| Term | Definition | Pronunciation |
| C | Calorie (kilocalorie) | |
| C&S | culture and sensitivity | |
| CA | cancer | |
| ca. | about; approximately | |
| CABG | coronary artery bypass graft | |
| cachexia | General ill health, malnutrition, and weight loss, usually associated with chronic disease. | kah-kek´se-ah |
| cacophony | A harsh, discordant sound or mixture of sounds. | |
| CAD | coronary artery disease | |
| caffeine | An alkaloid drug, found in coffee and tea that simulates the central nervous system increasing alertness. It is also a diuretic. | |
| CAH | chronic active hepatitis | |
| Cal | large calorie | |
| calamine | A lotion or ointment used as mild astringent on the skin. | |
| calc/i | calcium | |
| calc/o | calcium | |
| calcane/o | heel | |
| calcaneus | The largest of the tarsal bones, situated at the lower and back part of the foot, forming the heel. | |
| calcification | Process by which organic tissue becomes hardened by the physiologic deposit of calcium salts. | |
| calcinosis | The abnormal deposition of calcium salts in tissues. | |
| calcitonin | A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. It helps regulate calcium levels. | kăl′sĭ-tō′nĭn |
| calcium | Combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. | |
| calcium channel blockers | A class of drugs that inhibit calcium influx through cellular membranes. Used to reduce cardiac workload to treat hypertension or angina. | |
| calcul/o | stone | |
| cali/o | calyx | |
| calibration | Determination, by measurement or comparison with a standard, of the correct value of each scale reading on a meter or other measuring instrument. | |
| calipers | A measuring instrument consisting of two hinged legs. Used to measure thickness and diameters. Also used to determine time intervals for several EKG features. | |
| calor/i | heat | |
| calorimetry | The measurement of the quantity of heat involved in various processes or in the determination of the heat capacities of substances. | |
| camphor | A crystalline substance used in topical pain relievers. | |
| canal | A tubular passage. | |
| cancer | General term for malignant neoplasms, sarcoma, carcinoma, leukemia and lymphoma. | |
| candidiasis | An infection of moist skin areas caused by yeast. Often due to a weakened immune system or heavy antibiotic use. | kan″dĭ-di´ah-sis |
| cannabis | A drug, also known as marijuana, used to reduce nausea during chemotherapy, to alleviate chronic pain, to improve appetite in HIV/AIDS patients and to treat glaucoma. | |
| cannibalism | Eating individuals of one's own species. | |
| cannula | A flexible tube inserted into a duct or cavity to drain fluid or to deliver medication. | |
| cap | capsule | |
| capillaries | The minute blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells. They connect the arterioles and venules. | kap′ĭ-ler″ē |
| capillary action | A force causing fluids to rise up very fine tubes. This action is due to molecular adhesion of the liquid to the tube. | |
| capillary fragility | The susceptibility of capillaries, under conditions of increased stress, to rupture. Seen as bleeding under the skin. | |
| capillary hemangioma | A common benign tumors of infancy caused by an abnormal buildup of blood vessels under the skin. Also called a 'strawberry mark'. | kap'i-lār-ē hē-man'jē-ō'mă |
| capit/o | head | |
| capn/o | carbon dioxide | |
| -capnia | carbon dioxide | |
| capnography | Continuous recording of the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air. | |
| caps- | capsule | |
| capsid | The outer protein protective shell of a virus. | |
| capsule endoscopes | A pill sized video camera encased in a capsule, designed to be swallowed and subsequently traverse the gastrointestinal tract while transmitting diagnostic images. | |
| capsulitis | Inflammation of the capsule surrounding a joint. | |
| carb/o | carbon | |
| carbohydrates | The largest class of organic compounds, including starch, glycogen, cellulose, polysaccharides, and simple monosaccharides. They constitute a main source of energy for body functions. | |
| carbon dioxide | A colorless, odorless gas formed in body tissues during metabolism. It is carried in the blood to the lungs and then exhaled. | |
| carbon monoxide | A colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is very poisonous. | |
| carbon tetrachloride | A solvent used in dry cleaning and manufacturing. Poisoning by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption is possible and may be fatal. | |
| carboplatin | An platinum-containing compound used to treat advanced forms of lung and ovarian cancers. | |
| carbuncle | A skin infection that often involves a group of hair follicles. The infected material forms a lump, which occurs deep in the skin and may contain pus. | kahr´bung-k'l |
| carcin/o | cancerous | |
| carcinogen | Substances that increase the risk of neoplasms in humans or animals. | |
| carcinogenesis | The development of a normal cell into an invasive cancer cell. It generally requires multiple steps, which may occur quickly or over a period of many years. | |
| carcinoma | Cancer that originates in skin cells or tissue lining organs. | kahr″sĭ-no´mah |
| carcinoma in situ | A premalignant neoplasm confined to the epithelium of origin, without invasion of the basement membrane. | |
| carcinomatosis | Carcinoma that has spread throughout the body. | |
| carcinosarcoma | A malignant neoplasm that contains elements of carcinoma and sarcoma. | |
| cardi/o | heart | |
| cardia | That part of the stomach close to the opening from esophagus into the stomach. The cardia is so named because of its closeness to the heart. | |
| -cardia | condition of the heart | |
| cardiac | Of or pertaining to the heart. | |
| cardiac catheterization | A diagnostic procedure for creating an angiogram using a contrast agent. Also used for treating blocked arteries. | |
| cardiac tamponade | A dangerous compression of the heart by accumulated fluid (pericardial effusion) or blood in the pericardium surrounding the heart. | |
| cardiology | The study of the heart, its physiology, and its functions. | |
| cardiomegaly | An enlargement of the heart. Multiple causes. | kahr″de-o-meg´ah-le |
| cardiomyopathy | Disease of the heart muscle. Can be congenital, or acquired from infections, alcoholism, thyroid disease, toxic drugs. | kahr″de-o-mi-op´ah-the |
| cardiopulmonary resuscitation | An emergency procedure for life support consisting of manual, external heart massage and artificial respiration. | |
| cardiotoxin | An agent that has damaging effect on the heart. | |
| cardiovascular disease | A pathological condition involving the cardiovascular system including the heart, the blood vessels or the pericardium. | |
| cardiovascular system | The heart and the blood vessels by which blood is pumped and circulated through the body. | |
| carditis | Inflammation of the heart. Three types are pericarditis (pericardium), myocarditis (heart muscle) and endocarditis (endocardium). | kahr-di´tis |
| carotene | A red or yellow organic compound found in sweet potatoes, egg yolk, carrots, spinach, broccoli and other leafy vegetables. | |
| carotid arteries | The two major arteries of the neck that supply blood to the head; each artery has two branches, internal and external. | kah-rot´id |
| carotid bruit | A murmur auscultated over the carotid artery on the neck. It can indicate arterial narrowing and an increased risk of stroke. | |
| carotid stenosis | Narrowing of any part of the carotid arteries, most often due to atherosclerotic plaque formation. | |
| carotid ultrasonography | A diagnostic imaging technique to reveal structural details of the carotid arteries. | kah-rot´id |
| carp/o | wrist | |
| carpal | Relating to the wrist. | |
| carpal bones | The eight bones of the wrist: scaphoid bone; lunate bone; triquetrum bone; pisiform bone; trapezium bone; trapezoid bone; capitate bone; and hamate bone. | |
| carpal tunnel syndrome | A common source of hand numbness and pain. Can be associated with repetitive occupational trauma, wrist injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy. | |
| carrier | A person who carries a microorganism without manifesting signs or symptoms of infection and who can readily transmit the disease to another host. | |
| cartilage | A non-vascular form of connective tissue composed of chondrocytes embedded in a matrix. There are three major types: hyaline cartilage; fibrocartilage; and elastic cartilage. | |
| caseation | The breakdown of diseased tissue into a cheese-like substance. Typical of tuberculosis. | |
| casein | A nutritive milk protein containing all of the common amino acids and rich in the essential ones. | |
| castration | Removal of the sex glands. | |
| casts | Dressings made of fiberglass, plastic, or bandage impregnated with plaster of Paris used for immobilization of various parts of the body in cases of fractures, dislocations, and infected wounds. | |
| CAT | computerized axial tomography | |
| cat-scratch fever | A bacterial infection that usually arises one or more weeks following a feline scratch. Raised inflammatory nodules can be seen at the site of the scratch. | |
| cata- | down | |
| catabolic illness | A disease marked by weight loss and diminished muscle mass. | |
| catalyst | A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed or permanently altered by the reaction. | |
| cataract | A clouding of the eye's lens. | kat´ah-rakt
kat´ah-rakt]
|
| catastrophic illness | An acute or prolonged illness usually considered to be life-threatening or with the threat of serious residual disability. Treatment may be radical and is frequently costly. | |
| catatonia | A neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by the patient becoming mute or immobile with extreme muscular rigidity. | |
| catgut | Sterile collagen strands obtained from healthy mammals. Formerly used as absorbable surgical ligatures. | |
| cathar/o | cleansing, purging | |
| catharsis | A purging or cleansing. Release of emotions. | |
| catheter | A hollow, flexible tube that is inserted into narrow body openings so that fluids can be drained or inserted. Also used as to visualize or image a vessel or cavity. | |
| catheterization | Use of a flexible, hollow tube into a duct, blood vessel, hollow organ, or body cavity for injecting or withdrawing fluids for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. | |
| cation | A positively charged ion. | |
| caud/o | tail | |
| cauda equina | The lower part of the spinal cord consisting of the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal nerve roots. | |
| caul | Amniotic sac that encloses the fetus. | |
| caus/o | burn, burning | |
| causalgia | A complex regional pain syndrome characterized by burning pain and marked sensitivity to touch in the distribution of an injured peripheral nerve. | kaw-zal´jah |
| causality | The relating of causes to the effects they produce. This influence must be predictable and reproducible. | |
| caustic | A substance that destroys living tissue. | |
| cauter/i | burn | |
| cav/o | cavity, hollow | |
| cavity | A hollow enclosed area. | |
| cavogram | An angiogram of the vena cava, inferior or superior. | |
| cavum | Any hollow, enclose area. | |
| CBC | complete blood count | |
| CBT | cognitive behavioral therapy | |
| CC | chief complaint | |
| CCU | coronary care unit; critical care unit | |
| CDC | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | |
| cec/o | cecum, first section of colon | |
| cecum | The outpouching area of the large intestine that is below the entrance of the small intestine. It has a worm-like extension, the vermiform appendix. | |
| cefaclor | Semisynthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotic derivative of cephalexin. | |
| -cele | swelling, hernia | |
| celi/o | abdomen | |
| celiac | Pertaining to the abdominal cavity. | |
| celiac artery | The arterial trunk that arises from the abdominal aorta and after a short course divides into the left gastric, common hepatic and splenic arteries. | |
| celiac disease | A disease whose symptoms are precipitated by foods containing gluten, characterized by inflammation of the small intestine. An autoimmune disease. | se´le-ak |
| cell | The fundamental unit of all living tissue. They consist of a nucleus, cytoplasm and various organelles enclosed by a plasma membrane. | |
| cellul/o | cell | |
| cellulitis | A common skin infection caused by bacteria. It affects the middle layer of the skin (dermis) and the tissues below. S | sel″u-li´tis |
| cellulose | The chief constituent of plant fiber. Indigestible roughage. | |
| cement | Fast setting material used to fix prostheses in place. | |
| cementum | Bonelike tissue covering the roots of teeth. | |
| census | An enumeration of a population. | |
| center | The middle point of a geometric entity. | |
| centesis | A puncture of a cavity. | |
| centi- | hundred | |
| centigrade | A thermometric scale. | |
| centigram | A mass of one hundredth of a gram. Ten milligrams. | |
| centiliter | A volume of one hundredth of a liter. Ten milliliters. | |
| centimeter | A length of one hundredth of a meter. Ten millimeters. | |
| centipoise | A measure of viscosity of a liquid. One hundredth of a poise. | |
| centr/o | center | |
| central line | IV line inserted for continuous access to a central vein. | |
| central nervous system | The main information-processing organs of the nervous system, consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges. | |
| centrifugal | A force directed outward from a center or axis. | |
| centrosome | Organelles responsible for the organization and nucleation of microtubules. Found in animals and some plants. | |
| cephal/o | head | |
| cephalad | Towards the head. | |
| cephalic | Cranial. Relating to the head. | |
| cerc- | tail | |
| cercaria | The free-swimming larval forms of parasites found in an intermediate host. | |
| cerclage | Binding together the ends of an oblique bone fracture or the chips of a broken patella. | |
| cerebell/o | cerebellum (posterior section of brain) | |
| cerebellum | The part of brain located behind the brainstem in the posterior base of skull (posterior cranial fossa). It coordinates voluntary muscle activity, balance and tone. | |
| cerebr/o | cerebrum | |
| cerebral contusion | A bruise of the brain tissue . Frequently caused by a blow to the head. | |
| cerebral edema | An abnormal accumulation of fluid in brain tissue. Brain swelling. | |
| cerebral hemorrhage | Bleeding into one or both cerebral hemispheres. | |
| cerebral palsy | A chronic childhood disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. | |
| cerebrospinal fluid | A watery fluid that is continuously produced in the choroid plexus and circulates around the surface of the brain, the spinal cord and in the cerebral ventricles. | |
| cerebrovascular accident | A stroke. It is caused by the interruption of the brain’s blood supply, usually because a blood vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot, or a space-occupying lesion such as a tumor. | |
| cerebrovascular disorders | One of several pathological conditions of impaired blood flow in the brain. | |
| cerebrum | The largest, uppermost part of the brain. Responsible for initiating and coordinating all voluntary body activity. The cerebral cortex is responsible for intellectual activities. | |
| cerumen | The yellow or brown waxy secretions produced by sweat glands in the external ear canal. Earwax. | |
| cerumin/o | earwax | |
| cervic/o | neck, cervix | |
| cervical | Pertaining to the neck. | |
| cervical cancer | A neoplasm of the cervix of the uterus. | |
| cervical dysplasia | The abnormal growth of precancerous cells on the surface of the cervix. | dis-pla´zhah |
| cervical radiculopathy | A pinched nerve. It occurs when a nerve in the neck is irritated as it leaves the spinal canal. | rah-dik″u-lop´ah-the |
| cervicitis | An inflammation of the cervix | ser″vĭ-si´tis |
| cervix uteri | The neck portion of the uterus between the lower isthmus and the vagina forming the cervical canal. | |
| cesarean section | A surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus, performed to deliver a fetus. | |
| CF | cystic fibrosis | |
| chafing | Irritation of the skin due to rubbing against skin or clothing. | |
| chalazion | A small bump on the eyelid that forms due to blockage and swelling of an oil gland at the base of the eyelash. | kah-la´ze-on |
| chancre | The primary sore of syphilis. A painless ulcer occurring at the site of entry of the infection. | |
| chancroid | Acute, highly contagious bacterial disease usually acquired through sexual contact. A venereal ulcer. | |
| chapped | Relating to a dry, cracked, reddish skin condition, usually of the hands, caused by excessive moisture evaporation or cold. | |
| character | Roughly equivalent to personality. The sum of the relatively fixed personality traits and habits. | |
| charlatan | A medical fraud. A quack. | |
| charts | A patient record including data in tables and graphs. | |
| CHB | complete heart block | |
| CHD | congenital heart disease; coronary heart disease | |
| cheil/o | lips | |
| cheilitis | Inflammation of the lips. | |
| cheir- | hand | |
| cheiralgia | Pain in the hands. | |
| chem- | chemistry | |
| chem/o | chemical | |
| chemotaxis | The movement of cells or organisms in response to chemicals. | |
| chemotherapy | Treatment of cancer and other diseases by means of chemical agents. | |
| chest | The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen. Thorax. | |
| cheyne-stokes respiration | An abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by apnea followed by increasingly deep, rapid breathing. | |
| CHF | congestive heart failure | |
| chigger | A blood sucking stage of mites. | |
| child | A person between the stages of birth and puberty. | |
| chills | The sudden sensation of being cold. | |
| chimera | An individual that contains cell populations derived from different zygotes. | |
| chin | The prominence formed by the anterior projection of the mandible and the soft tissue covering it. | |
| chir/o | hand | |
| chlamydia | A common sexually transmitted disease. | klah-mid´e-ah |
| chloasma | A condition in which brown patches appear on the face. Can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy or from sun exposure. | klo-az´mah |
| chlor/o | green | |
| chlorine | A greenish-yellow gas with a strong odor. Used in many solvents and cleaning agents. Poisonous if inhaled or ingested. | |
| chloroform | A commonly used laboratory solvent. It was previously used as an anesthetic, but was banned from use in the U.S. due to its toxicity and safety margins. | |
| choan- | funnel | |
| choanal | A funnel-shaped opening. | |
| choking | A condition of the respiratory airways being blocked by an obstruction or constriction of the neck or swelling of the larynx. | |
| chol/e | bile, gall | |
| cholangi/o | bile vessel | |
| cholangitis | Inflammation of the bile ducts due to bacterial infection or blockage. | |
| cholecyst/o | gallbladder | |
| cholecystitis | Inflammation of the gallbladder. | ko″le-sis-ti´tis |
| choledoch/o | common bile duct | |
| cholelithiasis | Presence or formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. | ko″le-lĭ-thi´ah-sis |
| cholera | An acute diarrheal disease endemic in India and Southeast Asia. | |
| cholestasis | Impairment of bile flow. | |
| cholesterol | The principal sterol of the body. Contributes to cell structure and digestive bile. Helps produce vitamin D and some hormones. | |
| chondr/i | cartilage | |
| chondr/o | cartilage | |
| chondral | Pertaining to cartilage. | |
| chondrocyte | Polymorphic cells that form cartilage. | |
| chondrogenesis | The development of cartilage. | |
| chondroma | A benign tumor derived from mesodermal cells that form cartilage | kon-dro´mah |
| Chondromalacia | Abnormal softening or degeneration of cartilage. A common runner's injury in the knees. | kon″dro-mah-la´shah |
| chondrosarcoma | A slowly growing malignant neoplasm of cartilage cells, occurring most frequently in pelvic bones, scapula or in long bones. | |
| chordoma | A rare, malignant tumor that develops from the embryonic remains of the notochord. | |
| chorea | A condition marked by involuntary, purposeless, rapid, jerky movements. | |
| chori/o | chorion (outer fetal sac) | |
| chorion | The embryonic membrane surrounding the developing embryo. The chorion evolves into the fetal contribution of the placenta. | |
| chorionic villus sampling | A prenatal diagnostic test to detect chromosomal problems | kor″e-on´ik |
| choroid | The thin, highly vascular layer between the retina and sclera. | |
| choroiditis | Inflammation of the choroid layer of the eye. | |
| -chroia | skin coloration | |
| chrom/o | color | |
| chromatography | Techniques used for separating and analyzing a chemical mixture. | |
| chron/o | time | |
| chronic | Prolonged. Long-term. | |
| chronic fatigue syndrome | A debilitating disorder characterized by extreme fatigue or tiredness that doesn't go away with rest. | |
| chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | Respiratory diseases which affect bronchial air movement, causing breathing problems. Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. | |
| chrys/o | gold | |
| chyl- | juice | |
| chyle | The opaque, milky-white fluid consisting mainly of emulsified fats that passes through the lacteals of the small intestines into the lymphatic system. | |
| chylothorax | An accumulation of chyle in the pleural space. | |
| chym/o | juice, to pour | |
| cicatrix | A scar left after the healing of a wound. | |
| -cide | killing, agent that kills | |
| cili- | eyelid, eyelash | |
| cilia | Thick protuberances from epithelial cells. | |
| cine- | movement | |
| circa | Approximately. | |
| circadian | Relating to biologic rhythms with a cycle time of about 24 hours. | |
| circle of willis | A vascular network at the base of the brain. | |
| circulation | The circuit of blood through the network of arteries and veins. | |
| circum- | around | |
| circumcision | Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis. | |
| circumduction | A conical movement of a limb extending from the joint. | ser″kum-duk´shun |
| cirrh/o | orange-yellow | |
| cirrhosis | A chronic, progressive liver disease in which liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. | sĭ-ro´sis |
| cis- | on the same side, on the near side | |
| Cl | chlorine | |
| -clasis | breaking a bone | |
| -clast | break | |
| claudication | Limping | |
| claustr/o | closed space | |
| claustrophobia | The irrational fear of confined spaces. | klaws″tro-fo´be-ah |
| clavicle | The collar bone. | |
| clavicul/o | clavicle | |
| cleft lip | Congenital defect in the upper lip where the maxillary prominence fails to merge with the nasal prominences. | |
| cleft palate | Congenital fissure of the median line of the palate. | |
| cleid/o | clavicle | |
| clin/o | bend, slope | |
| clitoris | An erectile structure homologous with the penis, situated beneath the anterior labial commissure, partially hidden between the anterior ends of the labia minora. | |
| CLL | chronic lymphocytic leukemia | |
| clot | A soft, insoluble mass formed by blood or lymph. | |
| clubfoot | A congenital deformed foot in which the patient cannot stand with sole flat on the ground. | |
| cm | centimeter | |
| CME | continuing medical education | |
| CML | chronic myelogenous leukemia | |
| CMV | cytomegalovirus | |
| CNS | central nervous system | |
| CO | carbon monoxide | |
| co- | together, jointly | |
| CO2 | carbon dioxide | |
| CoAg. | coarctation of the aorta | |
| coagul/o | coagulation, clotting | |
| coagulate | To change a liquid into a gel or solid. | |
| coarse crackle | An abnormal breath sound that is discontinuous, brief and popping. | |
| COBRA | Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act | |
| coccyg/o | coccyx (tailbone) | |
| cochle/o | cochlea (inner part of ear) | |
| cochlea | The part of the inner ear (labyrinth) that is concerned with hearing. | |
| cochlear implant | An electronic device that provides a sense of sound to deaf or severely hard of hearing people. | kok'lē-ăr |
| coercion | The use of force or intimidation to obtain compliance. | |
| cognition | Thinking. | kog-nish´un |
| coinfection | Simultaneous infection of a host organism by two or more pathogens. | |
| coitus | Sexual intercourse. | |
| col/o | colon | |
| cold | A contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Transmitted by coughing and sneezing. | |
| colitis | Inflammation of the colon. | ko-li´tis |
| collagen | A fibrous protein comprising about one third of the total protein in the body. It is a main constituent of skin, bone, ligaments and cartilage. | |
| colon | The main segment of large intestine. | |
| colon/o | colon | |
| colonoscopy | Endoscopic examination, therapy or surgery of the luminal surface of the colon. | ko″lon-os´kah-pe |
| color blindness | A weakness or inability to distinguish colors. A common form is the inability to distinguish red from green. | |
| colorectal cancer | A malignant neoplasm of the large intestine. | |
| colostomy | The surgical construction of an opening between the colon and the surface of the body. | kah-los´tah-me |
| colostrum | Milk produced in late pregnancy. High in protein and antibody content. | ko-los´trum |
| colp- | vagina | |
| colp/o | vagina | |
| colposcopy | The examination of the cervix and vagina by means of an endoscope introduced vaginally. | |
| colpotomy | An incision in the vagina. | |
| com- | jointly, together | |
| coma | A deep state of unconsciousness. No voluntary motor signs. | ko´mah] |
| -coma | profound unconsciousness | |
| comatose | Pertaining to a state of coma. | |
| comedo | A blackhead. | kom´ĕ-do |
| communicable | Able to be transmitted, particularly a disease. | |
| complexion | The color, texture and overall appearance of facial skin. | |
| complication | A disease or condition arising during the treatment of another disease. | |
| compound | A pharmaceutical preparation composed of two or more ingredients. | |
| comprehension | Understanding. | |
| compress | A pad of soft material used to apply cold, heat, medication or to control bleeding. | |
| computational biology | A field of biology concerned with the collection and manipulation of biological data, and the use of such data to make biological discoveries or predictions. | |
| con- | with, together | |
| concave | Hollowed or depressed surface. | |
| conception | When a spermatozoon enters an ovum. The beginning of pregnancy. | |
| concierge medicine | An arrangement in which a patient pays an annual fee to a physician in exchange for services over and beyond normal insurance-reimbursed services. | |
| concoction | A mixture of two or more medicinal substances. | |
| concuss/o | shaken together | |
| concussion | A traumatic brain injury. Measure severity by universal Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) | kon-kush´un |
| condition | The state of being. | |
| conditioning | Learning that takes place when a conditioned stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus. | |
| condom | A sheath that is worn over the penis during sex in order to prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted disease. | |
| conduction | The transmission of electricity, heat, sound or other energy. | |
| conduit | A channel. | |
| condyl/o | knob | |
| confinement | Being restrained to a particular place. | |
| confusion | A mental state characterized by bewilderment, disorientation and emotional disturbance. | |
| congenital heart defect | An abnormality that is present at birth and can affect the structure and function of an infant's heart. | kon-jen´ĭ-t'l de´fekt |
| congestion | Presence of abnormal amounts of fluids in an organ or vessel. | |
| congestive heart failure | The heart isn't able to pump sufficient blood. Typical causes are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. | |
| coni/o | dust | |
| conjugate | Paired or joined. | |
| conjunctiv/o | mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of eyelids | |
| conjunctiva | The mucous membrane that covers the posterior surface of the eyelids and the anterior pericorneal surface of the eyeball. | |
| conjunctivitis | An inflammation of the clear tissue that lines the white part of the eye. Also called pink eye. | kon-junk″tĭ-vi´tis |
| Conn syndrome | Associated with increased secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands. | |
| consanguinity | Kinship. The hereditary relationship between persons. | |
| consci/o | aware | |
| conscience | Awareness. In a moral sense, self-critical of what is right or wrong. | |
| consciousness | Sense of awareness of self and of the environment. | |
| consensual | Giving permission or agreement. | |
| consent forms | Documents describing a medical treatment or research project, including proposed procedures, risks, and alternatives, that are to be signed by an individual, or the individual's proxy, to indicate his/her understanding of the document and a willingness to undergo the treatment or to participate in the research. | |
| consolidation | The state of the lung when alveoli are filled with fluid, as in pneumonia. | |
| constipation | Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces. | |
| constitution | The overall health of a person, both mental and physical. | |
| constrict/o | narrowing, drawing together | |
| constriction | The abnormal narrowing of a channel or opening. | |
| contagious | A transmissible or communicable disease or a person with such a disease. | |
| contra- | against, opposite | |
| contraception | Prevention of impregnation. | |
| contraction | A shortening or increase in tension. In labor, the rhythmic tightening of the uterus. | |
| contracture | A condition that occurs when normally elastic tissues are replaced by inelastic fiber-like tissue. | kon-trak´cher |
| contraindication | A factor in a patient's condition that prohibits a specific treatment. | |
| control groups | Groups that serve as a standard for comparison in experimental studies. | |
| controlled substances | Drugs or chemical agents regulated by government. This may include narcotics and prescription medications. | |
| contus/o | to bruise | |
| contusion | Injury caused by a blow to the body but that does not break the skin. A bruise. Characterized by swelling, pain and discoloration. | |
| convalescence | The period of recovery following an illness. | |
| convection | Transmission of energy in a liquid or gas involving circulation of particles. | |
| convex | Having a surface that curves outward. | |
| convulsion | A violent spasm of voluntary muscles. A type of seizure. | |
| cool down | Gradually decreasing heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and body temperature after exercise. | |
| COPD | chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | |
| coping | The process of dealing with to problems in life in a way to work through them. | |
| copr- | feces | |
| copulation | Sexual union. | |
| cor/o | pupil | |
| corn | A hardened mass of epithelial cells usually found on the sole of the feet. | |
| corne/o | cornea | |
| cornea | The transparent, convex, anterior part of eye. It is the main refractory structure of the eye. | |
| corneal edema | An excessive amount of fluid in the cornea due to damage of the epithelium or endothelium causing decreased visual acuity. | |
| coron/o | encircle, crown | |
| coronary artery | Supplies blood to the heart muscles from the aorta. | kor´ŏ-nar″e |
| coronary artery bypass | Surgical procedure which uses a healthy blood vessel segment, such as a vein, to bypass a blocked section of a coronary artery. | |
| coronary artery disease | Reduced blood flow through the coronary arteries, resulting in chest pain and heart damage. | |
| coronary occlusion | Obstruction of blood flow through one of the coronary arteries. | |
| coronary thrombosis | Coagulation of blood in the coronary arteries. Can lead to myocardial infarction. | kor´ŏ-nar″e throm-bo´sis |
| coroner | A public official who investigates cases of unnatural death. | |
| corpor/o | body | |
| corpse | A dead body. Cadaver. | |
| corpulence | Obesity. | |
| corpuscle | 1) A blood cell. 2) Any small mass. | |
| correlation | A statistical relationship between variables. | |
| corrosion | The gradual destruction of a substance or tissue, particularly by a chemical action. | |
| cortex | The outer layer of an organ or other structure. | |
| cortic/o | cortex, outer section | |
| cortisol | The primary stress hormone. | kor´tĭ-sol] |
| cost/o | rib | |
| costal | Pertaining to the ribs. | |
| costochondritis | A benign inflammation of one or more of the costal cartilages. Usually caused by overuse of chest wall muscles. | kos′təkondrī′tis |
| cough | A sudden, audible exhalation of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis. It serves to clear the airways or lungs of irritants or to prevent aspiration of foreign materials. | |
| coumadin | Medication to treat blood clots and prevent new clots from forming. Commonly used for chronic atrial fibrillation. | ko͞o′mə-dĭn |
| CP | cerebral palsy | |
| CPAP | constant positive airway pressure | |
| CPR | cardiopulmonary resuscitation | |
| CPT | Current Procedural Terminology | |
| CR | conditioned reflex | |
| crani/o | skull | |
| cranial | aPertaining to the cranium. | |
| cranium | The skeleton of the head, holding the brain. | |
| crash cart | A cart carrying emergency medical equipment and supplies. Found in hospitals, particularly in emergency and intensive care departments. | |
| -crasia | mixture, loss of control | |
| craving | An intense desire to consume a substance. | |
| creat- | meat, flesh | |
| cremation | Incinerating a corpse. | |
| crepitation | A crackling sound that occurs in joints. | krep″ĭ-ta´shun |
| CREST | calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia | |
| cretinism | A congenital condition caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone. | kre´tĭ-nizm |
| crin/o | secrete | |
| -crine | to secrete | |
| crisis | The turning point of a disease. | |
| -crit | separate | |
| critical care | Health care provided to a critically ill patient during a medical emergency or crisis. | |
| Crohn disease | Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract thought to be caused by inherited and environmental factors and a defect in the immune system. | |
| croup | Pediatric respiratory infection causing swelling near the vocal cords. It is characterized by a barking cough or stridor. | kro͞op |
| crur/o | leg | |
| cry/o | very cold | |
| crypt/o | hidden | |
| CSD | cat scratch disease | |
| CSF | cerebrospinal fluid | |
| CSH | combat support hospital | |
| CT | computed tomography | |
| Cu | copper | |
| cubit/o | elbow, forearm | |
| cubital | Pertaining to the elbow or forearm. | |
| CUC | chronic ulcerative colitis | |
| culd/o | cul-de-sac | |
| cumulative | To pile on. Increasing by successive additions. | |
| cune/o | wedge, wedge shaped | |
| cupr/o | copper | |
| curettage | An instrument shaped like a spoon, used for scraping material or tissue from a body cavity. | |
| current | The flow of electricity or liquids. | |
| Cushing syndrome | A condition when abnormally high levels of a hormone called cortisol are present. | |
| -cusis | hearing | |
| cuspid | A tooth with one cusp. In particular, he third tooth to the left and to the right of the midline of either jaw. | |
| cutane/o | skin | |
| CV | cardiovascular | |
| CVA | cerebrovascular accident | |
| CVP | central venous pressure | |
| CVS | cardiovascular system | |
| CXR | chest x-ray | |
| cyan/o | blue | |
| cyanosis | A bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygen in the blood. | si″ah-no´sis |
| cycl/o | recurring, round | |
| -cyesis | pregnancy | |
| cyst/o | urinary bladder, cyst, sac of fluid | |
| cystic | Characterized by cysts. | |
| cystic fibrosis | A genetic disease of the exocrine glands. Large amounts of thick mucus clog the lungs and obstruct the airways. | sis'tik fī-brō'sis, pan'krē-ăs |
| cystitis | Inflammation of the urinary bladder. | sis-ti´tis |
| cystocele | A prolapse of the bladder into the vagina. | sis´to-sēl |
| cyt/o | cell | |
| -cyte | cell | |
| cytokines | Substances, such as interferon, interleukin, and growth factors, that are secreted by certain cells of the immune system that act as intercellular mediators. | |
| cytomegalovirus | A virus that can be inactive within healthy people, but can cause severe pneumonia when immune systems are suppressed. Symptoms similar to mononucleosis. | si″to-meg´ah-lo-vi″rus |
| -cytosis | condition of cells, increase in number of cells | |