Module 2
Preliminary notes for all vocabulary lists:
 An asterisk next to a term indicates that there is another and (usually) disparate meaning
for this term, to which you are referred to by information placed in square bracket; e.g.,
“[See Mod. 7, cervic-]” indicates that you will find this alternate meaning in Module 7.
 You must learn each term with its appropriately-placed dash (for example, bucc-).
 Round brackets indicate words which will be filled in by other parts of a term which
you will normally expect to see in a definition or term. For example, in the term and
definition “–cele = protrusion filled with (a substance),” the brackets indicate that you
would normally expect to see the root for a substance, such as mucus or water, to
complete the meaning.
 Square brackets provide clarifying information, such as unusual plural forms.
Roots: External Anatomy
brachibucccaudcelicellaparabdominventr-*
cephalcervic-*
trachel-*
cheillabicheirchircrurdactyldermdermatcutanegnathinguinlater-
arm
cheek
tail
abdomen
[See Mod. 9, ventr-]
head
neck [Generally, the neck on the shoulders, but applicable
to any neck within a body structure]
[See Mod. 7, cervic-, trachel-]
lip; labium [pl. labia]
hand
leg; thigh
digit; finger; toe
skin
jaw
groin
the side [i.e., of the body, or of a specific organ or
structure]
lumbment-*
omomphalumbilicpathpodped-*
sarcsomasomatthoracstethpector-
loin
chin
[See Mod. 5, ment-]
shoulder
navel; umbilicus
disease
foot
[See Mod. 4, ped-]
flesh
body
chest; thorax
Clinical Suffixes
-ad
-ate
-ics
-ist
-itis
-oid
-osis
-ism
-iasis
moving in a direction toward
[When two roots are used, the first root denotes the origin and the second
the end-point of the direction, e.g., cephalocaudad means “moving in a
direction from the head toward the tail.” The order of the roots in the
term must be properly reflected in the definition.]
having; characterized by
study (of a subject)
[The termination -logy is more commonly and should be used, unless
you are specifically directed to use this suffix.]
a specialist (in a subject)
inflammation
resembling; like
These suffixes form a noun and indicate a state of being, one which is
usually (but not necessarily) negative or abnormal in character.
Most usually, expect to see either of these in definitions given to you:
a. disorder (of an organ, structure, function, characteristic); or
b. condition characterised by/caused by (a substance or characteristic)
Notice that the choice between the two options above depends upon the
root to which the suffix is attached
Frequently, however, these phrases will not be appropriate to the
context; the word “condition,” e.g., may be an appropriate rendering in
some contexts. Note also that -osis is the most commonly used of these
three suffixes; you must use -osis when creating a term using the
definitions given above, unless directed otherwise.
-ous*
containing [See -ous in Grammatical Suffixes, below.]
Grammatical Suffixes
-ia
-y
Suffixes which create a noun: a state of being, a process or
act, a syndrome, a symptom, etc.
Very often the suffix does not need a specific translation;
if context requires, however, it could be rendered as either
“condition” or “condition characterized by,” but the
translation will depend upon the context.
No single definition is possible, and so you must use
context to decide on what kind of noun is being created.
-ic
-tic
-al
-ical
-ac
-ar
-ary
-eal
-ine
-ile
-ous*
-ize
-ise
If you need to use either of these suffixes when creating a
word, you will be told this; if you do not see any such
direction, then you must look for another suffix or a
termination.
Suffixes which create an adjective.
Most usually the meaning can be conveyed by the phrases
“pertaining to” or “located in” but it will depend upon
context; in many instances neither of these phrases can be
used. This situation is particularly true when the adjective
is modifying a noun in a phrase; in such situations, the
word “of” may be the best option.
You need to be able to recognise all of these as adjectival
suffixes in words given to you to define; when creating a
word which requires only an adjectival suffix, you will be
told which one to use.
[See -ous in Clinical Suffixes, above.]
Suffixes which create a verb, as in “to (do something).”
Some possible renderings, depending on the context,
include “to make X,” “to become X,” “to cause X to
occur,” “to subject X to,” or “to engage in X.”
Terminations
-algia
pain (in)
[For any termination indicating pain in a body part (there
will be others in later modules), English requires the
preposition “in” to indicate that body part.]
-cele
-ectome
-ectomize
-ectomy
-gram
-graph
-graphy
-logist
-logical
-logy
-megaly
-meter
-metry
-ostomy
-pathic
-pathy
-plasty
-scope
-scopy
-tome
-tomy
8.7.21
protrusion from (an organ or other structure);
protrusion filled with (a substance)
instrument used to excise [i.e., to cut out]
to excise; to cut out; to remove surgically
excision; surgical removal
a record
instrument used to record
a recording [i.e., a process of making a record]
specialist in the study (of a subject)
pertaining to the study (of a subject)
study (of a subject)
enlargement (of an organ or structure)
instrument used to measure
measurement (of an organ, structure, function,
characteristic, etc.)
creation of a passage into (an organ or structure);
creation of a passage between (organ or structure X) and
(organ or structure Y)
pertaining to disease; diseased
disease
surgical repair
instrument used to make a visual examination
[On rare occasion the instrument does not refer to visual
examination but to examination by other means.]
visual examination
instrument used to cut (into)
incision (in, or into)
Module 3
Be sure to read the Vocabulary Notes for this module to fully understand the use of many of
these prefixes.
Prefixes
a[an-]
[ar-]
antepreproantidediadys-
ectoenendoentointraepiesoeisoeu-
exexohyper-
absence; lack [when used in a word which is a noun]
without; lacking [when used in a word which is an adjective]
Note the additional letter, depending on the letter following this prefix:
a- becomes an- when the following letter is a vowel or “h”
a- becomes ar- when the following letter is “r”
before
against; opposing
from; down from; away
through
Indicates a negative state; many possible words could be used, depending
on the context.
Some examples:
abnormal; faulty; difficult; painful; malfunctioning; poor; poorly
outside
within; inner; interior; inside
Note: there is no prefix which means just “in,” as in “pain in the arm” or
“located in the arm.” The use of “in” in definitions is the same as the use of
“of”: it is a common connector which does not need to be accounted for.
on; upon; toward
into
Indicates a positive state; many possible words could be used, depending
on the context.
Some examples:
normal; healthy; proper; good; well
out; out of; outside
Could be either qualitative or quantitative, but always negative in sense.
excessive; excess of; greater than normal
hyposub-
Either prefix can be qualitative or quantitative (in negative sense), but also
locatively.
infraintermeta-
less than normal; deficiency of [qualitative/quantitative]
below; under; inferior to [locative]
below; under; inferior to [locative only]
between
beyond; after
neonon-*
parapericircumpostsuper-
suprasyncontrans22.2.21
Can also indicate a change of some sort, e.g., metabolism
new
not
[See Mod. 8, non-]
beside; beyond
around
after; behind; posterior to
Can be qualitative or quantitative (in positive sense), but also locative.
superior; greater than normal [qualitative/quantitative]
above; beyond; superior to [locative]
above; beyond; superior to [locative only]
joined; fused; simultaneous; in association; together; with
See Vocabulary Notes for further discussion on these two prefixes.
across; through
Module 4
Do not panic about the size of this module’s vocabulary list: it is the longest list by far in the
course. No other module will have a list quite so long!
Important note: some definitions from hereon are augmented by a description of the term,
which is put into italics; this is particularly true for anatomical roots.
For example, see the entry below for chori-. The meaning of this root is “choroid”, while the
phrase “middle layer of the eye” is a description for those unfamiliar with the anatomy of the
eye.
You are not required to reproduce the italicized descriptive phrase (although you may
use them if you wish to, of course). If asked for the meaning of chori-, e.g., choose
“choroid.” You must, however, be able to recognise the descriptive phrase if it is used in a
definition. That is, if given “middle layer of the eye”, you must know that the root is chori-.
Anatomical Roots: The Eye and the Ear
blepharchorichoroidconjunctivcorcorepupillcyclciliarcilidacrylacrimdacryocystiriridkerat-*
cerat-*
cornu-*
corne-*
ophthalmoculoptphacphaklentretin-
eyelid
choroid; middle layer of the eye
conjunctiva; membrane that lines the eyelid
pupil
ciliary body; structure encircling the lens
tear; tear sac
tear sac
iris
cornea
[See Mod. 6, kerat-, cerat-, cornu-, corne-]
eye
eye; eyesight
lens
retina; inner layer of the eye
1
sclerauriculcochleincudlabyrinthmallemyringotaur-*
phonstapedstapeditympan-
sclera; outer layer of the eye
auricle; pinna; the outer structure of the ear
cochlea
incus; anvil-shaped bone of the middle ear
labyrinth; inner ear
malleus; hammer-shaped bone of the middle ear
eardrum; tympanum
ear
ear; hearing
[See Mod. 8 and 12, aur-]
voice; sound
stapes; stirrup-shaped bone of the middle ear
eardrum; tympanum; middle ear [includes eardrum,
malleus, stapes, and incus]
Roots: The Human Being and Senses
andranthrophom-*
hominbi-*
vitcytdemdipsgamgergerontgyngynegynecgynaechapthaphhygieniatrmismortthanatnecrnarcnat-
male; man [pl. men]
human being; person [pl. persons]
[See Mod. 9, hom-]
life
[See Mod. 8, bi-]
cell
people; population
thirst
marriage; sexual union
old person [i.e., as an individual]; old people [i.e., as
a group]; old age
female; woman [pl. women]
sense of touch; touch
health
medicine; physician
aversion (to something or someone)
[Always a subordinate root.]
death
death; corpse; dead tissue; dead cell
stupor; sleep
birth; born
2
olfactped-*
paed-
sense of smell
child [pl. children]
[See Mod. 2, ped-]
Terminations
-acousia
-acousis
-algesia
-odynia
-aphia
-centesis
-cyte
-dipsia
-ectasis
-ectasia
-ectopia
-ectopy
-edema
-oedema
-gamy
-geusia
-geustia
-iatry
-iatrics
-lysis
-lytic
-necrosis
-opia
-opy
-opsia
-opsy
-orexia
-orexis
-osphresia
-osphresis
-osmia
-penia
-ptosis
sense of hearing
pain
sense of touch; touch
surgical puncture to withdraw fluid
cell
thirst
dilation; expansion; bulge
malposition; displacement
fluid-filled swelling (of an organ or structure)
marriage; sexual union
sense of taste
study and treatment
[in specific reference to the medical profession or a
physician]
destruction; breakdown; a loosening
pertaining to the destruction (or breakdown, or
loosening)
death
[in particular, of cells, tissues, or organs]
visual disorder; eyesight; examination
appetite
sense of smell
an insufficient amount (of a substance)
prolapse
[i.e., a slipping down of an organ or part of an organ from its
usual location]
3
-rrhagia
-rhagia
-rrhage
-rhage
-rrhaphy
-rrhea
-rhea
-rrhexis
-rhexis
-sclerosis
-sepsis
-septic
-spasm
-stasis
-stat
-static
-stenosis
-therapy
rapid discharge (of a substance, or from an organ or
other location)
suture; suturing
discharge (of a substance, or from an organ or other
location)
rupture
a hardening (of an organ or other body structure); a
hardening caused by (a substance)
infection
pertaining to infection; infected
involuntary movement
stagnation (of a flow or movement); cessation (of a
flow or movement)
device used to control; agent used to control
pertaining to the control (of a substance); pertaining
to the stagnation (or, cessation) (of a flow or
movement)
constriction (of a passage or duct); an abnormal
narrowing (of a structure)
treatment (of an organ, symptom, or disease);
treatment by means (of a substance or process)
7.7.21
4
Module 5
Anatomical Roots: The Nervous System
arachn-*
cerebellcerebrcortic-*
dendrdurencephalgangliganglionglihypothalammedullmeningmeningemeningimyelneurnervoncpiaplexpoli-*
pontrhizradicradiculthalamventricul-
arachnoid mater; arachnoid; middle layer of the
meninges
[See Mod. 12, arachn-]
cerebellum; posterior part of the brain
cerebrum; largest part of the brain
cortex [pl. cortices]; the outer layer (of an organ or
biological structure)
[See Mod. 12, cortic-]
dendrite; threadlike extension of a neuron
dura mater; outermost layer of the meninges
brain; encephalon
ganglion [pl. ganglia]; collection of nervous tissue
glia; supporting tissue of the brain and spinal cord
hypothalamus
marrow; medulla; inner portion (of an organ or
structure) [pl. medullae]
meninges; membranes covering the spinal cord
and brain
bone marrow; spinal cord
nerve; nervous system; nervous tissue
tumour; a swelling; abnormal mass
pia mater; innermost layer of the meninges
plexus; collection of nervous tissue; collection of
blood or lymph cells
grey matter [of the nervous system]
[See Mod. 8, poli-]
pons Varolii; pons; bridge of tissue (of a bodily
structure)
nerve root; root
thalamus
ventricle; small cavity
1
Roots for Cognition
oneironomatphasphobphren-*
psychment-*
dream; dreaming
name; word
speech; speaking; ability to speak
persistent and irrational fear (of something or
someone)
mind; mental activity
[See Mod. 6, phren-; see Mod. 2, ment-]
Roots for Movement
kinematkinesikinema-
movement
Terminations
-carcinoma
-esthesia
-aesthesia
-esthetic
-aesthetic
-kinesia
-kinesis
-kinetic
-malacia
-mania
-maniac
-philia
-phile
-philic
-phobia
-phobe
malignant tumour
sensation
pertaining to sensation
movement
pertaining to movement
a softening (of an organ or structure)
excessive preoccupation (with something)
someone who has an excessive preoccupation
(with something)
a love (of something/someone); a liking (or,
preference) (for something/someone); an affinity
(for something)
someone who has a love (of something/someone);
someone who has a liking (or, preference) (for
something/someone); someone who has an affinity
(for something)
loving/liking/preferring (something/someone);
having a love/liking/preference (for
someone/something); having an affinity (for
something)
persistent and irrational fear
(of something/someone)
someone who has a persistent and irrational fear
(of something/someone)
2
-phobic
-phoria
-oma
-omata [pl. only]
-oncus
-plegia
persistently and irrationally afraid
(of something/someone); having a persistent,
irrational fear (of something/someone)
1. emotional state; state of feeling
[i.e., a mental state; -phoria is not used in relation
to the five senses, with the exception below]
2. a turning of the visual axis of the eye
tumour; a swelling; abnormal mass
paralysis (pl. paralyses)
8.7.21
3
Module 7
Anatomical Roots: Reproductive Systems
balandidymorchidorchiorcheorchtestepididymgonadoschescrotphallpenprostatpubpubiseminspermatspermvas-*
cervic-*
trachel-*
colpvaginepisivulvhymenhystermetruterfetmammmast-*
menoovoophorovariperine-
glans penis
testis [pl. testes]; testicle
epididymis
gonad
scrotum
penis
prostate
pubis; pubic bone; pubic region
semen
semen; spermatozoa; seminal cord; seminal vesicle
vas deferens
[See Mod. 8, vas-]
cervix; the neck of the uterus
[See Mod. 2, cervic-, trachel-]
vagina
vulva
hymen
uterus
fetus
breast
[See Mod. 10, mast-]
menstruation; menstrual cycle
egg; ovum [pl. ova]
ovary
perineum; region between anus and scrotum or anus
and vulva
1
salpingtubthelerotgenittoc-
Fallopian tube; a tube (within any biological structure)
nipple
sexual desire; sexual act
reproduction; genitals
childbirth
Adjective Roots
ambly-
dull; blunt; weak
amphamb-
both
archarchaearcheaut-
cryptechingymnhem-*
sempanhol-
[no connecting vowel follows]
[connecting vowel for amph- is either i or o; connecting
vowel for amb- is always i]
ancient; primitive; original; first; chief; principal
spontaneous; itself; own; self
[aut- often modifies the termination, rather than the root,
but in either case this adjective root is almost always
placed at the beginning of the word]
hidden
spiny [adjective]; a spine [noun] [note: does not refer to
the vertebrate spine, but to a hard, pointed structure]
naked
half
[connecting vowel for both roots is i]
[see Mod. 8, hem-]
all; entire; whole
[no connecting vowel usually follows pan-, but see
Vocabulary Notes for more information]
Terminations
-atresia
-cide
-cleisis
-cyesis
-genesis
-genic
absence of the opening (to a bodily structure)
act of killing; destruction; agent used to kill (or,
destroy)
[usually preceded by the connecting vowel “i”: there are
some exceptions, but use “i” unless told otherwise]
blockage; (surgical) closure
pregnancy
formation; development; growth
forming; developing; producing; produced by;
pertaining to the formation/development/production
of
2
-gravida
woman who is (or has been) pregnant for (nth time)
-para
woman who has given birth (n times)
-pexy
-pexis
-strophe
-poiesis
-poietic
[a numerical root which immediately precedes this
termination indicates the number of pregnancies
experienced; connecting vowel preceding
-gravida is always “i”]
[a numerical root which immediately precedes this
termination indicates the number of births; connecting
vowel preceding -para is always “i”]
surgical attachment [often of one organ or tissue to
another]
a turning; a twisting
formation; development; production; act of shaping
forming; developing; producing; shaping; pertaining
to the formation/development/production/shaping of
8.7.21
3
Module 8
Anatomical Roots: Cardiovascular and Haematological Systems
aneurysmangivas-*
vascul-
aortarteriarteriolatricapillarcardihemathaemathem-*
haemsanguinphlebvenplasmplasmatrhythmsersphygmthrombthrombocytvalvvalvulvaricvenul-
aneurysm; dilation of the wall of the heart, artery, or
vein
blood vessel; vessel; duct
[All three roots are very often used for blood vessels, even
without a specific root for blood, but can also refer to other
types of vessel or ducts within the body.]
[See Mod. 7, vas-]
aorta; main vessel of the arterial system
artery [vessel that carries blood away from the heart]
arteriole; small artery [adjoining capillaries]
atrium [pl. atria]; chamber; cavity [in the body]
capillary; smallest blood vessel
heart
blood
[See Mod. 7, hem-]
vein [vessel that carries blood to the heart]
plasma
rhythm
serum
pulse
clot
thrombocyte; platelet
valve
varix; a tortuous dilation of a vein
venule; small vein
1
Adjective Roots for Colours
anthrac-*
melannigrargent-*
argyraur-*
chrys-*
chlorviridchromchromat-
cirrhcrocflavlutexanthcoccincyanerythrrhodrubrubrrubecandidleucleukalbalbidiodviolpoli-*
purpur-
black
[See Mod. 12, anthrac-]
silver
[See Mod. 12, argent-]
golden
[See Mod. 4 and 12, aur, and see Mod. 12 -, chrys-]
green
colourful; tinted [adjective]
colour; pigment [noun]
These two adjective roots can sometimes be rendered as
nouns, but the rules concerning adjective roots still
apply.
yellow
scarlet
blue
red
white
violet
grey
[See Mod. 5, poli-]
purple
2
Adjective Roots for Numbers
Take careful note of the connecting vowels for numbers: many take “i”. Furthermore, any
number root which ends in “a”, such as penta-, is not followed by a connecting vowel.
nullmonunprim-
didiplbi-*
binsecund-
terttritriplquadrtetr-, tetraquartquintpentpentasexthexhexasexheptheptasept-*
none; no
[connecting vowel is “i”]
one
[un- with -gravida or -para means “once”]
[connecting vowel for un- is “i”]
first
[with -gravida or -para means “first time”]
[connecting vowel is “i”]
two; double
[no connecting vowel follows di-, bi-, bin-]
[Use bi- if consonant follows, bin- if vowel follows]
[See Mod. 4, bi-]
second
[with -gravida or -para means “second time” or “twice”]
[connecting vowel is “i”]
three; third [connecting vowel is “i”]
three [no connecting vowel follows]
three; triple
four [connecting vowel is “i”]
four
four; fourth [connecting vowel is “i”]
five; fifth [connecting vowel is “i”]
five
six; sixth
[connecting vowel is “i”]
six
seven; seventh
[connecting vowel for hept- and sept- is “i”]
octocta-
[See Mod. 11, sept-]
eight; eighth
[connecting vowel for oct- is “i”]
non-*
nona-
nine; ninth
[connecting vowel for non- is “i”]
[See Mod. 3, non-]
3
decmerpolymultplur-
ten; tenth; one-tenth
[connecting vowel is “i”]
partial [adj.]; part; segment [noun]
many; multiple
[no connecting vowel follows poly-]
[connecting vowel for mult- and plur- is “i”]
Terminations
-emia or -hemia
-aemia or -haemia
a condition of the blood;
presence of (a substance) in the blood; presence of blood
in (an organ)
5.5.20
4
Module 9
Anatomical Roots: Mouth and Digestive System
adamantadamantinamelalvealveolappendappendiccholangcholecystcholedochcolcolonduodenenterepiplomentesophagoesophaggastrstomachgingivglosslinguhepathepaticilejejunodontdentpancreatpancreaticperitoneproctrectptyalsialpylorsphinctersplanchnviscer-
enamel
tooth socket; socket; cavity
appendix
bile duct
bile bladder; gall bladder
common bile duct
colon; large intestine
duodenum; the first part of the small intestine
intestines
omentum; fatty membrane lining the abdominal cavity
esophagus
stomach
gums
tongue; language
liver
hepatic duct
ileum
jejunum
tooth; teeth
pancreas
pancreatic duct
peritoneum; serous membrane lining the abdominal
cavity
rectum; anus; rectum and anus
saliva; salivary gland
pylorus; lower portion of the stomach
sphincter; circular muscle [which closes an orifice]
viscera; the internal organs [collectively]
1
staphyluvulstomstomatortyphlcaecceculuranuraniscpalat-
uvula
mouth
cecum (caecum); first part of the large intestine
gums; scar
palate
Other Common Roots
acratherbromatsitfebrphagtrophnutrinutrit-
extremities [of the body]; height; tip(s)
yellowish plaque
food
fever
[followed by the connecting vowel “i”]
the eating (or, chewing; biting; swallowing; devouring)
(of a substance)
nutrition
[Note: troph- may also mean “growth” in certain
contexts]
Adjective Roots
anomalheterhom-*
homehomoischistschiz-
irregular
different; other
same; unchanging
[See Mod. 4, hom-]
a splitting; a cleft [nouns]
split; cleft [adjectives]
Adjective Roots Indicating Relative Positions
anterdextrdorsexterninferintern-
before; front; in front
right [as opposed to left]; clockwise
back [as opposed to front]
outside
below
inside
2
levposterretrsinistrsuper-*
telteleventr-*
left; counter-clockwise
behind; posterior to
behind; posterior to; backward
left
above
[See Mod. 3, super-, and note that this term is not a
prefix when it is followed by a connecting vowel]
distant; at a distance [adjectives]
end; goal [nouns]
front
[See Mod. 2, ventr-]
Terminations
-pepsia
-clasis
-clasia
-clysis
-plasia
-phage
-phagia
-phagy
-schisis
-tripsy
-tripsis
-trophy
digestion
(the act/process of) breaking (something) up
irrigation
proliferation; growth; development
[in reference to tissue or cells]
something that eats (or, devours)
the eating (or, chewing; biting; swallowing; devouring)
(of a substance)
a splitting
a crushing (or, rubbing) (of a substance); friction
nutrition; growth
6.5.20
3
Module 10
Note: some terms in this module, in addition to having italicized descriptions, have bolded
definitions; terms which are bolded must be used in any exercise, test or exam.
Anatomical Roots: Musculoskeletal System
osteossossecraniethmoidfrontmast-*
mastoidoccipitparietsphentempormalzygomatzygomaticmandibulmaxillcoccygrachispin-*
sacrspondylvertebracromicleidclavicclaviculcostcoxiliischiscapulsterncarp-*
bone
cranium; skull
ethmoid bone
frontal bone; forehead bone
mastoid process
[a process is a projection or outgrowth of bone]
[See Mod. 7, mast-]
occiput; occipital bone
parietal bone; any “wall” (in a cavity or organ)
sphenoid bone; a wedge-shaped bone
temporal bone; temple bone
cheek; cheek bone; malar bone; zygomatic bone
mandible; lower jaw
maxilla; upper jaw
coccyx; tail bone
spinal column; spine
[after a vowel, rachi- frequently becomes rrhachi-]
[See Mod. 12, spin-]
sacrum; triangular pelvic bone
vertebra [pl. vertebrae]
acromion; the lateral projection of the shoulder blade
clavicle; collar bone
rib
hip; hip joint
ilium; upper pelvic bone
ischium; lower pelvic bone
scapula; shoulder blade
sternum; breast bone
carpus; a carpal bone; wrist; wrist bone [i.e., either the
wrist joint itself, or one or more of the bones which
make up the wrist joint]
[See Mod. 12, carp-]
1
humermetacarpolecranphalangradiulnacetabulcalcanecondylfemorfibulmalleolpatelltaltarsmetatarstibifascimymyosmusculpygarthrarticulburschondrcartilagcartilagindesmsyndesmligamentdiskfibrfibrossynovitentend-
humerus; upper arm bone
metacarpus; metacarpal bone; bone radiating from the
wrist to fingers
olecranon; elbow
phalanx [pl. phalanges]; finger bone; toe bone
radius; the shorter of the lower arm bones
ulna; the longer of the lower arm bones
acetabulum; hip bone socket [into which femur fits]
calcaneus; heel bone
condyle; knuckle [only of the fingers or toes]; any
rounded bone protuberance [which articulates with
another bone]
femur; thigh bone
fibula; smaller bone of the lower leg
malleolus; ankle protuberance
patella; kneecap
talus; ankle bone
tarsus; a tarsal bone; ankle; ankle bone [i.e., either the
ankle joint itself, or one or more of the bones which
make up the joint; analogous to carpus, above]
metatarsus; metatarsal bone; bone radiating from the
ankle to the toes
tibia; shin bone; larger bone of the lower leg
fascia; connective tissue enclosing a muscle
muscle
buttock
joint
bursa; sac of synovial fluid
cartilage
ligament
disk
fibrous tissue
synovial fluid; fluid that lubricates a joint; synovial
membrane
tendon
2
Adjective Roots
ankylleirhabd-
skelet-
crooked; bent; stiff; fixed; fused; imperforated
smooth
rod; rod-shaped; skeletal; striated
[when rhabd- precedes the root my-, it denotes skeletal
or striated muscle; when it is used with other roots, it
denotes a rod or rod-shaped structure]
skeletal
Terminations
-agra
-asthenia
-clast
-desis
-ferous
-paresis
-phylaxis
-phylactic
-sthenia
sudden and severe pain
absence of strength; weakness
instrument used to break
surgical immobilization; surgical fusion
[if used with the prefix syn-, avoid redundancy by
ignoring the prefix]
bearing; containing
[preceded by the connecting vowel i]
slight paralysis
protection of (something); protection against
(something); protection by means of (a substance or
process)
protective of (something); protective against
(something); protective by means of (a substance or
process)
strength
8.7.21
3
Module 11
Anatomical Roots: The Urinary, Endocrine, and Lymphatic Systems
cystvesicnephrrenpyel-
sac; cyst; bladder
ururinureterurethr-
urine; urinary tract; urination
uricadenadrenhormonamygdal-*
tonsilllymphlymphaticporsplenlien-
kidney
renal pelvis; urine reservoir in kidney [which passes urine to
ureter]
ureter; tube carrying urine from kidney to bladder
urethra; tube carrying urine from bladder to outside the
body
uric acid
gland; lymph node
adrenal gland
hormone
tonsil
[See Mod. 12, amygdal-]
lymph
lymphatic system; lymphatic duct
pore; passage
spleen
Substance Roots
adiplipsteatsebcrinemehidrhisthygrpytoxtoxictoxinven-*
venenvenomzym-
fat
sebum; oily secretion [of the sebaceous gland]
secretion
vomit
sweat; sweat gland
tissue [of an animal or plant]
moisture
pus
poison
[See Mod. 8, ven-]
enzyme; fermentation
1
Miscellaneous Roots
aetietiantrauxbarbarybathbathycarcinchrondromdynamhelchypnsomnictersept-*
saept-
cause
antrum; cavity
increase
weight; pressure
depth; depths [nouns]; deep [adjective]
[no connecting vowel follows bathy-]
cancer [noun]; cancerous [adjective]
time
flow; a running
power
ulceration
sleep
jaundice
septum; a wall that divides two cavities
[See Mod. 8, sept-]
Miscellaneous Adjective Roots
allanisatelatretbrachybradyidiisequleptmacrmegalmesmicroligorthoxy-*
pachypalepoikil-
other; another; divergent; alternating
unequal
incomplete
without an opening (to an organ/structure)
short [no connecting vowel follows]
slow [no connecting vowel follows]
individual; distinct; distinctive; unknown
equal
[equ- is followed by connecting vowel i]
thin
large; long
large
middle
small
few; small; scanty
straight; normal; correct
acute; swift; sharp; sour [no connecting vowel follows]
[See Mod. 6, oxy-]
thick [no connecting vowel follows]
old; ancient
mottled; varied; irregular
2
prosthprosthetprotpseudscirrhscolistentachtachyxenxersicc-
artificial
earliest; first
false; imaginary
hard [adjective]; hard, cancerous tumour [noun]
crooked; laterally curved
narrow; constricted
rapid [no connecting vowel follows tachy-]
strange; foreign [adjectives]; foreigner [noun]
dry
Terminations
-agogue
anti- ... -agogue
-auxe
-auxis
-auxesis
-crine
-elcosis
-emesis
-emetic
-emphraxis
-lepsy
-phyma
-phymata [pl.]
-pore
-toxin
anti- ... -toxin
-uria
a- ... -uria
6.1.21
agent used to induce (an action);
agent used to induce the flow (of a substance, or from an
organ or tissue);
agent used to induce the expulsion (of a foreign body)
agent used to suppress (an action);
agent used to suppress the flow (of a substance, or from an
organ or tissue);
agent used to suppress the expulsion (of a foreign body)
enlargement (of an organ or structure)
secretion
ulceration (of an organ or structure)
the vomiting (of a substance)
causing vomiting (of a substance)
obstruction; blockage
seizure
a swelling
pore; passage
substance poisonous to (an organ or tissue);
poisonous substance present in (a plant or life form)
agent used to counteract a substance poisonous to (an organ
or tissue);
agent used to counteract a poisonous substance present in (a
plant or life form)
urination; presence of (a substance) in the urine;
(abnormal) condition of the urine
absence of (a substance) in the urine
3