Learn · 149 terms in 8 categories

Medical terminology

The vocabulary that anatomy, physiology and clinical medicine are written in: directions, planes, movements, regions, structural words, word parts, the handful of disease processes behind most diagnoses, and the clinical terms that describe how illness behaves. Most terms link straight into the 3D atlas so you can see what the word points at, and to the pages that use them.

Directional terms

Words that describe where one structure lies relative to another, always with the body in the anatomical position: standing, facing forward, palms forward.

Directional terms

Toward the front of the body.

In front.

Example: The sternum is anterior to the heart.
Opposite: Posterior
Related: Ventral
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Cataract surgery

Directional terms

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Behind.

Example: The vertebral column is posterior to the oesophagus.
Opposite: Anterior
Related: Dorsal
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Directional terms

Ventral

Toward the belly side; in humans the same as anterior.

Belly side.

Example: The ventral root of a spinal nerve carries motor fibres.
Opposite: Dorsal

Directional terms

Dorsal

Toward the back; in humans the same as posterior.

Back side.

Example: The dorsal surface of the hand is the back of the hand.
Opposite: Ventral

Directional terms

Superior

Above; toward the head.

Higher up.

Example: The heart is superior to the diaphragm.
Opposite: Inferior
Related: Cranial
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Directional terms

Inferior

Below; toward the feet.

Lower down.

Example: The bladder is inferior to the kidneys.
Opposite: Superior
Related: Caudal
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Directional terms

Cranial

Toward the skull.

Toward the head.

Example: The cranial end of the spinal cord joins the brainstem.
Opposite: Caudal

Directional terms

Caudal

Toward the tail end of the body.

Toward the tailbone.

Example: The caudal part of the spinal cord ends at the cauda equina.
Opposite: Cranial

Directional terms

Medial

Closer to the midline of the body.

Toward the middle.

Example: The big toe is on the medial side of the foot.
Opposite: Lateral
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Directional terms

Lateral

Farther from the midline.

Toward the side.

Example: The fibula is lateral to the tibia.
Opposite: Medial
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Directional terms

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment of a limb, or to the origin of a tube.

Nearer the trunk.

Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist.
Opposite: Distal
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Fractures and dislocations

Directional terms

Distal

Farther from the attachment of a limb, or along a tube away from its origin.

Farther from the trunk.

Example: The fingers are distal to the wrist.
Opposite: Proximal
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Herniated (slipped) disc Tingling (pins and needles)Fractures and dislocations

Directional terms

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body.

Near the skin.

Example: The great saphenous vein is superficial; the femoral vein is deep.
Opposite: Deep
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Burns and scalds Cuts, grazes and wound care

Directional terms

Deep

Farther from the surface, toward the interior.

Inside, under other layers.

Example: The femur lies deep to the thigh muscles.
Opposite: Superficial
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Burns and scalds

Directional terms

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Same side.

Example: The right hand and right foot are ipsilateral.
Opposite: Contralateral

Directional terms

Contralateral

On the opposite side of the body.

Opposite side.

Example: The left motor cortex controls the contralateral (right) hand.
Opposite: Ipsilateral
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Stroke Numbness Weakness

Directional terms

Bilateral

On both sides.

Both sides.

Example: The kidneys are bilateral organs.
Related: Unilateral
Used in: Rheumatoid arthritis Joint pain

Directional terms

Unilateral

On one side only.

One side.

Example: A unilateral headache affects one side of the head.

Directional terms

Palmar

Relating to the palm of the hand.

Palm side.

Example: The palmar interossei adduct the fingers.
Opposite: Dorsal
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Directional terms

Plantar

Relating to the sole of the foot.

Sole side.

Example: Plantar flexion points the foot downward.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Planes & sections

The imaginary flat surfaces used to slice the body for description and imaging.

Planes & sections

Sagittal plane

A vertical plane dividing the body into left and right parts; the midsagittal (median) plane passes exactly through the midline.

A slice from front to back.

Example: A sagittal MRI of the spine shows the vertebrae in profile.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: MRI scan X-ray

Planes & sections

Coronal (frontal) plane

A vertical plane dividing the body into front and back parts.

A slice from side to side.

Example: Coronal CT images show both kidneys in one frame.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: MRI scan X-ray

Planes & sections

Transverse (axial) plane

A horizontal plane dividing the body into upper and lower parts.

A slice across, like cutting a loaf.

Example: Most CT scans are viewed as transverse slices.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: CT scan MRI scan Ultrasound

Planes & sections

Cross-section

A cut made at right angles to the long axis of a structure.

A slice across the length.

Example: A cross-section of the femur shows the thick cortex around the marrow cavity.
Used in: CT scan

Planes & sections

Longitudinal section

A cut made along the long axis of a structure.

A slice along the length.

Used in: Ultrasound

Movements

The standard vocabulary for joint movement.

Movements

Flexion

Bending a joint so the angle between the bones decreases.

Bending.

Example: Bending the elbow is flexion; the biceps brachii is a flexor.
Opposite: Extension
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Anterior cruciate ligament injury Knee pain Knee replacement

Movements

Extension

Straightening a joint so the angle increases.

Straightening.

Example: The triceps extends the elbow.
Opposite: Flexion
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Knee pain Knee replacement

Movements

Abduction

Moving a limb away from the midline of the body.

Moving out to the side.

Example: The deltoid abducts the arm.
Opposite: Adduction
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Movements

Adduction

Moving a limb toward the midline.

Bringing back in.

Example: The adductor muscles of the thigh pull the legs together.
Opposite: Abduction
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Movements

Rotation

Turning a bone around its long axis; medial (internal) rotation turns the front surface inward, lateral (external) rotation turns it outward.

Twisting.

Example: The rotator cuff muscles rotate the humerus.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Movements

Circumduction

Moving a limb in a cone shape, combining flexion, abduction, extension and adduction.

Drawing a circle with the limb.

Example: Circling the arm at the shoulder.

Movements

Pronation

Turning the forearm so the palm faces backward or down; in the foot, rolling the sole outward.

Palm down.

Example: Pronator teres and pronator quadratus pronate the forearm.
Opposite: Supination
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Movements

Supination

Turning the forearm so the palm faces forward or up.

Palm up, as if holding soup.

Example: The biceps is the most powerful supinator.
Opposite: Pronation
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Movements

Dorsiflexion

Bending the ankle so the toes point up toward the shin.

Toes up.

Example: Tibialis anterior dorsiflexes the foot.
Opposite: Plantar flexion
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Movements

Plantar flexion

Bending the ankle so the toes point down.

Toes down, standing on tiptoe.

Example: Gastrocnemius and soleus plantar flex the ankle through the Achilles tendon.
Opposite: Dorsiflexion
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Movements

Inversion

Turning the sole of the foot inward.

Sole faces in.

Example: Ankle sprains usually happen in forced inversion.
Opposite: Eversion
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Sprains and strains

Movements

Eversion

Turning the sole of the foot outward.

Sole faces out.

Example: The fibularis muscles evert the foot.
Opposite: Inversion
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Movements

Opposition

Bringing the thumb across the palm to touch the fingertips.

Thumb-to-finger pinch.

Example: Opponens pollicis performs opposition.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Movements

Elevation

Lifting a part upward, such as shrugging the shoulders.

Raising.

Opposite: Depression
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Movements

Depression

Lowering a part, such as dropping the shoulders or opening the jaw.

Lowering.

Opposite: Elevation

Movements

Protraction

Moving a part forward, such as pushing the shoulder blade forward.

Pushing forward.

Opposite: Retraction
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Movements

Retraction

Moving a part backward, such as squaring the shoulders.

Pulling back.

Opposite: Protraction
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Regions & cavities

Named areas and spaces of the body.

Regions & cavities

Axial

Relating to the head, neck and trunk (the body's central axis).

The core of the body.

Example: The axial skeleton includes the skull, spine and rib cage.
Related: Appendicular
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Regions & cavities

Appendicular

Relating to the limbs and the girdles that attach them.

The arms and legs.

Example: The appendicular skeleton has 126 bones.
Related: Axial

Regions & cavities

Thorax

The chest: the part of the trunk between the neck and the diaphragm, enclosed by the rib cage.

The chest.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Regions & cavities

Abdomen

The part of the trunk between the diaphragm and the pelvis, containing most of the digestive organs.

The belly.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Regions & cavities

Pelvis

The basin-shaped lowest part of the trunk, bounded by the hip bones and sacrum.

The bowl at the base of the trunk.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Regions & cavities

Perineum

The region between the thighs below the pelvic floor, containing the external genitalia and anus.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Regions & cavities

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the chest between the two lungs, containing the heart, great vessels, trachea and oesophagus.

The middle of the chest.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Regions & cavities

Cranial cavity

The space inside the skull that holds the brain.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Regions & cavities

Retroperitoneal

Lying behind the peritoneum, against the back wall of the abdomen.

Behind the abdominal lining.

Example: The kidneys, pancreas and aorta are retroperitoneal.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Regions & cavities

Viscera

The internal organs of the body cavities, especially the abdomen.

The innards.

Structural terms

Words that name kinds of anatomical parts.

Structural terms

Artery

A vessel carrying blood away from the heart, usually oxygenated.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Blood pressure measurement Coronary artery bypass grafting Amlodipine Glyceryl trinitrate Calcium channel blockers L-type calcium channel Severe bleeding

Structural terms

Vein

A vessel carrying blood back to the heart, usually deoxygenated.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Deep vein thrombosis Coronary artery bypass grafting Severe bleeding

Structural terms

Capillary

The finest blood vessels, one cell thick, where oxygen and nutrients pass into the tissues.

Structural terms

Ligament

A band of tough connective tissue joining bone to bone.

Related: Tendon
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Anterior cruciate ligament injury Sprains and strains

Structural terms

Tendon

A cord of connective tissue joining muscle to bone.

Related: Ligament
Related: Aponeurosis
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Sprains and strains

Structural terms

Aponeurosis

A flat sheet of tendon attaching a muscle over a wide area.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Structural terms

Fascia

Sheets of connective tissue that wrap muscles and organs and divide the limbs into compartments.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Structural terms

Cartilage

Firm, flexible tissue that caps the ends of bones, joins the ribs to the sternum and shapes the nose, ears and airway.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Structural terms

Foramen

An opening in a bone through which vessels or nerves pass.

Example: The spinal cord leaves the skull through the foramen magnum of the occipital bone.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Structural terms

Process

A projection from a bone, often for muscle attachment.

Example: The xiphoid process is the tip of the sternum.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Structural terms

Condyle

A rounded knob at the end of a bone forming a joint.

Example: The femoral condyles form the knee with the tibia.

Structural terms

Sulcus

A groove, especially the furrows between the gyri of the brain.

Related: Gyrus

Structural terms

Gyrus

A ridge of the folded cerebral cortex.

Related: Sulcus
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Structural terms

Plexus

A network of nerves or vessels.

Example: The brachial plexus supplies the arm.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Structural terms

Ganglion

A cluster of nerve cell bodies outside the brain and spinal cord.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Structural terms

Sphincter

A ring of muscle that closes an opening.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Structural terms

Meninges

The three membranes (dura, arachnoid and pia mater) covering the brain and spinal cord.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Structural terms

Mesentery

A double fold of peritoneum that suspends an organ and carries its vessels.

Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Word parts

Prefixes and suffixes that unlock most medical words.

Word parts

hyper-

Above normal, excessive.

Example: Hypertension: high blood pressure.
Opposite: hypo-
Used in: High blood pressure (hypertension)Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Fever Blood pressure Blood glucose Blood pressure measurement Electrolytes Hormone tests Lipid profile Thyroid function tests Free T4 (thyroxine)Blood glucose LDL cholesterol Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)Potassium Sodium Amlodipine Bisoprolol Insulin Levothyroxine Lisinopril Losartan ACE inhibitors Angiotensin receptor blockers Biguanides Calcium channel blockers Corticosteroids Insulins Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor Glucocorticoid receptor Hepatic glucose production (gluconeogenesis)Insulin receptor L-type calcium channel Heat exhaustion and heatstroke Body weight

Word parts

hypo-

Below normal, deficient; also beneath.

Example: Hypothyroidism: an underactive thyroid. Hypodermic: beneath the skin.
Opposite: hyper-
Used in: Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)Osteoporosis Type 1 diabetes Dizziness Numbness Swelling (oedema)Blood glucose Electrolytes Hormone tests Pulse oximetry and blood gases Thyroid function tests TSH test Free T4 (thyroxine)Blood glucose HDL cholesterol Potassium Sodium TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)Alendronate Furosemide Insulin Levothyroxine Insulins Thyroid hormones Insulin receptor Thyroid hormone receptor Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)Fainting Hypothermia and frostbite Hydration

Word parts

peri-

Around.

Example: Pericardium: the sac around the heart.

Word parts

endo-

Within, inside.

Example: Endocardium: the inner lining of the heart.
Opposite: exo- / ecto-

Word parts

exo- / ecto-

Outside.

Example: Exocrine glands secrete through ducts to a surface.

Word parts

epi-

Upon, above.

Example: Epidermis: the layer on top of the dermis. Epigastric: above the stomach.
Used in: Peptic ulcer Abdominal pain

Word parts

sub- / infra-

Below, under.

Example: Subclavian: beneath the clavicle. Infraspinatus: below the spine of the scapula.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Word parts

supra-

Above.

Example: Supraspinatus: above the spine of the scapula.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Word parts

inter-

Between.

Example: Intercostal: between the ribs. Intervertebral: between vertebrae.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Herniated (slipped) disc Back pain

Word parts

intra-

Within.

Example: Intravenous: within a vein. Intracranial: within the skull.

Word parts

trans-

Across, through.

Example: Transverse colon: the colon crossing the abdomen.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Word parts

a- / an-

Without, lack of.

Example: Anaemia: lack of blood (red cells). Apnoea: absence of breathing.
Used in: Anaemia Fatigue Pregnancy test

Word parts

dys-

Difficult, painful, abnormal.

Example: Dysphagia: difficulty swallowing. Dyspnoea: difficult breathing.
Used in: Shortness of breath Spirometry Beclometasone (inhaled)Salbutamol Bronchodilators

Word parts

brady- / tachy-

Slow / fast.

Example: Bradycardia: slow heart rate. Tachycardia: fast heart rate.
Used in: Atrial fibrillation Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)Parkinson's disease Chest pain Heart rate Electrocardiogram Ambulatory ECG monitoring Metoprolol and beta blockers Beta blockers Beta-1 adrenergic receptor

Word parts

hemi-

Half.

Example: Hemiplegia: paralysis of one side of the body.
Used in: Migraine Stroke Headache Weakness Stroke: recognise and act FAST

Word parts

poly-

Many, much.

Example: Polyuria: passing large amounts of urine.

Word parts

cardi/o

Heart.

Example: Cardiology, myocardium, pericardium.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Atrial fibrillation Coronary artery disease Heart failure Heart attack (myocardial infarction)Chest pain The cardiac cycle BNP and NT-proBNP test Electrocardiogram Echocardiogram Ambulatory ECG monitoring Cardiac stress test Troponin test Natriuretic peptides (BNP and NT-proBNP)Cardiac troponin Cardiac catheterisation Coronary artery bypass grafting Metoprolol and beta blockers Beta blockers Beta-1 adrenergic receptor CPR and using a defibrillator Electric shock

Word parts

pulmon/o, pneum/o

Lung, air.

Example: Pulmonary artery; pneumonia.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Asthma Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Lung cancer Pneumonia Pulmonary embolism Cough Shortness of breath Full pulmonary function tests Spirometry Bronchoscopy Inhaled corticosteroids Salbutamol Bronchodilators Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)Beta-2 adrenergic receptor Choking Smoking and vaping

Word parts

hepat/o

Liver.

Example: Hepatitis: inflammation of the liver.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Cirrhosis Liver function tests Albumin ALP (alkaline phosphatase)ALT (alanine aminotransferase)AST (aspartate aminotransferase)Bilirubin GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase)Cholecystectomy Paracetamol Non-opioid analgesics Hepatic glucose production (gluconeogenesis)HMG-CoA reductase Vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1)Poisoning and overdose Alcohol

Word parts

nephr/o, ren/o

Kidney.

Example: Nephrology; renal artery.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Chronic kidney disease Kidney stones Urinary tract infection Creatinine and eGFR Kidney function tests Urinalysis Urine protein Creatinine eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate)Urea Dialysis Furosemide Lisinopril Losartan Ramipril ACE inhibitors Loop diuretics Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2)Hydration

Word parts

gastr/o

Stomach.

Example: Gastritis; gastroenterology.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease Peptic ulcer Abdominal pain Nausea Vomiting Endoscopy (as a test)Gastroscopy Omeprazole Proton pump inhibitors Gastric proton pump (H+/K+ ATPase)Nutrition

Word parts

enter/o

Intestine.

Example: Enteritis; gastroenteritis.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Appendicitis Abdominal pain Appendicectomy Nutrition

Word parts

col/o, colon/o

Colon, large intestine.

Example: Colonoscopy; colitis.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Colorectal (bowel) cancer Inflammatory bowel disease Endoscopy (as a test)Colonoscopy

Word parts

neur/o

Nerve, nervous system.

Example: Neurology; neuropathy.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Epilepsy Parkinson's disease Numbness Tingling (pins and needles)Neurons Sertraline and SSRIs SSRIs Mu-opioid receptor Serotonin transporter (SERT)

Word parts

encephal/o

Brain.

Example: Encephalitis: inflammation of the brain.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Alzheimer's disease Epilepsy Stroke Seizures Sleep

Word parts

my/o

Muscle.

Example: Myocardium: heart muscle. Myalgia: muscle pain.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Heart attack (myocardial infarction)Weakness AST (aspartate aminotransferase)Exercise and physical activity

Word parts

oste/o

Bone.

Example: Osteoporosis; osteoarthritis.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Bone fracture Osteoporosis Back pain Alendronate Bisphosphonates

Word parts

arthr/o

Joint.

Example: Arthritis; arthroscopy.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Anterior cruciate ligament injury Gout Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Joint pain Knee pain Joint aspiration and injection Knee replacement Allopurinol Xanthine oxidase inhibitors Xanthine oxidase

Word parts

chondr/o

Cartilage.

Example: Chondromalacia: softening of cartilage.

Word parts

angi/o, vas/o

Vessel.

Example: Angiography: imaging of vessels. Vasodilation.
Used in: Coronary artery disease Deep vein thrombosis Heart attack (myocardial infarction)Pulmonary embolism Fluoroscopy and angiography Coronary angioplasty and stenting Cardiac catheterisation Glyceryl trinitrate Nitrates

Word parts

haem/o, haemat/o

Blood.

Example: Haematology; haemorrhage.
Used in: Anaemia Full blood count ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)Ferritin test HbA1c Iron studies Vitamin B12 and folate Bilirubin Ferritin Haematocrit Haemoglobin HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin)Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)Blood transfusion Apixaban and DOACs Aspirin Warfarin Anticoagulants Severe bleeding

Word parts

derm/o, dermat/o

Skin.

Example: Dermatology; epidermis.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Rash Cetirizine and antihistamines Histamine H1 receptor

Word parts

ophthalm/o, ocul/o

Eye.

Example: Ophthalmology; oculomotor nerve.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Cataract surgery

Word parts

ot/o

Ear.

Example: Otitis: ear infection.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Dizziness

Word parts

rhin/o

Nose.

Example: Rhinitis; rhinoplasty.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Word parts

cyst/o

Bladder, sac.

Example: Cystitis: bladder infection. Cholecystectomy: removal of the gallbladder.
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Gallstones Kidney stones Urinary tract infection Urinalysis Urine culture Urinary catheterisation

Word parts

-itis

Inflammation.

Example: Appendicitis, tonsillitis, arthritis.
Used in: Appendicitis Cirrhosis Gallstones Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease Gout Inflammatory bowel disease Cough Fever Joint pain Rash CRP test Liver function tests Microbiology tests Urine culture ALT (alanine aminotransferase)Appendicectomy Cholecystectomy Joint aspiration and injection Gastroscopy Amoxicillin Azithromycin Ibuprofen Omeprazole Macrolides NSAIDs Penicillins Proton pump inhibitors Cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2)Penicillin-binding proteins Gastric proton pump (H+/K+ ATPase)Xanthine oxidase Alcohol

Word parts

-ectomy

Surgical removal.

Example: Appendectomy: removal of the appendix.
Used in: Appendicitis Gallstones Appendicectomy Cataract surgery Cholecystectomy

Word parts

-otomy

Cutting into.

Example: Tracheotomy: an opening cut into the trachea.

Word parts

-ostomy

Creating an opening.

Example: Colostomy: an opening of the colon onto the abdominal wall.

Word parts

-oscopy

Looking inside with an instrument.

Example: Colonoscopy, arthroscopy, bronchoscopy.
Used in: Endoscopy (as a test)Bronchoscopy Colonoscopy Gastroscopy

Word parts

-algia

Pain.

Example: Neuralgia: nerve pain. Myalgia: muscle pain.
Used in: Migraine Headache Ibuprofen Morphine and opioids Paracetamol Non-opioid analgesics Opioids Cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2)Mu-opioid receptor

Word parts

-oma

Tumour or swelling.

Example: Melanoma, lipoma, haematoma.
Used in: Colorectal (bowel) cancer Lung cancer Biopsy

Word parts

-pathy

Disease.

Example: Neuropathy, cardiomyopathy.

Word parts

-plasty

Surgical repair or reshaping.

Example: Angioplasty widens a narrowed artery.
Used in: Coronary artery disease Coronary angioplasty and stenting Knee replacement

Word parts

-megaly

Enlargement.

Example: Cardiomegaly; hepatomegaly.
Used in: Heart failure

Word parts

-aemia / -emia

Condition of the blood.

Example: Anaemia, hyperglycaemia, septicaemia.
Used in: Anaemia Chronic kidney disease Sepsis Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Fatigue Blood glucose Full blood count Electrolytes Ferritin test Hormone tests Lipid profile Blood glucose Haemoglobin HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin)Lymphocytes Potassium Sodium Blood transfusion Allopurinol Insulin Metformin Biguanides Xanthine oxidase inhibitors Hepatic glucose production (gluconeogenesis)Insulin receptor Hydration Nutrition

Word parts

-graphy / -gram

Recording or imaging / the record produced.

Example: Angiography produces an angiogram; electrocardiography produces an ECG.
Used in: Electrocardiogram Echocardiogram CT scan Fluoroscopy and angiography Mammography MRI scan PET-CT scan Ultrasound Cardiac catheterisation

Disease processes

The handful of ways tissue goes wrong. Almost every diagnosis is one of these processes happening in a particular place.

Disease processes

Inflammation · say “in-fluh-MAY-shun”

The body's protective response to injury or infection: blood vessels dilate and leak, and white cells move into the tissue.

Red, hot, swollen, painful: the body fighting back.

Example: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix; the suffix -itis always means inflammation.
Related: Infection
Related: -itis
Related: Oedema
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: CRP test ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)Ferritin test C-reactive protein (CRP)Ferritin Neutrophils White blood cell count Joint aspiration and injection Cetirizine and antihistamines Ibuprofen Inhaled corticosteroids Prednisolone and steroids Antihistamines Corticosteroids NSAIDs Cyclo-oxygenase 1 (COX-1)Cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2)Glucocorticoid receptor Histamine H1 receptor Cuts, grazes and wound care

Disease processes

Infection · say “in-FEK-shun”

Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) in body tissue, usually provoking inflammation.

Germs growing where they should not.

Example: Pneumonia is an infection of the lung; a urinary tract infection usually starts in the bladder.
Related: Inflammation
Related: Acute
Related: Prophylaxis
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Sepsis Full blood count CRP test Microbiology tests Urinalysis Urine culture C-reactive protein (CRP)Lymphocytes Neutrophils White blood cell count Urinary catheterisation Amoxicillin Azithromycin Macrolides Penicillins Bacterial ribosome (50S subunit)Penicillin-binding proteins Burns and scalds Cuts, grazes and wound care

Disease processes

Degeneration · say “dee-jen-uh-RAY-shun”

Gradual deterioration of a tissue's structure and function, through wear, ageing or a slow disease process rather than injury or infection.

Wearing out over time.

Example: Osteoarthritis is degeneration of joint cartilage; a degenerated intervertebral disc loses height and can bulge.
Related: Chronic
Related: Atrophy
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Disease processes

Necrosis · say “neh-KROH-sis”

Death of cells or tissue within the living body, from loss of blood supply, toxins, infection or physical damage.

Dead tissue.

Example: In a heart attack, heart muscle beyond the blocked artery undergoes necrosis within hours.
Related: Infarction
Related: Ischaemia
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Electric shock Hypothermia and frostbite Poisoning and overdose

Disease processes

Tumour · say “TYOO-mer”

An abnormal mass of tissue formed when cells multiply beyond normal control; may be benign or malignant.

A growth or lump.

Example: A lipoma is a benign tumour of fat cells; a carcinoma is a malignant tumour of lining cells.
Related: Benign
Related: Malignant
Related: -oma
Related: Metastasis
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Biopsy

Disease processes

Benign · say “beh-NINE”

Of a tumour: not cancerous; it grows locally, does not invade neighbouring tissue and does not spread to distant sites, though it can still cause harm by pressure.

Not cancer.

Example: Most pituitary tumours are benign, but a large one can press on the optic chiasm and affect vision.
Opposite: Malignant
Related: Tumour
Related: Malignant
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Biopsy Mammography Colonoscopy

Disease processes

Malignant · say “muh-LIG-nunt”

Of a tumour: cancerous; able to invade surrounding tissue and spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body.

Cancer.

Example: A malignant tumour of the colon can invade through the bowel wall and spread to the liver via the portal vein.
Opposite: Benign
Related: Tumour
Related: Metastasis
Related: Prognosis
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Colorectal (bowel) cancer Lung cancer Biopsy Genetic testing Mammography PET-CT scan Bronchoscopy Colonoscopy Smoking and vaping

Disease processes

Metastasis · say “meh-TASS-tuh-sis”

The spread of cancer cells from where they started to a distant site, via the bloodstream or lymphatic vessels, where they form a new (secondary) tumour.

Cancer that has spread.

Example: Lung cancer commonly metastasises to bone, brain, liver and the adrenal glands.
Related: Malignant
Related: Tumour
Related: Prognosis
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Biopsy PET-CT scan

Disease processes

Ischaemia · say “iss-KEE-mee-uh”

Inadequate blood supply to a tissue, so that it receives too little oxygen to meet its needs; reversible if flow is restored in time.

Not enough blood getting through.

Example: Angina is chest pain from ischaemia of heart muscle during exertion, when a narrowed coronary artery cannot deliver enough blood.
Related: Infarction
Related: Stenosis
Related: Necrosis
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Cardiac stress test Troponin test LDL cholesterol Cardiac troponin Coronary angioplasty and stenting Coronary artery bypass grafting Atorvastatin Glyceryl trinitrate Metoprolol and beta blockers Rosuvastatin Nitrates Statins CPR and using a defibrillator Heart attack Stroke: recognise and act FAST Smoking and vaping

Disease processes

Infarction · say “in-FARK-shun”

Death of tissue (an infarct) caused by loss of its blood supply; the end result of ischaemia that lasts too long.

Tissue dying because its blood supply was cut off.

Example: A myocardial infarction is a heart attack; a cerebral infarction is an ischaemic stroke.
Related: Ischaemia
Related: Necrosis
Related: Thrombosis
Related: Embolism
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Troponin test Cardiac troponin Coronary angioplasty and stenting Aspirin Antiplatelet drugs Heart attack Stroke: recognise and act FAST

Disease processes

Oedema · say “ih-DEE-muh”

Swelling caused by excess fluid collecting in the tissues, from leaky capillaries, raised venous pressure, low blood protein or blocked lymph drainage.

Fluid swelling.

Example: Ankle oedema in heart failure comes from raised pressure in the veins; pulmonary oedema is fluid in the lungs.
Related: Inflammation
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: BNP and NT-proBNP test Albumin Natriuretic peptides (BNP and NT-proBNP)Amlodipine Cetirizine and antihistamines Furosemide Lisinopril Antihistamines Loop diuretics Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2)Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)Burns and scalds Sprains and strains

Disease processes

Thrombosis · say “throm-BOH-sis”

Formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel or the heart, blocking flow.

A clot forming where it should not.

Example: Deep vein thrombosis is a clot in the deep veins of the leg, typically the femoral or popliteal vein.
Related: Embolism
Related: Infarction
Related: Prophylaxis
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Prothrombin time and INR Platelets Apixaban and DOACs Aspirin Clopidogrel Warfarin Anticoagulants Antiplatelet drugs Cyclo-oxygenase 1 (COX-1)Factor Xa Vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1)Heart attack

Disease processes

Embolism · say “EM-boh-lizm”

Blockage of a blood vessel by material (an embolus) that has travelled through the bloodstream from elsewhere: usually a clot fragment, sometimes fat, air or tumour.

A travelling blockage.

Example: A pulmonary embolism is a clot from a leg vein that has travelled through the right heart and lodged in a pulmonary artery.
Related: Thrombosis
Related: Infarction
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Prothrombin time and INR Apixaban and DOACs Clopidogrel Warfarin Anticoagulants Factor Xa Vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1)

Disease processes

Stenosis · say “steh-NOH-sis”

Abnormal narrowing of a passage, vessel or valve opening.

A narrowing.

Example: Aortic stenosis is a narrowed aortic valve; spinal stenosis narrows the canal around the spinal cord.
Related: Ischaemia
Related: Hypertrophy
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Echocardiogram Cardiac stress test ALP (alkaline phosphatase)LDL cholesterol Fluoroscopy and angiography Coronary angioplasty and stenting Atorvastatin Rosuvastatin Statins HMG-CoA reductase

Disease processes

Hypertrophy · say “hy-PER-troh-fee”

Enlargement of a tissue or organ because its cells grow bigger (not more numerous), usually in response to increased workload.

Growing bigger from working harder.

Example: The left ventricle hypertrophies in long-standing high blood pressure; skeletal muscle hypertrophies with strength training.
Opposite: Atrophy
Related: Atrophy
Related: hyper-
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Echocardiogram Exercise and physical activity

Disease processes

Atrophy · say “AT-roh-fee”

Wasting or shrinkage of a tissue or organ from loss of cell size or number, through disuse, loss of nerve or blood supply, ageing or malnutrition.

Wasting away.

Example: The quadriceps atrophies within weeks of a leg being immobilised in a cast; the hippocampus atrophies in Alzheimer disease.
Opposite: Hypertrophy
Related: Hypertrophy
Related: Degeneration
Related: a- / an-
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Exercise and physical activity

Clinical terms

The words clinicians use to describe how illness behaves, how it is found and where it is heading.

Clinical terms

Acute · say “uh-KYOOT”

Of sudden onset and short duration; often severe. Describes timing, not seriousness.

Sudden and short-lived.

Example: Acute appendicitis develops over hours; an acute kidney injury is a sudden drop in function.
Opposite: Chronic
Related: Chronic
Related: Sign
Related: Symptom
Used in: Bone fracture Gout Pancreatitis Sepsis Creatinine and eGFR CRP test Hepatitis B tests HIV test Kidney function tests Microbiology tests Creatinine C-reactive protein (CRP)Cardiac troponin Appendicectomy Blood transfusion Dialysis Urinary catheterisation Amoxicillin Azithromycin Clarithromycin Influenza vaccine Morphine and opioids Oxycodone Opioids Influenza vaccines Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)Choking CPR and using a defibrillator Electric shock Fractures and dislocations Heart attack

Clinical terms

Chronic · say “KRON-ik”

Persisting for a long time, usually more than three months, or recurring; often develops slowly.

Long-term.

Example: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic kidney disease are lifelong conditions managed rather than cured.
Opposite: Acute
Related: Acute
Related: Degeneration
Related: Remission
Used in: Alzheimer's disease Asthma Chronic kidney disease Cirrhosis Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Inflammatory bowel disease BNP and NT-proBNP test Creatinine and eGFR ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)HbA1c Hepatitis B tests HIV test Albumin Natriuretic peptides (BNP and NT-proBNP)Creatinine eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate)HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin)Dialysis Urinary catheterisation Alendronate Allopurinol Atorvastatin Inhaled corticosteroids Insulin Levothyroxine Opioids Seizures Alcohol Sleep Smoking and vaping Body weight

Clinical terms

Idiopathic · say “id-ee-oh-PATH-ik”

Of unknown cause, arising spontaneously.

Nobody knows why.

Example: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis scars the lungs without an identifiable trigger.
Related: Congenital
Related: Acquired
Related: -pathy

Clinical terms

Congenital · say “kon-JEN-ih-tul”

Present from birth, whether inherited or caused by something during development in the womb.

Born with it.

Example: A ventricular septal defect is a congenital hole between the two ventricles of the heart.
Opposite: Acquired
Related: Acquired
Related: Idiopathic
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗
Used in: Genetic testing

Clinical terms

Acquired · say “uh-KWY-erd”

Developed after birth, through infection, injury, lifestyle, environment or another disease, rather than being present from birth.

Picked up during life.

Example: Most heart valve disease in older adults is acquired, through wear, rheumatic fever or infection.
Opposite: Congenital
Related: Congenital

Clinical terms

Sign · say “sine”

An objective feature of disease that an examiner can see, feel, hear or measure.

What the clinician finds.

Example: A fever, a heart murmur and a swollen ankle are signs.
Related: Symptom
Related: Diagnosis

Clinical terms

Symptom · say “SIMP-tum”

A subjective feature of disease that the person experiences and reports, which cannot be directly observed by others.

What the patient feels.

Example: Pain, nausea, dizziness and fatigue are symptoms; the clinician cannot measure them, only ask.
Related: Sign
Related: Syndrome
Related: Diagnosis

Clinical terms

Syndrome · say “SIN-drome”

A recognisable group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterise a particular condition, even when its cause is unknown or varied.

A pattern that travels together.

Example: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the pattern of numbness and weakness produced by compression of the median nerve at the wrist.
Related: Sign
Related: Symptom
Related: Diagnosis
Atlas: See it in 3D ↗

Clinical terms

Diagnosis · say “dy-ug-NOH-sis”

The identification of the disease or condition responsible for a person's signs and symptoms, reached through history, examination and tests.

Working out what is wrong.

Example: A diagnosis of pneumonia rests on the history, crackles on listening to the chest, and a shadow on the X-ray.
Related: Differential diagnosis
Related: Sign
Related: Symptom
Related: Prognosis

Clinical terms

Differential diagnosis · say “dif-er-EN-shul”

The list of conditions that could explain a presentation, ranked by likelihood and danger, which guides which tests to do next.

The shortlist of suspects.

Example: The differential diagnosis of chest pain includes heart attack, pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection, reflux and a pulled muscle.
Related: Diagnosis
Related: Symptom

Clinical terms

Prognosis · say “prog-NOH-sis”

The expected course and outcome of a disease: the likelihood of recovery, recurrence, disability or death, based on evidence from similar cases.

What is likely to happen next.

Example: The prognosis of a small skin cancer removed early is excellent; the prognosis of metastatic pancreatic cancer is poor.
Related: Diagnosis
Related: Remission
Related: Palliative
Used in: Genetic testing

Clinical terms

Remission · say “reh-MISH-un”

A period during which the signs and symptoms of a disease lessen or disappear, either temporarily or permanently, without the disease necessarily being cured.

The illness has gone quiet.

Example: Inflammatory bowel disease alternates between remission and flares; leukaemia in remission has no detectable cancer cells.
Opposite: Relapse
Related: Relapse
Related: Chronic

Clinical terms

Relapse · say “REE-laps”

The return of a disease or its symptoms after a period of improvement or remission.

It has come back.

Example: A relapse of multiple sclerosis brings new neurological symptoms lasting more than 24 hours.
Opposite: Remission
Related: Remission
Related: Chronic

Clinical terms

Prophylaxis · say “proh-fih-LAK-sis”

Treatment given to prevent a disease or complication rather than to treat one that is already present.

Prevention.

Example: Anticoagulant injections after hip surgery are prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis; vaccination is prophylaxis against infection.
Related: Thrombosis
Related: Infection

Clinical terms

Palliative · say “PAL-ee-uh-tiv”

Care or treatment aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life rather than curing the disease; not limited to the end of life.

Comfort and quality of life, not cure.

Example: Palliative radiotherapy shrinks a painful bone metastasis without aiming to eliminate the cancer.
Related: Prognosis
Related: Chronic
Used in: Morphine and opioids

Keep learning

Terminology quiz Physiology Anatomy

Medical terminology

Directional terms

Anterior

Posterior

Ventral

Dorsal

Superior

Inferior

Cranial

Caudal

Medial

Lateral

Proximal

Distal

Superficial

Deep

Ipsilateral

Contralateral

Bilateral

Unilateral

Palmar

Plantar

Planes & sections

Sagittal plane

Coronal (frontal) plane

Transverse (axial) plane

Cross-section

Longitudinal section

Movements

Flexion

Extension

Abduction

Adduction

Rotation

Circumduction

Pronation

Supination

Dorsiflexion

Plantar flexion

Inversion

Eversion

Opposition

Elevation

Depression

Protraction

Retraction

Regions & cavities

Axial

Appendicular

Thorax

Abdomen

Pelvis

Perineum

Mediastinum

Cranial cavity

Retroperitoneal

Viscera

Structural terms

Artery

Vein

Capillary

Ligament

Tendon

Aponeurosis

Fascia

Cartilage

Foramen

Process

Condyle

Sulcus

Gyrus

Plexus

Ganglion

Sphincter

Meninges

Mesentery

Word parts

hyper-

hypo-

peri-