Word Part | Definition |
p | after |
p wave | Marks atrial depolarization. In a normal EKG, it precedes the QRS complex. |
P-A | posteroanterior |
p.c. | after meals |
p.r.n. | as needed |
PA | Physician Assistant |
PAC | premature atrial contraction |
pacemaker | A device designed to use electric impulses to simulate heart contractions. |
pachy- | thick |
Paco2 | partial pressure of carbon dioxide in alveolar gas |
PAD | peripheral arterial disease |
PAF | platelet activating factor |
pain | An unpleasant or distressing localized sensation induced by noxious stimuli which are detected by nerve endings of nociceptive neurons. |
palat/o | palate |
palate | The structure that forms the roof of the mouth. It consists of the anterior hard palate and the posterior soft palate. |
pale/o | early, primitive, old |
palliative medicine | A branch of medicine concerned with preventing and relieving the suffering of patients in any stage of disease and improving the quality of the patient's life. |
pallor | A clinical manifestation consisting of an unnatural paleness of the skin. |
palpation | Use of fingers with light pressure as part of a physical exam. |
palpebr/o | eyelid |
PALS | pediatric advanced life support |
pan- | all |
pancreas | An irregularly shaped gland, located behind the stomach, that secretes pancreatic juice into the duodenum and insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin into the bloodstream. |
pancreat/o | pancreas |
pancreatectomy | Removal of the pancreas. |
pancreatitis | Inflammation in the pancreas. |
pandemic | A widespread epidemic of infectious disease. |
panic | A state of extreme acute, intense anxiety and unreasoning fear. |
panic attack | Fear response that is out of proportion for the situation. |
panniculitis | General term for inflammation of adipose tissue, usually of the skin, characterized by reddened subcutaneous nodules. |
pant/o | whole, all |
panuveitis | Inflammation of both the anterior and posterior segments of the uvea tract. |
Pap | Pap test Papanicolaou smear |
papill/o | nipple, optic disc |
papilla | A small, nipple-like projection. |
papilledema | Swelling of the optic disk due to increased intracranial pressure. |
papilloma | A benign epithelial tumor derived from epithelium and projecting from the surrounding surface |
papul/o | papule, pimple |
papule | A solid raised lesion that has distinct borders and is less than 1 cm in diameter. |
-para | to bear offspring |
para- | similar, beside |
paradox | A statement, finding or condition, that, despite apparently sound reasoning from true premises, leads to a self-contradictory or a logically unacceptable conclusion. |
paraffin | A mixture of solid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. |
paraganglioma | A neoplasm derived of the tissue composing the paraganglia. |
paralysis | Loss of muscle function. |
paramedical | Pertaining to certain adjunctive healthcare professions, particularly trained emergency responders. |
parametritis | Inflammation of the parametrium, the connective tissue of the pelvic floor. |
parametrium | The lateral extension of the uterine connective tissue into the broad ligament. |
paranasal sinuses | Air-filled cavities located around the nasal cavity. There are four pairs: frontal, sphenoid, maxillary and ethmoid. |
paranoia | Overly suspicious behavior. |
paranoid behavior | Behavior exhibited by individuals who are overly suspicious, but without the symptoms characteristic of paranoid personality disorder or schizophrenia. |
paranoid disorders | Chronic mental disorders in which there has been an insidious development of a permanent and unshakeable delusional system, but with clear and orderly thinking. Emotional responses and behavior are consistent with the delusional state. |
paraparesis | Weakness or partial paralysis of the lower extremities. |
paraphasia | A condition in which the patient uses wrong words, creating unintelligible sentences. |
paraphimosis | A condition in which the foreskin, once retracted, cannot return to its original position. If this condition persists, it can lead to painful constriction of glans penis, swelling, and impaired blood flow to the penis. |
paraplegia | Paralysis affecting the legs. |
parasite | Invertebrate organisms that live on or in another organism. |
parasomnia | Any of a group of sleep disorders characterized by unwanted behaviors or perceptions that occur during sleep or partial arousal from sleep, including sleepwalking, night terrors, and frequent nightmares. |
paratenon | The fatty or synovial tissue between a tendon and its sheath. |
parathyroid glands | Two pairs of small oval-shaped glands located in the front and the base of the Neck and adjacent to the two lobes of thyroid gland. they secrete parathyroid hormone that regulates the balance of calcium; phosphorus; and magnesium in the body. |
parathyroidectomy | Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands. |
paresis | A general term referring to slight or incomplete paralysis. |
-paresis | weakness, slight paralysis |
paresthesia | A sensation of tingling or numbness, skin crawling, or itching without apparent cause. |
parietal bone | One of a pair of irregularly shaped quadrilateral bones situated between the frontal bone and occipital bone, which together form the sides of the cranium. |
parietal lobe | Upper central part of the cerebral hemisphere. It is located posterior to central sulcus, anterior to the occipital lobe, and superior to the temporal lobes. |
parity | The number of viable offspring a female has borne. |
Parkinson disease | A progressive disease of the nervous system that affects movement. |
paronychia | An infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. |
parotid gland | Either of the pair of salivary glands that lie on the sides of the face immediately below and in front of the ear. |
parotitis | Inflammation of the parotid gland. |
paroxysm | A spasm or convulsion. |
paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia | A very rapid heartbeat that occurs sporadically. Usually lasts from a few seconds to several hours. |
-partum | childbirth |
parturition | The act of giving birth to one or more offspring. |
pasteurization | Heating of certain beverages, such as milk, to a specific temperature for a fixed time interval in order to kill microorganisms. |
PAT | paroxysmal atrial tachycardia |
patella | The flat, triangular bone about 5 cm in diameter, situated at the anterior part of the knee. Also called the kneecap. |
path/o | disease |
pathogen | A disease causing microorganism such as bacterium, virus or fungus. |
pathologic processes | The abnormal mechanisms and forms involved in the dysfunctions of tissues and organs. |
pathological | Pertaining to or caused by disease. |
pathology | A medical specialty concerned with the nature of disease and its causes, processes, development, and consequences. |
-pathy | disease |
patulous | Open or exposed. |
Pb | lead |
PCA | patient-controlled analgesia |
PD | Parkinson disease |
PD (2) | pupillary distance |
PDA | patent ductus arteriosus |
PDR | Physicians' Desk Reference |
PE | physical examination |
PE (2) | pulmonary embolism |
PEA | pulseless electrical activity |
peak flow meter | Simple device that allows asthma patients to check lung airflow. |
pecten | The middle, narrow zone in the anal canal. |
pector/o | chest |
pectoral | Relating to the thorax. |
pectus carinatum | The chest or breast. |
ped/o | child, foot |
pediatrics | A medical specialty concerned with maintaining health and providing medical care to children from birth to adolescence. |
pediculosis | Head lice. |
pedophilia | An adult abnormal attraction to children for sexual purposes. |
peduncle | A stalk like structure that serves as a support or connection. |
PEEP | positive end expiratory pressure |
PEFR | peak expiratory flow rate |
PEG | percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy |
pellagra | A disease characterized by scaly dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia caused by a deficiency of niacin and protein in the diet. |
pellicle | A thin skin, film or organic membrane |
pelv/i | pelvis |
pelvic floor | The connective tissues and muscles that lie beneath and support the perineum and pelvis. It extends between the pubic bone anteriorly and the coccyx posteriorly. |
pelvis | The lower portion of the trunk, bounded anteriorly and laterally by the two hip bones and posteriorly by the sacrum and coccyx. |
pemphigus | Any of several rare diseases characterized by groups of itching blisters. |
-penia | deficiency |
penicillin | Any of a group of antibiotics derived from cultures of the mold like fungi Penicillium or produced synthetically. |
penis | The external reproductive organ of males. |
penta- | five |
-pepsia | digestion |
peptic ulcer | Ulcer that occurs in the regions of the gastrointestinal tract which come into contact with gastric juice. |
peptides | Members of the class of compounds composed of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds between adjacent amino acids into linear, branched or cyclical structures. |
perception | The process by which the nature and meaning of sensory stimuli are recognized and interpreted. |
percussion | Act of striking a part with short, sharp taps in diagnosing the condition beneath the sound obtained. |
percutaneous | Through the skin. |
perforation | Abnormal opening in a hollow organ or viscus. |
performance anxiety | Anxiety related to the execution of a task, especially with an audience. |
perfusion | Delivery of blood to the capillaries. |
peri- | around, surrounding |
periapical | Around an apex, especially the apex of a root of a tooth. |
periarthritis | Inflammation of the tissues around a joint capsule. |
pericardi/o | pericardium |
pericardial effusion | Fluid accumulation within the pericardium. Severe cases can lead to cardiac tamponade. |
pericardial fluid | Watery fluid produced in the serous and visceral pericardium surrounding the surface of the heart |
pericardial friction rub | An extra heart sound that resembles squeaky leather. May be heard in pericarditis. |
pericardiocentesis | Puncture and aspiration of fluid from the pericardium. |
pericarditis | Inflammation of the pericardium, caused by infection, injury, or drugs. |
pericardium | A thin layered sac enclosing the heart. Fluid between the layers lubricates the constantly moving surfaces. |
pericoronitis | Inflammation of the gingiva surrounding the crown of a tooth. |
perihepatitis | Inflammation of the peritoneal capsule of the liver |
perimenopause | The period of time before menopause when a woman's body changes. |
perimetritis | Inflammation of the peritoneal covering of the uterus |
perinatal | Pertaining to the period three months before to one month after birth. |
perine/o | perineum (surface region in both males and females between the pubic symphysis and the coccyx) |
perinephritis | Inflammation of the connective and adipose tissues surrounding the KIDNEY. |
perineum | The body region lying between the genital area and the anus on the surface of the trunk, and to the shallow compartment lying deep to this area that is inferior to the pelvic diaphragm. The surface area is between the vulva and the anus in the female, and between the scrotum and the anus in the male. |
periodontal | Around a tooth. |
periodontics | A dental specialty concerned with the histology, physiology, and pathology of the tissues that support, attach, and surround the teeth, and of the treatment and prevention of disease affecting these tissues. |
periodontitis | Inflammation and loss of connective tissues supporting or surrounding the teeth. |
periorbital edema | A condition in which the tissues around the eyes become swollen. Puffy eyes. |
periosteum | Thick, fibrous membrane covering the surface of a bone except its articular cartilage and areas where it attaches to tendons and ligaments. |
periostitis | Inflammation of the periosteum. |
peripartum period | The period shortly before, during, and immediately after giving birth. |
peripheral neuropathy | Dysfunction of peripheral nerves which can impair movement, sensation and organ function. |
periphlebitis | Inflammation of the tissues around a vein |
peristalsis | A movement, caused by sequential muscle contraction, that pushes the contents of the intestines or other tubular organs in one direction. |
peritone/o | peritoneum (serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity) |
peritoneal absorption | Uptake of substances from the peritoneal cavity. |
peritoneal cavity | The space enclosed by the peritoneum. It is divided into two portions, the greater sac and the lesser sac or omental bursa, which lies behind the STOMACH. The two sacs are connected by the foramen of Winslow, or epiploic foramen. |
peritoneal dialysis | Dialysis fluid being introduced into and removed from the peritoneal cavity. |
peritoneum | The serous membrane that lines the walls of the abdominal cavity and folds inward to enclose the viscera. |
peritonitis | Inflammation of the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity as the result of infectious, autoimmune, or chemical processes. |
perleche | Fissures and cracks at the corner of the mouth |
permeability | Property of membranes and other structures to permit the passage of substances, heat and light. |
pernicious | Diseases that are highly dangerous or fatal. |
pernicious anemia | Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. A type of megaloblastic anemia. |
pero- | deformed |
peroneal | Pertaining to the fibula. |
PERRLA | pupils equal, regular, react to light and accommodation |
pertussis | Whooping cough. Contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract. Cold-like symptoms followed by many weeks of coughing. Preventable with immunization. |
pest/i | pests, plague |
pesticide | A substance used to destroy pests. |
PET | positron emission tomography |
-petal | moving forward |
petechia | A small, round, dark-red spot caused by intradermal or submucous hemorrhage. |
petechiae | Tiny flat round red spots under the skin surface caused by intradermal hemorrhage. Spots do NOT blanch with pressure. |
petr/o | stone, stone-like hardness |
-pexy | surgical fixation |
Peyronie disease | A condition where plaques form under the skin of the penis, causing the penis to bend. |
PFT | pulmonary function test |
PH | past medical history |
phac/o | pertaining to lens |
phag/o | eat, swallow |
-phagia | eating, swallowing |
phagocytosis | The engulfing and degradation of microorganisms. |
-phagy | eating, devouring |
phak/o | pertaining to lens |
phalanges | Fingers or toes |
phalangitis | Inflammation of a finger or toe. |
phall/o | penis |
phantom limb | Phantom sensations that occur following the complete or partial loss of a limb. |
Pharm | pharmacy |
pharmac/o | drugs |
pharmacology | The study of the origin, nature, properties, and actions of drugs and their effects on living organisms. |
pharmacy | The art and the facility for the preparation and dispensing of drugs. |
pharyng/o | throat |
pharyngeal | Of, or pertaining to, or coming from the pharynx. |
pharyngitis | Sore throat. Inflammation of the throat. |
pharynx | The throat. A fibromuscular tube that conducts air to the larynx and lungs and food to the esophagus. |
phas/o | speech |
-phasia | speech |
phenol | A strong disinfectant. |
phenotype | The outward appearance of the individual. |
phenylketonuria | Any of a group of autosomal recessive disorders of the ability to metabolize phenylalanine. |
-pheresis | removal |
pheromones | Chemical substances, excreted by an organism into the environment, that elicit behavioral or physiological responses from other organisms of the same species. |
-phil | attraction |
phil/o | attraction |
-philia | affinity for |
phimosis | A condition of a narrowed or tightened foreskin that cannot be retracted to reveal the glans penis. |
phleb/o | vein |
phlebitis | Inflammation of a vein, commonly a vein in the leg. |
phlebo- | vein |
phlebography | An invasive imaging study of leg veins with a contrast agent injects using a catheter. Phlebography is the most accurate test for detecting deep vein thrombosis. |
phlebotomy | The techniques used to draw blood from a vein for diagnostic purposes. |
phlegm | Mucus in the respiratory airways (trachea, bronchial tree). |
phob/o | fear, adversion |
-phobia | abnormal fear |
phon/o | sound, voice |
phonation | To vocalize. |
phonocardiogram | A waveform of heart sound amplitude over time, usually a few heartbeats. |
phor/o | to carry |
-phore | carrier, processor |
phot/o | light |
photalgia | Pain in the eye causes by bright light. |
photophobia | Abnormal sensitivity to light. |
photoreceptor cells | Specialized cells that detect and transduce light. |
photoretinitis | Injury to the retina of the eye caused by looking directly into the sun without protection. |
photosynthesis | The synthesis by organisms of organic compounds, especially carbohydrates, from carbon dioxide using energy obtained from light . |
phototherapy | Treatment of disease by exposure to light, especially by specific wavelengths. |
phototrophic | Capable of deriving energy from light. |
phreni- | diaphragm, mind |
phrenic | Pertaining to the diaphragm. |
phyl/o | race, species, type |
-phylaxis | protection |
phyllo- | leaf |
physi- | physical, natural |
physiatrist | A doctor specializing in the physiological treatment of patients with conditions affecting movement. Often used in stroke rehabilitation. |
physical examination | Systematic and thorough inspection of the patient for physical signs of disease or abnormality. |
physicians | Individuals licensed to practice medicine. |
-physis | growth, growing |
physo- | swelling, gas |
phyt- | plants |
PI | present illness; previous illness |
pico- | one trillionth |
PID | pelvic inflammatory disease |
-piesis | pressure |
piez/o | pressure |
pigmentation | Coloration or discoloration of a part by a pigment. |
PIH | pregnancy-induced hypertension |
pil/o | hair |
piloerection | The standing up of hairs on the skin |
pilonidal sinus | A hair-containing cyst or sinus, occurring chiefly in the coccygeal region. |
pineal gland | A light-sensitive neuroendocrine organ attached to the roof of the Third ventricle of the brain. the pineal gland secretes melatonin, other biogenic amines and neuropeptides. |
pinta | A contagious bacterial skin disease prevalent in tropical America. |
PIP | proximal interphalangeal |
pituitar/o | pituitary |
pituitary adenoma | Benign epithelia neoplasm of the pituitary. |
pituitary gland | A small, oval, unpaired, endocrine gland connected to the hypothalamus by a short stalk which is called the infundibulum. Its secretions control the other endocrine glands and influence growth, metabolism, and maturation. |
pityriasis | Any of a group of skin diseases characterized by the formation of fine, branny scales. This term is but only with a modifier. |
PKU | phenylketonuria |
placebo | Any dummy medication or treatment. |
placenta | A vascular organ that develops during pregnancy, lining the uterine wall and partially enveloping the fetus. The placenta produces an array of steroid, protein and peptide hormones . |
placenta previa | A condition when the placenta covers part or all of the cervix during the last months of pregnancy. |
plagiocephaly | The condition characterized an irregular shape of the head often in parallelogram shape with a flat spot on the back or one side of the head. |
plague | An infectious disease transmitted by the bite of a flea from a rodent infected with the bacillus Yersinia pestis. |
-plakia | patches |
plan/o | flat, plan, level |
plani- | flat, level |
plantar | Bottom of the foot |
plantar fasciitis | Irritation of the connective tissue that runs from the heel to the base of the toes. Also known as :postman's heel". |
plaque | Fatty deposits formed on the walls of arteries. |
-plasm | formation |
plasma | The part of blood which is not blood cells. Blood plasma also contains glucose and other dissolved nutrients. It also helps blood clot. |
plasmacytoma | Any discrete, presumably solitary, mass of neoplastic plasma cells either in bone marrow or various extramedullary sites. |
plasmapheresis | Procedure whereby plasma is separated and extracted and the red cells returned to the donor. |
plasmo- | plasma |
plast/o | formation |
-plasty | surgical repair |
platelets | Part of blood that help stop bleeding by clumping and clotting blood vessel injuries. |
platy- | broad, flat |
platybasia | A malformation of the cranium so that the floor of the posterior cranial fossa bulges upward in the region about the foramen magnum. |
pledget | A small compress used to medicate, protect, or absorb drainage from a wound |
-plegia | paralysis |
pleocytosis | A presence of an abnormally high number of cells in the cerebrospinal fluid. |
pless/i | striking, percussion |
pleur/o | pleura, rib |
pleura | The membrane enveloping the lungs consisting of two layers. The visceral pleura is attached directly to the lungs. The outer parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity and diaphragm. Between the two layers is the pleural cavity, containing a lubricating liquid film. |
pleural effusion | Excessive fluid in the pleural cavity which may cause breathlessness. |
pleural friction rub | Sound created by the rubbing of when the chest wall moves. Stops when patient holds her breath. Often heard with pleurisy. Thick inflamed surfaces sliding by one another. |
pleurisy | Inflammation of the pleura, the membranes covering the lungs. |
pleurodynia | Inflamed lung membranes causing pain during inhalation. |
plexus | A network of nerves or blood vessels. |
plic/o | fold |
PLT | platelet |
pluri- | several, more |
PM | afternoon, evening |
PMH | past medical history |
PMN | polymorphonuclear (neutrophil leukocyte) |
PMS | premenstrual syndrome |
PND | paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea |
-pnea | breathing |
pneo- | air, breath, breathing |
pneum/o | lung, air |
pneumocephalus | Presence of air or gas within the intracranial cavity usually the result of a fracture. |
pneumoconiosis | Occupational lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of dust. Common lung disease in mining. |
pneumocyte | Any of the epithelial cells lining the alveoli of the lung. |
pneumon/o | lung |
pneumonectomy | Surgical removal of part or all of a lung. |
pneumonia | Inflammation of the lungs with alveoli filling with pus. Typically caused by infection and can follow flu, colds and other illnesses. |
pneumonitis | Inflammation of lung tissue. |
pneumoperitoneum | Presence of air or gas in the peritoneal cavity. |
pneumorrhachis | Presence of air or gas within the spinal canal cavity. |
pneumothorax | Partial or fully collapsed lung. An accumulation of air in the pleural cavity. Caused by trauma, such as a gun shot or stab wound and can also occur spontaneously. |
PNH | paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria |
PNI | peripheral nerve injury |
PNS | peripheral nervous system |
PO | orally |
-pod | foot |
pod/o | foot |
podiatry | A medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders and injuries. |
-poiesis | production, formation |
poikil- | irregular, varied |
poison | A substance capable of damaging the structure or function of the body. |
polio- | gray |
poliomyelitis | A highly infectious viral disease that involves the gray matter of the spinal cord, leading to paralysis, muscular atrophy, and deformity. |
poly- | many |
polyarthritis | Simultaneous inflammation of several joints. |
polychondritis | Inflammation of cartilage. |
polycystic kidney disease | An inherited disease in which cysts develop within the kidneys. |
polycystic ovary syndrome | A condition in which a woman’s levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are out of balance. Often cause for infertility |
polycythemia | Abnormal increase in the aggregate red cell mass of the blood. |
polydactyly | A congenital anomaly of the hand or foot, characterized by supernumerary digits. |
polydipsia | Excessive thirst. |
polymorphism | Occurring in several different forms. |
polymyositis | Inflammation of the muscles or associated tissues, such as the blood vessels that supply the muscles |
polyneuropathy | A disease of multiple peripheral nerves simultaneously. |
polyp | Abnormal tissue mass that protrudes into the lumen of the digestive or respiratory tracts. |
polyphagia | Excessive hunger or appetite. |
polyps | Discrete abnormal tissue masses that protrude into the lumen of the digestive tract or the respiratory tract. |
polysomnography | Sleep study. Includes monitoring of respiratory patterns, brain waves, sleep stages, and other physiological variables. |
polyuria | Excessive production of urine. |
pono- | fatigue, exhaustion, overwork |
pons | The front part of the hindbrain that lies between the medulla and the midbrain ventral to the cerebellum, serving as a relay station for neural pathways. |
popliteal | Pertaining to the area behind the knee. |
por/o | passage, opening, duct |
porokeratosis | A rare, chronic, progressive autosomal dominant skin disorder market by craterlike patches. |
poroma | A neoplasm of cells lining the skin openings of sweat glands. |
-porosis | decrease in density |
portal vein | A vein that conducts blood from the digestive organs, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder to the liver. |
-posia | drinking, fluid intake |
posset | A small amount of milk that is regurgitated by infants after feeding. |
post- | after, behind, back |
post-traumatic stress disorder | A disorder that develops in people who have experienced a terrifying event. |
post. | posterior |
posterior | back |
postmenopause | The physiological period following the menopause. |
postpartum | The period that is shortly after giving birth. |
postprandial | After a meal. |
posture | The position of the body. |
ppm | parts per million |
PR | through the rectum |
-prandial | meal |
-praxia | to perform, action |
PRBC | packed red blood cells |
pre- | before, in front of |
prebiotics | Indigestible food ingredients that promote overall health by supporting the activity of probiotic bacteria in the large intestine. |
precordium | The region of the thorax immediately over the heart. |
prediabetes | A condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal. Considered a warning sign for diabetes. |
prediabetic | The time period before the development of symptomatic diabetes mellitus. |
preeclampsia | A serious pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure, a large amount of protein in the urine and edema of hands and feet. |
pregnancy | Carrying developing offspring (embryos or fetuses) in utero before birth. |
preleukemia | Conditions in which the abnormalities in the peripheral blood or bone marrow represent the early manifestations of acute leukemia, but in which the changes are not of sufficient magnitude or specificity to permit a diagnosis of acute leukemia by the usual clinical criteria. |
premature ejaculation | The emission of semen and seminal fluid during the act of preparation for sexual intercourse, i.e. before there is penetration, or shortly after penetration. |
premedication | Preliminary administration of a drug preceding a diagnostic, therapeutic, or surgical procedure. |
premenopause | The period before menopause. The transition from full sexual maturity to cessation of ovarian cycle takes place between the age of late thirty and early fifty. |
preneoplastic | Preceding the formation of a tumor. |
prepuce | The fold of skin that grows over the end of the penis. |
presby/o | old age |
presbycusis | Hearing loss that gradually occurs in most individuals as they grow older. |
presbyopia | An age-related condition when the eye's lens doesn't change shape as easily as it once did |
pressure ulcer | An ulcer that appears in the skin over a bony prominence due to compression and inadequate blood perfusion. Bedridden or chair bound patients are at risk. Also called bedsore. |
prevalence | A measure of morbidity based on currents levels of a disease in a population. |
priapism | A abnormally prolonged erection of the penis. |
primi- | first |
primigravida | A woman who is pregnant for the first time. |
primipara | A woman who has given birth to one viable infant. |
prion | A small infectious protein particle causing neurodegenerative diseases including Creutzfeldt-Jakob syndrome. |
PRL | prolactin |
pro- | before, in front of |
probability | The likelihood that an event will occur. |
proct/o | anus and rectum |
proctocolitis | Inflammation of the rectum and the colon. |
proctoscope | Endoscope for examination of the rectum and anus. |
prodrome | An early symptom that precedes the onset of disease. |
profunda | Blood vessels situated deep in the body tissues they supply. |
progeria | An abnormal congenital condition of premature aging. |
progesterone | A sex hormone produced by the ovaries. |
prognosis | A prediction of a outcome of a disease. |
projection | A defense mechanism, operating unconsciously, whereby that which is emotionally unacceptable in the self is rejected and attributed (projected) to others. Also called the blaming mechanism. |
prokaryote | A unicellular organism lacking a true nucleus and nuclear membrane, having genetic material consisting of a single molecule of double-stranded DNA. |
prolactin | A pituitary hormone that stimulates and maintains lactation in postpartum mammals. |
prolactinoma | A begin tumor of the pituitary gland overproduces a hormone called prolactin. |
prolapse | The protrusion or sinking down of an organ or part of an organ. |
promontory | A projecting part. |
pronation | The inward roll of the foot (medial malleolus) while walking or running. |
prone | Lying on the abdomen |
prone position | The posture of an individual lying face down. |
proptosis | Protrusion or bulging of the eye. |
pros/o | forward, anterior |
prosop/o | face |
prospective study | A forward looking study of a group over a long period. |
prostat/o | prostate |
prostate | A gland that is part of a male reproductive system. Located below the bladder. |
prostatic neoplasms | Tumors or cancer of the prostate. |
prostatism | Lower urinary tract symptom, such as slow urinary stream, associated with prostatic hyperplasia in older men. |
prostatitis | Inflammation of the prostate gland. |
prosthesis | A device that replaces a missing body part or makes a part of the body work better. |
prote/o | protein |
protein | A large molecule consisting of a long chain or sequence of amino acids that is an essential constituent of the body. |
proteinuria | The presence of proteins in the urine, an indicator of kidney diseases. |
proteolysis | The decomposition of proteins into peptides and amino acids by enzymes in the digestive tract. |
proto- | first |
protoplasm | The living contents of a cell |
protozoa | An animal subkingdom, comprised of primitive, single-celled, microscopic animals able to move by amoeboid action or by means of cilia or flagella. Many protozoa are parasitic on humans. |
prox. | proximal |
proxim/o | nearest |
proximal | Nearest to the point of attachment to the trunk |
proxy | A person authorized to decide or act for another person, for example, a person having durable power of attorney. |
prurigo | A chronic inflammation of the skin characterized by a persistent eruption of papules that itch intensely. |
pruritus | Itch. |
pruritus vulvae | Itching of the vulva. |
psamm/o | sand |
pseud- | false |
pseudarthrosis | A new, false, fibrous joint arising at the site of an ununited fracture. |
pseudo- | false |
pseudophakia | Presence of an intraocular lens after cataract extraction. |
psi | pounds per square inch |
psor/o | itching |
psoriasis | A skin disease that causes itchy patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales on the scalp and flexor joint surfaces. |
psoriatic arthritis | Arthritis associated with psoriasis, affecting joints and the spine. |
PSV | pressure supported ventilation |
PSVT | paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia |
psych/o | mind |
psychiatry | The medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of mental disorders. |
psychology | The science dealing with the study of mental processes and behavior in man and animals. |
psychosis | A condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality. |
psychotherapy | A general term for the treatment of mental illness or emotional disturbances. |
PT | physical therapy |
PTCA | percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty |
-pterygium | abnormality of conjunctiva |
PTH | parathyroid hormone |
ptosis | Drooping of the upper eyelid. |
-ptosis | drooping, prolapse |
PTSD | post traumatic stress disorder |
PTT | partial thromboplastin time |
PTX | pneumothorax |
ptyal/o | saliva |
-ptysis | spitting |
pub/o | pubic, pubes |
puberty | Becoming first capable of reproducing sexually. |
pubic bone | A bone that forms the lower and anterior part of each side of the hip bone. |
pubic symphysis | A slightly movable cartilaginous joint which occurs between the pubic bones. |
PUD | peptic ulcer disease |
pudendal nerve | A nerve which originates in the sacral spinal cord (S2 to S4) and innervates the perineum, the external genitalia, the external anal sphincter and the external urethral sphincter. Can be damaged in childbirth. |
puerperal | The period up until six to eight weeks after childbirth. |
pulm/o | lung |
pulmon/o | lung |
pulmonary | Pertaining to the lungs. |
pulmonary artery | The short wide vessel that moves blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. |
pulmonary circulation | The circulation of the blood to and through the lungs |
pulmonary edema | Excessive accumulation of fluid in the lung. Can be life-threatening. Often associated with heart failure. |
pulmonary embolism | A clot blocking of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches. |
pulmonary fibrosis | Progressive formation of fibrotic (scar) tissue in the lungs. Patients show increasing dyspnea. |
pulmonary function test | A battery of tests that evaluate the volume and flow rate of air in and out of the lungs. |
pulmonary infarction | necrosis of lung tissue that is cause by the lack of oxygen or blood supply. The most common cause of pulmonary infarction is a blood clot in the lung. |
pulmonary valve | The heart valve at the intersection of the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. |
pulmonary valve regurgitation | Back flow of blood from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricular due to a leaky pulmonary valve. |
pulmonary valve stenosis | The pathologic narrowing of the pulmonary valve opening. Limits blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. |
pulmonary veins | The veins that return the oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart. |
pulmonologist | An internal medicine specialist concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and defects of the lungs and bronchial tree. |
pulp | A soft mass of tissue. |
puls/o | beating, to beat |
pulse | The rhythmical expansion and contraction of an artery, caused by blood pumping from the heart. |
pulse oximeter | Device that measures oxygen saturation in the blood. |
-puncture | to pierce a surface |
pupil | The aperture in the iris through which light passes. |
pupill/o | pupil |
purkinje fibers | Cardiac muscle fibers that conduct the cardiac impulse from the atrioventricular node to the ventricles causing them to contract. |
purpur/o | purple |
purpura | Blood spots on the skin that are purple-colored, between 4-10 mm resembling bruising. |
purul/o | pus formation |
purulent | Pertaining to pus. |
PUVA | psoralen ultraviolet A |
PVC | premature ventricular contraction |
py/o | pus |
pyarthrosis | Acute inflammation of synovial membranes. |
pyel/o | renal pelvis |
pyelectasis | Dilation of the pelvis of the kidney. |
pyelitis | Inflammation of the renal pelvis. |
pyelocystitis | Inflammation of the kidney pelvis and the urinary bladder. |
pyelonephritis | Inflammation of the kidney involving the renal parenchyma (the nephrons), kidney pelvis and kidney calices. It is characterized by abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and occasionally diarrhea. |
pyg/o | buttocks |
pykn/o | thick, dense, compact |
pyl/e | portal vein |
pylethrombosis | Thrombosis of the portal vein. |
pylor/o | pylorus (opening between the stomach and duodenum) |
pylorus | The region of the stomach at the junction with the duodenum. |
pyoderma | Any purulent skin disease. |
pyogenic | Producing pus. |
pyometra | Accumulation of pus in the uterine cavity. |
pyomyositis | An acute, intramuscular suppuration of the large skeletal muscle groups. |
pyonephrosis | Distention of kidney with the presence of pus and destruction of the renal parenchyma. It is often associated with renal obstruction and can lead to total or nearly total loss of renal function. |
pyr/o | fire, fever |
pyret/o | fever |
pyrex/o | fever |
pyrosis | Substernal pain or burning sensation, usually associated with regurgitation of gastric juice into the esophagus. Also called heartburn. |
pyuria | White blood cells or pus cells in the urine. |