Which of these word roots indicates lungs

Q: Which term means pertaining to the lungs?

The word pulmonary means pertaining to the lungs. It is derived from the Latin root word pulmo, which means lung.

Q: What does the word root encephal refer to?

Encephal- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning brain.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.

This article covers medical terminology of the respiratory system. These terms will help with the study of respiratory conditions and diseases. You can use this list as you cover disease processes related to the respiratory system in your studies.

Table of Contents Show

Review of Prefixes
Review of Suffixes
Word Root and Combining Vowel for the Respiratory System
Additional Respiratory Suffixes and Prefixes
Respiratory Specialties
The Structure and Function of the Respiratory System
Diagnostic Studies of the Respiratory System
Procedures of the Respiratory System
Diseases and Conditions of the Respiratory System
Which term means pertaining to the lungs?
What does the word root encephal refer to?
What does the word root encephal refer to quizlet?
What is a root word in medical terminology?

First, this article will cover a list of word roots, and a few additional suffixes and prefixes specifically related to the respiratory system. Secondly, you will find terms related to respiratory specialties and their definitions. There is also a list of respiratory structures, diagnostic test, and procedures. Finally, there is a list containing diseases and conditions of the respiratory system.

If you need a background on how medical terms are formed, read the article on Medical Terminology Basics.Also, the article 11 Rules for Changing Singular Terms to Plural Terms is a good article for the use of singular and plural endings used in medical terminology.

Since a list of basic prefixes and suffixes has been presented in the previous article Medical Terminology of the Cardiovascular System, these lists are just a review of those medical terms.

Review of Prefixes

This section contains prefixes that are used for the medical terminology of most systems. Prefixes are used at the beginning of a word to modify or vary the meaning of the word. When the prefixes are detached from a term, it is followed by a hyphen (-).

Prefixes	Definition
a-, an-	no, not, without, away
aut-	self
brady-	slow
dia-	apart, through
end-, endo-	within, inside
exo-	outside of, without
epi-	above
hyper-	excessive
hypo-	insufficient
inter-	between
intra-	middle
media-	medium
medial-	situated or pertaining to the middle
medi-	middle
medio-	within
normo-	normal
per-	through
peri-	around
physio-, physi-	related to nature or physiology
poly-	many
pro-	before, for, in front of, from, in behalf of, on account of
re-	back, again
retro-	behind, back, backward
sub-	under, below, beneath, in small quantity, less than normal
syn-, sy-, syl-, sym-	union or association
tachy-	fast
trans-	across, through, beyond, over
ultra-	excess

Review of Suffixes

Below are some suffixes that can be used for the medical terminology of most systems. Suffixes are placed at the end of a word root or word part to modify or vary the meaning. Suffixes can indicate a condition, disease or a procedure. When a suffix is written detached it is preceded by a hyphen (-).

Suffixes	Definition
-ac. -al, -ar, -ary	Pertaining to
-ic	Pertaining to, characteristics
-ose, -ous	Pertaining to
-tic	Pertaining to
-centesis	surgical puncture as to aspirate or remove fluid
-cision	process of cutting
-ectomy	excision (surgical removal or cutting out)
-gram	a drawing or a written record
-graph	product of a drawing, writing or recording
-graphy	the process of recording
-ia	condition
-ism	condition process, theory of, principle, method
-itis	inflammation
-ologist	one who studies
-ology	study of
-lysis	process of loosening, freeing, or destroying
-opsy	to view
-osis	condition, status process
-otomy	cutting into
-ostomy	formation of an opening
-plasty	surgical repair
-pathy	disease
-sclerosis	hardening
-scope	instrument for viewing
-scopy	visual examination with a lighted instrument
-sis	state of, condition
-stasis	to stand, place, stop, control
-stenosis	narrowing
-tension	pressure
-therapy	treatment
-thoracic	chest
-ule	small

Word Root and Combining Vowel for the Respiratory System

This is a list of word roots with their combining vowel used for the respiratory system.

Word Root	Definition
alveol(o)	through, channel, cavity. Pertains to alveolus.
bronch(o)	bronchus
bronchi(o)	bronchioles
laryng(o)	larynx
lob(o)	lobe, rounded prominence
nas(o)	nose
pleur(o)	pleura
pneum(o)	lung, air
pneumon(o)	lung
pulm(o)	lung
pharyng(o)	pharynx
rhin(o)	nose, nose like
thorac(o)	chest
trache(o)	trachea, windpipe

Additional Respiratory Suffixes and Prefixes

Term	Definition
-pnea	breathing or breath
epiglott-	epiglottis
naso-	nose
oxi-, oxy	presence of oxygen
-oxia	condition of oxygenation

Respiratory Specialties

This is a list of the respiratory specialist and their general job description.

Term	Definition
Pulmonology	The science dealing with the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the lungs.
Pulmonologist	A person skilled in pulmonology.

The Structure and Function of the Respiratory System

The respiratory system brings air from the atmosphere into the lungs. The bloodstream carries air from the lung to the body’s tissue. The cells of the body use oxygen and produce a waste byproduct called carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide is toxic and can cause problems if allowed to remain in the body. The bloodstream removes this waste product and sends it back to the lungs. Also, the respiratory system helps maintain acid-base balance and is responsible for the creation of speech.

Check out the article Nursing Assessment of the Respiratory Systemand to learn about the different landmarks related to the respiratory system. Also, the article 9 Facts About the Respiratory System Every Nursing Student Should Know will give some foundational information about the respiratory system.

Remember, not all terms used for medical terminology use a prefix, word root, combining vowel or a suffix. But, they are still medical terminology related to the respiratory system.

Term	Definition
Alveolar	Little hollow; Pertains to the alveolus
	Alveoli is the plural form of alveolus.
	Alveolus also means little hollow.
Bronchus	Windpipe
	Bronchi is the plural form of bronchus.
	One of the large air passages in the lungs.
Bronchioles	Little windpipe
	Airways that extend from the bronchi.
Diaphragm	A dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity and the abdominal cavity.
Epiglottis	A leaf-like structure that covers the larynx that prevents food from entering the larynx.
Larynx	Organ of voice.
Lobe	A rounded projection of any structure like the lung.
Mediastinum	Mediastina is plural
	A part of the thoracic cavity.
Nasal	Pertaining to the nose or nasal cavity.
Oxygen	A gas that is odorless and tasteless which is essential for human respiration.
Pleura	Pleurae is the plural form of pleura.
	A serous membrane that encompasses the lungs.
Pulmonary	Pertaining to the lungs and respiratory system.
Pharyngeal	Pertaining to the pharynx.
	The pharynx is located behind the nasal cavities. It extends down to the larynx. The pharynx is very important because it is the only passage from the mouth and the nasal cavities to the lung.

Surfactant	A lipoprotein that reduces the surface tension in the alveoli and keeps the alveoli open.

Thorax	Thoraxes and thoraces is plural for thorax.
	The upper part of the chest containing the organs of respiration.
Trachea	The trachea extends from the cricoid cartilages to about midway of the chest around the 5th or 6th thoracic vertebrae. The windpipe is another name for the trachea.

Diagnostic Studies of the Respiratory System

Term	Definition
Arterial blood gases (ABGs)	The measurement of the oxygen and the carbon dioxide contents in arterial blood. This gives information about acid base balances and oxygenation.
Bronchoscopy	Bronch(o) refers to the bronchus
	-scopy is the visual examination with a lighted instrument.
	The visual examination of the tracheobronchial tree using an instrument called a bronchoscope. The instrument is a curved flexible tube that is lighted and projects an enlarged image.
Computed tomography (CT)	A technique that uses radiographic to produce an image of the cross section of tissue. This procedure can be used to find masses or tumors in the lungs.
Laryngoscopy	Laryng(o) refers to larynx
	-scopy is the visual examination with a lighted instrument.
	The use of an endoscope called a laryngoscope to view the laynx.
Lung biopsy	A test to gather specimen of pulmonary tissue for diagnosis.
Lung scan	A radiographic examination of the lung to gather information about the lung and the function of the lung.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)	Magnetic means lodestone
	Resonance means to sound again.
	Imaging means image.
	An MRI is a procedure used to produce an image by the creation of a magnetic field to give detailed information about the respiratory system.
Pulmonary angiography	Pulmonary means pertaining to the lungs
	Angi(o) refers to blood vessel
	-graphy refers to the process of recording.
	The examination of the blood vessels of the lungs.
Oximetry	Oxi- refers to oxygen
	A method for measuring the oxygen saturation of arterial blood.
Pulmonary function test (PFT)	An examination that test the ability of the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Spirometer	An instrument used to measure the amount of air inhaled and exhaled.
Spirometry	Evaluation of the air capacity of the lungs.
Ventilation-perfusion ratio (V/Q)	The ratio of pulmonary alveolar ventilation to pulmonary capillary perfusion.

Procedures of the Respiratory System

Term	Definition
Endotracheal intubation	Endo- refers to inward, within (end-ent-ento-)
	Tracheal means pertaining to the trachea.
	Intubation refers to the insertion of a tube into a body opening.
	A type of intubation in which a catheter is inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea for airway management.
Thoracentesis	Thora- refers to chest.
	-centesis refers to a surgical puncture to aspirate or remove fluid.
	The puncture of the chest wall and pleural space with a needle to aspirate fluid. This procedure is usually done to gather a specimen for a biopsy.
Thracotomy	Thorac- refers to chest.
	-otomy refers to cutting into.
	An opening made into the chest wall for the purpose of drainage.
Tracheostomy	Trache(o) means pertaining to the trachea
	-ostomy refers to the formation of an opening.
	The formation of an opening through the neck into the trachea to gain access to the airway below a blockage.

Diseases and Conditions of the Respiratory System

Term	Definition
Aspiration pneumonia	Aspiration means drawing in or out by suction.
	Pneum(o) refers to lungs or air
	Pneumonia is an acute inflammation of the lungs.
	A condition of the lungs caused by the inhalation of a foreign object or vomitus.
Asthma	A respiratory condition caused by constriction of the bronchi causing wheezing coughing and thick bronchial secretions.
Atelectasis	Ateles means incomplete (Greek)
	-ectasia means dilation, extension.
	A conditions characterized by collapse of the alveoli which prevent gas exchange in that part of the lung.
Bronchitis	Bronch- refers to the bronchus
	-itis means inflammation.
	Inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)	An umbrella of diseases including asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic bronchiectasis which cause decreased ability of inspiration and expiration the full capacity of the lungs.
Crackles	Air flowing by liquid cause crackles (rales).Crackles can be fine, medium or coarse.
	Fine crackles are high-pitched crackling or popping sound.
	Coarse crackles are a low-pitched gurgling sound.
	These sounds are usually heard during inspiration.
Emphysema	Em- means in or on
	-physema refers to blowing.
	Over-inflation or destruction of the alveolar wall causing decreased elasticity and decreased gas exchange.
Hemoptysis	Hemo- refers to blood or blood vessels.
	-ptysis refers to spitting of matter.
	Coughing up of blood from the respiratory tract.
Hemothorax	Hemo- refers to blood or blood vessels.
	Thorax refers to chest.
	The accumulation of blood and fluid in the pleural space in the chest.
Hyperventilation	Hyper- means excessive.
	Ventilation refers to the process of moving air in and out of the lungs (respiration).
	An increased respiratory rate (breaths per minute) and increased tidal volume ( air inhaled) greater than needed for gas exchange.
Hypoventilation	Hypo- means insufficient.
	Ventilation refers to the process of moving air in and out of the lungs (respiration).
	A decrease in the amount of air taken in which is inadequate to sustain metabolic demands.
Hypoxia	Hypo- means insufficient.
	Oxia- refers to oxygen.
	Inadequate oxygen in the body.
Pleural effusion	Pleural means pertaining to the pleura.
	Effusion means the escape of fluid into a cavity.
	An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.
Pleurisy	Pleura is the serous membrane enclosing the lungs and inflammation.
	Inflammation of the parietal pleura of the lungs.
Pneumothorax	Pneumo- refers to air.
	Thorax refers to the chest.
	An accumulation of air in the pleural space of the chest causing the lungs to collapse.
Pulmonary embolus	Pulmonary means pertaining to the lungs.
	Embolus is a thrombus, air, tissue or object that circulates in the bloodstream.
	The blockage of the pulmonary artery by a thrombus usually traveling from a peripheral vein.
Rhonchi	Air flowing over thick secretions cause rhonchi. Rhonchi create a low-pitched sound.
	They are usually continuous and prolonged.
Wheezes	Air flowing through constricted airways cause wheezes. Wheezes have a high-pitched musical sound and are usually continuous. They are heard on inspiration and expiration.
	High-pitched wheezes are sibilant.
	Low-pitched wheezes are sonorous.

Reference

Mosby’s Medical Dictionary (2017). 10th ed. St Louis, MO. Elsevier Inc.

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Which term means pertaining to the lungs?

The word pulmonary means "pertaining to the lungs." It is derived from the Latin root word pulmo, which means lung.

What does the word root encephal refer to?

Encephal- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “brain.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.

What does the word root encephal refer to quizlet?

oste. what does the word roots encephal refer to? brain.

What is a root word in medical terminology?

The root or stem of a medical term usually has been derived from a Greek or Latin noun or verb. This root expresses the basic meaning of the term. However, often that meaning will be modified by the addition of a prefix (at the beginning of the word) or the addition of a suffix (at the end of the word).