Word Part | Definition |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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'. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
cardiomyopathy | Disease of the heart muscle. Can be congenital, or acquired from infections, alcoholism, thyroid disease, toxic drugs. |
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). |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 |
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. |
cervical radiculopathy | A pinched nerve. It occurs when a nerve in the neck is irritated as it leaves the spinal canal. |
cervicitis | An inflammation of the cervix |
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. |
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. |
chloasma | A condition in which brown patches appear on the face. Can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy or from sun exposure. |
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. |
choledoch/o | common bile duct |
cholelithiasis | Presence or formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. |
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 |
Chondromalacia | Abnormal softening or degeneration of cartilage. A common runner's injury in the knees. |
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 |
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. |
cirrh/o | orange-yellow |
cirrhosis | A chronic, progressive liver disease in which liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. |
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. |
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. |
coercion | The use of force or intimidation to obtain compliance. |
cognition | Thinking. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
colostrum | Milk produced in late pregnancy. High in protein and antibody content. |
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. |
-coma | profound unconsciousness |
comatose | Pertaining to a state of coma. |
comedo | A blackhead. |
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) |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
CREST | calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia |
cretinism | A congenital condition caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
cystitis | Inflammation of the urinary bladder. |
cystocele | A prolapse of the bladder into the vagina. |
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. |
-cytosis | condition of cells, increase in number of cells |