Endocrine System Prefixes

Endocrine System Suffixes

Endocrine System Word Roots (In Combining Form)

Endocrine System Abbreviations and Acronyms

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase used for convenience, often consisting of initial letters or a shortened version of the full term (e.g., "BP" for blood pressure).

An acronym is a specific type of abbreviation formed from the initial letters of a series of words and pronounced as a single word (e.g., "LASIK" for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis).

An eponym is a medical term derived from the name of a person—often a researcher, physician, or patient—associated with a condition, discovery, or procedure (e.g., "Alzheimer’s disease").

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

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

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

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

• 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.

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

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

• 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.

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

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

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Reproductive System Prefixes

Reproductive System Suffixes

Reproductive System Word Roots (In Combining Form)

andr/o:

Male 

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:

First, beginning

Menarche:

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

balan/o:

Glans penis 

Balanitis:

Inflammation of the glans penis, often caused by poor hygiene, infections, or irritants.

cervic/o:

Cervix

Cervicitis:

Inflammation of the cervix, often caused by infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

colp/o:

Vagina

Colposcopy:

A visual examination of the vagina and cervix using a specialized magnifying instrument to detect abnormalities.

crypt/o:

Hidden

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:

Endometrium

 Endometriosis:

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

epididym/o:

Epididymis 

Epididymitis:

Inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm.

episi/o:

Vulva

 Episiotomy:

A surgical incision made in the vulva to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth.

gonad/o:

Gonad

gyn/o, gynec/o:

Woman

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:

Blood

Hematosalpinx:

The presence of blood in the fallopian tube, often associated with ectopic pregnancy or trauma.

hymen/o:

Hymen

Hymenotomy:

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

hyster/o:

Uterus

Hysterectomy:

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

leuk/o:

White 

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.

mamm/o, mast/o :

Breast

Mammogram:

An X-ray image of the breast is used to screen for abnormalities such as lumps or tumors.

men/o:

Menstruation

Menopause:

The cessation of menstruation, marking the end of reproductive capability in women.

metr/i:

Uterus 

Metritis:

Inflammation of the uterus, often caused by infections following childbirth or miscarriage.

oophor/o:

Ovary 

Oophorectomy:

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

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

Testis, testicle 

Orchiectomy –

Surgical removal of one or both testicles, often performed to treat testicular cancer.

pelv/i:

Pelvis, pelvic bones, pelvic cavity 

Pelvimetry:

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

pen/I, phall/o:

Penis 

Phalloplasty:

Surgical reconstruction or construction of a penis, often performed in gender-affirming surgeries

perine/o:

Perineum 

 Perineoplasty:

Surgical repair of the perineum, often performed after childbirth or trauma.

posth/o, preputi/o:

Prepuce, foreskin

 Posthitis:

Inflammation of the foreskin, often associated with infections or poor hygiene.

prostat/o:

Prostate gland

Prostatitis:

Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause pain, urinary problems, and sexual dysfunction.

salping/o:

Uterine tube, fallopian tube 

Salpingectomy:

Surgical removal of a fallopian tube, often performed in cases of ectopic pregnancy or severe infections.

scrot/o:

Scrotum

Scrotoplasty:

Surgical repair of the scrotum, often performed for injuries or congenital abnormalities.

son/o:

Sound waves 

Sonohysterography:

A diagnostic imaging technique using sound waves to evaluate the uterus and detect abnormalities.

sperm/o, spermat/o:

Sperm, spermatozoon

Spermatorrhea:

The involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm, which can result from neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, or infections affecting the male reproductive system.

test/o, testicular/o:

Testis, testicle 

 Testicular torsion:

A condition where the testicle twists, cutting off its blood supply, and requiring emergency treatment.

trachel/o:

Cervix

Trachelectomy:

Surgical removal of the cervix, often performed as a fertility-sparing option for early-stage cervical cancer.

urethr/o:

Urethra

Urethrocele:

Prolapse or herniation of the urethra, often seen in women due to pelvic floor weakness.

vagin/o:

Vagina 

Vaginismus:

Involuntary muscle contractions of the vagina, often causing pain during intercourse or medical exams.

vas/o:

Vas deferens, vessel, duct 

Vasectomy:

Surgical cutting and sealing of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from reaching the semen as a form of permanent contraception.

vesicul/o:

Seminal vesicle 

Vesiculitis:

Inflammation of the seminal vesicles, which can cause pain and affect fertility.

vulv/o:

Vulva

Vulvodynia:

Chronic pain or discomfort of the vulva, often with no identifiable cause.

Reproductive System Abbreviations and Acronyms

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase used for convenience, often consisting of initial letters or a shortened version of the full term (e.g., "BP" for blood pressure).

An acronym is a specific type of abbreviation formed from the initial letters of a series of words and pronounced as a single word (e.g., "LASIK" for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis).

An eponym is a medical term derived from the name of a person—often a researcher, physician, or patient—associated with a condition, discovery, or procedure (e.g., "Alzheimer’s disease")

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.

C-section =

Cesarean Section

• A surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions made in the abdomen and uterus, often performed when a vaginal delivery is unsafe.

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.

NICU =

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

• A specialized unit in a hospital that provides intensive care to premature or critically ill newborns.

PID =

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

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

PMS =

Premenstrual Syndrome

• A group of symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, and irritability, that occur in the days leading up to menstruation.

STIs, STDs=

Sexually Transmitted Infections or Sexually Transmitted Diseases

• Infections transmitted through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.

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.