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Medical Abbreviations
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List of prefixes (beginnings of the word) which can help you to understand complex medical terms. You can search this page using Ctrl + F
A - B - C - D - G - H - I - M - N - O - P - R
- abdomino—to do with the abdomen
- arthro—to do with the joints
- audio—to do with the ears
- brachio—to do with the arms
- carcino—to do with cancer
- cardio—to do with the heart
- cerebro—to do with the brain
- coronary—to do with the heart
- cranio—to do with the skull
- dermo—to do with the skin
- gastro—to do with the stomach
- haemo—to do with the blood
- hepato—to do with the liver
- histo—to do with the tissues
- immuno—to do with the immune system
- myo—to do with the muscles
- nephro—to do with the kidneys
- neuro—to do with the nervous system
- opthalmo—to do with the eyes
- ortho—to do with bones
- osteo—to do with bones
- phlebo—to do with the veins
- radio—to do with scans and X-rays
- renal—to do with the kidneys
Other beginnings (prefixes) can also give a clue as to the meaning of the word
- a—no/ nothing
- anti—prevents
- brady—slow
- dys—difficulty/ inability
- extra—outside
- hemi—one side
- hyper—high or fast
- hypo—low or slow
- sub—below
- tachy—fast
Some words are used to indicate an area/ position of the body, vessel, organ or tissue
- anterior—front
- posterior—back
- inferior—bottom/ below
- superior—top/ above
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