Digestive System Word Roots

Overview

• Focus on word roots related to the digestive system.
• These roots describe structures or conditions within the digestive system.

Key Word Roots

Endo

• Endo means "inside" or "within."
• Example: Appendectomy – Surgical removal of the appendix.

Bucco

• Bucco refers to the "cheek."
• Example: Buccinator – Muscle in the cheek aiding in mastication (chewing).

Cheilo

• Cheilo pertains to the "lips."
• Example: Cheilitis – Inflammation, often at the corners of the mouth.

Chole

• Chole relates to "bile, gall."
• Example: Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder.
• Example: Cholelithiasis – Gallstones formation.

Colo

• Colo refers to the "large intestine or colon."
• Example: Colitis – Inflammation of the colon.
• Example: Colonoscopy – Examination of the large intestine.

Dento/Odonto

• Dento/Odonto means "teeth."
• Example: Dentist – Specialist in teeth.
• Example: Orthodontist – Specialist in straightening teeth.

Duodeno

• Duodeno refers to the "duodenum," the first part of the small intestine.
• Example: Duodenal ulcer – Ulcer in the duodenum.

Entero

• Entero denotes the "intestine," specifically the "small intestine."
• Example: Gastroenteritis – Inflammation of the stomach and small intestine.

Esophago

• Esophago pertains to the "esophagus."
• Example: Esophagitis – Inflammation of the esophagus.

Gastro

• Gastro refers to the "stomach."
• Example: Gastritis – Inflammation of the stomach.
• Example: Gastrology – Study of the stomach.

Gingivo

• Gingivo denotes the "gums."
• Example: Gingivitis – Inflammation of the gums.

Glosso/Linguo

• Glosso/Linguo pertains to the "tongue."
• Example: Hypoglossal – Under the tongue.
• Example: Lingual – Related to the tongue.

Hepato

• Hepato relates to the "liver."
• Example: Hepatitis – Inflammation of the liver.

Ileo

• Ileo refers to the "ileum," the last part of the small intestine.

Jejuno

• Jejuno pertains to the "jejunum," the middle part of the small intestine.

Labio

• Labio means "lip."
• Example: Labial – Related to the lip.

Oro

• Oro refers to the "mouth."
• Example: Oral cavity – The mouth.

Pancreato

• Pancreato pertains to the "pancreas."
• Example: Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas.

Pharyngo

• Pharyngo denotes the "pharynx" or "throat."
• Example: Pharyngitis – Inflammation of the pharynx.

Procto

• Procto pertains to the "anus" and "rectum."
• Example: Proctologist – Specialist in anus and rectum.

Pyloro

• Pyloro refers to the "pylorus," the lower part of the stomach.

Recto

• Recto denotes the "rectum."
• Example: Rectorrhea – Discharge from the rectum.

Sialo

• Sialo pertains to "saliva."
• Example: Sialorrhea – Excessive salivation.

Sigmoido

• Sigmoido refers to the "sigmoid colon."
• Example: Sigmoidectomy – Surgical removal of the sigmoid colon.

Stomato

• Stomato refers to the "mouth," not the stomach.
• Example: Stomatitis – Inflammation of the mouth.

Summary

• These word roots provide a foundational understanding of medical terminology related to the digestive system.
• Understanding these roots can aid in deciphering complex medical terms.