Essential Medical Terminologies

 

Essential Medical Terminology 

Medical terminology is built upon a structured system of prefixes, roots, suffixes, and combining forms—largely derived from Greek and Latin. Below is a comprehensive collection of fundamental medical terms structured for rapid clinical comprehension.

Basic Word Roots and Combining Forms

• Adeno — Gland
• Arthro — Joint
• Bio — Life
• Carcino — Cancer, malignant
• Cardio — Heart
• Cephalo — Head
• Cerebro — Cerebrum (brain)
• Cysto — Fluid-filled sac, bladder, cyst
• Cyto — Cell
• Dermo, Dermato — Skin
• Encephalo — Brain
• Entero — Intestines (usually small intestine)
• Gastro — Stomach
• Glyco — Sugar, glucose
• Gyno, Gyneco — Woman, female
• Hemato — Blood
• Hepato — Liver
• Hystero — Uterus
• Laparo — Abdomen, abdominal wall
• Leuko — White
• Nephro — Kidney
• Neuro — Nerve
• Ophthalmo — Eye
• Osteo — Bone
• Patho — Disease
• Pneumo, Pneumono — Lung, air
• Psycho — Mind
• Reno — Kidney
• Rhino — Nose
• Sanguino — Blood
• Spleno — Spleen
• Thrombo — Clot, clotting
• Vaso — Vessel, duct
• Viscero — Internal organs

Common Prefixes

• A-, An- — Without, lacking, absent
• Ab- — Away from
• Ad- — Toward, near
• Anti- — Against, opposing
• Auto- — Self
• Bi- — Two, double, both
• Brady- — Slow
• Dys- — Painful, difficult, abnormal
• Ecto-, Exo- — Out, outside, outer
• Endo- — Within, inner
• Epi- — Upon, over, upper
• Eu- — Good, normal, healthy
• Hemi- — Half
• Hyper- — Excessive, above, high
• Hypo- — Deficient, below, under
• Inter- — Between, among
• Intra- — Within, inside
• Macro- — Large, great
• Micro- — Small
• Mono- — One, single
• Multi- — Many, much
• Neo- — New
• Pan- — All, entire
• Para- — Beside, alongside, abnormal
• Peri- — Around, surrounding
• Poly- — Many, much
• Post- — After, behind
• Pre-, Pro- — Before, forward, in front of
• Pseudo- — False
• Re- — Again, back
• Retro- — Backward, behind
• Sub- — Below, under, beneath
• Super-, Supra- — Above, excessive, superior
• Tachy- — Fast, rapid
• Trans- — Across, through
• Uni- — One

Common Suffixes

• -algia — Pain
• -cele — Hernia, swelling, protrusion
• -centesis — Surgical puncture to remove fluid
• -cyte — Cell
• -ectomy — Surgical removal, excision
• -emia — Blood condition
• -genesis — Origin, production, formation
• -gram — Record, picture, radiographic image
• -graph — Instrument used to record
• -graphy — Process of recording
• -itis — Inflammation
• -logist — Specialist who studies
• -logy — Study of
• -lysis — Breakdown, destruction, separation
• -malacia — Softening
• -megaly — Enlargement
• -meter — Measure, measuring instrument
• -metry — Process of measuring
• -oid — Resembling, like
• -oma — Tumor, mass, swelling
• -osis — Abnormal condition, increase
• -ostomy — Creation of an artificial opening (stoma)
• -otomy — Cutting into, incision
• -pathy — Disease condition
• -penia — Deficiency, decrease
• -phobia — Abnormal fear, aversion
• -plasty — Surgical repair, plastic surgery
• -plegia — Paralysis, stroke
• -pnea — Breathing, respiration
• -ptosis — Prolapse, downward displacement
• -rrhagia — Rapid flow of blood, hemorrhage
• -rrhaphy — Surgical suturing
• -rrhea — Flow, discharge
• -rrhexis — Rupture
• -sclerosis — Hardening
• -scope — Instrument for visual examination
• -scopy — Visual examination using a scope
• -spasm — Involuntary contraction, cramp
• -stasis — Controlling, stopping, stability
• -stomy — Opening
• -therapy — Treatment
• -trophy — Nourishment, development

Body Systems and Clinical Conditions

Cardiovascular System

• Aneurysm — Localized widening or ballooning of a weakened arterial wall.
• Angina Pectoris — Severe chest pain resulting from myocardial ischemia.
• Arrhythmia — Irregularity or loss of normal heart rhythm.
• Atherosclerosis — Accumulation of plaque (fatty deposits) inside arterial walls.
• Bradycardia — Abnormally slow heart rate (typically under 60 beats per minute).
• Cardiomegaly — Abnormal enlargement of the heart muscle.
• Cardiomyopathy — Chronic disease of the heart muscle structure.
• Cyanosis — Bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygen.
• Diastole — Phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.
• Endocarditis — Inflammation of the inner heart lining and heart valves.
• Hypertension — Persistently elevated systemic blood pressure.
• Hypotension — Abnormally low systemic blood pressure.
• Ischemia — Localized reduction in blood supply to an organ or tissue.
• Myocardial Infarction — Acute necrosis of heart muscle tissue caused by interrupted blood supply (heart attack).
• Pericarditis — Inflammation of the membranous sac surrounding the heart.
• Phlebitis — Inflammation of a vein.
• Systole — Phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts to eject blood.
• Tachycardia — Abnormally rapid heart rate (typically over 100 beats per minute).
• Thrombosis — Formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel.
• Valvuloplasty — Surgical repair or reconstruction of a heart valve.

Respiratory System

• Apnea — Temporary cessation of breathing.
• Asphyxia — Severe deprivation of oxygen leading to unconsciousness or death.
• Atelectasis — Partial or complete collapse of a lung or lobe.
• Bronchiectasis — Permanent, abnormal dilation of the bronchi.
• Bronchitis — Inflammation of the bronchial airways.
• Bronchospasm — Sudden contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi.
• Dyspnea — Difficult, labored, or painful breathing.
• Emphysema — Chronic pulmonary disease characterized by destruction of alveolar walls.
• Epistaxis — Acute hemorrhage from the nostrils (nosebleed).
• Eupnea — Normal, unlabored, quiet respiration.
• Hemoptysis — Expectoration of blood originating from the respiratory tract.
• Hypoxia — Deficient oxygen concentration in body tissues.
• Laryngitis — Inflammation of the larynx.
• Orthopnea — Shortness of breath relieved only by sitting or standing upright.
• Pleural Effusion — Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity.
• Pleurisy — Inflammation of the pleura characterized by sharp chest pain during breathing.
• Pneumonia — Infection and inflammation of lung parenchyma with fluid exudate.
• Pneumothorax — Presence of air or gas in the pleural space causing lung collapse.
• Rhonchi — Low-pitched, continuous musical or rattling respiratory sounds.
• Tachypnea — Abnormally rapid and shallow breathing rate.
• Thoracentesis — Surgical puncture of the chest wall to aspirate pleural fluid.
• Tracheostomy — Surgical creation of an opening into the trachea.

Gastrointestinal System

• Achlorhydria — Absence of hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions.
• Anorexia — Complete loss or absence of appetite.
• Ascites — Pathological accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
• Borborygmi — Rumbling or gurgling noises produced by gas movement in the intestines.
• Cholecystitis — Inflammation of the gallbladder.
• Cholelithiasis — Presence or formation of gallstones within the gallbladder or bile ducts.
• Cirrhosis — Chronic, progressive liver disease marked by fibrosis and nodular regeneration.
• Colitis — Inflammation of the colon.
• Constipation — Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces.
• Dyspepsia — Impaired digestion, upper abdominal discomfort or indigestion.
• Dysphagia — Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing.
• Emesis — Expulsion of gastric contents through the mouth (vomiting).
• Enteritis — Inflammation of the small intestine.
• Eructation — Belching or expulsion of gas from the stomach.
• Fistula — Abnormal passage or connection between two hollow organs or surfaces.
• Gastritis — Inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux — Backflow of acidic gastric contents into the esophagus.
• Gingivitis — Inflammation of the gingiva (gums).
• Hematemesis — Vomiting of bright red or altered blood.
• Hemochromatosis — Hereditary disorder characterized by excessive iron storage and tissue damage.
• Hemorrhoids — Swollen, inflamed veins in the anus and lower rectum.
• Hepatosplenomegaly — Simultaneous enlargement of both the liver and spleen.
• Icterus — Yellowish pigmentation of skin and sclera due to elevated bilirubin (jaundice).
• Melena — Dark, tarry, foul-smelling feces containing digested blood.
• Peritonitis — Inflammation of the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity).
• Pruritus Ani — Itching sensation in the perianal region.
• Pyloric Stenosis — Narrowing of the pyloric sphincter at the stomach outlet.
• Steatorrhea — Presence of excess fat in feces due to malabsorption.
• Stomatitis — Inflammation of the oral mucosa.
• Ulcerative Colitis — Chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing ulcers in the colon.

Nervous System and Psychiatry

• Aphasia — Loss of ability to comprehend or formulate language.
• Apraxia — Inability to execute learned purposeful movements despite intact motor function.
• Ataxia — Impairment of voluntary muscle coordination.
• Aura — Sensory or psychological warning sign preceding a migraine or seizure.
• Bradykinesia — Slowness of voluntary movement.
• Cephalgia — Medical term for headache.
• Chorea — Involuntary, rapid, jerky, purposeless movements.
• Coma — State of profound unconsciousness from which the patient cannot be roused.
• Concussion — Traumatic brain injury resulting from impact, causing temporary neurological impairment.
• Delirium — Acute, reversible state of confusion, disorientation, and agitation.
• Dementia — Progressive, irreversible decline in cognitive function affecting daily life.
• Dysarthria — Difficult or unclear articulation of speech due to muscular weakness.
• Dyslexia — Neurodevelopmental learning disorder affecting reading and language processing.
• Electroencephalogram — Record of electrical activity of the brain.
• Encephalitis — Inflammation of the brain parenchyma.
• Epilepsy — Neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
• Hemiplegia — Paralysis affecting one entire lateral side of the body.
• Hydrocephalus — Accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain ventricles.
• Hyperesthesia — Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli (touch, pain, temperature).
• Insomnia — Persistent inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
• Meningitis — Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
• Myelitis — Inflammation of the spinal cord.
• Neuralgia — Sharp, burning pain along the course of a nerve.
• Neuropathy — Functional disturbance or pathological change in the peripheral nervous system.
• Paraplegia — Paralysis of the lower half of the body including both legs.
• Paresthesia — Abnormal spontaneous sensation such as burning, prickling, or numbness.
• Quadriplegia — Paralysis affecting all four limbs and torso.
• Syncope — Brief temporary loss of consciousness and postural tone (fainting).
• Tremor — Involuntary, rhythmic oscillation of a body part.
• Vertigo — Sensation of spinning or rotational motion of self or surroundings.

Musculoskeletal System

• Achondroplasia — Genetic disorder of bone growth causing dwarfism.
• Ankylosis — Abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of bones.
• Arthrocentesis — Puncture of a joint cavity to aspirate synovial fluid.
• Arthrodesis — Surgical immobilization and fusion of a joint.
• Arthroplasty — Surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint.
• Arthroscopy — Minimally invasive internal visual examination of a joint using a scope.
• Atrophy — Wasting away or decrease in size of a body part or tissue.
• Bursitis — Inflammation of a fluid-filled sac (bursa) near a joint.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Compression neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist.
• Chondromalacia — Softening of articular cartilage.
• Crepitus — Grating, crackling sound or sensation produced by friction between bone and cartilage.
• Dislocation — Complete displacement of bones out of their normal joint alignment.
• Fibromyalgia — Chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue.
• Fracture — Break or crack in the structural continuity of a bone.
• Kyphosis — Excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine (hunchback).
• Lordosis — Excessive inward curvature of the lumbar spine (swayback).
• Myalgia — Muscle pain or tenderness.
• Myasthenia Gravis — Autoimmune neuromuscular disorder causing severe muscle weakness.
• Myeloma — Malignant tumor of bone marrow plasma cells.
• Orthopedics — Medical specialty focused on disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
• Osteitis — Inflammation of bone tissue.
• Osteoarthritis — Degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage wear and bone spurs.
• Osteomalacia — Softening of bones due to impaired mineralization (vitamin D deficiency).
• Osteomyelitis — Infection of bone and bone marrow caused by bacteria.
• Osteoporosis — Systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and increased fragility.
• Scoliosis — Lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine.
• Spondylitis — Inflammation of the vertebrae.
• Tenorrhaphy — Surgical suturing of a divided tendon.
• Tendinitis — Inflammation of a tendon.

Urological and Nephrological System

• Albuminuria — Presence of albumin protein in the urine.
• Anuria — Complete cessation of urine production by the kidneys.
• Bacteriuria — Presence of bacteria in the urine.
• Cystitis — Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
• Cystoscopy — Visual examination of the urinary bladder via the urethra.
• Diuresis — Increased or excessive production of urine.
• Dysuria — Painful, burning, or difficult urination.
• Enuresis — Involuntary discharge of urine, particularly during sleep (bedwetting).
• Glomerulonephritis — Inflammation of the filtering glomeruli of the kidneys.
• Glycosuria — Excretion of glucose in the urine.
• Hematuria — Presence of intact red blood cells in the urine.
• Hydronephrosis — Dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces due to obstructed urine outflow.
• Lithotripsy — Non-invasive or surgical destruction of kidney stones using shock waves.
• Nephritis — Inflammation of kidney tissue.
• Nephrolithiasis — Formation of stone deposits within the kidneys.
• Nephropathy — Any disease process affecting functional kidney structures.
• Nephroptosis — Abnormal downward displacement or floating of the kidney.
• Nocturia — Frequent waking during the night to urinate.
• Oliguria — Abnormally low output of urine.
• Polyuria — Production of abnormally large volumes of dilute urine.
• Proteinuria — Presence of excessive serum proteins in the urine.
• Pyelonephritis — Bacterial infection and inflammation of the renal pelvis and parenchyma.
• Pyuria — Presence of pus (white blood cells) in the urine.
• Renal Failure — Inability of the kidneys to filter waste products from the blood effectively.
• Uremia — Accumulation of nitrogenous waste products in the blood due to kidney failure.
• Ureteritis — Inflammation of one or both ureters.
• Urethritis — Inflammation of the urethra.
• Urinary Frequency — Need to urinate more often than usual.
• Urinary Incontinence — Involuntary leakage or loss of bladder control.
• Urinary Retention — Inability to completely empty the urinary bladder.

Reproductive System (Female and Male)

• Amenorrhea — Absence or abnormal cessation of menstruation.
• Balanitis — Inflammation of the glans penis.
• Cervicitis — Inflammation of the uterine cervix.
• Climacteric — Phase of decline of reproductive function in women or men.
• Colpitis — Inflammation of the vaginal mucosa (vaginitis).
• Colporrhaphy — Surgical repair of the vaginal wall.
• Cryptorchidism — Developmental failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum.
• Dysmenorrhea — Painful or difficult menstrual cramps.
• Dystocia — Difficult labor or childbirth.
• Eclampsia — Severe complication of pregnancy characterized by generalized seizures.
• Ectopic Pregnancy — Implantation of a fertilized ovum outside the uterine cavity.
• Endometriosis — Presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
• Epididymitis — Inflammation of the epididymis.
• Episiotomy — Surgical incision of the perineum during childbirth to prevent tearing.
• Fibroid — Benign smooth muscle tumor of the uterus (leiomyoma).
• Gynecomastia — Abnormal enlargement of male breast tissue.
• Hysterectomy — Surgical removal of the uterus.
• Hysterosalpingography — Radiographic imaging of the uterus and fallopian tubes using contrast.
• Menorrhagia — Excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• Metrorrhagia — Uterine bleeding occurring at irregular intervals between periods.
• Multigravida — A woman who has been pregnant two or more times.
• Nullipara — A woman who has never given birth to a viable child.
• Oophoritis — Inflammation of an ovary.
• Orchitis — Inflammation of one or both testes.
• Ovariectomy — Surgical removal of an ovary (oophorectomy).
• Preeclampsia — Pregnancy-induced hypertension accompanied by proteinuria.
• Salpingitis — Inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
• Varicocele — Abnormal dilation of veins within the spermatic cord.

Hematology and Immunology

• Agglutination — Clumping together of cells or particles.
• Anemia — Reduction in the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood due to low red blood cells or hemoglobin.
• Anticoagulant — Substance that prevents or delays blood coagulation.
• Antigen — Foreign substance that stimulates an immune response and antibody production.
• Autopsy — Post-mortem examination of a body to determine cause of death.
• Coagulation — Process of blood clotting.
• Erythrocyte — Mature red blood cell responsible for oxygen transport.
• Erythropoiesis — Process of red blood cell production.
• Hematoma — Localized collection of extravasated blood outside blood vessels.
• Hemolysis — Destruction or rupture of red blood cells with release of hemoglobin.
• Hemophilia — Hereditary bleeding disorder characterized by clotting factor deficiencies.
• Hemostasis — Cessation of bleeding or blood flow.
• Leukocyte — White blood cell involved in defending the body against infection.
• Leukocytosis — Transient or persistent increase in circulating white blood cells.
• Leukopenia — Abnormally low count of circulating white blood cells.
• Lymphadenitis — Inflammation of lymph nodes.
• Lymphadenopathy — Disease or enlargement of lymph nodes.
• Lymphedema — Swelling of tissues due to localized lymphatic drainage obstruction.
• Macrophage — Large phagocytic cell derived from monocytes involved in immune defense.
• Neutropenia — Abnormally low concentration of neutrophils in the blood.
• Pancytopenia — Reduction in all major cellular elements of the blood.
• Phagocytosis — Cellular engulfment and digestion of foreign particles or pathogens.
• Plasma — Liquid, non-cellular component of blood.
• Polycythemia — Abnormal increase in the total red blood cell mass.
• Purpura — Purple or brownish-red spots on skin caused by minor hemorrhages.
• Septicemia — Systemic disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms and toxins in the blood.
• Splenomegaly — Pathological enlargement of the spleen.
• Thrombocyte — Platelet involved in blood clotting and hemostasis.
• Thrombocytopenia — Abnormally low platelet count predisposing to bleeding.
• Toxemia — Presence of bacterial toxins in the blood.

Endocrinology

• Acromegaly — Chronic metabolic disorder caused by excess growth hormone in adulthood.
• Addison Disease — Endocrine disorder caused by primary adrenal insufficiency.
• Adrenalitis — Inflammation of the adrenal glands.
• Cushing Syndrome — Clinical condition resulting from prolonged exposure to excess cortisol.
• Diabetes Insipidus — Disorder characterized by excessive thirst and production of dilute urine due to ADH deficiency.
• Diabetes Mellitus — Metabolic disorder marked by hyperglycemia resulting from insulin defects.
• Euthyroid — Having a normally functioning thyroid gland.
• Glycosuria — Excretion of glucose in the urine.
• Goiter — Abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• Gynaecomastia — Enlargement of male breast tissue (alternative spelling).
• Hirsutism — Abnormal growth of coarse body and facial hair in women.
• Hypercalcemia — Abnormally high concentration of calcium ions in the blood.
• Hyperglycemia — Elevated blood glucose concentration.
• Hyperinsulinism — Excess circulating insulin levels in the blood.
• Hyperparathyroidism — Overactivity of parathyroid glands causing elevated calcium.
• Hyperthyroidism — Overactive thyroid producing excessive thyroid hormones (e.g., Graves disease).
• Hypocalcemia — Low blood calcium levels.
• Hypoglycemia — Abnormally low blood glucose concentration.
• Hypoparathyroidism — Underactivity of parathyroid glands causing low calcium.
• Hypothyroidism — Deficient production of thyroid hormones leading to metabolic slowing.
• Myxedema — Severe form of hypothyroidism characterized by swelling and thickening of skin.
• Pancreatectomy — Surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas.
• Pheochromocytoma — Rare, catecholamine-secreting tumor of the adrenal medulla.
• Polydipsia — Excessive, chronic thirst.
• Polyphagia — Excessive hunger or increased appetite.
• Tetany — Involuntary muscle contractions caused by low calcium levels.
• Thyroiditis — Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
• Thyrotoxicosis — Clinical syndrome of excess thyroid hormones in body tissues.
• Virilism — Development of male secondary sexual characteristics in a female.

Dermatology

• Albinism — Congenital absence of melanin pigmentation in skin, hair, and eyes.
• Alopecia — Partial or complete loss of hair (baldness).
• Bulla — Large fluid-filled blister greater than one centimeter in diameter.
• Carbuncle — Deep, interconnected cluster of furuncles (boils) involving subcutaneous tissue.
• Cellulitis — Acute, spreading bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
• Comedo — Plug of keratin and sebum within a hair follicle (blackhead or whitehead).
• Cyanosis — Bluish skin discoloration from poor oxygenation.
• Dermatitis — Inflammation of the skin characterized by redness and itching.
• Dermatomyositis — Inflammatory disease marked by muscle weakness and skin rashes.
• Ecchymosis — Discoloration of skin resulting from bleeding underneath (bruise).
• Eczema — Chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by dry, itchy, erythematous patches.
• Erythema — Superficial reddening of the skin, usually in patches, from capillary dilation.
• Excoriation — Abrasion or scratch mark on the skin surface.
• Furuncle — Localized, pus-filled bacterial infection originating in a hair follicle (boil).
• Gangrene — Necrosis of tissue caused by interrupted blood supply and bacterial invasion.
• Hirsutism — Excessive hair growth in women.
• Hyperhidrosis — Excessive or profuse sweating.
• Impetigo — Highly contagious bacterial skin infection forming pustules and crusts.
• Keloid — Thick, raised scar resulting from excessive fibrous tissue formation during healing.
• Laceration — Deep cut or tear of the skin or flesh.
• Melanoma — Malignant neoplasm originating from melanocytes of the skin.
• Necrosis — Death of body cells or tissues.
• Pachyderma — Abnormal thickening of the skin.
• Pediculosis — Infestation with parasitic lice.
• Petechiae — Tiny, round, non-raised red or purple spots caused by intradermal hemorrhage.
• Pruritus — Severe or persistent itching of the skin.
• Psoriasis — Chronic autoimmune skin disease characterized by silvery scales and red plaques.
• Purpura — Purple skin lesions due to small vessel bleeding.
• Rosacea — Chronic facial skin condition marked by redness, visible vessels, and papules.
• Scabies — Contagious skin infestation caused by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei.
• Scleroderma — Chronic connective tissue disease causing hardening of skin and organs.
• Seborrhea — Excessive secretion of sebum from sebaceous glands.
• Urticaria — Outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques on skin (hives).
• Vitiligo — Acquired skin condition characterized by patches of depigmentation.
• Xeroderma — Excessive dryness of the skin.

Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology (ENT)

• Amblyopia — Reduced visual acuity in one eye without organic structural defect (lazy eye).
• Ametropia — Any optical error of refraction (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism).
• Anisocoria — Inequality in diameter of the pupils.
• Astigmatism — Refractive error caused by uneven curvature of the cornea or lens.
• Blepharitis — Inflammation of the eyelids and eyelash follicles.
• Cataract — Opacification or clouding of the natural crystalline lens of the eye.
• Cerumen — Earwax produced by glands in the external auditory canal.
• Cholesteatoma — Destructive skin cyst located in the middle ear space.
• Conjunctivitis — Inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva (pink eye).
• Dacryocystitis — Inflammation of the lacrimal sac.
• Diplopia — Perception of two images of a single object (double vision).
• Epistaxis — Nosebleed.
• Glaucoma — Eye condition characterized by elevated intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage.
• Hordeolum — Acute painful bacterial infection of a sebaceous gland of the eyelid (stye).
• Hyperopia — Farsightedness; distant objects are clear while close ones are blurred.
• Labyrinthitis — Inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth causing vertigo and hearing loss.
• Meniere Disease — Inner ear disorder marked by vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss.
• Myopia — Nearsightedness; close objects are clear while distant ones are blurred.
• Myringotomy — Surgical incision of the tympanic membrane to drain middle ear fluid.
• Nyctalopia — Inability to see clearly in dim light or at night (night blindness).
• Nystagmus — Involuntary, rapid, rhythmic oscillation of the eyeballs.
• Otosclerosis — Abnormal bone remodeling in the middle ear causing fixation of the stapes bone.
• Presbycusis — Age-related progressive sensorineural hearing loss.
• Presbyopia — Age-related loss of accommodation and near focusing ability.
• Pterygium — Growth of fleshy conjunctival tissue over the cornea.
• Retinal Detachment — Separation of the sensory retina from the underlying pigment epithelium.
• Strabismus — Misalignment of the eyes preventing them from working together (squint).
• Tinnitus — Perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears.
• Tympanoplasty — Surgical reconstruction of the tympanic membrane and middle ear bones.
• Vertigo — Sensation of rotational motion or spinning.

Pharmacology and Administration Routes

• Analgesic — Medication that relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
• Anesthetic — Agent that induces loss of sensation or awareness.
• Antacid — Drug that neutralizes gastric acidity.
• Anthelmintic — Agent destructive to parasitic worms.
• Antiarrhythmic — Medication used to suppress abnormal heart rhythms.
• Antibiotic — Chemical agent produced by microorganisms that inhibits or destroys bacteria.
• Anticoagulant — Medication that prevents blood coagulation.
• Anticonvulsant — Drug used to prevent or treat seizures.
• Antidepressant — Medication used to treat clinical depression and mood disorders.
• Antiemetic — Drug effective against vomiting and nausea.
• Antifungal — Agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi.
• Antihistamine — Drug that opposes the physiological action of histamine in allergic reactions.
• Antihypertensive — Medication used to lower elevated blood pressure.
• Anti-inflammatory — Agent that reduces inflammation.
• Antipyretic — Substance that reduces fever.
• Antiseptic — Antimicrobial substance applied to living tissue to reduce infection risk.
• Antitussive — Medication that suppresses coughing.
• Bronchodilator — Drug that expands the air passages of the lungs.
• Carminative — Medication that relieves intestinal gas and flatulence.
• Cathartic — Strong purgative drug that promotes rapid bowel evacuation.
• Chemotherapy — Treatment of disease (especially cancer) using chemical agents.
• Contraceptive — Agent or device used to prevent pregnancy.
• Decongestant — Medication that relieves nasal congestion.
• Diuretic — Drug that promotes diuresis (increased urine production).
• Emetic — Agent that induces vomiting.
• Expectorant — Medication that promotes the secretion of sputum from the airways.
• Hemostatic — Agent that stops bleeding or hemorrhaging.
• Hypnotic — Sleep-inducing drug that promotes sedation.
• Hypoglycemic — Agent that lowers blood glucose levels.
• Laxative — Food or drug that promotes bowel movements and relieves constipation.
• Mucolytic — Agent that dissolves or liquefies thick mucus.
• Narcotic — Addictive drug affecting the central nervous system, inducing stupor or pain relief.
• Placebo — Inactive substance administered for its psychological benefit or as a control.
• Prophylaxis — Action taken to prevent disease or infection.
• Pruritic — Agent causing or relieving itching.
• Purgative — Strong laxative drug.
• Sedative — Substance that induces calmness, relaxation, or sleep.
• Soporific — Agent that induces sleep.
• Stimulant — Drug that temporarily increases nervous system or organ activity.
• Vasoconstrictor — Agent that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
• Vasodilator — Agent that widens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
• Vermifuge — Medication that expels parasitic worms from the body.

Diagnostic and Imaging Procedures

• Angiography — X-ray imaging of blood vessels using a radiopaque contrast medium.
• Arthrography — Contrast radiographic examination of a joint cavity.
• Auscultation — Listening to internal sounds of the body using a stethoscope.
• Biopsy — Removal of living tissue for microscopic examination and diagnosis.
• Bronchoscopy — Direct visual examination of the tracheobronchial tree using an endoscope.
• Colonoscopy — Visual examination of the entire colon and rectum using a flexible scope.
• Colposcopy — Magnified visual examination of the cervix, vagina, and vulva.
• CT Scan — Computed tomography producing cross-sectional images using X-rays.
• Cystoscopy — Endoscopic examination of the bladder and urethra.
• Echocardiogram — Ultrasound imaging procedure evaluating heart structure and function.
• Electrocardiogram — Graphic recording of the electrical activity of the heart (ECG/EKG).
• Electroencephalogram — Record of electrical impulses generated by the brain (EEG).
• Electromyography — Diagnostic technique measuring electrical activity within skeletal muscles.
• Endoscopy — Visual inspection of hollow body organs using a lighted fiberoptic instrument.
• Fluoroscopy — Real-time continuous X-ray imaging used to visualize moving internal structures.
• Hysteroscopy — Endoscopic examination of the uterine cavity.
• Laparascopy — Minimally invasive abdominal surgery performed through small incisions with a camera.
• Mammography — Specialized low-dose X-ray imaging of breast tissue.
• MRI — Magnetic resonance imaging utilizing powerful magnets and radio waves for internal views.
• Myelography — X-ray examination of the spinal cord following contrast injection into the subarachnoid space.
• Otoscopy — Visual examination of the ear canal and tympanic membrane.
• Palpation — Examination of the body using the hands and fingers to feel texture, size, and tenderness.
• Percussion — Tapping body surfaces to determine the density of underlying structures.
• PET Scan — Positron emission tomography measuring metabolic activity using radiotracers.
• Sigmoidoscopy — Endoscopic examination of the sigmoid colon and rectum.
• Spirometry — Pulmonary function test measuring volume and speed of air inhaled and exhaled.
• Thoracentesis — Aspiration of fluid from the pleural space.
• Tonometry — Measurement of intraocular pressure to evaluate for glaucoma.
• Ultrasound — Imaging technique utilizing high-frequency sound waves.
• Urinalysis — Physical, chemical, and microscopic laboratory examination of urine.
• Venipuncture — Puncture of a vein to withdraw blood for testing.

Oncology and Pathology Terms

• Adenocarcinoma — Malignant tumor originating in glandular epithelium.
• Anaplasia — Loss of cellular differentiation and structural organization characteristic of malignancy.
• Benign — Non-cancerous, non-invasive neoplasm that does not metastasize.
• Cachexia — Severe malnutrition, wasting, and physical debility associated with chronic disease.
• Carcinoma — Malignant tumor arising from epithelial tissue.
• Carcinoma in situ — Malignant cell proliferation confined to the tissue of origin without invasion.
• Differentiated — Having distinct cellular characteristics specific to a tissue type.
• Dysplasia — Abnormal development or maturation of cells within a tissue.
• Etiology — Study of the causes, origins, or reasons for a disease.
• Hyperplasia — Increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue.
• Hypertrophy — Increase in the size of individual cells leading to organ enlargement.
• In Vitro — Biological processes occurring in a laboratory container outside a living organism.
• In Vivo — Biological processes occurring within a living organism.
• Leukemia — Malignant disease of bone marrow characterized by abnormal white blood cell proliferation.
• Malignant — Tending to invade surrounding tissue, spread, and threaten life (cancerous).
• Metastasis — Spread of cancer cells from the primary site to distant secondary organs.
• Metaplasia — Reversible transformation of one adult cell type into another.
• Mitosis — Cell division producing two genetically identical daughter cells.
• Morbidity — State of being unhealthy, diseased, or the incidence of disease in a population.
• Mortality — Death rate or number of deaths in a given population.
• Mutagen — Physical or chemical agent that induces genetic mutations.
• Neoplasm — New, abnormal, uncontrolled growth of tissue (tumor).
• Oncology — Medical specialty devoted to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of tumors.
• Palliative — Medical care focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life rather than curing.
• Pathogenesis — Origin and development course of a disease process.
• Prognosis — Anticipated or predicted outcome and course of a disease.
• RemISSION — Reduction or disappearance of signs and symptoms of a chronic or malignant disease.
• Sarcoma — Malignant tumor arising from connective or supporting tissues (bone, muscle, fat).
• Staging — Clinical classification system determining the extent and spread of cancer.
• Teratogen — Agent or factor that causes malformation of an embryo or fetus.

Clinical Abbreviations and Acronyms

• AC — Before meals (ante cibum)
• ADL — Activities of daily living
• BID — Twice a day (bis in die)
• BP — Blood pressure
• BRP — Bathroom privileges
• CBC — Complete blood count
• CNS — Central nervous system
• CPR — Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• CSF — Cerebrospinal fluid
• CVA — Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
• DNR — Do not resuscitate
• DOB — Date of birth
• DVT — Deep vein thrombosis
• ECG / EKG — Electrocardiogram
• EEG — Electroencephalogram
• ENT — Ear, nose, and throat (otorhinolaryngology)
• ER — Emergency room
• FBS — Fasting blood sugar
• GI — Gastrointestinal
• GP — General practitioner
• GU — Genitourinary
• HR — Heart rate
• ICU — Intensive care unit
• IM — Intramuscular
• IV — Intravenous
• LMP — Last menstrual period
• MI — Myocardial infarction
• MRI — Magnetic resonance imaging
• NPO — Nothing by mouth (nil per os)
• NSAID — Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
• OD — Once a day (omne die)
• OS — Left eye (oculus sinister)
• OU — Both eyes (oculus uterque)
• PC — After meals (post cibum)
• PE — Pulmonary embolism / Physical examination
• PO — By mouth (per os)
• • PRN — As needed (pro re nata)
• PT — Physical therapy / Prothrombin time
• QID — Four times a day (quater in die)
• RBC — Red blood cell
• ROM — Range of motion
• Rx — Prescription / Treatment
• SL — Sublingual
• STAT — Immediately, at once
• TID — Three times a day (ter in die)
• TPR — Temperature, pulse, respiration
• URI — Upper respiratory infection
• UTI — Urinary tract infection
• WBC — White blood cell
• WNL — Within normal limits