Medical Suffixes Overview

Overview

This lecture covers common medical suffixes, their meanings, and examples to help break down and understand complex medical terminology.

Structure of Medical Words

• Medical words are often made of a prefix (describes), root (subject/body part), and suffix (procedure, condition, process).
• Not all medical terms include a prefix; some have multiple roots.

Suffixes Related to Procedures

• -ostomy: Surgically create an opening (e.g., colostomy).
• -otomy: Incision or cut into (e.g., laparotomy).
• -ectomy: Surgical removal (e.g., nephrectomy).
• -oscopy: Visual examination with a scope (e.g., colonoscopy).
• -centesis: Puncture or aspiration (e.g., thoracentesis).
• -plasty: Repair or reconstruction surgery (e.g., rhinoplasty).
• -tripsy: Crushing (e.g., lithotripsy).
• -desis: Binding or fusing (e.g., pleurodesis).
• -scope: Instrument for viewing (e.g., otoscope).
• -opsy: Examination/inspection (e.g., biopsy).

Suffixes Related to Tests

• -gram: Record or picture (e.g., electrocardiogram).
• -graph: Instrument to record (e.g., electrocardiograph).
• -graphy: Process of recording (e.g., electrocardiography).

Suffixes for Signs and Symptoms

• -itis: Inflammation (e.g., arthritis).
• -paresis: Weakness (e.g., hemiparesis).
• -plegia: Paralysis (e.g., quadriplegia).
• -rhea: Discharge or flow (e.g., rhinorrhea).
• -edema: Swelling/fluid accumulation (e.g., blepharoedema).
• -odynia: Pain/discomfort (e.g., osteodynia).
• -spasm: Sudden muscle contraction (e.g., vasospasm).
• -rrhage/-rrhagia: Excessive flow (e.g., hemorrhage).
• -algia: Pain (e.g., neuralgia).

Descriptive Suffixes

• -megaly: Enlargement (e.g., cardiomegaly).
• -icle: Small, minute (e.g., denticle).
• -constriction: Narrowing (e.g., vasoconstriction).
• -dilation: Widening/expansion (e.g., vasodilation).
• -urysm: Widening/ballooning (e.g., aneurysm).
• -genesis: Formation or development (e.g., neurogenesis).
• -stasis: Stoppage or slowdown (e.g., hemostasis).

General Medical Suffixes

• -cele: Hernia/swelling (e.g., gastrocele).
• -genic: Produced by/caused by (e.g., cardiogenic).
• -ism: Condition/disease/process (e.g., hyperthyroidism).
• -ologist: Specialist (e.g., pulmonologist).
• -ology: Study of (e.g., pulmonology).
• -oma: Tumor/growth (e.g., melanoma).
• -pathy: Disease (e.g., cardiomyopathy).
• -osis: Condition (e.g., tuberculosis).
• -penia: Deficiency (e.g., pancytopenia).
• -pnea: Breathing (e.g., tachypnea).
• -emia: Blood condition (e.g., anemia).

Key Terms & Definitions

• Suffix — ending part of a word that modifies its meaning.
• -ostomy — surgically create an opening.
• -ectomy — removal of part of the body.
• -itis — inflammation.
• -algia/-odynia — pain.
• -megaly — enlargement.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review provided tables and notes on the linked website for further study.
• Practice breaking down medical terms using suffixes, prefixes, and roots.