Amac Blog

Understanding anatomical terminology: Suffixes

Posted: 23rd Apr 2025 by Dave Lee

Anatomical terminology forms the foundation of medical language, utilising a systematic combination of prefixes, root words, and suffixes to create precise and descriptive terms. This standardised approach to medical terminology enables us to communicate effectively about the human body and its conditions.

We looked at prefixes and root words in detail previously, today we will explore suffixes – the word endings that help create specific medical meanings when combined with other word elements.

The building blocks of anatomical terms

Root words

Root words form the core of anatomical terms, carrying the fundamental meaning. They typically describe specific organs, body parts, or systems. For example:

  • Cardi (heart)
  • Osteo (bone)
  • Hepat (liver)
  • Nephro (kidney)
  • Derm (skin)

Prefixes

Prefixes are attached to the beginning of root words to modify their meaning, often indicating:

  • Location (sub-, supra-, inter-)
  • Number (uni-, bi-, poly-)
  • Time (pre-, post-)
  • Direction (endo-, exo-)
  • Condition (hyper-, hypo-)

Suffixes

Suffixes are added to the end of root words to:

  • Indicate a procedure (-ectomy, -otomy)
  • Describe a condition (-itis, -osis)
  • Denote a state (-ic, -al)
  • Specify a process (-genesis, -lysis)

Combining forms in anatomical terminology

When creating anatomical terms, these elements combine according to specific rules:

  • 1. The root word typically connects to the suffix using a combining vowel (usually ‘o’; such as glycolysis)
  • 2. Prefixes are added without changing the root word
  • 3. Multiple root words can be combined to form compound terms

Examples of term construction:

  • Gastroenteritis = Gastr (stomach) + enter (intestine) + itis (inflammation)
  • Cardiovascular = Cardi (heart) + vascul (vessel) + ar (relating to)
  • Osteomyelitis = Oste (bone) + myel (marrow) + itis (inflammation)

Common anatomical suffixes and their meanings


Suffix Meaning Example
-aemia Blood condition Anaemia – deficiency of red blood cells
-aesthesia Sensation Paraesthesia – abnormal sensation
-al Relating to Vertebral – relating to the vertebrae
-algia Pain Neuralgia – nerve pain
-asthenia Weakness Myasthenia – muscle weakness
-blast Immature cell/producing cell Osteoblast – bone-forming cell
-cele Hernia/swelling Hydrocele – fluid-filled swelling
-centesis Surgical puncture Thoracentesis – chest puncture
-cyte Cell Erythrocyte – red blood cell
-desis Binding/fusion Arthrodesis – joint fusion
-dipsia Thirst Polydipsia – excessive thirst
-dynia Pain Mastodynia – breast pain
-ectomy Surgical removal Appendectomy – removal of the appendix
-emesis Vomiting Haematemesis – vomiting blood
-form Shaped like Fusiform – spindle-shaped
-genesis Production/formation Osteogenesis – formation of bone
-genic Producing Carcinogenic – cancer-producing
-gnosis Knowledge Diagnosis – through knowledge
-gram Record/image Cardiogram – heart activity record
-ic Pertaining to/concerning Gastric – pertaining to the stomach
-itis Inflammation Arthritis – inflammation of joints
-kinesia Movement Dyskinesia – abnormal movement
-lepsy Seizure Narcolepsy – sleep seizure
-lysis Breakdown/destruction Glycolysis – breakdown of glucose
-malacia Softening Osteomalacia – bone softening
-megaly Enlargement Cardiomegaly – enlarged heart
-metre Measure Sphygmomanometre – blood pressure measuring device
-oedema Swelling Lymphoedema – lymphatic fluid swelling
-oid Resembling Thyroid – shield-shaped
-oma Tumour/mass Melanoma – tumour of melanin-producing cells
-opsia Vision condition Diplopia – double vision
-osis Condition, usually abnormal Osteoporosis – degenerative bone condition
-osmia Smell condition Anosmia – loss of smell
-otomy Cutting into Gastrotomy – surgical incision into the stomach
-ous Characterised by Fibrous – characterised by fibres
-paedia Related to children Orthopaedia – correction of children’s deformities
-pathy Disease Neuropathy – disease of the nervous system
-pexy Surgical fixation Nephropexy – surgical fixation of a floating kidney
-philia Attraction/affinity Haemophilia – bleeding disorder
-phobia Fear Claustrophobia – fear of enclosed spaces
-plasty Surgical repair/ reconstruction Rhinoplasty – surgical reconstruction of the nose
-plegia Paralysis Hemiplegia – paralysis of one side of body
-poiesis Production/formation Haematopoiesis – production of blood cells
-ptosis Falling/drooping Blepharoptosis – drooping eyelid
-rrhage Burst forth/excessive flow Haemorrhage – blood flow
-rrhoea Flow/discharge Rhinorrhoea – nasal discharge
-scope Instrument for viewing Stethoscope – instrument to examine the chest
-spasm Involuntary contraction Bronchospasm – airway muscle contraction
-stasis Stopping/controlling Haemostasis – stopping of blood flow
-stenosis Narrowing Arteriostenosis – narrowing of arteries
-trophy Nourishment/development Hypertrophy – excessive growth

The systematic construction of anatomical terminology through the combination of prefixes, root words, and suffixes provides a standardised language for medical communication. This structured approach allows for precise description of anatomical structures, medical conditions, and procedures, facilitating clear communication among healthcare professionals worldwide.

Understanding these building blocks and their rules of combination is essential for anyone working in or studying healthcare. It enables accurate interpretation of medical terms and contributes to better patient care through precise communication.

Blog post by

Dave Lee

Dave Lee

Dave Lee is the co-founder of Amac, he continues to write and produce all our courses and you might even find him teaching you.

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