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Deciphering Medspeak

Medspeak Terms

Use the alphabetical index to look up a term.

A . B . C . D . E . F . G . H . I . J . K . L . M . N . O . P . Q . R . S . T . U . V . W . X . Y . Z

To top of page E

ECTO - when used as a part of a word, means outside

-ECTOMY - suffix meaning surgical removal, e.g., appendectomy, surgical removal of the appendix

EDEMA - abnormal accumulation of fluid in the cells especially just under the skin or in an organ such as the heart. Causes include allergy, disease, or injury.

EEG - Electroencephalogram, a diagnostic test used to measure the brain's electrical activity

EKG or ECG - Electrocardiogram, a diagnostic test used to measure the heart's electrical activity

ELECTRO - when used as a part of a word, means electricity

ELECTROLYTE - chemical substance found in the body, including calcium, potassium and sodium, that produces an electrical charge and is vital for maintaining good health

EMBOLISM - blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot, a piece of tissue, an air bubble, or a foreign object

ENDO - when used as a part of a word, means inward

ENDOCRINE GLANDS - hormone-producing glands that regulate the body's normal function

EP, EPI - when used as a part of a word, means above

EPIDERMIS - outer layer of the skin that contains nerve endings but no blood vessels

EXOCRINE GLANDS - glands, including sweat glands, tear ducts, and salivary glands, that regulate normal body functions through external secretions

To top of page F

FASCIA - fibrous connective tissues that supports soft organs and covers muscle tissue

FAT METABOLISM - conversion of fatty foods into energy used by cells in the body

FIBERODENOMA - benign, firm, moveable tumor of the breast

FONTANEL - the two "soft spots" found in an infants skull. The fontanel usually close by 18-24 months of age.

To top of page G

GASTRI, GASTRO - when used as a part of a word, refers to the stomach or abdomen, e.g., gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach's lining

GENE - basic unit of a chromosome that determines hereditary information such as eye color

-GENESIS - suffix meaning "produced," e.g., pathogenesis, disease producing

GI SERIES - usually a group of x-ray tests or the digestive of gastrointestinal system

To top of page H

HEM, HEMA, HEMO - when used as part of a word, means blood, e.g., hemangioma

HYPER - prefix meaning excessive, above, or beyond, e.g., hyperactive

HYPO - prefix, meaning deficient, under, or below, e.g., hypoglycemia or lower-than-normal level of glucose in the blood

To top of page I

IMMUNE RESPONSE - the body's defense against antigens (substances such as bacteria and viruses) that the body recognizes as foreign and creates antibodies to destroy. The immune response can also be triggered by non-harmful substances. See allergy

INDOLENT - slow in growth or development accompanied by little or no pain

INTRA -prefix meaning within, e.g., intracranial, within the head or skull

IN VITRO - occurring in laboratory apparatus (glassware): this means an experiment not in a living human or animal

IN VIVO - in a living organism

ISCHEMIA - decreased supply of oxygenated blood to any part of the body

-ITIS - suffix meaning inflammation

To top of page Didn't find it here?

Try the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus dictionary or medical encyclopedia.

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