dys-

Painful, abnormal, difficult, labored

Example: Dyspepsia – Difficult or painful digestion, often referred to as indigestion, characterized by symptoms like bloating, nausea, or heartburn.

endo-

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.

hemi-

Half

Example: Hemigastrectomy – Surgical removal of half of the stomach, typically performed to treat severe ulcers or stomach cancer.

hyper-

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.

hypo-

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.

mal-

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. 

para-

Beside, near, or abnormal

Example: Paracolitis – Inflammation occurring near or adjacent to the colon, often associated with diverticulitis or infections. 

peri-

Around or surrounding

Example: Perigastric – Pertaining to the area around the stomach, often used to describe inflammation, abscesses, or surgical observations in this region.

sub-

Under, below

Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to medications that dissolve beneath the tongue for quick absorption. 

trans-

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. 

An- / A-

Without, lack of

Example: Anuria – The absence of urine production, often indicating kidney failure or severe dehydration, requiring immediate medical evaluation and treatment. 

dia-

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.

poly- 

Many, excessive

Example: Polyuria – Excessive urine output, commonly associated with conditions like diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, often leading to dehydration if untreated. 

noct-

Night

Example: Nocturia – Frequent urination at night, which can disrupt sleep and may result from conditions like overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, or heart failure.

oligo-

Few or scanty

Example: Oliguria – Scanty urine output, often a sign of kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or shock, requiring urgent medical attention.

-ac

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.

-al

Pertaining to 

Example: Colorectal – Pertaining to the colon and rectum, often used in the context of colorectal cancer or surgeries.

-cele

Hernia, protrusion

Example: Gastrocele – A hernia of the stomach, often resulting from a weakness in the diaphragm or abdominal wall.

-centesis

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. 

-eal

Pertaining to 

Example: Esophageal – Pertaining to the esophagus, such as in esophageal reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

-ectomy

Excision

Example: Appendectomy – Surgical removal of the appendix, often performed in cases of appendicitis. 

-ia

Condition of, diseased state, abnormal state 

Example: Dyspepsia – A condition of impaired digestion, often characterized by bloating, discomfort, and nausea.

-iasis

Condition

Example: Cholelithiasis – A condition involving the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder, which can cause pain and blockages.

-ic

Pertaining to

Example: Hepatic – Pertaining to the liver, as in hepatic function tests, which evaluate liver health.

-itis

Inflammation

Example: Gastritis – Inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by infections, medications, or alcohol use.

-logist 

Specialist who studies and treats

Example: Gastroenterologist – A specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, and liver.

-logy

Study of

Example: Hepatology – The study of the liver, including diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. 

-malacia

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.

-megaly

Enlargement

 Example: Hepatomegaly – Enlargement of the liver, which can occur in conditions like fatty liver disease or hepatitis.

-oma

Tumor

Example: Gastrinoma – A tumor that secretes gastrin, often associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, leading to excessive stomach acid production.

-osis

Abnormal condition 

Example: Diverticulosis – A condition where small pouches form in the colon wall, which can become inflamed (diverticulitis).

-pathy

Disease 

Example: Gastropathy – A disease of the stomach, often referring to damage caused by chronic use of NSAIDs or alcohol.

-phagia

Eating or swallowing 

Example: Dysphagia – Difficulty swallowing, which can result from conditions affecting the esophagus or nervous system.

-plasty

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.

-ptosis

Prolapse, drooping 

Example: Gastroptosis – Prolapse or downward displacement of the stomach, often caused by weakened abdominal muscles.

-rrhaphy

Suturing, repairing 

Example: Herniorrhaphy – Surgical repair of a hernia, often performed to reinforce the abdominal wall.

-rrhea

Flow, discharge 

Example: Diarrhea – Frequent, watery bowel movements, often caused by infections, medications, or food intolerances.

-scope

Instrument used for visualization

Example: Colonoscope – An instrument used to visualize the interior of the colon during a colonoscopy.

-scopy

Process of viewing, visualization

Example: Endoscopy – The process of visualizing the digestive tract using a flexible tube with a camera. 

-stomy

Creation of an artificial opening

Example: Colostomy – A surgical procedure to create an opening from the colon to the abdominal surface for waste elimination.

-tomy

Incision, cut into

Example: Laparotomy – A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, often performed to diagnose or treat abdominal conditions.

-ary

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.

-emia

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.

-esis

Condition

Example: Diuresis – A condition of increased or excessive production of urine, often induced by medications like diuretics.

-graph

Instrument used to record

Example: Cystograph – An instrument used to record images of the bladder, often during a cystography procedure.

-lith

Stone

Example: Urolith – A stone in the urinary tract, which may form in the kidneys, bladder, or ureters.

-lysis

Loosening, dissolution, separating

Example: Hemodialysis – A procedure that separates waste products from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function.

-pexy

Surgical fixation, suspension

Example: Nephropexy – Surgical fixation of a floating or mobile kidney to its normal anatomical position.

-scopic

Pertaining to visual examination

Example: Urethroscopic – Pertaining to the visual examination of the urethra, often to diagnose strictures or obstructions.

-tripsy

Surgical crushing

Example: Lithotripsy – A procedure that uses shock waves to crush kidney stones into smaller pieces for easier passage through the urinary tract.

-uria

Urine, urination

Example: Hematuria – The presence of blood in the urine, often indicating infections, stones, or more serious conditions like bladder cancer.

abdomin/o

Abdomen, abdominal

Example: Abdominoplasty – Surgical repair or reconstruction of the abdomen, often referred to as a "tummy tuck."

an/o

Anus

Example: Anoplasty – Surgical repair of the anus, often performed to treat congenital defects or damage caused by trauma.

antr/o

Antrum

Example: Antrectomy – Surgical removal of the antrum, a part of the stomach, often done to treat ulcers or cancer.

append/o

Appendix

Example: Appendectomy – Surgical removal of the appendix, typically performed in cases of appendicitis.

appendic/o

Appendix

Example: Appendicitis – Inflammation of the appendix, often causing abdominal pain and requiring surgical intervention.

cec/o

Cecum

Example: Cecopexy – Surgical fixation of the cecum, often performed to correct volvulus (twisting of the bowel).

celi/o

Abdomen, abdominal cavity

Example: Celiotomy – Surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, often performed to explore or treat abdominal conditions.

cheil/o

Lip

Example: Cheilitis – Inflammation of the lips, often caused by irritation, infection, or nutritional deficiencies.

chol/e

Gall, bile

Example: Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts.

choledoch/o 

Common bile duct

Example: Choledocholithiasis – The presence of stones in the common bile duct, often requiring removal to restore bile flow.

col/o, colon/o

Colon

Example: Colitis – Inflammation of the colon, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping.

enter/o

Intestine

Example: Enteritis – Inflammation of the intestines, often caused by infection or irritants.

esophag/o

Esophagus

Example: Esophagitis – Inflammation of the esophagus, often resulting from acid reflux or infections.

gastr/o

Stomach

Example: Gastrectomy – Surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, typically to treat ulcers, cancer, or severe obesity.

gingiv/o: 

Gum

Example: Gingivitis – Inflammation of the gums, often caused by poor oral hygiene or bacterial infection.

gloss/o

Tongue

Example: Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue that can cause swelling, redness, and pain. It is often caused by infections or nutritional deficiencies.

hepat/o

Liver

Example: Hepatomegaly – Enlargement of the liver, often caused by infections, fatty liver disease, or cancer.

herni/o

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.

lapar/o: 

Abdomen, abdominal cavity

Example: Laparoscopy – A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to view and treat abdominal or pelvic conditions.

lingu/o

Tongue

Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to the administration of medications for rapid absorption.

or/o

Mouth

Example: Oral – Pertaining to the mouth, such as in oral hygiene practices.

palat/o

Palate

Example: Palatoplasty – Surgical repair of the palate, often performed to correct cleft palate deformities.

pancreat/o

Pancreas

Example: Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption.

peritone/o

Peritoneum

Example: Peritonitis – Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, often caused by infection or perforation.

polyp/o: 

Polyp, small growth

Example: Polypectomy – Surgical removal of a polyp, often performed during a colonoscopy to prevent cancer development.

proct/o

Rectum

Example: Proctitis – Inflammation of the rectum, which can cause discomfort, bleeding, and urgency.

pylor/o: 

Pylorus, pyloric sphincter

Example: Pyloroplasty – Surgical repair of the pyloric sphincter to improve food passage from the stomach to the small intestine.

rect/o

Rectum

Example: Rectocele – A bulging of the rectum into the vaginal wall, often caused by weakening of pelvic floor muscles.

sial/o

Saliva, salivary gland

Example: Sialadenitis – Inflammation of a salivary gland, often caused by bacterial infections or blockages.

steat/o

Fat

Example: Steatorrhea – Excess fat in stool, often a sign of malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis.

stomat/o

Mouth

Example: Stomatitis – Inflammation of the mouth, which can result from infections, irritants, or systemic diseases.

uvul/o

Uvula

Example: Uvulectomy – Surgical removal of the uvula, often performed to treat snoring or sleep apnea.

xer/o

Dryness

Example: Xerostomia – Dryness of the mouth caused by reduced saliva production, often associated with certain medications or medical conditions.

albumin/o

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.

azot/o

Urea, nitrogen

Example: Azotemia – An elevated level of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood, typically resulting from kidney dysfunction.

blast/o

 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.

cyst/o

Bladder, sac

Example: Cystitis – Inflammation of the urinary bladder, often caused by bacterial infection, leading to frequent and painful urination.

glomerul/o

Glomerulus

Example: Glomerulonephritis – Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney dysfunction or failure.

glyc/o, glycos/o

Sugar

Example: Hyperglycosuria – Excess sugar in the urine, commonly associated with uncontrolled diabetes or kidney filtration issues.

hydr/o

Water

Example: Hydronephrosis – The swelling of a kidney due to a buildup of urine caused by obstruction in the urinary tract.

lith/o

Stone, calculus

Example: Nephrolithiasis – The formation or presence of kidney stones, often causing severe pain and urinary obstruction.

nephr/o

Kidney

Example: Nephrectomy – Surgical removal of a kidney, often performed due to cancer, trauma, or severe infection.

noct/o

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.

py/o

Pus

Example: Pyuria – The presence of pus in the urine, indicating a urinary tract infection or kidney infection.

pyel/o

Renal pelvis

Example: Pyelitis – Inflammation of the renal pelvis, often caused by bacterial infections ascending from the bladder.

ren/o

Kidney

Example: Renal failure – The inability of the kidneys to filter waste products and balance fluids and electrolytes in the body.

ur/o, urin/o

Urine, urinary tract

Example: Urology – The branch of medicine focused on the study and treatment of urinary tract diseases and disorders.

ureter/o

Ureter

Example: Ureteroplasty – Surgical repair of a ureter to correct blockages or structural abnormalities.

urethr/o

Urethra

Example: Urethritis – Inflammation of the urethra, often caused by bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infections.

vesic/o

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.

BMI 

 Body Mass Index

A measurement of body fat based on height and weight, used to assess whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

EGD

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

A diagnostic procedure in which a flexible endoscope is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).

FTT

Failure to Thrive

A condition in infants or children characterized by insufficient weight gain or growth, often caused by inadequate nutrition or underlying medical conditions.

GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

A chronic condition in which stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.

GI

Gastrointestinal

Referring to the digestive system, which includes the stomach, intestines, and associated organs involved in digestion and nutrient absorption.

IH

Inguinal Hernia

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.

IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, primarily including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or both).

NG Tube

Nasogastric Tube

A tube inserted through the nose into the stomach, used for feeding, administering medications, or draining stomach contents.

NAFLD

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

A condition characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver not caused by alcohol consumption, often associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

PUD

Peptic Ulcer Disease

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.

PN

Parenteral Nutrition

A method of providing nutrition intravenously, bypassing the digestive tract, often used in patients with severe gastrointestinal conditions or after surgery.

UC

Ulcerative Colitis

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.

Brunner’s Glands

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.

Crohn’s Disease

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).

Gilbert’s Syndrome

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.

Whipple Procedure

Named After: Allen Whipple, an American surgeon.

ARF

Acute Renal Failure

BPH

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

CATH

Catheterization

CKD

Chronic Kidney Disease

Cysto

Cystoscopy

DRE

Digital Rectal Examination

ESRD

End-Stage Renal Disease

ESWL

Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy

PKD

Polycystic Kidney Disease

TURP

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

UTI

Urinary Tract Infection

Bartter Syndrome

Named After: Frederic Bartter, an American endocrinologist.

Bowman’s Capsule

Named After: Sir William Bowman, an English surgeon.

Henle’s Loop

Named After: Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle, a German anatomist.