and treats Example: Endocrinologist: A medical specialist who studies and treats disorders of the endocrine system, such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, and hormonal imbalances.

-oid

• -oid: Resembling Example: Adrenoid: Resembling the adrenal glands in shape or function, possibly used in anatomical studies or to describe tissue with adrenal-like characteristics.

-oma

• -oma: Tumor Example: Insulinoma: A tumor of the pancreas that produces excessive amounts of insulin, often leading to episodes of hypoglycemia.

-pathy

• -pathy: Disease Example: Adenopathy: A disease or enlargement of glandular tissue, such as in swollen lymph nodes or glandular dysfunction in the endocrine system.

-plasia

• -plasia: Condition of, formation, development, growth Example: Hyperplasia: Excessive growth or formation of cells within an endocrine gland, such as adrenal hyperplasia, which can affect hormone production.

-tomy

• -tomy: Incision, cut into Example: Adrenalotomy: A surgical incision into the adrenal gland, often performed to remove a tumor or investigate gland abnormalities.

aden/o

• aden/o: Gland 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.

adren/o,

adrenal/o

• aden/o: Gland 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.

cortic/o

• cortic/o: Cortex, outer layer of a body organ Example Corticosteroids: Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, such as cortisol, which play roles in stress response, immune regulation, and metabolism.

dips/o

• dips/o: Thirst Example Polydipsia: Excessive thirst, commonly associated with diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus due to hormonal imbalances affecting water regulation.

endocrin/o

• endocrin/o: Endocrine Example Endocrinopathy: A disease or disorder affecting the endocrine system, including the glands and hormones that regulate bodily functions.

glyc/o

• glyc/o: Sugar Example Hyperglycemia: Elevated blood sugar levels, a hallmark of diabetes mellitus caused by insufficient insulin production or action.

home/o

• home/o: Sameness Example Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body, such as balanced hormone levels to regulate metabolism and growth.

kal/i

• kal/i: Potassium Example Hypokalemia: A condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, which can result from adrenal dysfunction such as hyperaldosteronism.

myx/o

• myx/o: Mucus Example Myxedema: Severe hypothyroidism characterized by swelling and deposits of mucus-like substances in the skin, often affecting the face and extremities.

natr/o

• natr/o: Sodium Example Hyponatremia: A condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, which can result from hormonal imbalances such as adrenal insufficiency.

parathyroid/o

• parathyroid/o: Parathyroid gland Example Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands, often performed to treat hyperparathyroidism and manage calcium imbalances.

pituitar/o

• pituitar/o: Pituitary gland Example Pituitarism: Any disorder of the pituitary gland, such as hypopituitarism, which results in decreased hormone production and widespread endocrine effects.

somat/o

• somat/o: Body Example Somatotropin: A growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates body growth and cell reproduction.

thyr/o,

thyroid/o

• thyr/o, thyroid/o: Thyroid gland Example Thyrotoxicosis: A condition caused by excessive thyroid hormone levels, leading to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and tremors.

ALD = Aldosterone

• A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure and balance electrolytes by promoting sodium retention and potassium excretion.

ACTH = Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

• A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, which helps regulate stress, metabolism, and immune response.

ADH = Antidiuretic Hormone

• A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland that regulates water balance in the body by reducing urine production and increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.

DKA = Diabetic Ketoacidosis

• A serious complication of diabetes where the body produces high levels of blood acids (ketones) due to insufficient insulin, often accompanied by high blood sugar levels and dehydration.

DM = Diabetes Mellitus

• A group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from either insufficient insulin production (type 1) or resistance to insulin (type 2).

EPI, Epi = Epinephrine

• A hormone and neurotransmitter, also known as adrenaline, produced by the adrenal glands to prepare the body for the "fight or flight" response by increasing heart rate, blood flow, and energy availability.

FBS = Fasting Blood Sugar

• A test that measures blood glucose levels after an overnight fast to help diagnose diabetes or monitor blood sugar control.

FSH = Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

• A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a critical role in reproductive processes, including the maturation of eggs in females and the production of sperm in males.

GD = Graves’ Disease

• An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to overproduction of thyroid hormones.

HGH = Human Growth Hormone

• A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in the body, particularly during childhood and adolescence.

LADA = Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults

• A form of type 1 diabetes that develops more slowly and typically occurs in adults, often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes due to its gradual onset.

OGTT = Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

• A test that measures blood sugar levels before and after drinking a glucose-containing solution to diagnose diabetes or gestational diabetes.

RAI = Radioactive Iodine Treatment

• A therapy using radioactive iodine to destroy overactive thyroid cells, commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer.

TSH = Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

• A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) by stimulating the thyroid gland.

Addison's Disease

• Named After: Thomas Addison, a British physician.

A condition caused by adrenal insufficiency, leading to reduced production of cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms include fatigue, hyperpigmentation, low blood pressure, and weight loss.

Cushing's Syndrome

• Named After: Harvey Cushing, an American neurosurgeon.

A disorder caused by excessive cortisol levels, often due to a pituitary adenoma or long-term corticosteroid use. Symptoms include moon face, central obesity, purple striae, and hypertension.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

• Named After: Hakaru Hashimoto, a Japanese physician.

An autoimmune disorder leading to hypothyroidism due to chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and dry skin.

Islets of Langerhans

Named After: Paul Langerhans, a German pathologist.

Clusters of endocrine cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin. Dysfunction can lead to diabetes mellitus or other metabolic disorders.

-al

-al: Pertaining to 

Example Vaginal: Pertaining to the vagina, as in vaginal delivery, which refers to childbirth through the birth canal.

-algia

-algia: Pain 

Example Orchidalgia: Pain in one or both testicles. The pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe and may be acute (sudden) or chronic (lasting for a longer time).

-atresia

-atresia: Occlusion, closure 

Example Vaginal atresia: Congenital closure or absence of the vaginal canal, which may require surgical correction.

-cleisis

-cleisis: Surgical closure 

Example Colpocleisis: Surgical closure of the vaginal canal, often performed to treat uterine prolapse in elderly patients who are not sexually active.

-ia

-ia: Diseased state, abnormal state, condition of 

Example Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual periods, which can result from hormonal imbalances or other medical conditions.

-ic

-ic: Pertaining to 

Example Pelvic: Pertaining to the pelvis, as in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the reproductive organs.

-ism

-ism: State of, condition

 Example Cryptorchidism: A condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum, often requiring surgical correction.

-lysis

-lysis: Loosening, dissolution, separating 

Example Adhesiolysis: The surgical removal of adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can form in the pelvic region and affect fertility.

-ous

-ous: Pertaining to 

Example Gravidous: Pertaining to pregnancy, often used in terms like multigravidous (having had multiple pregnancies).

-pathy

• -pathy: Disease Example Endometriopathy: Disease of the endometrium, which may lead to abnormal uterine bleeding or infertility.

-pexy

-pexy: Surgical fixation, suspension 

Example Oophoropexy: Surgical fixation of an ovary, often performed to prevent ovarian torsion.

-rrhagia

-rrhagia: Rapid flow of blood 

Example Menorrhagia: Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding, which may result from uterine fibroids or hormonal imbalances.

-rrhaphy

-rrhaphy: Suturing, repairing 

Example Perineorrhaphy: Surgical suturing of the perineum, often performed after childbirth to repair tears.

-rrhea

-rrhea: Flow, discharge 

Example Leukorrhea: A white or yellowish vaginal discharge, often indicating an infection or hormonal changes.

-stomy

-stomy: Creation of a new opening 

Example Colpostomy: The surgical creation of an opening in the vaginal wall to drain fluid or provide access for treatment.

andr/o

andr/o: Male 

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.

arche/o

arche/o: First, beginning 

Example Menarche: The first occurrence of menstruation, marking the onset of reproductive capability in females.

balan/o

• balan/o: Glans penis Example Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans penis, often caused by poor hygiene, infections, or irritants.

colp/o

• colp/o: Vagina Example Colposcopy: A visual examination of the vagina and cervix using a specialized magnifying instrument to detect abnormalities.

crypt/o

crypt/o: Hidden 

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.

endometri/o

endometri/o: Endometrium 

Example Endometriosis: A condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain, heavy periods, and potential infertility.

epidiym/o

• epididym/o: Epididymis Example Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm.

episi/o

• episi/o: Vulva Example Episiotomy: A surgical incision made in the vulva to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth.

gonad/o

• gonad/o: Gonad 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.

gyn/o,

gynec/o

gyn/o, gynec/o: Woman 

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.

hemat/o

• hemat/o: Blood Example Hematosalpinx: The presence of blood in the fallopian tube, often associated with ectopic pregnancy or trauma.

hymen/o

hymen/o: Hymen 

Example Hymenotomy: A surgical procedure to remove or open the hymen, often performed to address issues like imperforate hymen.

hyster/o

hyster/o: Uterus 

Example Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, often performed to treat fibroids, uterine cancer, or severe bleeding.

leuk/o

• leuk/o: White 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.

metr/i

• metr/i: Uterus Example Metritis: Inflammation of the uterus, often caused by infections following childbirth or miscarriage.

oophor/o

oophor/o: Ovary 

Example Oophorectomy: Surgical removal of one or both ovaries, often performed to treat ovarian cancer or cysts.

orch/o,

orchi/o,

orchid/o

orch/o, orchi/o, orchid/o:

Testis, testicle 

Example: Orchiectomy – Surgical removal of one or both testicles, often performed to treat testicular cancer.

pelv/i

pelv/i:

Pelvis, pelvic bones, pelvic cavity 

Example Pelvimetry: Measurement of the dimensions of the pelvis, often performed during pregnancy to assess the feasibility of vaginal delivery.

perine/o

• perine/o: Perineum Example Perineoplasty: Surgical repair of the perineum, often performed after childbirth or trauma.

posth/o,

preputi/o

• posth/o, preputi/o: Prepuce, foreskin Example Posthitis: Inflammation of the foreskin, often associated with infections or poor hygiene.

salping/o

• salping/o: Uterine tube, fallopian tube Example Salpingectomy: Surgical removal of a fallopian tube, often performed in cases of ectopic pregnancy or severe infections.

sperm/o

spermat/o

• sperm/o, spermat/o: Sperm, spermatozoon Example Spermatorrhea: The involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm, which can result from neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, or infections affecting the male reproductive system.

trachel/o

• trachel/o: Cervix Example Trachelectomy: Surgical removal of the cervix, often performed as a fertility-sparing option for early-stage cervical cancer.

urethr/o

• urethr/o: Urethra Example Urethrocele: Prolapse or herniation of the urethra, often seen in women due to pelvic floor weakness.

vas/o

• vas/o: Vas deferens, vessel, duct Example Vasectomy: Surgical cutting and sealing of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from reaching the semen as a form of permanent contraception.

vesicul/o

• vesicul/o: Seminal vesicle Example Vesiculitis: Inflammation of the seminal vesicles, which can cause pain and affect fertility.

AMN = Amniocentesis

• A diagnostic procedure in which a needle is inserted into the amniotic sac to collect amniotic fluid, often used to detect chromosomal abnormalities or infections during pregnancy.

BV = Bacterial Vaginosis

• A common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria of the vagina, often resulting in unusual discharge, odor, and irritation.

HRT = Hormone Replacement Therapy

• A treatment involving supplemental hormones, typically estrogen and/or progesterone, used to alleviate symptoms of menopause or hormonal imbalances.

HPV = Human Papillomaviruses

• A group of viruses that can cause genital warts and are associated with cervical cancer, as well as other types of cancer in both men and women.

HYS = Hysteroscopy

• A minimally invasive procedure in which a thin, lighted scope is inserted into the uterus through the vagina to examine the uterine cavity and treat abnormalities.

IUD = Intrauterine Device

• A small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus for long-term contraception, available in hormonal and non-hormonal (copper) types.

PID = Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

• An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, which can lead to infertility if untreated.

Bartholin's Glands

Named After: Caspar Bartholin the Younger, a Danish anatomist.

Paired glands located on either side of the vaginal opening that secrete mucus to lubricate the vulva. Infections of these glands can result in Bartholin's cysts or abscesses, causing pain and swelling in the vulvar region.

Cowper's Glands

Named After: William Cowper, an English anatomist.

Also known as the bulbourethral glands, they are small glands in males that produce a pre-ejaculate fluid to neutralize acidity in the urethra. These glands play a role in enhancing sperm viability during ejaculation and reducing damage to sperm caused by residual urine.

Hegar's Sign

Named After: Alfred Hegar, a German gynecologist.

A clinical sign characterized by the softening of the lower uterine segment during early pregnancy. This is used as an early indicator of pregnancy during pelvic exams.