Studying Anatomy and Physiology? Learn Latin!

Published on 5th February 2021

Part Two

Following on from our blog last week about the benefits of learning basic Latin prefixes when studying anatomical terms for your anatomy and physiology course, here is a look at the common prefixes used to indicate particular body parts. You’ll be amazed how much Latin you actually know:

Bio- life

eg. Biopsy - examination of a tissue sample taken from a living body

Broncho- windpipe

Eg. Bronchitis - inflammation of the bronchus

Cardi/o- heart

Eg. Cardiogram - recording of the electrical activity of the heart

Cyto- cell

Eg. Cytoplasm - gelatinous liquid within a cell

Derma- skin

Eg. Dermatitis - skin irritation

Entero- intestine

Eg. Enteric tuberculosis - tuberculous infection of the digestive tract

Gastr- stomach

Eg. Gastrectomy - excision of the stomach

Muscle Moniker - the Gastrocnemius muscle is so-named as it refers to the bulging shape of the calf, the ‘stomach’ of the leg!

Gynaeco- female, relating to women

Eg. Gynaecology - branch of medicine relating to genitourinary diseases in women

Haema-, hema- blood

Eg. Haemoglobin - oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells

Hepat- liver

Eg. Hepatic artery

Hydra- water

Eg. Hydrogen - gas which forms water when combined with oxygen

Hyster- uterus

Eg. Hysterectomy - excision of the uterus

Myo- muscle

Eg. Myocardium - muscular wall of the heart

Muscle Moniker - Myo- is taken from the Latin, ‘musculus’, which means ‘little mouse’. Ostensibly there is a resemblance to some muscles!

Nephro- kidney

Eg. Nephrolith - kidney stone

Neuro- relating to nerves

Eg. Neuropathy - damage or dysfunction of nerves

Odont- tooth

Eg. Odontectomy - removal of tooth

Osteo- bone

Eg. Osteoarthritis - degenerative joint disease

Ot- ear

Eg. Otoscope - medical tool for examining the ear

Para- near, alongside, apart from, abnormal

Eg. Parotid - beside the ear

Pod- foot

Eg. Podiatrist - medical doctor specialising in treating feet

Pyo- pus forming

Eg. Pyorrhea - discharge of pus

Pyr- inflammation, heat

Eg. Pyrexia - raised body temperature

Learning a little Latin is key to deepening your understanding of anatomical terms and will naturally sharpen your grasp of anatomy and physiology, for your course and whatever complementary therapies are next on your list.

View all messages