Anatomical Terms and their Derivation (136 pages)

Published byWorld Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.5 Toh Tuck Link, Singapore 596224USA office: 27 Warren Street, Suite 401-402, Hackensack, NJ 07601UK office: 57 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9HEBritish Library Cataloguing-in-Publication DataA catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.ANATOMICAL TERMS AND THEIR DERIVATIONCopyright © 2007 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form or by anymeans, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any informationstorage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without written permission fromthe Publisher.For photocopying of material in this volume, please pay a copying fee through theCopyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA. Inthis case permission to photocopy is not required from the publisher.ISBN 981-270-387-X (pbk)Typeset by Stallion PressEmail: enquiries@stallionpress.comPrinted in Singapore.

ANATOMICAL TERMS ANDTHEIR DERIVATIONAnatomy is gradually disappearing from the medical curriculum.This is partly because the curriculum is overcrowded and somethinghas to go. It is also because medical education assumes thatanatomy’s main value is for surgery and will be learnt later by beginningsurgeons. Yet anatomy for surgery is, paradoxically, the least of thereasons for doctors to know anatomy. There is, thus, a minor “surgery”of general practice that requires anatomy in situations where it cannotbe“looked up.”The knife for a sebaceous cyst in the neck easily leads toparalysis of the trapezius if anatomical knowledge has gone (or neverexisted). The needle at the elbow or buttock readily causes problemsif the simple anatomy is absent (or has disappeared). Even the finger(touching — palpation) or the eye (looking — observation) mislead ifwhat is under the skin has been forgotten (or was never known).Thus, the use of anatomy is widely misunderstood; it is certainlyfar wider than just surgery. Anatomy helps understand signs andsymptoms. Do we know how the local anatomy of special skin regionsrelates to oedema: swelling of the back of hand and foot in theupright patient, swelling around the eyes in the lying patient, swellingof the genitalia (especially alarming to the patient in a cardiac bed)in the sitting patient? Anatomy is important in clinical tests. Do weunderstand: the opposite side test, pressing in left iliac fossa givingpain in right iliac fossa in appendicitis; the obturator test, flexing andmedially rotating the right thigh causes pain from a pelvic appendixlying on the obturator muscle? Anatomy is important in everythingwe do in medicine. Do we know that accuracy in observation andv

Anatomical Terms and their Derivationdescription stem first from observation and description in anatomy?Do we realize that anatomical terms are the vocabulary of medicine,not just anatomy: how doctors communicate with one another, andwith the patient?Learning anatomy is also widely misunderstood; it is certainly farwider than just memorization of facts. Of course, memorization is animportant aid to learning in all disciplines. Paradoxically, this is one ofthe reasons for eliminating anatomy; it seems that it does not needto be learnt; it can be “looked up.” However, the information in texts,lists, pictures, notes, mnemonics and memory (rote-learning) thoughall useful initially, disappear in short order. Anatomy is only truly knownthrough understanding the underlying science; development: how itcame to be during a life time; evolution: how it came to be in myriads oflife times; function: how it works; experience: how it is used; application:when it goes wrong.Anatomy can be learnt from text-books, atlases, models,prosections and computers. This is second hand learning.It can also be learnt from many bodies, of the living as wellas the dead, of teachers, fellow students, health care colleagues,patients, and of one’s own body as well as the patient’s. This ispowerful first hand learning: listening, speaking, discussing, using,and above all, questioning. Questioning is the final basis of learning.All this communication requires an interface between the language ofmedicine and the language of life.All this leads to a new problem for today’s students. In prior times,students were often relatives of doctors or other professionals alreadypossessing a medical flavour; they usually had English as their firstlanguage; they had biological and classical backgrounds; they already“knew” what the words meant. In today’s world, in contrast, manystudents are from language groups (Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, theMiddle East) far removed from English; many lack the classics andbiology that utilize the words (in Australia, biological sciences are notvi

Anatomical Terms and their Derivationeven required at entry); many are baffled by the language of medicine.Such students ask:“Why do things have such complex names?”“If only we knew the meaning it would be easier to understand!”The teacher of the old days who could have enlightened them is almostextinct. The following text provides some of the information that thoseteachers might have given. It has been tested on medical studentsin the Universities of Tasmania and Western Australia. The studentresponse has been most gratifying.The small pocket word book is trulyavade mecum that goes with the student into all parts of medicine.Anatomy began as descriptive science in the days when Latinwas the universal scientific language, and early anatomists describedthe structures they saw in that language, comparing them to commonand familiar objects, or borrowing terms from the Greek and Arabicmasters before them.In anatomic terminology, common Latin or Greek words are usedas such for any part of the body for which the ancients had a name.For many other structures, scientific names have been invented (1)by using certain classical words which appear to be descriptive of thepart concerned, or (2) commonly, by combining Greek or Latin rootsto form a new compound term. Memorization of such terms withoutunderstanding their meaning can lead to mental indigestion. Here, theroots are also presented from which many of these descriptive termsand compounds are derived, as an aid to comprehension. For practicalconvenience, the book is organised into abbreviations, prefixes andsuffixes, general terms common to all body regions, short lists for eachmajor body part, and an alphabetical list covering the entire body.For a wider vocabulary, the use of a standard biological or medicaldictionary is recommended.Our thanks go to Ms Jill Aschman, Secretary of the Anatomy andPhysiology Department who did the original word processing, andto Dr K. K. Phua and Ms Lim Sook Cheng of World Scientific. Mostvii

Anatomical Terms and their Derivationimportant thanks of all go to generations of medical students in allthe medical schools in which we have worked. Their questions aboutmeanings have stimulated our answers and this pocket book.Hobart and PerthFPLCEO2006viii

CONTENTSAbbreviations .............................. 1Commonly Used Prefixes ....................... 2Commonly Used Suffixes ....................... 6Terms Common to All Anatomical Regions ............ 7Terms Important in the Upper Limb ................. 21Terms Important in the Lower Limb ................. 28Terms Important in the Thorax .................... 35Terms Important in the Abdomen and Pelvis ............ 44Terms Important in the Head and Neck ............... 58Terms Specific to the Nervous System ............... 74Alphabetical List of Terms ....................... 85ix

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ABBREVIATIONSAS. Anglo-SaxonA. Arabicdim. diminutiveF. FrenchGer. GermanG. GreekL. LatinNL. “New” LatinOF. Old Frenchpl. plural1

COMMONLY USED PREFIXESPrefix Meaning Examplea-, an- G. lacking, without asexual, without sexab- L. away from abduction, lead awayad- L. to, toward adduction, lead towardsaf- L. to, toward afferent, bring towardsamphi- G. on both sides,doubleamphiarthrosis, twojointsandro- G. a male androgen, maleproducingante- L. forward, before antebrachium, forearmanti-G. against, reverse, antihelix, reverse coilopposed toapo- G. from apocrine, secreting fromauto- G. autos, self autonomic, selfgoverningbasi-L. pertaining to thebasebasiocciput, occipitalbasebi- L. twice, double bicipital, two headsbrachy- G. short brachycephaly, shortheadcephalo- G. head cephalometry, headmeasurecircum- L. around, about circumduction, leadaroundchondro-G. chondras,cartilage2chondrocyte, cartilagecell

Commonly Used Prefixesco-, com-, con- L. together, with constrictor, draw togetherde- L. away from, down deglutition, swallow downdi- G. double, twice diaplegia, both sidesdi-, dia- G. through, between diaphragm, wall betweendis- L. apart, away disarticulate, joint aparte-, ecto-, ex- G. on outer side ectoderm, outer layerextra- L. extra, outside extradural, outside theduraem-, en- G. in, on embolism, wedge insideen-, endo- G. within endocardium, withinheartepi- G. upon, over epicardium, over hearteu-G. the better ofalternateseugenics, bettergenerationexo- G. outside exophthalmos, bulgingeyeextra- L. outside extracellular, outside thecellgastro- G. gaster, stomach,bellygastrocolic reflex,stomach-colon reflexhelico- G. twisted helicotrema, twisted holehemi- G. half hemisphere, half asphereholo- G. whole holocrine, wholesecretionhomo- G. one and the same homologoushyper-G. over, above,excessivehypertrophy, over growthhypo-G. under, deficient,belowhypothalamus, below thethalamusim-, in- L. not immature, not matureinfra- L. below infraorbital, below orbit3

Anatomical Terms and their Derivationinter- L. between intervertebral, betweenthe vertebraeintra- L. inside, within intramuscular, withinmuscleintro- L. within, into introspection, look insideiso- G. equal isometric, equal measuremacro- G. big, large macrocyte, large cellmega- G. great megalocyte, large cellmeta- G. change, after metacarpal, after thecarpus (wrist)mes-, meso- G. middle mesogastriummicro- G. small microscope, lookingsmallmyo- G. mys, muscle combining form ofmuscleneuro- G. neuron, nerve combining form of nerve(tendon, seeaponeurosis)omni- L. omnis, all omnipotent, all powerfulomphalo- G. combining form signifying the navel(omphalos)oo- G. oon, egg oocyte, egg cellortho-G. orthos, straight,directorthograde, straightwalkingosteo- G. osteon, bone osteocyte, bone cellpara- G. by the side of paravertebral, beside thevertebraeperi- G. around peritoneum, stretchedaroundpost- L. after, behind postaxial, behind the axisprae-, pre- L. before prenatal, before birthpro- G. before, for pronephros, beforekidney4

Commonly Used Prefixesre- L. again, back reflect, turn backretro- L. backward, behind retroperitoneal, behindthe peritoneumsemi- L. half semimembranosus, halfmembranoussub- L. under subclavius, underclaviclesupra- L. above supraspinatous, abovespinesym-, syn- G. together, with symphysis, synostosistrans- L. across transpyloric, acrosspylorusultra- L. in excess, beyond ultrasonic, beyond(audible) sounds5

COMMONLY USED SUFFIXESSuffix Meaning Example-algia G. algos, pain neuralgia, nerve pain-coele G. koilia, hollow blastocoele, hollow cellball-ectomy G. ek-tome, cutting out appendicectomy-form L. forma, shape fusiform, spindle shaped-graph G. graphein, to write radiograph-itis G. suffix indicatingconjunctivitisinflammation-logy G. logos, treatise, word, pathologystudy of-oid G. eidos, form,mastoid, breast shapedresemblance-opia G. opsis, sight diplopia, double vision-pathy G. pathos, suffering sympathy-rhoea G. rhein, to flow diarrhoea-scopy G. skopein, to view endoscopy-tomy G. temnein, to cut hysterectomy-uria G. ouron, urine haematuria, blood in urine6

TERMS COMMON TO ALLANATOMICAL REGIONSAbductor.L. ab, away,+ ducere, to lead.Aberrant.L. ab, away,+ errare, to stray.Accessory.L. accessorius, supplementary.Adductor.L. ad, to,+ ducere, to lead.Adhesion.L. adhaereo, to stick together.Adipose.L. adeps, fat.Aditus.L. aditus, opening.Adnexa.L. ad, to,+ nexus, bound.Adventia.L. ad, to,+ venire, to come.Afferent.L. ad, to,+ ferre, to carry.Agonist.G. agonistes, rival.Analogy.G. ana, according to, + logos, treatise.Anastomosis. G. anastomoein, to bring to a mouth, causeto communicate.Anatomy.G. ana, apart, + tennein, to cut.Anlage. Ger. an, on, + legen, to lay (a laying on —primordium, precursor).Annulus.L. anulus (annulus), a ring.Anomaly.G. an, without, + nomos, law.Antagonist. G. anti, against, agonistes, rival.Anteflexion. L. ante, before, + flexere, to bend.Anterior.L. ante, before.Anteversion. L. ante, before, + versio, turning.Apertura.L. apertura, opening.Apocrine.G. apo, from, + krinein, to separate.7

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationAqueous.Arrector.Artefact.Artery.Articulation.Aspera.Asthenic.Atavistic.Ataxia.Atelectasis.Atresia.Atrophy.Autonomic.Axial.Axis.Axon.Basal.Bifid.Bifurcate.Bilateral.Biventer.Brevis.Bulbus.Bulla.Bursa.L. aqua, water.L. arrigere, to raise, thus arrectores pilorum,small muscles in skin that erect the hairs.L. arte, byart,+ factus, made.G. aer, air, + terein, to keep (L. arteria,windpipe); ancient belief that blood vesselscontained air.L. artus, joint, articulatus, little joint,pl. articulationes, joints.L. asper, rough.G. a, without, + sthenos, strength.L. atavus, grandfather.G. a, without, + taxis, order.G. ateles, incomplete, + ectasis, expansion.G. a, without, + tresis, hole.G. a, without, + trophe, nourishment.G. autos, self, + nomos, law.L. axis, axle of a wheel, the line about whichany body turns.L. axis, axle of a wheel.G. axon, axis.L. basis, footing, base.L. bis, two,+ findere, to cleave.L. bis, two,+ furca, fork.L. bi, two,+ latus, side.L. bis, two,+ venter, belly.L. brevis, short.L. bulbus, bulb, swollen root.L. bulla, a bubble; hence spherical in shape.L. bursa, a purse; hence purse-shapedobject.8

Terms Common to All Anatomical RegionsCalcar.Calcification.Callous.Canaliculus.Cancellous.Capillary.Capsule.Cardinal.Cartilage.Caruncle.Cauda, caudalCava.Cavernosus.Cavum.Chorda.Chorion.Choroid.Circumflex.Collagen.Collateral.Colliculus.Colloid.Comes.Comitans(pl. comitantes).Commissure.Communicans.Convolution.Corpus(pl. corpora).L. calcar, spur.L. calx, lime, + facere, tomake.L. as above, newly formed bone at fracturesite.L. canalis, watepipe.L. cancelli, latticework.L. capillaris, pertaining to the hair.L. dim. of capsa, box.L. cardinalis, pertaining to a door hinge, onwhich something important or fundamentalhinges.L. cartilago, gristle, cartilage.L. dim. of caro, flesh, any fleshy eminence.L. cauda, tail.L. cavus, -a, -um, hollow or cave.L. caverna, a hollow or cave.L. cavum, a hollow or cave.G. chorde, string of gut, cord.G. chorion, skin.G. chorion, skin, + eidos, shape, likeness.L. circum, around, + flexere, to bend.G. kolla, glue, + L. gen, begetter of.L. con, together, + latus, side.L. colliculus, little hill.G. kolla, glue, + eidos, likeness, shape.L. comes, companion.L. comitari, to accompany.L. commissura (cum + mittere), connection.L. communicans, communicating.L. con, together, + volvo, to roll.L. body.9

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationCorpuscle.Crista.Cruciate.Crus (pl. crura).Cutaneous.Cuticle.Cutis.Cyst (adj. cystic).Decussation.Deferens.Dendrite.Depressor.Dermal.Dermatome.Dermis.Detritus.Detrusor.Distal.Diverticulum.Dizygotic.Dorsal.Duct.Ductule.Ectoderm.Effector.Efferent.Eminence.Emissary.Endochondral.Endoderm.L. corpusculum, little body.L. crista, crest.L. crux, cross.L. crus, leg.L. cutis, skin.L. cutis, skin.L. cutis, skin.G. kystis, bag, bladder, pouch.L. decussatio, intersection of two lines, as inRoman X.L. de, away,+ ferens, carrying.G. dendros, tree.L. de, down, + premere, to press.G. derma, skin.G. derma, skin, + temnein, to cut.G. derma, skin.L. deterere, torubaway.L. detrudere, to push down.L. distare, to stand apart.L. divertere, to turn aside.G. dis, twice, + zygoo, join together.L. dorsum, back.L. ducere, to lead or draw.L. ducere, to lead, dim.G. ektos, outside, + derma, skin.L. efficere, to bring to pass.L. ex, out, + ferre, to bear.L. e, out, + minere, to jut.L. e, out, + mittere, to send.G. endon, within, + chondros, cartilage.G. endon, within, + derma, skin.10

Terms Common to All Anatomical RegionsEndomysium.Endoneurium.Endosteum.Endoskeleton.Endothelium.Epidermis.Epimysium.Epineurium.Epithelium.Eversion.Exocrine.Extension.Extensor.Extrinsic.Exudate.Fascia (pl. -iae).Fasciculus.Fenestra.Fibre, Fiber.Fibril.Fibroblast.Fibrocartilage.Filament.Fissure.Fistula.Flaccid.Flexor.Follicle.Foramen.Form.Fossa.Fundiform.G. endon, within, + mys, muscle.G. endon, within, + neuron, nerve.G. endon, within, + osteon, bone.G. endon, within, + skeletos, dried up.G. endon, within, + thele, nipple.G. epi, on, + derma, skin.G. epi, upon, + mys, muscle.G. epi, on, + neuron, nerve.G. epi, on, + thele, nipple.L. e, out, + vertere, to turn.G. ex, out, + krinein, to separate.L. extendo, extend.L. ex, out, + tendere, to stretch.L. extrinsecus, on the outside.L. ex, out, + sudare, to sweat.L. fascia, band.L. fascis, bundle.L. fenestra, window.L. fibra, fibre, string, thread.NL. fibrilla, a little thread.L. fibra, fibre, + blastos, bud.L. fibra, fibre, + cartilago, gristle.L. filamentum, thin fibre.L. fissura (findo), a cleft.L. fistula, pipe.L. flaccidus, weak.L. flexus, bent.L. folliculus, a small bag.L. foramen, hole.L. forma, shape.L. fossa, ditch, channel, something dug.L. funda, sling, + forma, shape, likeness.11

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationFundus.Funicular.Fusiform.Germinal.Germinative.Gestation.Gland.Glia.Habitus.Haemal, hemal.Hemiplegia.Hemisphere.Hemoglobin,Haemoglobin.Hemopoietic,Haemopoietic.Hilum.Holocrine.Homology.Hormone.Humor.Hypaxial.Implantation.Impression.Incisura.Inductor.Innervation.Insertion.Integument.L. fundus, bottom.L. funis, rope.L. fusus, spindle, + forma, shape,likeness.L. germen, bud, germ.L. germen, bud, germ.L. gestare, to bear.L. glandula, dim. glans, acorn, pellet.G. gloia, glue.L. habitus, condition of the body.G. haima, blood.G. hemi, half, + plege, stroke.G. hemi, half, + sphaira, ball.G. haima, blood, + L. globus, sphere.G. haima, blood, + poietikos, creative.L. hilum, a small thing.G. holos, whole, + krinein, to separate.G. homos, same, + logos, treatise.G. hormaein, to excite.L. humor, moisture, fluid.G. hypo, under, + L. axis, centre line, axis.L. in, in, + plantere, to plant.L. in, in, + premere, to press.L. incidere, to cut into.L. inducere, to lead on, excite.L. in, in, + nervus, nerve.L. in, in, + serere, to plant.L. in, over,+ tegere, tocover.12

Terms Common to All Anatomical RegionsIntercalated.Interdigitating.Interstitial.Intima.Intrinsic.Invagination.Inversion.Juxtaposition.Karyocyte.Karyolysis.Kinetic.Lacerate.Lacuna.Lamella.Lamina (pl. -ae).Lateral.Leucocyte,Leukocyte.Ligamentum.Lipid.Lobus.Locus.Lymph.Lymphocyte.Macrophage.Macroscopic.L. inter, between, + calare, to call, insertedor placed between.L. inter, between, + digitus, digit, interlockedby finger-like processes.L. inter, between, + sistere, to set, thusplaced in spaces or gaps.L. intima, innermost.L. intrinsecus, inward.L. in, in, + vagina, sheath.L. in, in, + vertere, to turn.L. juxta, near, + positio, place.G. karyon, nucleus, nut, + kytos, cell.G. karyon, nucleus, nut, + lysis, loosening.G. kinesis, movement.L. lacerare, to tear.L. lacuna, pond.L. dim. of lamina, leaf.L. lamina, thin plate.L. lateralis (latus), pertaining to a side.G. leukos, white, + kytos, cell.L. ligamentum, a bandage.G. lipos, fat, + eidos, resemblance.G. lobos, lobe.L. locus, place.L. lympha, spring water.L. lympha, spring water, + G. kytos, cell.G. makros, large, + phagein, to eat.G. makros, large, + skopeo, I see.13

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationMarginal.Matrix.Meatus (pl. -us).Medial.Median.Megaloblast.Membrane.Merocrine.Mesenchyme.Mesoderm.Mesothelium.Metabolic.Metaphase.Metaplasia.Microscope.Microsome.Mitochondria.Mitosis.Monocyte.Morphology.Mucus.Muscle.Myology.Myotome.Necrosis.Necropsy.Nerve.Neural.Neuralgia.L. marginalis (margo), bordering.L. matrix (mater), womb, groundwork, mold.L. meatus, passage.L. medialis (medius), pertaining to the middle.L. medianus, in the middle.G. megas, big, + blastos, bud.L. membrana, skin.G. meros, portion, + krinein, to separate.G. mesos, middle, + en, in, + chymos, juice.G. mesos, middle, + derma, skin.G. mesos, middle, + thele, nipple, hencemiddle lining layer.G. metabole, change.G. meta, after, + phasis, appearance.G. meta, after, + plasma, formed, molded.G. mikros, small, + skopeo, I look.G. mikros, small, + soma, body.G. mitos, thread, + chondrion, grain.G. mitos, thread.G. monos, single, + kytos, cell.G. morphos, form, + logos, treatise.L. mucus, G.muxa, snivel, slipperysecretion.L. musculus, little mouse.G. mys, muscle, + logos, treatise.G. mys, myos, muscle, + tome, a cutting.G. nekrosis, a killing.G. nekros, corpse, + opsis, sight.L. nervus, G.neuron, cordlike structure,nerve, tendon.G. neuron, nerve.G. neuron, nerve, + algos, pain.14

Terms Common to All Anatomical RegionsNeuraxon.Neurilemma.Neuroblast.Neuroectomy.Neuroglia.Neurology.Neuron.Neuropil.Neuropore.Node.Norma.Normoblast.Nucleolus.Nucleus.Occlusion.Oedema, Edema.Oestrus, Estrus.Oligodendroglia.Opposition.Organ.Orifice.Os.Osseous.Ossicle.Ossification.Osteone.Osteocyte.Osteology.G. neuron, nerve, + axon, axis.G. neuron, nerve, + lemma, husk, sheath.G. neuron, nerve, + blastos, bud.G. neuron, nerve, + ektome, excision.G. neuron, nerve, + gloia, glue.G. neuron, nerve, + logos, treatise.G. neuron, cordlike structure, sinew, tendon;equivalent of L. nervus, hence, nerve.G. neuron, nerve, + pilos, felt.G. neuron, nerve, + poros, hole.L. nodus, knot.L. norma, rule, square used by carpenters,hence standard viewpoint.L. norma, rule, + blastos, bud.L. nucleus, nut. New derivation “smallnucleus.”L. nucleus, nut.L. ob, before, + claudo, I close.G. oidema, swelling.G. oistros, stinging insect, stung into activityat time of heat.G. oligos, few,+ dendron, tree, + gloia, glue.L. ob, inthewayof,+ positus, placed.L. organum, implement.L. orificium, opening.L. os, bone.L. os (pl. ossa), bone.L. ossiculum, small bone.L. os, bone, + facere, tomake.G. osteon, bone.G. osteon, bone, + kytos, cell.G. osteon, bone, + logos, treatise.15

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationOsteolysis.Ostium.G. osteon, bone, + lysis, melting.L. ostium, door.Paradox.Paraesthesia,Paresthesis.Paraganglion.Paralysis.Paramedian.Paraplegia.Parasympathetic.Paraxial.Paresis.Pathology.Perichondrium.Perimysium.Periosteum.Phagocyte.Phenotype.Physic.Physis.Piriform.Placode.Plantigrade.Plasma.Platelet.Pleomorphic.G. para, alongside of, + doxa, belief.G. para, alongside of, + aisthesis, sensation.G. para, along, beside, + ganglion, knot.G. para, alongside of, + lyein, to loosen.G. para, alongside of, + mesos, middle.G. para, alongside of, + plesso, I strike.G. para, alongside of, + sympathetikos,sympathetic.G. para, alongside of, + L. axis, axle.G. paresis, relaxation.G. pathos, disease, + logos, treatise.G. peri, around, + chondros, cartilage.G. peri, around, + mys, muscle.G. peri, around, + osteon, bone.G. phagein, to eat, + kytos, cell.G. phainein, to display, + typos, type.G. physikos, natural.G. phyein, to generate, hence an outgrowth.L. pirum, pear, + forma, shape, likeness.G. plax, anything flat.L. planta, side of foot, + gradior, to walk.G. plasma, something formed.OF. plate, plate.G. pleon, more (or many) + G. morphos,forms.L. plexus, plaiting, braid.G. poikilos, diversified, + kytos, cell.Plexus (pl. -us).Poikilocyte.Polymorphonuclear. G. polys, many, + morphe, form, +L. nucleus, nut; hence mixed term.16

Terms Common to All Anatomical RegionsPore.Porta.Portal.Portio.Porus.Primordial.Processus.Prochordal.Profundus.Progesterone.Promontory.Proprioceptor.Proptosis.Prosector.Protoplasm.Protuberance.Proximal.Pyknic.Pyknosis.Pyramid.Pyriform.Quadrangular.Quadratus.Quadriceps.Quadrigeminus.Radicle.Radix.Ramify.Ramus.Raphe.Receptor.L. porus, passage.L. porta (pl. -ae), gate.L. porta (pl. -ae), gate.L. portio, part.G. poros, passage.L. primordium, beginning.L. processus, going forwards.G. pro, in front of, + chorde, cord.L. profundus, deep.G. pro, before, + gerere, to bear.G. promontorium, mountain ridge.L. proprius, special, + capere, totake.G. pro, before, + ptosis, falling.G. pro, before, + L. secare, to cut.G. protos, first, + plasma, form.L. protubero, I swell.L. proximus, next.G. pyknos, compact.G. pyknos, compact.G. pyramis, pyramid.L. pirum, pear, + forma, shape.L. quattuor four + L. angulus, four angles.L. quadratus, squared.L. quattuor, four, + caput, head.L. quadrigeminus, four-fold, four.L. radix, root.L. radix, root.L. ramus, branch, + facere, tomake.L. ramus, branch.G. raphe, seam.L. recipere, to take back, receive.17

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationRecess.Reflect.Reticulocyte.Reticulum.Retraction.Retractor.Rostrum (pl. -a).Rotator.Sac.Sacculus.Sagittal.Sarcolemma.Scala.Sclerotic.Sebaceous.Sebum.Sigmoid.Sinister.Sinus (pl. -us).Sinusoid.Soma.Somatic.Somatopleure.Somite.Splanchnic.Spongiosum.Spongioblast.Squamo-.L. recessus, retreat.L. reflecto, to turn back.L. reticulum, little net, + kytos, cell.L. reticulum, little net.L. re, back, + trahere, todraw.L. retrahere, todrawback.L. rostrum, beak.L. rotare, to whirl about.L. saccus, sack.L. sacculus, a little bag.L. sagitta, arrow; shape of saggital sutureincluding the lambdoid suture.G. sarx, flesh, + lemma, husk, skin.L. scala, staircase.G. skleros, hard.L. sebum, tallow, grease.L. sebum, tallow.G. sigma, Greek letter, + eidos, shape,likeness.L. sinister, left side or unlucky.L. sinus, curve, cavity, bosom.L. sinus, curve, cavity, + eidos, shape,likeness.G. soma, body.G. soma (pl. somata), body.G. soma, body, + pleura, side.G. soma, body, + suffix -ite, indicatingorigin.G. splanchna, viscera.G. spongia, sponge.G. spongia, sponge, + blastos, germ, bud.L. squama, scale.18

Terms Common to All Anatomical RegionsStenosis.Sthenic.Stratum (pl. strata).Stria.Striatum.Stroma.Sulcus.Suture.Sympathetic.Synapse.Synarthrosis.Synchrondosis.Syncytium.Syndesmosis.Syndrome.Synergy.Synostosis.Synovia.Tendon.Tensor.Teres.Terminalis.Theca.Thrombocyte.Thrombus.Tome.Trabecula (pl. -ae).Tract.Trophoblast.Tuberosity.Tunica.G. stenosis, narrowing.G. sthenos, strength.L. stratum, layer.L. stria, furrow.L. striatus, grooved, streaked.G. stroma, blanket.L. sulcus, furrow.L. sutura, seam, sewing together.G. syn, together, + pathein, to suffer.G. syn, together, + haptein, to fasten.G. syn, together, + arthron, joint.G. syn, together, + chondros, cartilage.G. syn, together, + cytos, cell.G. syn, together, + desmosis, band.G. syndrome, occurrence.G. syn, together, + ergon, work.G. syn, together, + osteon, bone.G. syn, together, + ovum, egg.L. tendere, to stretch.L. tendere, to stretch.L. tero, I grind, rub.L. terminare, to limit.L. theca, envelope, sheath.G. thrombos, lump, + kytos, cell.G. thrombus, lump.G. tennein, to cut.L. trabecula, a little beam.L. tractus, wool drawn out for spinning.G. trophe, nourishment, + blastos, bud.L. tuber, round smooth swelling.L. tunica, undergarment.19

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationUnciform.Uncinate.Uncus.Valve.Valvula.Vas.Vascular.Vein.Ventral.Vertex.Vestige.Zona.Zonula.Zygote.L. uncus, hook, + forma, shape.L. uncinatus, furnished with a hook.L. uncus, hook.L. valva, leaf of door.L. valvula, a little fold, valve.L. vas, vessel.L. vasculum, small vessel.L. vena, vein.L. venter, belly.L. vertex, whirl, whirlpool.L. vestigium, trace, footprint.L. zona, belt, girdle.L. dim. of zona, belt, girdle.G. zygoein, to yoke together.20

TERMS IMPORTANT IN THEUPPER LIMBAbductor.Accessory.Acromion.Adductor.Anconeus.Angle.Annulus.Ansa.Antebrachium.Anteflexion.Anteversion.Appendicular.Axilla.Basilic.Biceps.Bipennate.Biventer.Brachial.Brachium (pl. -ia).Brevis.Bursa.Capitulum.L. ab, away,+ ducere, to lead.L. accessorius, supplementary.G. akron, height, extremity, + omos, shoulder.L. ad, to,+ ducere, to lead.G. agkon, elbow.L. angulus, angle.L. anulus (annulus), a ring.L. ansa, handle.L. ante, before, + brachium, arm.L. ante, before, + flexere, to bend.L. ante, before, + versio, turning.adjectival form of appendix.L. axilla, armpit.A. al-basilic, inner vein.L. bis, two,+ caput, head.L. bis, two,+ pinna, feather.L. bis, two,+ venter, belly.L. brachialis, belonging to the arm(upper arm).L. brachium, arm, (upper arm).L. brevis, short.L. bursa, a purse; hence purse-shaped object.L. dim. caput, small head.21

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationCapsule.Caput (pl. capita).Carpus.Cervical.Cingulum.Circumflex.Clavicle.Collateral.Collum.Comes.Comitans(pl. comitantes).Communicans.Condyle.Coraco-, corono-.Coracoid.Corium.Corpus(pl. corpora).Crista.Cubitus.Dactyl.Deltoid.Dermatome.Diaphysis.Diarthrosis.Digit.Disc.Distal.Dorsal.L. dim. of capsa, box.L. caput, head.G. karpos, wrist.L. cervix, neck.L. cingulum, girdle.L. circum, around, + flexere, to bend.L. clavicula, a little key.L. con, together, + latus, side.L. collum, neck.L. comes, companion.L. comitari, to accompany.L. communicans, communicating.G. kondylos, knuckle.G. korax or corone, crow; hence crowlike.G. korax, crow, + eidos, form, likeness.G. chorion, skin, leather.L. body.L. crista, crest.L. cubitus, elbow.G. daktylos, finger.G. delta, letter in Greek alphabet,triangular-shaped.G. derma, skin, + temnein, to cut.G. dia, between, + physis, growth.G. dia, through, + arthroun, to fastenby a joint.L. digitus, finger.L. discus, disc.L. distare, to stand apart.L. dorsum, back.22

Terms Important in the Upper LimbEpicondyle.Epiphysis.Epithelium.Eversion.Extension.Extensor.Extrinsic.Fascia (pl. -iae).Fasciculus.Flaccid.Flexor.Foramen.Fossa.Fusiform.Ganglion.Ginglymus.Glenoid.Hamatum.Hamulus.Humerus.Hyaline.Hypaxial.Incisura.Index.Infraspinous.Insertion.Integument.Intercalated.G. epi, on, + kondylos, knuckle.G. epi, on, + physis, growth.G. epi, on, + thele, nipple.L. e, out, + vertere, to turn.L. extendo, extend.L. ex, out, + tendere, to stretch.L. extrinsecus, on the outside.L. fascia, band.L. fascis, bundle.L. flaccidus, weak.L. flexus, bent.L. foramen, hole.L. fossa, ditch, channel, something dug.L. fusus, spindle, + forma, shape, likeness.G. ganglion, a swelling under the skin.G. ginglymus, hinge.G. glene, socket, + eidos, form, likeness.L. hamatus, hook-shaped.L. dim. hamus, hook.L. humerus, shoulder.G. hyalos, glass.G. hypo, under, + L. axis, centre line, axis.L. incidere, to cut into.L. index, pointer.L. infra, below, + spina, spine.L. in, in, + serere, to plant.L. in, over,+ tegere, tocover.L. inter, between, + calare, to call, inserted orplaced between.23

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationInterdigitating.Intima.Intrinsic.Invagination.Inversion.Juxtaposition.Kinetic.Labrum.Lateral.Latissimus.Levator.Ligamentum.Locus.Longus.Lumbrical.Magnus, -a, -um.Mammary.Mammillary.Manubrium.Manus.Marginal.Matrix.Metacarpus.Metaphysis.Minimus.L. inter, between, + digitus, digit, interlockedby finger-like processes.L. intima, innermost.L. intrinsecus, inward.L. in, in, + vagina, sheath.L. in, in, + vertere, to turn.L. juxta, near, + positio, place.G. kinesis, movement.L. labrum, rim.L. lateralis (latus), pertaining to a side.L. superlative, latus, broad, therefore verybroad.L. levare, to raise.L. ligamentum, a bandage.L. locus, place.L. longus, long.L. lumbricus, earthworm.L. magnus, large.L. mamma, breast.L. dim. mammillaris (mamma, -ae), littlebreast.L. manubrium, handle, hilt (as of a sword).L. manus, hand.L. marginalis (margo), bordering.L. matrix (mater), womb, groundwork, mold.G. meta, after, + L. carpus, wrist.G. meta, after, + physis, growth.L. minimus, least.24

Terms Important in the Upper LimbNerve.Neural.Neuralgia.Neuron.Node.Norma.Olecranon.Opposition.Os.Osseous.Ossicle.Ossification.Osteology.Palma.Paramedian.Parasternal.Parasympathetic.Paraxial.Pectoral.Phalanges.Pisiform.Platysma.Plexus (pl. -us).Pollex.Pronator.L. nervus, G.neuron, cordlike structure, nerve,tendon.G. neuron, nerve.G. neuron, nerve, + algos, pain.G. neuron, cordlike structure, sinew, tendon;equivalent of L. nervus, hence, nerve.L. nodus, knot.L. norma, rule, square used by carpenters,hence standard viewpoint.G. olene, elbow, + kranion, head.L. ob, inthewayof,+ positus, placed.L. os, bone.L. os (pl. ossa), bone.L. ossiculum, small bone.L. os, bone, + facere, tomake.G. osteon, bone, + logos, treatise.L. palma, the (open) hand.G. para, alongside of, + mesos, middle.G. para, alongside of, + sternon, chest.G. para, alongside of, + sympathetikos,sympathetic.G. para, alongside of, + L. axis, axle.L.pectoralis (pectus), belonging to the breast.G. phalanx, band of soldiers; singular phalanx,originally denoted whole set of bones of adigit not just one bone.L. pisum, pea, + forma, shape.G. platysma, plate.L. plexus, plaiting, braid.L. pollex, thumb.L. pronare, to turn face downward.25

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationProtuberance.Proximal.Quadrangular.Radial.Radicle.Radius.Radix.Ramus.Raphe.Reflect.Retraction.Retractor.Rotator.Sagittal.Scalene.Scaphoid.Scapula.Sesamoid.Sinister.Somatic.Somite.Spina.Sternum.Supination.Supinator.Supraspinatus.Synapse.Synarthrosis.L. protubero, I swell.L. proximus, next.L. quattuor four + L. angulus, four angles.L. radius, rod, spoke.L. radix, root.L. radius, rod, spoke.L. radix, root.L. ramus, branch.G. raphe, seam.L. reflecto, to turn back.L. re, back, + trahere, todraw.L. retrahere, todrawback.L. rotare, to whirl about.L. sagitta, arrow; shape of saggital sutureincluding the lambdoid suture.G. skalenos, uneven.G. skaphe, boat, + eidos, shape, likeness.L. scapulae, shoulder-blades.G. sesamen, sesame plant, or seed, + eidos,shape, likeness.L. sinister, left side or unlucky.G. soma (pl. somata), body.G. soma, body, + suffix -ite, indicating origin.L. spina, thorn.G. sternon, chest.L. supinus, lying on the back.L. supinare, to bend backward.L. supra, above, + spina, thorn.G. syn, together, + haptein, to fasten.G. syn, together, + arthron, joint.26

Terms Important in the Upper LimbSynchrondosis.Syndesmosis.Synergy.Synostosis.Synovia.Tendon.Tensor.Teres.Theca.Thenar.Trapezius.Triceps.Triquetrum.Trochanter.Trochlea.Tuberosity.Ulna.Uncus.Unipennate.Ventral.Vestige.Volar.Xiphoid.G. syn, together, + chondros, cartilage.G. syn, together, + desmosis, band.G. syn, together, + ergon, work.G. syn, together, + osteon, bone.G. syn, together, + ovum, egg.L. tendere, to stretch.L. tendere, to stretch.L. tero, I grind, rub.L. theca, envelope, sheath.G. thenar, hand.G. trapezion, small four-sided table.L. tres, three, + caput, head.L. triquetrus, three-cornered, triangular.G. trochos, wheel, pulley.G. trochilia, pulley.L. tuber, round smooth swelling.L. ulna, elbow.L. uncus, hook.L. unus, one, + penna, feather.L. venter, belly.L. vestigium, trace, footprint.L. vola, palm of hand.G. xiphos, sword, + eidos, shape, likeness.27

TERMS IMPORTANT IN THELOWER LIMBAbductor.Acetabulum.Adductor.Adhesion.Adipose.Amphiarthrosis.Anastomosis.Ankle.Annulus.Anterior.Aponeurosis.Arcuate.Artery.Articulation.Aspera.Axial.Axis.L. ab, away,+ ducere, to lead.L. acetabulum, vinegar cup, shape of hipjoint.L. ad, to,+ ducere, to lead.L. adhaereo, to stick together.L. adeps, fat.G. amphi, on both sides, + arthrosis, joint.G. anastomoein, to bring to a mouth, causeto communicate.L. angulus, angle.L. anulus (annulus), a ring.L. ante, before.G. apo, from, + neuron, tendon (earlier:nerve, later: tendon).L. arcualis, arch-shaped.G. aer, air, + terein, to keep (L. arteria,windpipe); ancient belief that bloodvessels contained air.L. artus, joint, articulatus, little joint,pl. articulationes, joints.L. asper, rough.L. axis, axle of a wheel, the line about whichany body turns.L. axis, axle of a wheel.28

Terms Important in the Lower LimbBiceps.Bilateral.Bipennate.Brevis.Bursa.Calcaneus.Calcar.Calcification.Capsule.Caput (pl. capita).Cauda, caudal.Cingulum.Circumflex.Collateral.Comes.Comitans(pl. comitantes).Commissure.Communicans.Condyle.Coxa.Crista.Cruciate.Crus (pl. crura).Cuboid.Cuneiform.Diaphysis.Diarthrosis.Digit.L. bis, two,+ caput, head.L. bi, two,+ latus, side.L. bis, two,+ pinna, feather.L. brevis, short.L. bursa, a purse; hence purse-shapedobject.L. calcaneus, heel.L. calcar, spur.L. calx, lime, + facere, tomake.L. dim. of capsa, box.L. caput, head.L. cauda, tail.L. cingulum, girdle.L. circum, around, + flexere, to bend.L. con, together, + latus, side.L. comes, companion.L. comitari, to accompany.L. commissura (cum + mittere), connection.L. communicans, communicating.G. kondylos, knuckle.L. coxa, hip.L. crista, crest.L. crux, cross.L. crus, leg.G. kuboeides, cube-shaped.L. cuneus, wedge, + forma, shape, likeness.G. dia, between, + physis, growth.G. dia, through, + arthroun, to fastenby a joint.L. digitus, finger.29

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationDisc.Distal.Dorsal.Eminence.Emissary.Epicondyle.Epiphysis.Eversion.Extension.Extensor.Extrinsic.Falciform.Fascia (pl. -iae).Fasciculus.Femur.Fibula.Flexor.Foramen.Fossa.Fulcrum.Fusiform.Gastrocnemius.Gemellus.Geniculate.Genu.Ginglymus.Gluteus.Gracilis.L. discus, disc.L. distare, to stand apart.L. dorsum, back.L. e, out, + minere, to jut.L. e, out, + mittere, to send.G. epi, on, + kondylos, knuckle.G. epi, on, + physis, growth.L. e, out, + vertere, to turn.L. extendo, extend.L. ex, out, + tendere, to stretch.L. extrinsecus, on the outside.L. falx, sickle, + forma, shape, likeness.L. fascia, band.L. fascis, bundle.L. femur, thigh.L. fibula, pin, skewer, brooch.L. flexus, bent.L. foramen, hole.L. fossa, ditch, channel, something dug.L. fulcrum, post.L. fusus, spindle, + forma, shape, likeness.G. gaster, belly, + kneme, leg.L. gemellus, twin.L. geniculatus, with bent knee.L. genu, knee.G. ginglymus, hinge.G. gloutos, rump.L. gracilis, thin.30

Terms Important in the Lower LimbHernia.Hiatus.Hilum.Hypaxial.Iliacus.Ilium.Incisura.Inductor.Inguinal.Innominate.Insertion.Intrinsic.Invagination.Inversion.Ischiofemoral.Ischium (pl. -ia).Kinetic.Labrum.Lateral.Ligamentum.Locus.Longus.Lumbrical.Magnus, -a, -um.Marginal.Medial.L. hernia, protrusion.L. hiatus, gap.L. hilum, a small thing.G. hypo, under, + L. axis, centre line, axis.See ilium.L. ileum, flank.L. incidere, to cut into.L. inducere, to lead on, excite.L. inguina, groin.L. in, in, + nomen, name, unnamed bone,unnamed artery.L. in, in, + serere, to plant.L. intrinsecus, inward.L. in, in, + vagina, sheath.L. in, in, + vertere, to turn.G. ischion, hip, + L. femur, thigh.G. ischion, hip.G. kinesis, movement.L. labrum, rim.L. lateralis (latus), pertaining to a side.L. ligamentum, a bandage.L. locus, place.L. longus, long.L. lumbricus, earthworm.L. magnus, large.L. marginalis (margo), bordering.L. medialis (medius), pertaining to themiddle.31

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationMedian.Meniscus.Metatarsus.Minimus.Nates.Navicular.Obliquus.Obturator.Os.Osseous.Ossicle.Ossification.Osteone.Osteomalacia.Paraxial.Patella.Pedicle.Pelvic.Penniform.Peroneal.Pes.Phalanges.Piriform.Planta.Plantigrade.L. medianus, in the middle.L. menis, cresent, half-moon, dim. of mene,moon.G. meta, after, + L. tarsus, ankle.L. minimus, least.L. nates, buttocks.L. navicula, small boat.L. obliquus, slanting.L. obturo, I stop up.L. os, bone.L. os (pl. ossa), bone.L. ossiculum, small bone.L. os, bone, + facere, tomake.G. osteon, bone.G. osteon, bone, + malakia, softness.G. para, alongside of, + L. axis, axle.L. patella, small pan.L. pes, foot.L. pelvis, basin.L. penna, feather, + forma, form, likeness.G. perone, = L. fibula, pin; hence pertainingto needle-shaped leg bone.L. pes, foot.G. phalanx, band of soldiers; singularphalanx, originally denoted whole set ofbones of a digit not just one bone.L. pirum, pear, + forma, shape, likeness.L. planta, sole of the foot.L. planta, side of foot, + gradior, to walk.32

Terms Important in the Lower LimbPlatycnemia.Platymeria.Popliteus.Profundus.Promontory.Pronator.Pronograde.Protuberance.Proximal.Psoas.Pubes.Pubis (pl. -es).Pyriform.Quadrangular.Quadriceps.Raphe.Reflect.Retraction.Retractor.Rotator.Saphenous.Sartorius.Sciatic.Semilunar.Semimembranosus.Semitendinosus.G. platys, flat, + kneme, knee; hencecondition of side-to-side flattening of tibiagiving prominence to it’s anterior border.G. platys, flat, + meros, thigh; as previousfor thigh.L. poples, ham.L. profundus, deep.G. promontorium, mountain ridge.L. pronare, to turn face downward.L. pronus, bent downward, + gradus step.L. protubero, I swell.L. proximus, next.G. psoa, loin.L. pubes, mature.L. pubes, mature.L. pirum, pear, + forma, shape.L. quattuor four + L. angulus, four angles.L. quattuor, four, + caput, head.G. raphe, seam.L. reflecto, to turn back.L. re, back, + trahere, todraw.L. retrahere, todrawback.L. rotare, to whirl about.A. al-safin, hidden (later G. saphenes,visible).L. sartor, tailor.G. ischion, hip joint.L. semi, half, + luna, moon.L. semi, half, + membranosus, membrane.L. semi, half, + tendinosus, tendon.33

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationSesamoid.Sinister.Soleus.Spina.Supination.Supinator.Sural.Sustentaculum.Synovia.Talipes.Talonid.Talus.Tarsus.Tendon.Tensor.Teres.Tibia.Tuberosity.Ungual.Unipennate.Valgus.Varus.Ventral.Vincula.G. sesamen, sesame plant, or seed,+ eidos, shape, likeness.L. sinister, left side or unlucky.L. solea, sandal, sole.L. spina, thorn.L. supinus, lying on the back.L. supinare, to bend backward.L. sura, calf of leg.L. sustentaculum, support.G. syn, together, + ovum, egg.L. talipedo, weak in the feet (talipes,clubfoot).L. talus, ankle bone, + G. eidos, form,likeness.L. talus, ankle-bone.G. tarsos, sole of the foot.L. tendere, to stretch.L. tendere, to stretch.L. tero, I grind, rub.L. tibia, long flute.L. tuber, round smooth swelling.L. unguis, claw, nail.L. unus, one, + penna, feather.L. valgus, bow-legged (Genu valgus nowmeans knock-kneed).L. varus, knock-kneed (term has becometransposed, see Valgus).L. venter, belly.L. vinculum, band, cord.34

TERMS IMPORTANT IN THETHORAXAccessory.Acinus.Adhesion.Adipose.Aditus.Adnexa.Adventia.Afferent.Alveolus.Annulus.Anterior.Atrium.Auricle.Autonomic.Axon.Azygos.Bolus.Bronchiole.Bronchus.Bulbus.L. accessorius, supplementary.L. acinus, grape.L. adhaereo, to stick together.L. adeps, fat.L. aditus, opening.L. ad, to,+ nexus, bound.L. ad, to,+ venire, to come.L. ad, to,+ ferre, to carry.L. alveolus, little cavity.L. anulus (annulus), a ring.L. ante, before.L. atrium, court, entrance hall.L. dim., auricula, external ear, also shape ofheart chamber.G. autos, self, + nomos, law.G. axon, axis.G. a, not, + zygon, yoke; hence, unpaired.G. bolos, mass.G. bronchiolus (dim. of bronchus, brechein,to moisten).G. bronchia, end of windpipe.L. bulbus, bulb, swollen root.35

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationBursa.Cardiac.Carina.Carotid.Cartilage.Cava.Centrum.Chorda.Circumflex.Cisterna.Collateral.Comes.Comitans(pl. comitantes).Communicans.Conus.Cornu.Corona.Coronary.Coronoid.Costa (adj. costal).Crista.Crus (pl. crura).Deglutition.Dermatome.Diaphragm.Diastole.Disc.L. bursa, a purse; hence purse-shapedobject.G. kardiakos (kardia), pertaining to the heart.L. carina, keel.G. karon, deep sleep (pressure on arteryproduces stupor).L. cartilago, gristle, cartilage.L. cavus, -a, -um, hollow or cave.L. centrum, centre.G. chorde, string of gut, cord.L. circum, around, + flexere, to bend.L. cisterna, reservoir.L. con, together, + latus, side.L. comes, companion.L. comitari, to accompany.L. communicans, communicating.L. conus, cone.L. cornu, horn.L. corona, crown.L. coronarius, pertaining to a wreath orcrown; hence, encircling.G. korax, crow, + eidos, form, likeness.L. costa, rib.L. crista, crest.L. crus, leg.L. deglutire, to swallow.G. derma, skin, + temnein, to cut.G. dia, through, + phragma, wall.G. dia, through, + stellein, to send.L. discus, disc.36

Terms Important in the ThoraxDiverticulum.Dorsal.Duct.Ductule.Efferent.Embolus.Eminence.Emissary.Endocardium.Endochondral.Endomysium.Endoneurium.Endosteum.Endothelium.Epicardium.Epidermis.Epigastrium.Epimysium.Epineurium.Epiphysis.Extension.Extensor.Extravasation.Extrinsic.Fascia (pl. -iae).Fenestra.Filament.Fistula.Flaccid.L. divertere, to turn aside.L. dorsum, back.L. ducere, to lead or draw.L. ducere, to lead, dim.L. ex, out, + ferre, to bear.G. embolos, wedge, plug, anything inserted.L. e, out, + minere, to jut.L. e, out, + mittere, to send.G. endon, within, + kardia, heart.G. endon, within, + chondros, cartilage.G. endon, within, + mys, muscle.G. endon, within, + neuron, nerve.G. endon, within, + osteon, bone.G. endon, within, + thele, nipple.G. epi, on, + kardia, heart.G. epi, on, + derma, skin.G. epi, upon, + gaster, belly.G. epi, upon, + mys, muscle.G. epi, on, + neuron, nerve.G. epi, on, + physis, growth.L. extendo, extend.L. ex, out, + tendere, to stretch.L. extra, outside, + vas, vessel.L. extrinsecus, on the outside.L. fascia, band.L. fenestra, window.L. filamentum, thin fibre.L. fistula, pipe.L. flaccidus, weak.37

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationFlexor.Foramen.Gland.Hernia.Hiatus.Hilum.Hypaxial.Incisura.Innervation.Insertion.Integument.Intercalated.Intercostal.Interdigitating.Intervertebral.Intima.Intrinsic.Invagination.Inversion.Isthmus.Juxtaposition.Kyphosis.Lacerate.Lactation.Lamella.L. flexus, bent.L. foramen, hole.L. glandula, dim. glans, acorn, pellet.L. hernia, protrusion.L. hiatus, gap.L. hilum, a small thing.G. hypo, under, + L. axis, centre line, axis.L. incidere, to cut into.L. in, in, + nervus, nerve.L. in, in, + serere, to plant.L. in, over,+ tegere, tocover.L. inter, between, + calare, to call, insertedor placed between.L. inter, between, + costa, rib.L. inter, between, + digitus, digit, interlockedby finger-like processes.L. inter, between, + vertebra, joint.L. intima, innermost.L. intrinsecus, inward.L. in, in, + vagina, sheath.L. in, in, + vertere, to turn.G. isthmos, narrow connection.L. juxta, near, + positio, place.G. kyphos, bent.L. lacerare, to tear.L. lactare, to suckle.L. dim. of lamina, leaf.38

Terms Important in the ThoraxLamina (pl. -ae).Lateral.Levator.Ligamentum.Lingula.Lobus.Locus.Lordosis.Lumen.Lung.Mammary.Mammillary.Manubrium.Marginal.Medial.Median.Mediastinum.Membrane.Mesothelium.Mitral.Muscle.Myocardium.Myology.L. lamina, thin plate.L. lateralis (latus), pertaining to a side.L. levare, to raise.L. ligamentum, a bandage.L. lingula, small tongue.G. lobos, lobe.L. locus, place.G. lordoo, I bend.L. lumen, light, opening.AS. lunge, lung.L. mamma, breast.L. dim. mammillaris (mamma, -ae), littlebreast.L. manubrium, handle, hilt (as of a sword).L. marginalis (margo), bordering.L. medialis (medius), pertaining to the middle.L. medianus, in the middle.L. mediastinus, servant, drudge, butanatomical term mediastinum probablyderived from per medium tensum, tight inthe middle.L. membrana, skin.G. mesos, middle, + thele, nipple, hencemiddle lining layer.L. mitra, turban, but Hebrew priest headressthe only head covering that the mitral valveresembles.L. musculus, little mouse.G. mys, myos, muscle, + kardia, heart.G. mys, muscle, + logos, treatise.39

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationNerve.Neural.Neuralgia.Neuraxon.Neurilemma.Neuroblast.Neuroectomy.Neuroglia.Neurology.Neuron.Node.Oedema, Edema.Oesophagus,Esophagus.Organ.Orifice.Os.Osseous.Ossicle.Ossification.Ostium.Paraganglion.Paramedian.Parasternal.Parasympathetic.Paraxial.Parenchyma.Parietal.L. nervus, G.neuron, cordlike structure,nerve, tendon.G. neuron, nerve.G. neuron, nerve, + algos, pain.G. neuron, nerve, + axon, axis.G. neuron, nerve, + lemma, husk, sheath.G. neuron, nerve, + blastos, bud.G. neuron, nerve, + ektome, excision.G. neuron, nerve, + gloia, glue.G. neuron, nerve, + logos, treatise.G. neuron, cordlike structure, sinew, tendon;equivalent of L. nervus, hence, nerve.L. nodus, knot.G. oidema, swelling.G. oisein (phero), to carry, + phagein, to eat.L. organum, implement.L. orificium, opening.L. os, bone.L. os (pl. ossa), bone.L. ossiculum, small bone.L. os, bone, + facere, tomake.L. ostium, door.G. para, along, beside, + ganglion, knot.G. para, alongside of, + mesos, middle.G. para, alongside of, + sternon, chest.G. para, alongside of, + sympathetikos,sympathetic.G. para, alongside of, + L. axis, axle.G. parenchyma, pouring out into the adjacent.L. paries, wall.40

Terms Important in the ThoraxParieties.Pectoral.Percussion.Pericardial.Perichondrium.Perilymph.Perimysium.Periosteum.Peristalsis.Pleura.Plexus (pl. -us).Pneumatic.Praecordium,Precordium.Proximal.Pulmonary.Pulmones.Radicle.Radix.Ramify.Ramus.Raphe.Recess.Reflect.Sac.Sacculus.Sarcolemma.Septum.Serratus.Sinister.L. paries, wall.L. pectoralis (pectus), belonging to thebreast.L. percussio, striking.G. peri, around, + kardia, heart.G. peri, around, + chondros, cartilage.G. peri, around, + L. lympha, fluid.G. peri, around, + mys, muscle.G. peri, around, + osteon, bone.G. peristaltikos, clasping and compressing.G. pleura, rib; ie related to the ribs.L. plexus, plaiting, braid.G. pneumatikos, pertaining to breath.L. prae, in front of, + cordis, of the heart.L. proximus, next.L. pulmo, lung.L. pulmo, lung.L. radix, root.L. radix, root.L. ramus, branch, + facere, tomake.L. ramus, branch.G. raphe, seam.L. recessus, retreat.L. reflecto, to turn back.L. saccus, sack.L. sacculus, a little bag.G. sarx, flesh, + lemma, husk, skin.L. saeptum, fence.L. serra, saw.L. sinister, left side or unlucky.41

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationSinus (pl. -us).Sinusoid.Situs inversusviscerum.Somatic.Somatopleure.Somite.Sphincter.Splanchnic.Stenosis.Sternum.Subcostal.Supracostal.Sympathetic.Synapse.Syncytium.Syndrome.Systole.Theca.Thorax(pl. thoraces).Thrombus.Thymus.Trachea.Truncus.Tunica.Vagus.Valve.Valvula.Vas.L. sinus, curve, cavity, bosom.L. sinus, curve, cavity, + eidos, shape,likeness.L. situs, site, position, + inversus, inverted,+ viscerum, of the viscera.G. soma (pl. somata), body.G. soma, body, + pleura, side.G. soma, body, + suffix -ite, indicating origin.G. sphingein, to bind tight.G. splanchna, viscera.G. stenosis, narrowing.G. sternon, chest.L. sub, under, + costa, rib.L. supra, above, + costa, rib.G. syn, together, + pathein, to suffer.G. syn, together, + haptein, to fasten.G. syn, together, + cytos, cell.G. syndrome, occurrence.G. systole, contraction.L. theca, envelope, sheath.G. thorax, breast-plate, breast.G. thrombus, lump.G. thymos, thyme.G. tracheia, windpipe.L. truncus, trunk of tree.L. tunica, undergarment.L. vagus, wandering.L. valva, leaf of door.L. valvula, a little fold, valve.L. vas, vessel.42

Terms Important in the ThoraxVascular.Vein.Velum.Ventral.Ventricle.Vertebra.Vertex.Vincula.Visceral.Viscus.Xiphoid.Zygapophysis.L. vasculum, small vessel.L. vena, vein.L. velum, veil.L. venter, belly.L. ventriculus, little cavity, loculus.L. vertebra, joint.L. vertex, whirl, whirlpool.L. vinculum, band, cord.L. viscera, entrails, bowels.L. viscus, internal organ.G. xiphos, sword, + eidos, shape, likeness.G. zygon, yoke,+ apophysis, process of abone.43

TERMS IMPORTANT IN THEABDOMEN AND PELVISAbdomen.L. from abdere (?), to hide.Aberrant.L. ab, away,+ errare, to stray.Abortion.L. abortio, to abort.Absorption. L. absorptio, to swallow.Accessory.L. accessorius, supplementary.Acinus.L. acinus, grape.Adhesion.L. adhaereo, to stick together.Adipose.L. adeps, fat.Aditus.L. aditus, opening.Adnexa.L. ad, to,+ nexus, bound.Adrenal.L. ad, near, + renes, kidneys.Adventia.L. ad, to,+ venire, to come.Afferent.L. ad, to,+ ferre, to carry.Allantois.G. allas, sausage, + eidos, form,appearance.Alveolus.L. alveolus, little cavity.Amnion.G. amnion, fetal membrane.Ampulla.L. ampulla, a flask or vessel swelling in themiddle.Anastomosis. G. anastomoein, to bring to a mouth, causeto communicate.Anlage. Ger. an, on, + legen, to lay (a laying on —primordium, precursor).Annulus.L. anulus (annulus), a ring.Anterior.L. ante, before.44

Terms Important in the Abdomen and PelvisAnteversion.Antrum.Anus.Aorta.Apertura.Appendicular.Appendix.Arcuate.Arcus.Atresia.Atrium.Atrophy.Autonomic.Axial.Bicuspid.Bilateral.Bile.Biventer.Bolus.Calyx (pl. calices).Cauda, caudal.Cava.Cavernosus.Cavum.Cecum, Caecum.Celiac, Coeliac.Celom (e), Coelom.Centrum.L. ante, before, + versio, turning.G. antron, cave.L. anus, fundament.G. aeiro, to raise.L. apertura, opening.adjectival form of appendix.L. appendere, to hang upon.L. arcualis, arch-shaped.L. arcus, bow.G. a, without, + tresis, hole.L. atrium, court, entrance hall.G. a, without, + trophe, nourishment.G. autos, self, + nomos, law.L. axis, axle of a wheel, the line about whichany body turns.L. bis, two,+ cuspis, point.L. bi, two,+ latus, side.L. bilis, bile.L. bis, two,+ venter, belly.G. bolos, mass.L. calyx, husk, cup-shaped protectivecovering.L. cauda, tail.L. cavus, -a, -um, hollow or cave.L. caverna, a hollow or cave.L. cavum, a hollow or cave.L. caecus, -a, -um, blind.G. koilia, belly.G. koiloma, a hollow.L. centrum, centre.45

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationCholedochus. G. chole, bile, + dochos (dechomai ),container.Chyle.G. chylos, juice.Chyme.G. chymos, juice.Circumflex. L. circum, around, + flexere, to bend.Cisterna.L. cisterna, reservoir.Cloaca.L. cloaca, sewer, drain.Coccyx.G. kokkyx, a cuckoo, hence a structureshaped like a cuckoo’s bill.Colon.G. kolon, great gut.Comes.L. comes, companion.ComitansL. comitari, to accompany.(pl. comitantes).Commissure. L. commissura (cum + mittere), connection.Communicans. L. communicans, communicating.Coraco-, corono-. G. korax or corone, crow; hence crowlike.Cornu.L. cornu, horn.Corona.L. corona, crown.CorpusL. body.(pl. corpora).Cremaster.G. cremaster, suspender.Crus (pl. crura). L. crus, leg.Cyst (adj. cystic). G. kystis, bag, bladder, pouch.Dartos.Decidua,(adj. Deciduous).Defaecation,Defecation.Deferens.Detritus.Detrusor.Diaphragm.G. dartos, skinned.L. deciduus, (de + cado), falling off.L. defaecare, to cleanse.L. de, away,+ ferens, carrying.L. deterere, torubaway.L. detrudere, to push down.G. dia, through, + phragma, wall.46

Terms Important in the Abdomen and PelvisDigastric.Digestion.Disc.Distal.Diverticulum.Dorsal.Duct.Ductule.Duodenum.Ejaculatory.Emboliformis.Embolus.Endometrium.Endothelium.Epididymis.Epigastrium.Epiploic.Epispadias.Erector.Exomphalos.Excretion.Extravasation.Extrinsic.Exudate.Faeces, Feces.Falciform.Falx.Fascia (pl. -iae).Fasciculus.G. dis, double, + gaster, belly.L. dis, apart, + gerere, to carry.L. discus, disc.L. distare, to stand apart.L. divertere, to turn aside.L. dorsum, back.L. ducere, to lead or draw.L. ducere, to lead, dim.L. duodeni, twelve (meaning twelvefingerbreadths).L. e, out, + jacere, to throw.G. embolos, wedge, + L. forma, shape.G. embolos, wedge, plug, anything inserted.G. endon, within, + metra, womb.G. endon, within, + thele, nipple.G. epi, on, + didmoi, testicles.G. epi, upon, + gaster, belly.G. epiploon, caul, omentum.G. epi, upon, + N.L. spadias, F.spadon,eunuch, F. span, todrawL. erectus, erect.G. ex, out, + omphalos, navel.L. (excretus) ex, out, + cernere, to sift.L. extra, outside, + vas, vessel.L. extrinsecus, on the outside.L. ex, out, + sudare, to sweat.L. faex, dregs.L. falx, sickle, + forma, shape, likeness.L. falx, falcis, sickle.L. fascia, band.L. fascis, bundle.47

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationFenestra.Fetus, Foetus.Filum.Fimbria.Fissure.Fistula.Flaccid.Follicle.Foramen.Fornix.Fossa.Fourchette.Fraenum, Frenum.Frenulum.Fundiform.Fundus.Fusiform.Genital.Germinal.Germinative.Gestation.Gland.Glans.Glomerulus.Gonad.Granulation.Granulum.Gravid.Gubernaculum.L. fenestra, window.L. fetus, offspring.L. filum, thread.L. fimbriae, threads, fringe.L. fissura (findo), a cleft.L. fistula, pipe.L. flaccidus, weak.L. folliculus, a small bag.L. foramen, hole.L. fornix, arch or vault.L. fossa, ditch, channel, something dug.F. fourchette, fork.L. fraenum, bridge.L. dim. fraenum, a little bridge.L. funda, sling, + forma, shape, likeness.L. fundus, bottom.L. fusus, spindle, + forma, shape, likeness.L. genitalis (gigno), pertaining to birth.L. germen, bud, germ.L. germen, bud, germ.L. gestare, to bear.L. glandula, dim. glans, acorn, pellet.L. glans, acorn.L. dim. of glomus, a ball.G. gone, seed.L. dim. granum, grain.L. granulum, small grain.L. gravida, pregnant.L. gubernaculum, helm.48

Terms Important in the Abdomen and PelvisHaemal, hemal.Hemoglobin,Haemoglobin.Hemopoietic,Haemopoietic.Hepar.Hepatic.Hernia.Hiatus.Hilum.Hydrocoele,Hydrocele.Hymen.Hypaxial.Hypospadias.Icterus.Ileum.Implantation.Impression.Incisura.Inguinal.Innervation.Intercostal.Interdigitating.Intervertebral.Intestine.Intima.Intrinsic.Introitus.Invagination.G. haima, blood.G. haima, blood, + L. globus, sphere.G. haima, blood, + poietikos, creative.G. hepar, liver.L. hepar, liver.L. hernia, protrusion.L. hiatus, gap.L. hilum, a small thing.G. hydor, water, + koilos, hollow.G. hymen, membrane.G. hypo, under, + L. axis, centre line, axis.G. hypo, under, + N.L. spadias, F.spadon,F. span, todraw.G. ikteros, jaundice.G. eilein, to wind or turn.L. in, in, + plantere, to plant.L. in, in, + premere, to press.L. incidere, to cut into.L. inguina, groin.L. in, in, + nervus, nerve.L. inter, between, + costa, rib.L. inter, between, + digitus, digit, interlockedby finger-like processes.L. inter, between, + vertebra, joint.L. intus, within, or L. intestina, guts, entrails.L. intima, innermost.L. intrinsecus, inward.L. intro, within, + ire, togo.L. in, in, + vagina, sheath.49

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationInversion.Isthmus.Jejunum.Juxtaposition.Labial.Labium.Labrum.Lacteals.Laparotomy.Lien.Lieno-.Ligamentum.Ligature.Liver.Lobus.Locus.Lordosis.Lumbar.Lumen.Lung.Luteum.Marginal.Matrix.Meatus (pl. -us).Medial.Median.Membrane.Menopause.L. in, in, + vertere, to turn.G. isthmos, narrow connection.L. jejunus, empty (of food), that part ofintestine that appears empty.L. juxta, near, + positio, place.L. labialis (labia), pertaining to lips.L. labium, lip.L. labrum, rim.L. lactare, to suckle.L. lapara, flank, + tome, section, cut.L. lien, spleen.L. lien, spleen from original L. splen (the sphaving been dropped).L. ligamentum, a bandage.L. ligare, to bind.AS. lifer, liver.G. lobos, lobe.L. locus, place.G. lordoo, I bend.L. lumbare, apron for the loins.L. lumen, light, opening.AS. lunge, lung.L. luteus, yellow.L. marginalis (margo), bordering.L. matrix (mater), womb, groundwork, mold.L. meatus, passage.L. medialis (medius), pertaining to the middle.L. medianus, in the middle.L. membrana, skin.G. men, month, + pausis, cessation.50

Terms Important in the Abdomen and PelvisMenstruation.Mesenchyme.Mesentery.Mesocolon.Mesogastrium.Mesonephros.Mesosalpinx.Mesothelium.Mesovarium.Metanephros.Mucus.Multiparous.Myenteric.Myocardium.Navel.Necrosis.Necropsy.Nerve.Neural.Neuralgia.Neuraxon.Neurenteric.Node.Notochord.Oocyte.Oogenesis.Oogonium.Organ.G. men, month, L. menstruus, pertaining to amonth.G. mesos, middle, + en, in, + chymos, juice.G. mesos, midway between, + enteron, gut.G. mesos, middle, + kolon, great gut.G. mesos, middle, + gaster, stomach.G. mesos, middle, + nephros, kidney.G. mesos, middle, + salpinx, tube.G. mesos, middle, + thele, nipple, hencemiddle lining layer.G. mesos, middle, + L. ovarium, ovary.G. meta, after, + nephros, kidney.L. mucus, G.muxa, snivel, slippery secretion.L. multus, many, + parire, to give birth.G. mys, muscle, + enteron, gut.G. mys, myos, muscle, + kardia, heart.AS. nafe, centre of hub of wheel.G. nekrosis, a killing.G. nekros, corpse, + opsis, sight.L. nervus, G.neuron, cordlike structure,nerve, tendon.G. neuron, nerve.G. neuron, nerve, + algos, pain.G. neuron, nerve, + axon, axis.G. neuron, nerve, + enteron, gut.L. nodus, knot.G. noton, back, + chorde, cord.G. oon, egg, + kylos, hollow body.G. oon, egg, + genesis, birth.G. oon, egg, + gonos, offspring.L. organum, implement.51

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationOrifice.Os.Osseous.Ossicle.Ossification.Osteone.Osteocyte.Osteology.Osteolysis.Ostium.Ovary.Oviduct.Oviparous.Ovum (pl. ova).Oxyntic.Oxytocin.Pampiniform.Pancreas.Panniculus.Paracentesis.Paradidymis.Paraganglion.Paramedian.Parametrium.Paraplegia.Parasympathetic.Paraxial.L. orificium, opening.L. os, bone.L. os (pl. ossa), bone.L. ossiculum, small bone.L. os, bone, + facere, tomake.G. osteon, bone.G. osteon, bone, + kytos, cell.G. osteon, bone, + logos, treatise.G. osteon, bone, + lysis, melting.L. ostium, door.L. ovum, egg.L. ovum, egg, + ductus, duct, tube.L. ovum, egg, + parus, giving birth by layingeggs.L. ovum, egg.G. oxyntos, making acid.G. oxys, swift, + tokos, birth.L. pampineus, full of or wrapped around withvine leaves, + forma, likeness.G. pan, all, + kreas, flesh.L. panniculus, small piece of cloth; hencecovering of deeper tissues.G. para, alongside of, + kentesis, puncture.G. para, alongside of, + didymos, double,hence alongside the testes.G. para, along, beside, + ganglion, knot.G. para, alongside of, + mesos, middle.G. para, alongside of, + metra, womb.G. para, alongside of, + plesso, I strike.G. para, alongside of, + sympathetikos,sympathetic.G. para, alongside of, + L. axis, axle.52

Terms Important in the Abdomen and PelvisParenchyma.Paresis.Parietal.Parieties.Paroophoron.Parous.Parthenogenesis.Penis.Pepsin.Pepsinogen.Percussion.Perichondrium.Perimysium.Perineum.Periosteum.Peristalsis.Peritoneum.Phallic.Phallus.Phrenic.Placenta.Plexus (pl. -us).Porta.Portal.Portio.Pregnancy.Prepuce.Processus.Proctodeum.Promontory.G. parenchyma, pouring out into the adjacent.G. paresis, relaxation.L. paries, wall.L. paries, wall.G. para, alongside of, + oon, egg, + pherein,to bear.L. pario, to bear.G. parthos, virgin, + genesis, birth.L. penis, tail.G. pepsis, digestion.G. pepsis, digestion, + gennao, I produce.L. percussio, striking.G. peri, around, + chondros, cartilage.G. peri, around, + mys, muscle.G. perinaion, perineum.G. peri, around, + osteon, bone.G. peristaltikos, clasping and compressing.G. peri, around, + teinein, to stretch.G. phallikos, pertaining to the penis.G. phallos, phallus; penis was a latermeaning.G. phren, diaphragm.L. placenta, a flat cake.L. plexus, plaiting, braid.L. porta (pl. -ae), gate.L. porta (pl. -ae), gate.L. portio, part.L. prae, before, + gnascor, tobeborn.L. praeputium, foreskin.L. processus, going forwards.G. proktos, anus,+ hodaios, pertainingtoaway.G. promontorium, mountain ridge.53

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationPronephros.Prostate.Psoas.Pubes.Pubis (pl. -es).Pudendal.Pyelogram.Pyelograph.Pylorus.Ramify.Ramus.Raphe.Recess.Rectum, rectus.Renal.Restiform.Sac.Sacculus.Salpinx.Sarcolemma.Scoliosis.Scrotum.Semen.Semilunar.Seminiferous.Septum.Serum.Sigmoid.Sinister.Sinus (pl. -us).G. pro, before, + nephros, kidney.L. pro, in front, + stare, to stand.G. psoa, loin.L. pubes, mature.L. pubes, mature.L. pudere, to be ashamed.G.pyelos, tub, trough, + gramma, mark.G. pyelos, tub, trough, + graphein, todraw.G. pylouros, gate-keeper.L. ramus, branch, + facere, tomake.L. ramus, branch.G. raphe, seam.L. recessus, retreat.L. rectus, straight.L. renes, kidneys.L. restis, rope, + forma, shape, form.L. saccus, sack.L. sacculus, a little bag.G. salpinx, trumpet.G. sarx, flesh, + lemma, husk, skin.G. skoliosis, curvature.L. scrotum, skin.L. semen, seed.L. semi, half, + luna, moon.L. semen, seed, + ferre, to bear.L. saeptum, fence.L. serum, whey.G. sigma, Greek letters, + eidos, shape,likeness.L. sinister, left side or unlucky.L. sinus, curve, cavity, bosom.54

Terms Important in the Abdomen and PelvisSinusoid.Situs inversusviscerum.Smegma.Somatic.Somatopleure.Somite.Sperm.Spermatocyte.Spermatogenesis.Spermatogonium.Spermatozoon(pl. -a).Sphincter.Splanchnic.Splanchnology.Spleen.Spongiosum.Spongioblast.Stenosis.Stomach.Stomodeum,Stomatodeum.Subcostal.Supracostal.Sympathetic.Symphysis.Syndrome.Taenia, Tenia.Terminalis.Testicle.L. sinus, curve, cavity, + eidos, shape,likeness.L. situs, site, position, + inversus, inverted, +viscerum, of the viscera.G. smegma, soap.G. soma (pl. somata), body.G. soma, body, + pleura, side.G. soma, body, + suffix -ite, indicating origin.G. sperma, seed.G. sperma, seed, + kytos, cell.G. sperma, seed, + genesis, origin.G. sperma, seed, + gone, generation.G. sperma, seed, + zoon, animal.G. sphingein, to bind tight.G. splanchna, viscera.G. splanknon, viscus, + logos, treatise.L. splen, spleen.G. spongia, sponge.G. spongia, sponge, + blastos, germ, bud.G. stenosis, narrowing.G. stomachos, gullet, oesophagus.G. stoma, mouth, + odaios, pertaining to away.L. sub, under, + costa, rib.L. supra, above, + costa, rib.G. syn, together, + pathein, to suffer.G. syn, together, + physis, growth.G. syndrome, occurrence.L. taenia, band, ribbon.L. terminare, to limit.L. testiculus, testis.55

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationTestis.Theca.Tract.Trigone.Truncus.Tuberculum.Tunica.Umbilicus.Urachus.Urea.Ureter.Urethra.Urine.Urogenital.Urostyle.Uterus.Vagina.Valve.Valvula.Vas.Vein.Venter.Ventral.Vermiform.Vernix.Vertebra.Vertex.Vesica.Vesicle.Vestibulum.L. testis, testicle; a witness.L. theca, envelope, sheath.L. tractus, wool drawn out for spinning.L. trigonum, triangle.L. truncus, trunk of tree.L. tuberculum, a small hump.L. tunica, undergarment.L. umbilicus, navel.G. ouron, urine, + cheo, I pour.G. ouron, urine.G. ouron, urine, + tereo, to preserve.G. ouethra, word invented by Hippocrates(c. 460 B.C.).G. ouron, urine.G. ouron, urine, + L. genitalis, genital.G. oura, tail, + stylos, pillar.L. uterus, womb.L. vagina, sheath.L. valva, leaf of door.L. valvula, a little fold, valve.L. vas, vessel.L. vena, vein.L. venter, belly.L. venter, belly.L. vermis, worm, + forma, shape.L. vernatio, shedding of snake skin.L. vertebra, joint.L. vertex, whirl, whirlpool.L. vesica, bladder.L. vesicula, a small bladder.L. vestibulum, entrance court.56

Terms Important in the Abdomen and PelvisVestige.Villus (pl. villi).Visceral.Viscus.Vitelline.Vitellus.Viviparous.Volvulus.Vulva.Zona.Zonula.Zygapophysis.L. vestigium, trace, footprint.L. villus, hair.L. viscera, entrails, bowels.L. viscus, internal organ.L. vitellus, yolk of egg.L. vitellus, little calf (became transferred toyolk of egg by Celsus c. 10 A.D.).L. vivus, living, + parere, to beget.L. volvulus, twisted.L. volva, cover.L. zona, belt, girdle.L. dim. of zona, belt, girdle.G. zygon, yoke,+ apophysis, process of abone.57

TERMS IMPORTANT IN THEHEAD AND NECKAbducens.Aberrant.Accessory.Acinus.Acoustic.Acrania.Adductor.Adenoid.Aditus.Afferent.Agnathism.Ala.Ambiguus.Ampulla.Amygdaloid.Anencephaly.Annulus.Ansa.Antihelix.Antitragus.Antrum.Aphasia.L. ab, away,+ ducens, leading.L. ab, away,+ errare, to stray.L. accessorius, supplementary.L. acinus, grape.G. akoustikos, pertaining to hearing.G. a, without, + krania, heads.L. ad, to,+ ducere, to lead.G. aden, acorn, + eidos, form, likeness.L. aditus, opening.L. ad, to,+ ferre, to carry.G. a, without, + gnathos, jaw.L. ala, wing.L. amb, both ways, + agere, todrive.L. ampulla, a flask or vessel swelling in themiddle.G. amydale, almond, + eidos, form, likeness.G. an, without, + enkephalos, brain.L. anulus (annulus), a ring.L. ansa, handle.G. anti, against, before, + helix, coil.G. anti, against, before, + tragus, goat,(perhaps the small tuft of hair growing herewas likened to a goat’s beard?).G. antron, cave.G. a, without, + phasis, speech.58

Terms Important in the Head and NeckAphonia.Aqueduct.Aqueous.Arachnoid.Arbor vitae.Archipallium.Arcuate.Arcus.Arytenoid.Asterion.Ataxia.Atresia.Atrium.Atrophy.Auditory.Auricle.Autonomic.Axial.Baroreceptor.Basion.Basisphenoid.Bicuspid.Blepharal.Bolus.Branchial.Brachycephalic.Bregma.Buccal.G. a, without, + phone, voice.L. aqua, water, + ducere, to lead.L. aqua, water.G. arachnes, spider, + eidos, shape,likeness.L. arbor, tree, + vitae, oflife.G. archi, principal, + pallium, cloak.L. arcualis, arch-shaped.L. arcus, bow.G. arytana, jug, + eidos, shape, likeness.G. aster, star.G. a, without, + taxis, order.G. a, without, + tresis, hole.L. atrium, court, entrance hall.G. a, without, + trophe, nourishment.L. audire, to hear.L. dim., auricula, external ear.G. autos, self, + nomos, law.L. axis, axle of a wheel, the line about whichany body turns.G. baros, weight (pressure receptor).G. basis, footing, base.G. basis, base, + sphenoeides,wedgeshaped.L. bis, two,+ cuspis, point.G. blepharon, eyelid.G. bolos, mass.L. branchiae, orG.,branchia, gills.G. brachys, short, + kephale, head.G. brechein, to moisten, (thought most humidpart of infant skull).L. bucca, cheek.59

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationBulbus.Bulla.Bursa.L. bulbus, bulb, swollen root.L. bulla, a bubble; hence spherical in shape.L. bursa, a purse; hence purse-shapedobject.Callosum.L. callosus, -a, -um, thick-skinned, also abeam or rafter.Calvaria.L. calvus, bald.Canine.L. canis, dog.Canthus.G. kanthos, rim on a wheel.Caput (pl. capita). L. caput, head.Carotid.G. karon, deep sleep (pressure on arteryproduces stupor).Caruncle.L. dim. of caro, flesh, any fleshy eminence.Cava.L. cavus, -a, -um, hollow or cave.Cavernosus. L. caverna, a hollow or cave.Cavum.L. cavum, a hollow or cave.Cementum. L. caementum, rough stone.Centrum.L. centrum, centre.Cephalic.G. kephale, head.Cerebellum. L. dim. cerebrum, brain.Cerebrum.L. cerebrum, brain.Cervical.L. cervix, neck.Chiasma. G. chiasma, figure of X.Choana (pl. -ae). G. choane, funnel.Choroid.G. chorion, skin, + eidos, shape, likeness.Ciliary.L. cilium (pl. cilia), eyelash.Circumflex. L. circum, around, + flexere, to bend.Circumvallate. L. circum, around, + vallum, wall.Cisterna.L. cisterna, reservoir.Claustrum.L. claustrum, barrier.Cochlea.L. cochlea (G., kochlias), spiral, snail shell.Collum.L. collum, neck.60

Terms Important in the Head and NeckComes.Comitans(pl. comitantes).Commissure.Communicans.Concha.Conjunctiva.Constrictor.Conus.Convolution.Copula.Cornea.Cornu.Corona.Coronary.Coronoid.Corpus(pl. corpora).Corrugator.Cortex(adj. cortical).Corticofugal.Corticopetal.Cranial.Cranium(adj. cranial).Cribriform.Cricoid.Crista.Crista galli.L. comes, companion.L. comitari, to accompany.L. commissura (cum + mittere), connection.L. communicans, communicating.L. concha, bivalve, oyster shell.L. conj, together + jungo, I join,hence connecting.L. constringere, to draw together.L. conus, cone.L. con, together, + volvo, to roll.L. copula, tie (from copulare, to copulate).L. corneus, horny.L. cornu, horn.L. corona, crown.L. coronarius, pertaining to a wreath orcrown; hence, encircling.G. korax, crow, + eidos, form, likeness.L. body.L. con, together + ruga, wrinkle.L. cortex, bark, rind.L. cortex, bark of a tree, + fugere, to flee.L. cortex, bark of a tree, + petere, to seek.G. kranion, skull.G. kranion, skull.L. cribrum, sieve, + forma, form.G. krikos, ring, + eidos, form, likeness.L. crista, crest.L. crista, crest + L. gallus, cock,hence cock’s comb.61

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationCruciate.Crus (pl. crura).Culmen.Cupula.Cuspis.Dacryon.Decussation.Dendrite.Dens.Dentine.Dentition.Detrusor.Diastema (pl. -ata).Diencephalon.Diploë.Diplopia.Disc.Diverticulum.Dolichocephalic.Duct.Ductule.Dura.Eminence.Emissary.Encephalocoele,Encephalocele.Encephalon.Endocranium.Endolymph.Ependyma.L. crux, cross.L. crus, leg.L. culmen, top.L. cupula, a small cask or cup.L. cuspis, point.G. dakryon, tear.L. decussatio, intersection of two lines,as in Roman X.G. dendros, tree.L. dens, tooth.L. dens, tooth.L. dentitis, cutting of teeth.L. detrudere, to push down.G. diastema, interval.G. dia, through, + enkephalos, brain.G. diploë, fold.G. diploos, double, + opsis, vision.L. discus, disc.L. divertere, to turn aside.G. dolichos, long + G. kephale, head.L. ducere, to lead or draw.L. ducere, to lead, dim.L. dura, hard, strong.L. e, out, + minere, to jut.L. e, out, + mittere, to send.G. enkephalos, brain, + koilos, hollow.G. en, within, + kephalos, head.G. endon, within, + kranion, skull.G. endon, within, + L. lympha, water.G. epi, upon, + endyma, garment.62

Terms Important in the Head and NeckEpicanthus.Epicranium.Epiglottis.Epithalamus.Ethmoid.Exophthalmos.Facialis.Facies.Falciform.Falx.Fascia (pl. -iae).Fasciculus.Fastigius.Fauces.Fenestra.Fissure.Flavum.Flocculus.Follicle.Fontanelle.Foramen.Fornix.Fossa.Fourchette.Fovea.Fraenum, Frenum.Frenulum.Frontal.Fundus.Funicular.Fusiform.G. epi, upon, + kanthos, rim.G. epi, upon, + kranion, skull.G. epi, upon, + glottis, larynx.G. epi, on, + thalamos, chamber.G. ethmos, sieve, + eidos, form, likeness.G. ex, out, + ophthalmos, eye.L. facies, face.L. facies, face.L. falx, sickle, + forma, shape, likeness.L. falx, falcis, sickle.L. fascia, band.L. fascis, bundle.L. fastigium, slope.L. faux, throat.L. fenestra, window.L. fissura (findo), a cleft.L. flavus, yellow.NL. dim. floccus, a tuft of wool.L. folliculus, a small bag.F. fontanelle, a small fountain.L. foramen, hole.L. fornix, arch or vault.L. fossa, ditch, channel, something dug.F. fourchette, fork.L. fovea, small pit.L. fraenum, bridge.L. dim. fraenum, a little bridge.L. frons, frontis, forehead, brow.L. fundus, bottom.L. funis, rope.L. fusus, spindle, + forma, shape, likeness.63

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationGalea.Gallus.Genial.Genioglossus.Geniohyoid.Glabella.Glia.Globus.Glossal.Glossopharyngeus.Glottis.Gnathion.Griseum.Gyrus (pl. gyri).Habenula.Hemiplegia.Hemisphere.Hernia.Hiatus.Hilum.Hippocampus.Hydrocephalus.Hyoid.Hypaxial.Hypoglossal.Hypophysis.Hypothalamus.Icterus.Incisor.Incisura.Infundibulum.L. galea, leather helmet.L. gallus, cock.G. geneion, chin.G. geneion, chin, + glossa, tongue.G. geneion, chin, + hyoeides, U-shaped.L. glaber, smooth.G. gloia, glue.L. globus, sphere.G. glossa, tongue.G. glossa, tongue, + pharynx, throat.G. glottis, mouth of the windpipe.G. gnathos, jaw.L. griseus, bluish.G. gyros, a turn.L. habena, strap.G. hemi, half, + plege, stroke.G. hemi, half, + sphaira, ball.L. hernia, protrusion.L. hiatus, gap.L. hilum, a small thing.G. hippos, horse, + kampos, sea monster.G. hydor, water, + kephale, head.G. hyoeides, U-shaped.G. hypo, under, + L. axis, centre line, axis.G. hypo, under, + glossa, tongue.G. hypo, under, + physis, growth.G. hypo, under, + thalamos, chamber, couch.G. ikteros, jaundice.L. incisus (incidere), cut.L. incidere, to cut into.L. infundibulum, a funnel.64

Terms Important in the Head and NeckInion.Insula.Intima.Intrinsic.Invagination.Iris.Isthmus.Jugal.Jugular.Jugum.G. inion, back of head.L. insula, island.L. intima, innermost.L. intrinsecus, inward.L. in, in, + vagina, sheath.G. iris, rainbow.G. isthmos, narrow connection.L. jugum, yoke.L. jugularis (jugulum), pertaining to the neck.L. jugum, yoke.Labial.L. labialis (labia), pertaining to lips.Labium.L. labium, lip.Labrum.L. labrum, rim.Labyrinth.G. labyrinthos, maze.Lacerate.L. lacerare, to tear.Lacrimal.L. lacrima, tear.Lacuna.L. lacuna, pond.Lacus.L. lacus, lake.Lambdoid. G. lambda, shaped like Greek letter L.Lamella.L. dim. of lamina, leaf.Lamina (pl. -ae). L. lamina, thin plate.Larynx.G. larynx, upper part of windpipe.Leminiscus. G. leminiskos, band.Lemma.G. lemma, skin.Lens.L. lens, lentil.Leptomeninges. G. leptos, thin, + meninx, membrane.Limbus.L. limbus, border.Limen.L. limen, threshold.Ling-.L. lingua, tongue.Lingual.L. lingua, tongue.Lingula.L. lingula, small tongue.65

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationLobus.Locus.Lucidum.Lumen.Lunate.Macula.Malar.Malleus.Mandible.Marginal.Masseter.Mastication.Mastoid.Mater.Matrix.Maxilla.Meatus (pl. -us).Medulla.Meninges.Meningocoele,Meningocele.Meninx(pl. meninges).Mental.Mesencephalon.Metathalamus.Metencephalon.Metopic.Microcephaly.Microdont.Microglia.Microsmatic.G. lobos, lobe.L. locus, place.L. lucidus (lux), full of light, clear.L. lumen, light, opening.L. luna, moon.L. macula, spot, stain.L. mala, cheek bone.L. malleus, hammer.L. mando, I chew.L. marginalis (margo), bordering.G. masseter, chewer.L. masticatio, chewing.G. mastos, breast, + eidos, form, likeness.A. mater, wrap or nutrient.L. matrix (mater), womb, groundwork, mold.L. maxilla, jaw, now bone of upper jaw.L. meatus, passage.L. medulla, marrow, pith.G. meninx, membrane.G. meninx, membrane, + koilos, hollow.G. meninx, membrane.L. mentum, chin.G. mesos, middle, + en, in, + kephale, head.G. meta, after, + thalamus, chamber.G. meta, after, + enkephalos, brain.G. metopon, forehead.G. mikros, small, + kephale, head.G. mikros, small, + odous, tooth.G. mikros, small, + gloia, glue.G. mikros, small, + osmaomai, to smell.66

Terms Important in the Head and NeckModiolus.Molar.Myelencephalon.Mylohyoid.Naris (pl. -es).Nasion.Neopallium.Nerve.Neural.Neuralgia.Neuraxon.Neurilemma.Neuroblast.Neuroectomy.Neuroglia.Neurology.Neuron.Nigra.Nictitating.Node.Notochord.Nucha.Nuchal.Nystagmus.Obelion.Occipital.Occlusion.L. modiolus, hub.L. molaris (mola), pertaining to a millstone.G. myelos, marrow, + enkephalos, brain.G. myle, mill, + hyoeides, U-shaped.L. naris, nostril.L. nasus, nose.G. neos, new,+ pallium, cloak.L. nervus, G.neuron, cordlike structure,nerve, tendon.G. neuron, nerve.G. neuron, nerve, + algos, pain.G. neuron, nerve, + axon, axis.G. neuron, nerve, + lemma, husk, sheath.G. neuron, nerve, + blastos, bud.G. neuron, nerve, + ektome, excision.G. neuron, nerve, + gloia, glue.G. neuron, nerve, + logos, treatise.G. neuron, cordlike structure, sinew, tendon;equivalent of L. nervus, hence, nerve.L. niger, black.L. nictare, to wink.L. nodus, knot.G. noton, back, + chorde, cord.L. nucha, nape of neck.L. nucha, nape of neck.G. nystagma, short sleep (during whichrhythmic head movements occur), modernuse, rhythmic eye movements.G. obelos, pointed pillar.L. occipitium, back of head.L. ob, before, + claudo, I close.67

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationOculomotor.Odontoblast.Odontoid.Oligodendroglia.Omohyoid.Opisthion.Ophthalmic.Optic.Oral.Ora serrata.Orbit.Orifice.Os.Osseous.Ossicle.Ossification.Osteone.Osteocyte.Osteology.Osteolysis.Osteomalacia.Ostium.Otic.Otolith.Pachymeninges.Palate.Pallidus.Pallium.Palpebra.L. oculus, eye, + motor, mover.G. odous, tooth, + blastos, bud.G. odous, tooth, + eidos, shape, likeness.G. oligos, few,+ dendron, tree, + gloia, glue.G. omos, shoulder, + G. hyoeides, U-shaped;thus muscle passing from shoulder toU-shaped hyoid bone.G. opisthios, posterior.G. ophthalmos, eye.G. opsis, sight.L. os, oris, mouth; (compare L. os, bone,below).L. ora, edge, + serra, saw.L. orbis, anything circular.L. orificium, opening.L. os, bone.L. os (pl. ossa), bone.L. ossiculum, small bone.L. os, bone, + facere, tomake.G. osteon, bone.G. osteon, bone, + kytos, cell.G. osteon, bone, + logos, treatise.G. osteon, bone, + lysis, melting.G. osteon, bone, + malakia, softness.L. ostium, door.G. otikos, belonging to the ear.G. ous, otos, ear, + lithos, stone.G. pachys, thick, + meninx, membrane.L. palatum, palate.L. pallidus, pale.L. pallium, cloak.L. palpebra, eyelid.68

Terms Important in the Head and NeckPapilloedema, L. papilla, nipple, + oedema, swelling.Papilledema.Paraesthesia, G. para, alongside of, + aisthesis, sensation.Paresthesis.Paraflocculus. G. para, alongside of, + L. floccus,flock of wool.Paraganglion. G. para, along, beside, + ganglion, knot.Paralysis.G. para, alongside of, + lyein, to loosen.Paraplegia.G. para, alongside of, + plesso, I strike.Parasympathetic. G. para, alongside of, + sympathetikos,sympathetic.Parathyroid. G. para, near, + thyreos, oblong shield, +eidos, form, likeness.Paraxial.G. para, alongside of, + L. axis, axle.Paresis.G. paresis, relaxation.Parotid.G. para, near, + ous, otos, ear.Periodontal. G. peri, around, + odous, tooth.Petrosal.L. petrosus, rocky.Petrous.L. petrosus, rocky.Pharynx.G. pharynx, throat.Philtrum.G. philtron, love potion, anything thatawakens love.Phonation.G. phone, voice.Pia.L. pius, delicate.Pilus.L. pilus, hair.Pineal.L. pinea, pine cone.Pinna (pl. -ae). L. penna, pinna, feather; hence, wing.Piriform.L. pirum, pear, + forma, shape, likeness.Pituitary.L. pituita, slime, phlegm; at one time believedto secrete a mucous material from thebrain into the nose.Platycephaly. G. platys, flat, + kephale, head.Platysma.G. platysma, plate.69

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationPlexus (pl. -us).Plica.Pneumatic.Pons.Popliteus.Pore.Porta.Portal.Portio.Porus.Premolar.Presbyopia.Procerus.Processus.Prochordal.Prognathism.Promontory.Proptosis.Prosencephalon.Prosthion.Protuberance.Pterygoid.Ptosis.Pulvinar.Punctum.Pupil.Putamen.Pyramid.Pyriform.Quadrigeminus.L. plexus, plaiting, braid.L. plicare, to fold.G. pneumatikos, pertaining to breath.L. pons, pontis, bridge.L. poples, ham.L. porus, passage.L. porta (pl. -ae), gate.L. porta (pl. -ae), gate.L. portio, part.G. poros, passage.L. pre, in front, + molaris, molar.G. presbys, old man, + opsis, sight.L. procerus, tall, extended.L. processus, going forwards.G. pro, in front of, + chorde, cord.G. pro, in front of, + gnathos, jaw.G. promontorium, mountain ridge.G. pro, before, + ptosis, falling.G. pro, before, + enkephalos, brain.G. prosthen, before.L. protubero, I swell.G. pteryx, wing, + eidos, likeness, shape.G. ptosis, fall.L. pulvinar, cushioned couch.L. punctum, point.L. pupa, girl.L. putamen, shell, husk.G. pyramis, pyramid.L. pirum, pear, + forma, shape.L. quadrigeminus, four-fold, four.70

Terms Important in the Head and NeckRecess.Reflect.Retina.Rhinal.Rhinencephalon.Rhinion.Rhombencephalon.Rima.Risorius.Rostrum (pl. -a).Ruga (pl. -ae).Sac.Sacculus.Salivary.Scala.Scalene.Scalp.Sclera.Sclerotic.Sella turcica.Semilunar.Septum.Sialogram.Sigmoid.Sinister.Sinus (pl. -us).Sphenoid.Stapes.Strabismus.Stratum (pl. strata).Stria.L. recessus, retreat.L. reflecto, to turn back.L. rete, net.G. rhis, nose.G. rhis, nose, + enkephalos, brain.G. rhinion, nostril.G. rhombos, rhomboid, + enkephalos, brain.L. rima, cleft.L. risus, laughter.L. rostrum, beak.L. ruga, wrinkle.L. saccus, sack.L. sacculus, a little bag.L. saliva, saliva.L. scala, staircase.G. skalenos, uneven.Teutonic. skalp, shell.G. skleros, hard.G. skleros, hard.L. sella, saddle, + turcica, Turkish.L. semi, half, + luna, moon.L. saeptum, fence.G. sialon, saliva, + gramma, mark.G. sigma, Greek letter S, + eidos, shape,likeness.L. sinister, left side or unlucky.L. sinus, curve, cavity, bosom.G. sphen, wedge, + eidos, likeness, shape.L. stapes, stirrup.G. strabismos, squinting.L. stratum, layer.L. stria, furrow.71

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationStriatum.Styloid.Sublingual.Submandibular.Substantia.Sulcus.Superciliary.Sustentaculum.Sympathetic.Taenia, Tenia.Tapetum.Tectum.Tegmen.Tegmentum.Tela.Telencephalon.Tentorium.Teres.Terminalis.Thalamus.Theca.Tonsil.Tragus.Tympanic.Uvea.Uvula.Vallate.Vallecula.Valve.L. striatus, grooved, streaked.G. stylos, pillar, + eidos, likeness.L. sub, under, + lingua, tongue.L. sub, under, + mandibula, jaw.L. substantia, substance.L. sulcus, furrow.L. super, above, + cilium, eyelid.L. sustentaculum, support.G. syn, together, + pathein, to suffer.L. taenia, band, ribbon.L. tapete, carpet, tapestry.L. tectum (tego), roof.L. tegmen, covering.L. tegumentum, covering.L. tela, web.G. telos, end, + enkephalos, brain.L. tentorium, tent.L. tero, I grind, rub.L. terminare, to limit.G. thalamos, chamber.L. theca, envelope, sheath.L. tonsilla, mooring post.G. tragos, goat, from small tuft of hair (goat’sbeard) in this region.L. tympanum, drum.L. uva, grape.L. uva, grape.L. vallum, rampart, walled.L. dim. of vallus, fossa.L. valva, leaf of door.72

Terms Important in the Head and NeckValvula.Velum.Ventricle.Vermiform.Vermis.Vertebra.Vertex.Vestibulum.Vestige.Vitreus, vitreous.Vomer.Zygapophysis.L. valvula, a little fold, valve.L. velum, veil.L. ventriculus, little cavity, loculus.L. vermis, worm, + forma, shape.L. vermis, worm.L. vertebra, joint.L. vertex, whirl, whirlpool.L. vestibulum, entrance court.L. vestigium, trace, footprint.L. vitreus, of glass; hence, transparent.L. vomer, ploughshare.G. zygon, yoke,+ apophysis, process of abone.73

TERMS SPECIFIC TO THENERVOUS SYSTEMAbducens.Aberrant.Accessory.Acoustic.Aditus.Afferent.Ala.Ambiguus.Amygdaloid.Annulus.Ansa.Antrum.Aphasia.Aphonia.Apophysis.Aqueduct.Aqueous.Arachnoid.Arbor vitae.Archipallium.Arcuate.Arcus.Ataxia.Auditory.L. ab, away,+ ducens, leading.L. ab, away,+ errare, to stray.L. accessorius, supplementary.G. akoustikos, pertaining to hearing.L. aditus, opening.L. ad, to,+ ferre, to carry.L. ala, wing.L. amb, both ways, + agere, todrive.G. amydale, almond, + eidos, form, likeness.L. anulus (annulus), a ring.L. ansa, handle.G. antron, cave.G. a, without, + phasis, speech.G. a, without, + phone, voice.G. apo, from. + physis, growth.L. aqua, water, + ducere, to lead.L. aqua, water.G. arachnes, spider, + eidos, shape,likeness.L. arbor, tree, + vitae, oflife.G. archi, principal, + pallium, cloak.L. arcualis, arch-shaped.L. arcus, bow.G. a, without, + taxis, order.L. audire, to hear.74

Terms Specific to the Nervous SystemAutonomic.Axon.Baroreceptor.Basilic.Bulbus.G. autos, self, + nomos, law.G. axon, axis.G. baros, weight (pressure receptor).A. al-basilic, inner vein.L. bulbus, bulb, swollen root.Callosum.L. callosus, -a, -um, thick-skinned, also abeam or rafter.Calyx (pl. calices). L. calyx, husk, cup-shaped protectivecovering.Cauda, caudal. L. cauda, tail.Cava.L. cavus, -a, -um, hollow or cave.Cavernosus. L. caverna, a hollow or cave.Cavum.L. cavum, a hollow or cave.Celiac, Coeliac. G. koilia, belly.Cerebellum. L. dim. cerebrum, brain.Cerebrum.L. cerebrum, brain.Chiasma. G. chiasma, figure of X.Ciliary.L. cilium (pl. cilia), eyelash.Circumvallate. L. circum, around, + vallum, wall.Cisterna.L. cisterna, reservoir.Claustrum.L. claustrum, barrier.Cochlea.L. cochlea (G., kochlias), spiral, snail shell.Colliculus.L. colliculus, little hill.Commissure. L. commissura (cum + mittere), connection.Communicans. L. communicans, communicating.Concha.L. concha, bivalve, oyster shell.Convolution. L. con, together, + volvo, to roll.Copula.L. copula, tie (from copulare, to copulate).CorpusL. body.(pl. corpora).75

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationCortex(adj. cortical).Corticofugal.Corticopetal.Cotyledon.Culmen.Decussation.Dendrite.Dermatome.Diencephalon.Diplopia.Diverticulum.Dura.Dysarthria.Efferent.Encephalocoele,Encephalocele.Encephalon.Endolymph.Endoneurium.Ependyma.Epineurium.Epithalamus.Falciform.Falx.Fastigius.Fenestra.Fibre, Fiber.L. cortex, bark, rind.L. cortex, bark of a tree, + fugere, to flee.L. cortex, bark of a tree, + petere, to seek.G. kotyledon, cup-shaped hollow.L. culmen, top.L. decussatio, intersection of two lines, as inRoman X.G. dendros, tree.G. derma, skin, + temnein, to cut.G. dia, through, + enkephalos, brain.G. diploos, double, + opsis, vision.L. divertere, to turn aside.L. dura, hard, strong.G. dys, hard, arthron, joint, hence disjointedspeech.L. ex, out, + ferre, to bear.G. enkephalos, brain, + koilos, hollow.G. en, within, + kephalos, head.G. endon, within, + L. lympha, water.G. endon, within, + neuron, nerve.G. epi, upon, + endyma, garment.G. epi, on, + neuron, nerve.G. epi, on, + thalamos, chamber.L. falx, sickle, + forma, shape, likeness.L. falx, falcis, sickle.L. fastigium, slope.L. fenestra, window.L. fibra, fibre, string, thread.76

Terms Specific to the Nervous SystemFibril.Filament.Filum.Fimbria.Fissure.Flocculus.Follicle.Fornix.Fourchette.Fovea.Fundus.Funicular.Fusiform.Ganglion.Genu.Glia.Globus.Glossopharyngeus.Griseum.Gyrus (pl. gyri).Habenula.Hemiplegia.Hemisphere.Hernia.Hiatus.Hilum.Hippocampus.Hydrocephalus.Hypaxial.Hypoglossal.NL. fibrilla, a little thread.L. filamentum, thin fibre.L. filum, thread.L. fimbriae, threads, fringe.L. fissura (findo), a cleft.NL. dim. floccus, a tuft of wool.L. folliculus, a small bag.L. fornix, arch or vault.F. fourchette, fork.L. fovea, small pit.L. fundus, bottom.L. funis, rope.L. fusus, spindle, + forma, shape, likeness.G. ganglion, a swelling under the skin.L. genu, knee.G. gloia, glue.L. globus, sphere.G. glossa, tongue, + pharynx, throat.L. griseus, bluish.G. gyros, a turn.L. habena, strap.G. hemi, half, + plege, stroke.G. hemi, half, + sphaira, ball.L. hernia, protrusion.L. hiatus, gap.L. hilum, a small thing.G. hippos, horse, + kampos, sea monster.G. hydor, water, + kephale, head.G. hypo, under, + L. axis, centre line, axis.G. hypo, under, + glossa, tongue.77

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationHypophysis.Hypothalamus.Impar.Impression.Incisura.Indusium.Infundibulum.Innervation.Insula.Intrinsic.Invagination.Isthmus.Jugular.Jugum.Kinetic.Labyrinth.Lacuna.Lamina (pl. -ae).Leminiscus.Leptomeninges.Limbus.Limen.Lingula.Lobus.Lucidum.Lumen.Lunate.G. hypo, under, + physis, growth.G. hypo, under, + thalamos, chamber, couch.L. impar, unequal.L. in, in, + premere, to press.L. incidere, to cut into.L. indusium, tunic.L. infundibulum, a funnel.L. in, in, + nervus, nerve.L. insula, island.L. intrinsecus, inward.L. in, in, + vagina, sheath.G. isthmos, narrow connection.L. jugularis (jugulum), pertaining to the neck.L. jugum, yoke.G. kinesis, movement.G. labyrinthos, maze.L. lacuna, pond.L. lamina, thin plate.G. leminiskos, band.G. leptos, thin, + meninx, membrane.L. limbus, border.L. limen, threshold.L. lingula, small tongue.G. lobos, lobe.L. lucidus (lux), full of light, clear.L. lumen, light, opening.L. luna, moon.78

Terms Specific to the Nervous SystemMacula.Mater.Matrix.Meatus (pl. -us).Medulla.Meninges.Meningocoele,Meingocele.Meninx(pl. meninges).Mesencephalon.Metathalamus.Metencephalon.Microcephaly.Microglia.Microsmatic.Mydriasis.Myelencephalon.Myenteric.Neopallium.Nerve.Neural.Neuralgia.Neuraxon.Neurenteric.Neurilemma.Neuroblast.Neuroectomy.Neuroglia.Neurology.L. macula, spot, stain.A. mater, wrap or nutrient.L. matrix (mater), womb, groundwork, mold.L. meatus, passage.L. medulla, marrow, pith.G. meninx, membrane.G. meninx, membrane, + koilos, hollow.G. meninx, membrane.G. mesos, middle, + en, in, + kephale, head.G. meta, after, + thalamus, chamber.G. meta, after, + enkephalos, brain.G. mikros, small, + kephale, head.G. mikros, small, + gloia, glue.G. mikros, small, + osmaomai, to smell.G. mydriasis, dilation of pupil.G. myelos, marrow, + enkephalos, brain.G. mys, muscle, + enteron, gut.G. neos, new,+ pallium, cloak.L. nervus, G.neuron, cordlike structure,nerve, tendon.G. neuron, nerve.G. neuron, nerve, + algos, pain.G. neuron, nerve, + axon, axis.G. neuron, nerve, + enteron, gut.G. neuron, nerve, + lemma, husk, sheath.G. neuron, nerve, + blastos, bud.G. neuron, nerve, + ektome, excision.G. neuron, nerve, + gloia, glue.G. neuron, nerve, + logos, treatise.79

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationNeuron.Neuropil.Neuropore.Nigra.Node.Nystagmus.Oculomotor.Olfactory.Oligodendroglia.Ophthalmic.Optic.Ostium.Otic.Otolith.Pachymeninges.Pallidus.Pallium.Papilloedema,Papilledema.Paraesthesia,Paresthesis.Paraflocculus.Paraganglion.Paralysis.Paraplegia.Parasympathetic.G. neuron, cordlike structure, sinew, tendon;equivalent of L. nervus, hence, nerve.G. neuron, nerve, + pilos, felt.G. neuron, nerve, + poros, hole.L. niger, black.L. nodus, knot.G. nystagma, short sleep (during whichrhythmic head movements occur), modernuse, rhythmic eye movements.L. oculus, eye, + motor, mover.L. olere, to smell, + facere, tomake.G. oligos, few,+ dendron, tree, + gloia, glue.G. ophthalmos, eye.G. opsis, sight.L. ostium, door.G. otikos, belonging to the ear.G. ous, otos, ear, + lithos, stone.G. pachys, thick, + meninx, membrane.L. pallidus, pale.L. pallium, cloak.L. papilla, nipple, + oedema, swelling.G. para, alongside of, + aisthesis, sensation.G. para, alongside of, + L. floccus, flock ofwool.G. para, along, beside, + ganglion, knot.G. para, alongside of, + lyein, to loosen.G. para, alongside of, + plesso, I strike.G. para, alongside of, + sympathetikos,sympathetic.80

Terms Specific to the Nervous SystemParaxial.Parenchyma.Paresis.Parietal.Parieties.Pedicle.Pedunculus.Pellucida.Perilymph.Perineum.Petrosal.Petrous.Phonation.Photoreceptor.Phrenic.Pia.Piriform.Pituitary.Placode.Plexus (pl. -us).Plica.Pons.Presbyopia.Processus.Prochordal.Profundus.Proprioceptor.Proptosis.Prosencephalon.Pulvinar.Punctum.G. para, alongside of, + L. axis, axle.G. parenchyma, pouring out into the adjacent.G. paresis, relaxation.L. paries, wall.L. paries, wall.L. pes, foot.L. pediculus, a little foot.L. per, through, + lucere, to shine.G. peri, around, + L. lympha, fluid.G. perinaion, perineum.L. petrosus, rocky.L. petrosus, rocky.G. phone, voice.G. phos, light, + recipio, I receive.G. phren, diaphragm.L. pius, delicate.L. pirum, pear, + forma, shape, likeness.L. pituita, slime, phlegm; at one time believedto secrete a mucous material from thebrain into the nose.G. plax, anything flat.L. plexus, plaiting, braid.L. plicare, to fold.L. pons, pontis, bridge.G. presbys, old man, + opsis, sight.L. processus, going forwards.G. pro, in front of, + chorde, cord.L. profundus, deep.L. proprius, special, + capere, totake.G. pro, before, + ptosis, falling.G. pro, before, + enkephalos, brain.L. pulvinar, cushioned couch.L. punctum, point.81

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationPupil.Putamen.Pyramid.Pyriform.Quadrigeminus.Radicle.Radix.Ramify.Ramus.Raphe.Receptor.Recess.Restiform.Reticulum.Retina.Rhinencephalon.Rhombencephalon.Rostrum (pl. -a).Sac.Sacculus.Sarcolemma.Scala.Sciatic.Sclera.Sclerotic.Septum.Sinister.Sinus (pl. -us).Sinusoid.L. pupa, girl.L. putamen, shell, husk.G. pyramis, pyramid.L. pirum, pear, + forma, shape.L. quadrigeminus, four-fold, four.L. radix, root.L. radix, root.L. ramus, branch, + facere, tomake.L. ramus, branch.G. raphe, seam.L. recipere, to take back, receive.L. recessus, retreat.L. restis, rope, + forma, shape, form.L. reticulum, little net.L. rete, net.G. rhis, nose, + enkephalos, brain.G. rhombos, rhomboid, + enkephalos, brain.L. rostrum, beak.L. saccus, sack.L. sacculus, a little bag.G. sarx, flesh, + lemma, husk, skin.L. scala, staircase.G. ischion, hip joint.G. skleros, hard.G. skleros, hard.L. saeptum, fence.L. sinister, left side or unlucky.L. sinus, curve, cavity, bosom.L. sinus, curve, cavity, + eidos, shape,likeness.82

Terms Specific to the Nervous SystemSomatic.Somite.Spina.Strabismus.Stratum (pl. strata).Stria.Striatum.Sublingual.Submandibular.Substantia.Sulcus.Superciliary.Sympathetic.Synapse.Tabular.Tapetum.Tectum.Tegmen.Tegmentum.Tela.Telencephalon.Tentorium.Terminalis.Thalamus.Theca.Tract.Trigeminus.Tunica.Unciform.Uncinate.G. soma (pl. somata), body.G. soma, body, + suffix -ite, indicating origin.L. spina, thorn.G. strabismos, squinting.L. stratum, layer.L. stria, furrow.L. striatus, grooved, streaked.L. sub, under, + lingua, tongue.L. sub, under, + mandibula, jaw.L. substantia, substance.L. sulcus, furrow.L. super, above, + cilium, eyelid.G. syn, together, + pathein, to suffer.G. syn, together, + haptein, to fasten.L. tabula, board, table.L. tapete, carpet, tapestry.L. tectum (tego), roof.L. tegmen, covering.L. tegumentum, covering.L. tela, web.G. telos, end, + enkephalos, brain.L. tentorium, tent.L. terminare, to limit.G. thalamos, chamber.L. theca, envelope, sheath.L. tractus, wool drawn out for spinning.L. trigeminus, born three together.L. tunica, undergarment.L. uncus, hook, + forma, shape.L. uncinatus, furnished with a hook.83

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationUncus.Uvea.Vagus.Velum.Ventricle.Vermis.Vestibulum.Zona.Zonula.L. uncus, hook.L. uva, grape.L. vagus, wandering.L. velum, veil.L. ventriculus, little cavity, loculus.L. vermis, worm.L. vestibulum, entrance court.L. zona, belt, girdle.L. dim. of zona, belt, girdle.84

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF TERMSAAbdomen.Abducens.Abductor.Aberrant.Abortion.Absorption.Accessory.Acetabulum.Acinus.Acoustic.Acrania.Acromegaly.Acromion.Adductor.Adenoid.Adhesion.Adipose.Aditus.Adnexa.Adolescence.Adrenal.L. from abdere (?), to hide.L. ab, away,+ ducens, leading.L. ab, away,+ ducere, to lead.L. ab, away,+ errare, to stray.L. abortio, to abort.L. absorptio, to swallow.L. accessorius, supplementary.L. acetabulum, vinegar cup, shape of hipjoint.L. acinus, grape.G. akoustikos, pertaining to hearing.G. a, without, + krania, heads.G. akros, extremity, + megale, great.G. akron, height, extremity, + omos, shoulder.L. ad, to,+ ducere, to lead.G. aden, acorn, + eidos, form,likeness.L. adhaereo, to stick together.L. adeps, fat.L. aditus, opening.L. ad, to,+ nexus, bound.L. adolesco, togrowup.L. ad, near, + renes, kidneys.85

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationAdventia.L. ad, to,+ venire, to come.Afferent.L. ad, to,+ ferre, to carry.Agnathism. G. a, without, + gnathos, jaw.Agonist.G. agonistes, rival.Ala.L. ala, wing.Allantois.G. allas, sausage, + eidos, form,appearance.Alveolus.L. alveolus, little cavity.Amastia.G. a, without, + mastos, breast.Ambiguus.L. amb, both ways, + agere, todrive.Amnion.G. amnion, fetal membrane.Amphiarthrosis. G. amphi, on both sides, + arthrosis, joint.Ampulla.L. ampulla, a flask or vessel swelling in themiddle.Amygdaloid. G. amydale, almond, + eidos, form,likeness.Analogy.G. ana, according to, + logos, treatise.Anastomosis. G. anastomoein, to bring to a mouth, causeto communicate.Anatomy.G. ana, apart, + tennein, to cut.Anconeus.G. agkon, elbow.Androgen.G. andros, man, + gennan, to produce.Android.G. andros, man, + eidos, form, likeness.Anencephaly. G. an, without, + enkephalos, brain.Angiology.G. angeion, vessel, + logos, treatise.Angle.L. angulus, angle.Ankle.L. angulus, angle.Ankylosis.G. ankylosis, stiffening of the joint.Anlage. Ger. an, on, + legen, to lay (a laying on —primordium, precursor).Annulus.L. anulus (annulus), a ring.Anomaly.G. an, without, + nomos, law.Ansa.L. ansa, handle.86

Alphabetical List of TermsAntagonist.Antebrachium.Anteflexion.Anterior.Anteversion.Anthropoid.Antihelix.Antitragus.Antrum.Anus.Aorta.Apertura.Aphasia.Aphonia.Apocrine.Aponeurosis.Apophysis.Appendicular.Appendix.Aqueduct.Aqueous.Arachnoid.Arachnodactyli.Arbor vitae.Archipallium.Arcuate.Arcus.Areola.G. anti, against, agonistes, rival.L. ante, before, + brachium, arm.L. ante, before, + flexere, to bend.L. ante, before.L. ante, before, + versio, turning.G. anthropos, man, + eidos, form, likeness.G. anti, against, before, + helix, coil.G. anti, against, before, + tragus, goat,(perhaps the small tuft of hair growing herewas likened to a goat’s beard?).G. antron, cave.L. anus, fundament.G. aeiro, to raise.L. apertura, opening.G. a, without, + phasis, speech.G. a, without, + phone, voice.G. apo, from, + krinein, to separate.G. apo, from, + neuron, tendon (earlier:nerve, later: tendon).G. apo, from, + physis, growth.adjectival form of appendix.L. appendere, to hang upon.L. aqua, water, + ducere, to lead.L. aqua, water.G. arachnes, spider, + eidos, shape,likeness.as previous, spider fingers, Marfanssyndrome.L. arbor, tree, + vitae, oflife.G. archi, principal, + pallium, cloak.L. arcualis, arch-shaped.L. arcus, bow.L. areola (dim. of area, open space).87

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationArrector.Artefact.Artery.Articulation.Arytenoid.Aspera.Asterion.Asthenic.Atavistic.Ataxia.Atelectasis.Atlas.Atresia.Atrium.Atrophy.Auditory.Auricle.Autonomic.Axial.Axilla.Axis.Axon.Azygos.L. arrigere, to raise, thus arrectores pilorum,small muscles in skin that erect the hairs.L. arte, byart,+ factus, made.G. aer, air, + terein, to keep (L. arteria,windpipe). ancient belief that blood vesselscontained air.L. artus, joint, articulatus, little joint,pl. articulationes, joints.G. arytana, jug, + eidos, shape, likeness.L. asper, rough.G. aster, star.G. a, without, + sthenos, strength.L. atavus, grandfather.G. a, without, + taxis, order.G. ateles, incomplete, + ectasis, expansion.G. atlao, I sustain (Greek god who bears theworld).G. a, without, + tresis, hole.L. atrium, court, entrance hall.G. a, without, + trophe, nourishment.L. audire, to hear.L. dim., auricula, external ear.G. autos, self, + nomos, law.L. axis, axle of a wheel, the line about whichany body turns.L. axilla, armpit.L. axis, axle of a wheel.G. axon, axis.G. a, not, + zygon, yoke; hence, unpaired.88

Alphabetical List of TermsBBaroreceptor.Basal.Basilic.Basion.Basisphenoid.Biceps.Bicornuate.Bicuspid.Bifid.Bifurcate.Bilateral.Bile.Bipennate.Biventer.Blepharal.Bolus.Brachial.Brachium(pl. -ia).Branchial.Brachycephalic.Bregma.Brevis.Bronchiole.Bronchus.Buccal.Bulbus.G. baros, weight (pressure receptor).L. basis, footing, base.A. al-basilic, inner vein.G. basis, footing, base.G. basis, base, + sphenoeides,wedgeshaped.L. bis, two,+ caput, head.L. bis, two,+ cornua, horns.L. bis, two,+ cuspis, point.L. bis, two,+ findere, to cleave.L. bis, two,+ furca, fork.L. bi, two,+ latus, side.L. bilis, bile.L. bis, two,+ pinna, feather.L. bis, two,+ venter, belly.G. blepharon, eyelid.G. bolos, mass.L. brachialis, belonging to the arm (upperarm).L. brachium, arm, (upper arm).L. branchiae, orG.branchia, gills.G. brachys, short, + kephale, head.G. brechein, to moisten, (thought most humidpart of infant skull).L. brevis, short.G. bronchiolus (dim. of bronchus, brechein,to moisten).G. bronchia, end of windpipe.L. bucca, cheek.L. bulbus, bulb, swollen root.89

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationBulla.Bursa.L. bulla, a bubble; hence spherical inshape.L. bursa, a purse; hence purse-shapedobject.CCalcaneus.Calcar.Calcification.Callosum.Callous.Calvaria.Calyx(pl. calices).Canaliculus.Cancellous.Canine.Cannula.Canthus.Capillary.Capitulum.Capsule.Caput(pl. capita).Cardiac.Cardinal.Carina.Carneae.L. calcaneus, heel.L. calcar, spur.L. calx, lime, + facere, tomake.L. callosus, -a, -um, thick-skinned, also abeam or rafter.L. as above, newly formed bone at fracturesite.L. calvus, bald.L. calyx, husk, cup-shaped protectivecovering.L. canalis, watepipe.L. cancelli, latticework.L. canis, dog.L. dim. canna, reed.G. kanthos, rim on a wheel.L. capillaris, pertaining to the hair.L. dim. caput, small head.L. dim. of capsa, box.L. caput, head.G. kardiakos (kardia), pertaining to the heart.L. cardinalis, pertaining to a door hinge, onwhich something important or fundamentalhinges.L. carina, keel.L. carneus, fleshy.90

Alphabetical List of TermsCarnivorous. L. carno, flesh, + vorare, todevour.Carnosus.L. carnosus, fleshy.Carotid.G. karon, deep sleep (pressure on arteryproduces stupor).Carpus.G. karpos, wrist.Cartilage.L. cartilago, gristle, cartilage.Caruncle.L. dim. of caro, flesh, any fleshyeminence.Catheter.G. kata, down, + heimi, thrust.Cauda, caudal. L. cauda, tail.Cava.L. cavus, -a, -um, hollow or cave.Cavernosus. L. caverna, a hollow or cave.Cavum.L. cavum, a hollow or cave.Cecum, Caecum. L. caecus, -a, -um, blind.Celiac, Coeliac. G. koilia, belly.Celom (e), Coelom. G. koiloma, a hollow.Cementum. L. caementum, rough stone.Centrum.L. centrum, centre.Cephalic.G. kephale, head.Cerebellum. L. dim. cerebrum, brain.Cerebrum.L. cerebrum, brain.Cervical.L. cervix, neck.Chiasma. G. chiasma, figure of X.Chirurgery.G. cheir, hand, + ergon, work, (hencesurgery).ChoanaG. choane, funnel.(pl. -ae).Choledochus. G. chole, bile, + dochos (dechomai),container.Chorda.G. chorde, string of gut, cord.Chorion.G. chorion, skin.Choroid.G. chorion, skin, + eidos, shape, likeness.Chromatolysis. G. chroma, colour, + lysis, dissolution.91

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationChromosome.Chyle.Chyme.Ciliary.Cingulum.Circumflex.Circumvallate.Cisterna.Claustrum.Clava.Clavicle.Climacteric.Cloaca.Coccyx.Cochlea.Collagen.Collateral.Colliculus.Colloid.Collum.Colon.Comes.Comitans(pl. comitantes).Commissure.Communicans.Concha.Condyle.Conjunctiva.Constrictor.G. chroma, colour, + soma, body.G. chylos, juice.G. chymos, juice.L. cilium (pl. cilia), eyelash.L. cingulum, girdle.L. circum, around, + flexere, to bend.L. circum, around, + vallum, wall.L. cisterna, reservoir.L. claustrum, barrier.L. clava, club.L. clavicula, a little key.G. klimakter, top of ladder (from klimax,ladder).L. cloaca, sewer, drain.G. kokkyx, a cuckoo, hence a structureshaped like a cuckoo’s bill.L. cochlea (G. kochlias), spiral, snail shell.G. kolla, glue, + L. gen, begetter of.L. con, together, + latus, side.L. colliculus, little hill.G. kolla, glue, + eidos, likeness, shape.L. collum, neck.G. kolon, great gut.L. comes, companion.L. comitari, to accompany.L. commissura (cum + mittere), connection.L. communicans, communicating.L. concha, bivalve, oyster shell.G. kondylos, knuckle.L. conj, together + jungo, I join, henceconnecting.L. constringere, to draw together.92

Alphabetical List of TermsConus.Convolution.Copula.Coraco-, corono-.Coracoid.Corium.Cornea.Cornu.Corona.Coronary.Coronoid.Corpus(pl. corpora).Corpuscle.Corrugator.Cortex(adj. cortical).Corticofugal.Corticopetal.Costa(adj. costal).Cotyledon.Coxa.CranialCranium.(adj. cranial).Cremaster.Cribriform.Cricoid.Crista.Crista galli.L. conus, cone.L. con, together, + volvo, to roll.L. copula, tie (from copulare, to copulate).G. korax or corone, crow; hence crowlike.G. korax, crow, + eidos, form, likeness.G. chorion, skin, leather.L. corneus, horny.L. cornu, horn.L. corona, crown.L. coronarius, pertaining to a wreath orcrown; hence, encircling.G. korax, crow, + eidos, form, likeness.L. body.L. corpusculum, little body.L. con, together + ruga, wrinkle.L. cortex, bark, rind.L. cortex, bark of a tree, + fugere, to flee.L. cortex, bark of a tree, + petere, to seek.L. costa, rib.G. kotyledon, cup-shaped hollow.L. coxa, hip.G. kranion, skull.G. kranion, skull.G. cremaster, suspender.L. cribrum, sieve, + forma, form.G. krikos, ring, + eidos, form, likeness.L. crista, crest.L. crista, crest + L. gallus, cock, hence cock’scomb.93

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationCruciate.Crus (pl. crura).Cubitus.Cuboid.Culmen.Cuneiform.Cupula.Cuspis.Cutaneous.Cuticle.Cutis.Cyst (adj. cystic).Cytology.Cytoplasm.L. crux, cross.L. crus, leg.L. cubitus, elbow.G. kuboeides, cube-shaped.L. culmen, top.L. cuneus, wedge, + forma, shape, likeness.L. cupula, a small cask or cup.L. cuspis, point.L. cutis, skin.L. cutis, skin.L. cutis, skin.G. kystis, bag, bladder, pouch.G. kytos, cell, + logos, treatise.G. kytos, cell, + plasma, plasma, anythingmolded.DDacryon.Dactyl.Dartos.Decidua(adj. Deciduous).Decussation.Defaecation,Defecation.Deferens.Deglutition.Deltoid.Dendrite.Dens.G. dakryon, tear.G. daktylos, finger.G. dartos, skinned.L. deciduus, (de + cado), falling off.L. decussatio, intersection of two lines, as inRoman X.L. defaecare, to cleanse.L. de, away,+ ferens, carrying.L. deglutire, to swallow.G. delta, letter in Greek alphabet,triangular-shaped.G. dendros, tree.L. dens, tooth.94

Alphabetical List of TermsDentine.Dentition.Depressor.Dermal.Dermatoglyphics.Dermatome.Dermis.Detritus.Detrusor.Diagnosis.Diaphragm.Diaphysis.Diarthrosis.Diastema(pl. -ata).Diastole.Diencephalon.Digastric.Digestion.Digit.Diploë.Diploid.Diplopia.Disc.Distal.Diverticulum.Dizygotic.Dolichocephalic.Dorsal.Duct.Ductule.L. dens, tooth.L. dentitis, cutting of teeth.L. de, down, + premere, to press.G. derma, skin.G. derma, skin, + glyphein, to carve.G. derma, skin, + temnein, to cut.G. derma, skin.L. deterere, torubaway.L. detrudere, to push down.G. dia, through, + gnosis, knowledge.G. dia, through, + phragma, wall.G. dia, between, + physis, growth.G. dia, through, + arthroun, to fasten by ajoint.G. diastema, interval.G. dia, through, + stellein, to send.G. dia, through, + enkephalos, brain.G. dis, double, + gaster, belly.L. dis, apart, + gerere, to carry.L. digitus, finger.G. diploë, fold.G. diploos, twofold.G. diploos, double, + opsis, vision.L. discus, disc.L. distare, to stand apart.L. divertere, to turn aside.G. dis, twice, + zygoo, join together.G. dolichos, long + G. kephale, head.L. dorsum, back.L. ducere, to lead or draw.L. ducere, to lead, dim.95

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationDuodenum.Dura.Dysarthria.L. duodeni, twelve (meaning twelvefingerbreadths).L. dura, hard, strong.G. dys, hard, arthron, joint, hence disjointedspeech.EEctoderm.Ectopia.Effector.Efferent.Ejaculatory.Elastin.Emboliformis.Embolus.Embryo.Embryology.Eminence.Emissary.Enarthrosis.Encephalocoele,Encephalocele.Encephalon.Endocardium.Endochondrial.Endocranium.Endocrine.Endoderm.Endolymph.Endometrium.G. ektos, outside, + derma, skin.G. ektopos, distant.L. efficere, to bring to pass.L. ex, out, + ferre, to bear.L. e, out, + jacere, to throw.G. elastikos, impulsive.G. embolos, wedge, + L. forma, shape.G. embolos, wedge, plug, anything inserted.G. embryon, fruit in the womb, fromG. bryein, togrow.G. embryon, fruit in the womb, + logos,treatise.L. e, out, + minere, to jut.L. e, out, + mittere, to send.G. en, in, + arthron, joint.G. enkephalos, brain, + koilos, hollow.G. en, within, + kephalos, head.G. endon, within, + kardia, heart.G. endon, within, + chondros, cartilage.G. endon, within, + kranion, skull.G. endon, within, + krinein, to separate.G. endon, within, + derma, skin.G. endon, within, + L. lympha, water.G. endon, within, + metra, womb.96

Alphabetical List of TermsEndomysium.Endoneurium.Endosteum.Endoskeleton.Endothelium.Enzyme.Ependyma.Epicanthus.Epicardium.Epicondyle.Epicranium.Epidermis.Epididymis.Epigastrium.Epiglottis.Epimysium.Epineurium.Epiphysis.Epiploic.Epispadias.Epithalamus.Epithelium.Epoöphoron.Erector.Erythrocyte.Ethmoid.Eugenics.Eversion.Exomphalos.Excretion.Exocrine.G. endon, within, + mys, muscle.G. endon, within, + neuron, nerve.G. endon, within, + osteon, bone.G. endon, within, + skeletos, dried up.G. endon, within, + thele, nipple.G. en, in, + zyme, leaven.G. epi, upon, + endyma, garment.G. epi, upon, + kanthos, rim.G. epi, on, + kardia, heart.G. epi, on, + kondylos, knuckle.G. epi, upon, + kranion, skull.G. epi, on, + derma, skin.G. epi, on, + didmoi, testicles.G. epi, upon, + gaster, belly.G. epi, upon, + glottis, larynx.G. epi, upon, + mys, muscle.G. epi, on, + neuron, nerve.G. epi, on, + physis, growth.G. epiploon, caul, omentum.G. epi, upon, + N.L. spadias, F.spadon,eunuch, F. span, todraw.G. epi, on, + thalamos, chamber.G. epi, on, + thele, nipple.G. epi, upon, + oön, egg, + phoros,bearing.L. erectus, erect.G. erythros, red, + kytos, cell.G. ethmos, sieve, + eidos, form, likeness.G. en, well, + gennan, to generate.L. e, out, + vertere, to turn.G. ex, out, + omphalos, navel.L. (excretus) ex, out, + cernere, to sift.G. ex, out, + krinein, to separate.97

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationExophthalmos.Exoskeleton.Extension.Extensor.Extravasation.Extrinsic.Exudate.G. ex, out, + ophthalmos, eye.G. ex, out, + skeleton, skeleton.L. extendo, extend.L. ex, out, + tendere, to stretch.L. extra, outside, + vas, vessel.L. extrinsecus, on the outside.L. ex, out, + sudare, to sweat.FFacet.Facialis.Facies.Faeces, Feces.Falciform.Falx.Fascia (pl. -iae).Fasciculus.Fastigius.Fauces.Femur.Fenestra.Fetus, Foetus.Fibre, Fiber.Fibril.Fibroblast.Fibrocartilage.Fibula.Filament.Filum.Fimbria.Fissure.F. facette, face.L. facies, face.L. facies, face.L. faex, dregs.L. falx, sickle, + forma, shape, likeness.L. falx, falcis, sickle.L. fascia, band.L. fascis, bundle.L. fastigium, slope.L. faux, throat.L. femur, thigh.L. fenestra, window.L. fetus, offspring.L. fibra, fibre, string, thread.NL. fibrilla, a little thread.L. fibra, fibre, + blastos, bud.L. fibra, fibre, + cartilago, gristle.L. fibula, pin, skewer, brooch.L. filamentum, thin fibre.L. filum, thread.L. fimbriae, threads, fringe.L. fissura (findo), a cleft.98

Alphabetical List of TermsFistula.Flaccid.Flavum.Flexor.Flocculus.Folia.Follicle.Fontanelle.Foramen.Forceps.Form.Fornix.Fossa.Fourchette.Fovea.Fraenum, Frenum.Frenulum.Frontal.Fulcrum.Fundiform.Fundus.Funicular.Fusiform.L. fistula, pipe.L. flaccidus, weak.L. flavus, yellow.L. flexus, bent.NL. dim. floccus, a tuft of wool.L. folium, leaf.L. folliculus, a small bag.F. fontanelle, a small fountain.L. foramen, hole.L. forceps, pincers.L. forma, shape.L. fornix, arch or vault.L. fossa, ditch, channel, something dug.F. fourchette, fork.L. fovea, small pit.L. fraenum, bridge.L. dim. fraenum, a little bridge.L. frons, frontis, forehead, brow.L. fulcrum, post.L. funda, sling, + forma, shape, likeness.L. fundus, bottom.L. funis, rope.L. fusus, spindle, + forma, shape,likeness.GGalea.Gallus.Gametes.Ganglion.Gastrocnemius.Gastrula.L. galea, leather helmet.L. gallus, cock.G. gametes, spouse.G. ganglion, a swelling under the skin.G. gaster, belly, + kneme, leg.NL. dim. from G. gaster, stomach.99

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationGemellus.Genial.Geniculate.Genioglossus.Geniohyoid.Genital.Genu.Germinal.Germinative.Gestation.Ginglymus.Glabella.Gland.Glans.Glenoid.Glia.Globus.Glomerulus.Glossal.Glossopharyngeus.Glottis.Gluteus.Gnathion.Gomphosis.Gonad.Gonion.Gracilis.Granulation.Granulum.Gravid.Griseum.Gubernaculum.L. gemellus, twin.G. geneion, chin.L. geniculatus, with bent knee.G. geneion, chin, + glossa, tongue.G. geneion, chin, + hyoeides, U-shaped.L. genitalis (gigno), pertaining to birth.L. genu, knee.L. germen, bud, germ.L. germen, bud, germ.L. gestare, to bear.G. ginglymus, hinge.L. glaber, smooth.L. glandula, dim. glans, acorn, pellet.L. glans, acorn.G. glene, socket, + eidos, form, likeness.G. gloia, glue.L. globus, sphere.L. dim. of glomus, a ball.G. glossa, tongue.G. glossa, tongue, + pharynx, throat.G. glottis, mouth of the windpipe.G. gloutos, rump.G. gnathos, jaw.G. gomphos, wedge-shaped nail.G. gone, seed.G. gonia, angle.L. gracilis, thin.L. dim. granum, grain.L. granulum, small grain.L. gravida, pregnant.L. griseus, bluish.L. gubernaculum, helm.100

Alphabetical List of TermsGynaecomastia,Gynecomastia.Gyrus (pl. gyri).G. gyne, woman, + mastos, breast.G. gyros, a turn.HHabenula.Habitus.Haemal, hemal.Hallux.Hamatum.Hamulus.Haploid.Hemiplegia.Hemisphere.Hemoglobin,Haemoglobin.Hemopoietic,Haemopoietic.Hepar.Hepatic.Hernia.Hiatus.Hilum.Hippocampus.Histology.Holocrine.Homology.Hormone.Humerus.Humor.Hyaline.Hydrocephalus.L. habena, strap.L. habitus, condition of the body.G. haima, blood.L. hallux, big toe.L. hamatus, hook-shaped.L. dim. hamus, hook.G. haplos, plain.G. hemi, half, + plege, stroke.G. hemi, half, + sphaira, ball.G. haima, blood, + L. globus, sphere.G. haima, blood, + poietikos, creative.G. hepar, liver.L. hepar, liver.L. hernia, protrusion.L. hiatus, gap.L. hilum, a small thing.G. hippos, horse, + kampos, sea monster.G. histos, web, + logos, treatise.G. holos, whole, + krinein, to separate.G. homos, same, + logos, treatise.G. hormaein, to excite.L. humerus, shoulder.L. humor, moisture, fluid.G. hyalos, glass.G. hydor, water, + kephale, head.101

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationHydrocoele,Hydrocele.Hymen.Hyoid.Hypaxial.Hypoglossal.Hypophysis.Hypospadias.Hypothalamus.G. hydro, water, + koilos, hollow.G. hymen, membrane.G. hyoeides, U-shaped.G. hypo, under, + L. axis, centre line,axis.G. hypo, under, + glossa, tongue.G. hypo, under, + physis, growth.G. hypo, under, + N.L. spadias, F.spadon,eunuch, F. span, todraw.G. hypo, under, + thalamos, chamber, couch.IIcterus.Ileum.Iliacus.Ilium.Ima.Impar.Implantation.Impression.Incisor.Incisura.Incus.Index.Inductor.Indusium.Infraspinous.Infundibulum.Inguinal.Inion.Innervation.G. ikteros, jaundice.G. eilein, to wind or turn.See ilium.L. ileum, flank.L. ima, lowest.L. impar, unequal.L. in, in, + plantere, to plant.L. in, in, + premere, to press.L. incisus (incidere), cut.L. incidere, to cut into.L. incus, anvil.L. index, pointer.L. inducere, to lead on, excite.L. indusium, tunic.L. infra, below, + spina, spine.L. infundibulum, a funnel.L. inguina, groin.G. inion, back of head.L. in, in, + nervus, nerve.102

Alphabetical List of TermsInnominate.Insertion.Insula.Integument.Intercalated.Intercostal.Interdigitating.Interstitial.Intervertebral.Intestine.Intima.Intrinsic.Introitus.Invagination.Inversion.Iris.Ischiofemoral.Ischium (pl. -ia).Isthmus.L. in, in, + nomen, name, unnamed bone,unnamed artery.L. in, in, + serere, to plant.L. insula, island.L. in, over,+ tegere, tocover.L. inter, between, + calare, to call, insertedor placed between.L. inter, between, + costa, rib.L. inter, between, + digitus, digit, interlockedby finger-like processes.L. inter, between, + sistere, to set, thusplaced in spaces or gaps.L. inter, between, + vertebra, joint.L. intus, within, or L. intestina, guts, entrails.L. intima, innermost.L. intrinsecus, inward.L. intro, within, + ire, togo.L. in, in, + vagina, sheath.L. in, in, + vertere, to turn.G. iris, rainbow.G. ischion, hip, + L. femur, thigh.G. ischion, hip.G. isthmos, narrow connection.JJejunum.Jugal.Jugular.Jugum.Juxtaposition.L. jejunus, empty (of food), that part ofintestine that appears empty.L. jugum, yoke.L. jugularis (jugulum), pertaining to the neck.L. jugum, yoke.L. juxta, near, + positio, place.103

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationKKaryocyte.Karyolysis.Keratin.Kinetic.Kyphosis.G. karyon, nucleus, nut, + kytos, cell.G. karyon, nucleus, nut, + lysis, loosening.G. keras, horn.G. kinesis, movement.G. kyphos, bent.Labial.L. labialis (labia), pertaining to lips.Labium.L. labium, lip.Labrum.L. labrum, rim.Labyrinth.G. labyrinthos, maze.Lacerate.L. lacerare, to tear.Lacrimal.L. lacrima, tear.Lactation.L. lactare, to suckle.Lacteals.L. lactare, to suckle.Lacuna.L. lacuna, pond.Lacus.L. lacus, lake.Lambdoid. G. lambda, shaped like Greek letter L.Lamella.L. dim. of lamina, leaf.Lamina (pl. -ae). L. lamina, thin plate.Lanugo.L. lanugo, fine hair.Laparotomy. L. lapara, flank, + tome, section, cut.Larynx.G. larynx, upper part of windpipe.Lateral.L. lateralis (latus), pertaining to a side.Latissimus. L. superlative, latus, broad, therefore verybroad.Leminiscus. G. leminiskos, band.Lemma.G. lemma, skin.L104

Alphabetical List of TermsLens.Leptomeninges.Leucocyte,Leukocyte.Levator.Lien.Lieno-.Ligamentum.Ligature.Limbus.Limen.Ling-.Lingual.Lingula.Lipid.Liver.Lobus.Locus.Longus.Lordosis.Lucidum.Lumbar.Lumbrical.Lumen.Lunate.Lung.Luteum.Lymph.Lymphocyte.L. lens, lentil.G. leptos, thin, + meninx, membrane.G. leukos, white, + kytos, cell.L. levare, to raise.L. lien, spleen.L. lien, spleen from original L. splen (the sphaving been dropped).L. ligamentum, a bandage.L. ligare, to bind.L. limbus, border.L. limen, threshold.L. lingua, tongue.L. lingua, tongue.L. lingula, small tongue.G. lipos, fat, + eidos, resemblance.AS. lifer, liver.G. lobos, lobe.L. locus, place.L. longus, long.G. lordoo, I bend.L. lucidus (lux), full of light, clear.L. lumbare, apron for the loins.L. lumbricus, earthworm.L. lumen, light, opening.L. luna, moon.AS. lunge, lung.L. luteus, yellow.L. lympha, spring water.L. lympha, spring water, + G. kytos, cell.105

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationMMacrophage.Macroscopic.Macula.Magnus, -a, -um.Malar.Malleus.Mammary.Mammillary.Mandible.Manubrium.Manus.Marginal.Masseter.Mastication.Mastoid.Mater.Matrix.Maxilla.Meatus (pl. -us).Medial.Median.Mediastinum.Medulla.Megaloblast.Meiosis.Melanin.Membrane.G. makros, large, + phagein, to eat.G. makros, large, + skopeo, I see.L. macula, spot, stain.L. magnus, large.L. mala, cheek bone.L. malleus, hammer.L. mamma, breast.L. dim. mammillaris (mamma, -ae), littlebreast.L. mando, I chew.L. manubrium, handle, hilt (as of a sword).L. manus, hand.L. marginalis (margo), bordering.G. masseter, chewer.L. masticatio, chewing.G. mastos, breast, + eidos, form, likeness.A. mater, wrap or nutrient.L. matrix (mater), womb, groundwork, mold.L. maxilla, jaw, now bone of upper jaw.L. meatus, passage.L. medialis (medius), pertaining to the middle.L. medianus, in the middle.L. mediastinus, servant, drudge, butanatomical term mediastinum probablyderived from per medium tensum, tight inthe middle.L. medulla, marrow, pith.G. megas, big, + blastos, bud.G. meion, less.G. melas, black.L. membrana, skin.106

Alphabetical List of TermsMeninges.Meningocoele,Meningocele.Meniscus.Meninx(pl. meninges).Menopause.Menstruation.Mental.Merocrine.Mesencephalon.Mesenchyme.Mesentery.Mesocolon.Mesoderm.Mesogastrium.Mesonephros.Mesosalpinx.Mesothelium.Mesovarium.Metabolic.Metacarpus.Metamorphosis.Metanephros.Metaphase.Metaphysis.Metaplasia.Metatarsus.Metathalamus.G. meninx, membrane.G. meninx, membrane, + koilos, hollow.L. menis, cresent, half-moon, dim. of mene,moon.G. meninx, membrane.G. men, month, + pausis, cessation.G. men, month, L. menstruus, pertaining to amonth.L. mentum, chin.G. meros, portion, + krinein, to separate.G. mesos, middle, + en, in, + kephale, head.G. mesos, middle, + en, in, + chymos, juice.G. mesos, midway between, + enteron, gut.G. mesos, middle, + kolon, great gut.G. mesos, middle, + derma, skin.G. mesos, middle, + gaster, stomach.G. mesos, middle, + nephros, kidney.G. mesos, middle, + salpinx, tube.G. mesos, middle, + thele, nipple, hencemiddle lining layer.G. mesos, middle, + L. ovarium, ovary.G. metabole, change.G. meta, after, + L. carpus, wrist.G. meta, after + morphe, form, signifyingchange.G. meta, after, + nephros, kidney.G. meta, after, + phasis, appearance.G. meta, after, + physis, growth.G. meta, after, + plasma, formed, molded.G. meta, after, + L. tarsus, ankle.G. meta, after, + thalamus, chamber.107

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationMetencephalon.Metopic.Microcephaly.Microdont.Microglia.Microscope.Microsmatic.Microsome.Microtome.Minimus.Mitochondria.Mitosis.Mitral.Modiolus.Molar.Mono-.Monocyte.Mons.Morph-.Morphology.Morula.Mucus.Multifidus.Multiparous.Muscle.Mydriasis.Myelencephalon.Myelin.Myenteric.Mylohyoid.Myocardium.G. meta, after, + enkephalos, brain.G. metopon, forehead.G. mikros, small, + kephale, head.G. mikros, small, + odous, tooth.G. mikros, small, + gloia, glue.G. mikros, small, + skopeo, I look.G. mikros, small, + osmaomai, to smell.G. mikros, small, + soma, body.G. mikros, small, + tome, cutting.L. minimus, least.G. mitos, thread, + chondrion, grain.G. mitos, thread.L. mitra, turban, but Hebrew priest headressthe only head covering that the mitral valveresembles.L. modiolus, hub.L. molaris (mola), pertaining to a millstone.G. monos, alone.G. monos, single, + kytos, cell.L. mons, mountain.G. morphe, shape.G. morphos, form, + logos, treatise.L. morus, mulberry.L. mucus, G.muxa, snivel, slippery secretion.L. multifidus, much divided.L. multus, many, + parire, to give birth.L. musculus, little mouse.G. mydriasis, dilation of pupil.G. myelos, marrow, + enkephalos, brain.G. myelos, marrow.G. mys, muscle, + enteron, gut.G. myle, mill, + hyoeides, U-shaped.G. mys, myos, muscle, + kardia, heart.108

Alphabetical List of TermsMyology.Myotome.Myxoedema,Myxedema.G. mys, muscle, + logos, treatise.G. mys, myos, muscle, + tome, a cutting.G. myxa, mucus, + oidema, swelling.NN.A.Naris (pl. -es).Nasion.Nates.Navel.Navicular.Necrosis.Necropsy.Neo-.Neopallium.Nerve.Neural.Neuralgia.Neuraxon.Neurenteric.Neurilemma.Neuroblast.Neuroectomy.Neuroglia.Neurology.Neuron.Neuropil.Neuropore.Nictitans.Nomina Anatomica.L. naris, nostril.L. nasus, nose.L. nates, buttocks.AS. nafe, centre of hub of wheel.L. navicula, small boat.G. nekrosis, a killing.G. nekros, corpse, + opsis, sight.G. neos, new.G. neos, new,+ pallium, cloak.L. nervus, G.neuron, cordlike structure,nerve, tendon.G. neuron, nerve.G. neuron, nerve, + algos, pain.G. neuron, nerve, + axon, axis.G. neuron, nerve, + enteron, gut.G. neuron, nerve, + lemma, husk, sheath.G. neuron, nerve, + blastos, bud.G. neuron, nerve, + ektome, excision.G. neuron, nerve, + gloia, glue.G. neuron, nerve, + logos, treatise.G. neuron, cordlike structure, sinew, tendon;equivalent of L. nervus, hence, nerve.G. neuron, nerve, + pilos, felt.G. neuron, nerve, + poros, hole.L. nictare, to wink.109

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationNigra.Nictitating.Node.Norma.Normoblast.Notochord.Nucha.Nuchal.Nucleolus.Nucleus.Nystagmus.L. niger, black.L. nictare, to wink.L. nodus, knot.L. norma, rule, square used by carpenters,hence standard viewpoint.L. norma, rule, + blastos, bud.G. noton, back, + chorde, cord.L. nucha, nape of neck.L. nucha, nape of neck.L. nucleus, nut. New derivation “smallnucleus.”L. nucleus, nut.G. nystagma, short sleep (during whichrhythmic head movements occur), modernuse, rhythmic eye movements.OObelion.Obliquus.Obturator.Occipital.Occlusion.Oculomotor.Odontoblast.Odontoid.Oedema, Edema.Oesophagus,Esophagus.Oestrus, Estrus.Olecranon.Olfactory.G. obelos, pointed pillar.L. obliquus, slanting.L. obturo, I stop up.L. occipitium, back of head.L. ob, before, + claudo, I close.L. oculus, eye, + motor, mover.G. odous, tooth, + blastos, bud.G. odous, tooth, + eidos, shape, likeness.G. oidema, swelling.G. oisein (phero), to carry, + phagein, to eat.G. oistros, stinging insect, stung into activityat time of heat.G. olene, elbow, + kranion, head.L. olere, to smell, + facere, tomake.110

Alphabetical List of TermsOligodendroglia.Omentum.Omohyoid.Ontogeny.Oocyte.Oogenesis.Oogonium.Operculum.Opisthion.Ophthalmic.Opposition.Optic.Oral.Ora serrata.Orbit.Organ.Orifice.Os.Osseous.Ossicle.Ossification.Osteone.Osteocyte.Osteology.Osteolysis.Osteomalacia.Ostium.Otic.Otolith.G. oligos, few,+ dendron, tree, + gloia, glue.L. omentum, adipose membrane enclosingthe bowels.G. omos, shoulder, + G. hyoeides, U-shaped;thus muscle passing from shoulder toU-shaped hyoid bone.G. onta, things that exist, + gennan, to beget.G. oon, egg, + kylos, hollow body.G. oon, egg, + genesis, birth.G. oon, egg, + gonos, offspring.L. operculum, corner or lid.G. opisthios, posterior.G. ophthalmos, eye.L. ob, inthewayof,+ positus, placed.G. opsis, sight.L. os, oris, mouth; (compare L. os, bone,below).L. ora, edge, + serra, saw.L. orbis, anything circular.L. organum, implement.L. orificium, opening.L. os, bone.L. os (pl. ossa), bone.L. ossiculum, small bone.L. os, bone, + facere, tomake.G. osteon, bone.G. osteon, bone, + kytos, cell.G. osteon, bone, + logos, treatise.G. osteon, bone, + lysis, melting.G. osteon, bone, + malakia, softness.L. ostium, door.G. otikos, belonging to the ear.G. ous, otos, ear, + lithos, stone.111

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationOvary.Oviduct.Oviparous.Ovum (pl. ova).Oxyntic.Oxytocin.L. ovum, egg.L. ovum, egg, + ductus, duct, tube.L. ovum, egg, + parus, giving birth by layingeggs.L. ovum, egg.G. oxyntos, making acid.G. oxys, swift, + tokos, birth.PPachymeninges.Palate.Pallidus.Pallium.Palma.Palpebra.Pampiniform.Pancreas.Panniculus.Papilla.Papilloedema,Papilledema.Paracentesis.Paradidymis.Paradox.Paraesthesia,Paresthesis.Paraflocculus.G. pachys, thick, + meninx, membrane.L. palatum, palate.L. pallidus, pale.L. pallium, cloak.L. palma, the (open) hand.L. palpebra, eyelid.L. pampineus, full of or wrapped around withvine leaves, + forma, likeness.G. pan, all, + kreas, flesh.L. panniculus, small piece of cloth; hencecovering of deeper tissues.L. papilla, nipple of breast.L. papilla, nipple, + oedema, swelling.G. para, alongside of, + kentesis, puncture.G. para, alongside of, + didymos, double,hence alongside the testes.G. para, alongside of, + doxa, belief.G. para, alongside of, + aisthesis,sensation.G. para, alongside of, + L. floccus, flockof wool.112

Alphabetical List of TermsParaganglion.Paralysis.Paramedian.Parametrium.Paraplegia.Parasternal.Parasympathetic.Parathyroid.Paraxial.Parenchyma.Paresis.Parietal.Parieties.Paroophoron.Parotid.Parous.Pars.Parthenogenesis.Patella.Pathology.Patulous.Pecten.Pectoral.Pedicle.Pedunculus.Pellucida.Pelvic.Penis.G. para, along, beside, + ganglion,knot.G. para, alongside of, + lyein, to loosen.G. para, alongside of, + mesos, middle.G. para, alongside of, + metra, womb.G. para, alongside of, + plesso, I strike.G. para, alongside of, + sternon, chest.G. para, alongside of, + sympathetikos,sympathetic.G. para, near, + thyreos, oblong shield,+ eidos, form, likeness.G. para, alongside of, + L. axis, axle.G. parenchyma, pouring out into the adjacent.G. paresis, relaxation.L. paries, wall.L. paries, wall.G. para, alongside of, + oon, egg, + pherein,to bear.G. para, near, + ous, otos, ear.L. pario, to bear.L. pars, part.G. parthos, virgin, + genesis, birth.L. patella, small pan.G. pathos, disease, + logos, treatise.L. patulus, standing open.L. pecten, comb.L. pectoralis (pectus), belonging to thebreast.L. pes, foot.L. pediculus, a little foot.L. per, through, + lucere, to shine.L. pelvis, basin.L. penis, tail.113

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationPenniform.Pepsin.Pepsinogen.Percussion.Pericardial.Perichondrium.Perilymph.Perimysium.Perineum.Periodontal.Periosteum.Peristalsis.Peritoneum.Peroneal.Pes.Petrosal.Petrous.Phagocyte.Phalanges.Phallic.Phallus.Pharynx.Phenotype.Philtrum.Phonation.Photoreceptor.Phrenic.L. penna, feather, + forma, form, likeness.G. pepsis, digestion.G. pepsis, digestion, + gennao,I produce.L. percussio, striking.G. peri, around, + kardia, heart.G. peri, around, + chondros, cartilage.G. peri, around, + L. lympha, fluid.G. peri, around, + mys, muscle.G. perinaion, perineum.G. peri, around, + odous, tooth.G. peri, around, + osteon, bone.G. peristaltikos, clasping and compressing.G. peri, around, + teinein, to stretch.G. perone, = L. fibula, pin; hence pertainingto needle-shaped leg bone.L. pes, foot.L. petrosus, rocky.L. petrosus, rocky.G. phagein, to eat, + kytos, cell.G. phalanx, band of soldiers; singularphalanx, originally denoted whole set ofbones of a digit not just one bone.G. phallikos, pertaining to the penis.G. phallos, phallus; penis was a latermeaning.G. pharynx, throat.G. phainein, to display, + typos, type.G. philtron, love potion, anything thatawakens love.G. phone, voice.G. phos, light, + recipio, I receive.G. phren, diaphragm.114

Alphabetical List of TermsPhysic.Physis.Pia.Pilus.Pineal.Pinna (pl. -ae).Piriform.Pisiform.Pituitary.Placenta.Placode.Planta.Plantigrade.Plasma.Platelet.Platycephaly.Platycnemia.Platymeria.Platysma.Pleomorphic.Pleura.Plexus (pl. -us).Plica.Pneumatic.Pod.G. physikos, natural.G. phyein, to generate, hence anoutgrowth.L. pius, delicate.L. pilus, hair.L. pinea, pine cone.L. penna, pinna, feather; hence, wing.L. pirum, pear, + forma, shape, likeness.L. pisum, pea, + forma, shape.L. pituita, slime, phlegm; at one time believedto secrete a mucous material from thebrain into the nose.L. placenta, a flat cake.G. plax, anything flat.L. planta, sole of the foot.L. planta, side of foot, + gradior, towalk.G. plasma, something formed.OF. plate, plate.G. platys, flat, + kephale, head.G. platys, flat, + kneme, knee; hencecondition of side-to-side flattening of tibiagiving prominence to it’s anterior border.G. platys, flat, + meros, thigh; as previous forthigh.G. platysma, plate.G. pleon, more (or many) + G. morphos,forms.G. pleura, rib; i.e. related to the ribs.L. plexus, plaiting, braid.L. plicare, to fold.G. pneumatikos, pertaining to breath.G. pous, podos, foot.115

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationPoikilocyte.Pollex.Polymorphonuclear.Pons.Popliteus.Pore.Porta.Portal.Portio.Porus.Praecordium,Precordium.Pregnancy.Premolar.Prepuce.Presbyopia.Primordial.Procerus.Processus.Prochordal.Proctodeum.Profundus.Progeria.Progesterone.Prognathism.Promontory.Pronator.Pronephros.Pronograde.Prophase.Proprioceptor.G. poikilos, diversified, + kytos, cell.L. pollex, thumb.G. polys, many, + morphe, form,+ L. nucleus, nut; hence mixed term.L. pons, pontis, bridge.L. poples, ham.L. porus, passage.L. porta (pl. -ae), gate.L. porta (pl. -ae), gate.L. portio, part.G. poros, passage.L. prae, in front of, + cordis, of the heart.L. prae, before, + gnascor, tobeborn.L. pre, in front, + molaris, molar.L. praeputium, foreskin.G. presbys, old man, + opsis, sight.L. primordium, beginning.L. procerus, tall, extended.L. processus, going forwards.G. pro, in front of, + chorde, cord.G. proktos, anus,+ hodaios, pertainingtoaway.L. profundus, deep.G. pro, before, + geras, old age.G. pro, before, + gerere, to bear.G. pro, in front of, + gnathos, jaw.G. promontorium, mountain ridge.L. pronare, to turn face downward.G. pro, before, + nephros, kidney.L. pronus, bent downward, + gradus step.G. pro, before, + phainein, toshow.L. proprius, special, + capere, totake.116

Alphabetical List of TermsProptosis.Prosector.Prosencephalon.Prostate.Prosthion.Proto-.Protoplasm.Protuberance.Proximal.Psoas.Pterygoid.Ptosis.Puberty.Pubes.Pubis (pl. -es).Pudendal.Pulmonary.Pulmones.Pulpa.Pulvinar.Punctum.Pupil.Putamen.Pyelogram.Pyelograph.Pyknic.Pyknosis.Pylorus.Pyramid.Pyriform.G. pro, before, + ptosis, falling.G. pro, before, + L. secare, to cut.G. pro, before, + enkephalos, brain.L. pro, in front, + stare, to stand.G. prosthen, before.G. protos, first.G. protos, first, + plasma, form.L. protubero, I swell.L. proximus, next.G. psoa, loin.G. pteryx, wing, + eidos, likeness, shape.G. ptosis, fall.L. pubes, mature.L. pubes, mature.L. pubes, mature.L. pudere, to be ashamed.L. pulmo, lung.L. pulmo, lung.L. pulpa, soft part of animal body.L. pulvinar, cushioned couch.L. punctum, point.L. pupa, girl.L. putamen, shell, husk.G. pyelos, tub, trough, + gramma, mark.G. pyelos, tub, trough, + graphein,to draw.G. pyknos, compact.G. pyknos, compact.G. pylouros, gate-keeper.G. pyramis, pyramid.L. pirum, pear, + forma, shape.117

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationQQuadrangular.Quadratus.Quadriceps.Quadrigeminus.Quadruplets.L. quattuor four + L. angulus, four angles.L. quadratus, squared.L. quattuor, four, + caput, head.L. quadrigeminus, four-fold, four.L. quadruplaris, fourfold.RRacemose.Radial.Radicle.Radius.Radix.Ramify.Ramus.Raphe.Receptor.Recess.Rectum, rectus.Reflect.Renal.Restiform.Rete.Reticulocyte.Reticulum.Retina.Retinaculum.Retraction.Retractor.Rhinal.Rhinencephalon.L. racemosus, clustering.L. radius, rod, spoke.L. radix, root.L. radius, rod, spoke.L. radix, root.L. ramus, branch, + facere, tomake.L. ramus, branch.G. raphe, seam.L. recipere, to take back, receive.L. recessus, retreat.L. rectus, straight.L. reflecto, to turn back.L. renes, kidneys.L. restis, rope, + forma, shape, form.L. rete, network.L. reticulum, little net, + kytos, cell.L. reticulum, little net.L. rete, net.L. retinaculum, band.L. re, back, + trahere, todraw.L. retrahere, todrawback.G. rhis, nose.G. rhis, nose, + enkephalos, brain.118

Alphabetical List of TermsRhinion.Rhombencephalon.Ribosome.Rima.Risorius.Rostrum (pl. -a).Rotator.Ruga (pl. -ae).G. rhinion, nostril.G. rhombos, rhomboid, + enkephalos, brain.G. ribose, an aldopentose, + soma, body.L. rima, cleft.L. risus, laughter.L. rostrum, beak.L. rotare, to whirl about.L. ruga, wrinkle.SSac.Sacculus.Sacrum.Sagittal.Salivary.Salpinx.Saphenous.Sarcolemma.Sartorius.Scala.Scalene.Scalp.Scalpel.Scaphoid.Scapula.Sciatic.Sclera.Sclerotic.Scoliosis.L. saccus, sack.L. sacculus, a little bag.L. sacer, sacred.L. sagitta, arrow; shape of saggital sutureincluding the lambdoid suture.L. saliva, saliva.G. salpinx, trumpet.A. al-safin, hidden (later G. saphenes,visible).G. sarx, flesh, + lemma, husk, skin.L. sartor, tailor.L. scala, staircase.G. skalenos, uneven.Teutonic. skalp, shell.L. scalprum, knife.G. skaphe, boat, + eidos, shape,likeness.L. scapulae, shoulder-blades.G. ischion, hip joint.G. skleros, hard.G. skleros, hard.G. skoliosis, curvature.119

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationScrotum.Sebaceous.Sebum.Sella turcica.Semen.Semilunar.Semimembranosus.Seminiferous.Semitendinosus.Septum.Serratus.Serum.Sesamoid.Sialogram.Sigmoid.Sinister.Sinus (pl. -us).Sinusoid.Situs inversusviscerum.Skeleton.Smegma.Soleus.Soma.Somatic.Somatopleure.Somite.Sperm.Spermatocyte.Spermatogenesis.L. scrotum, skin.L. sebum, tallow, grease.L. sebum, tallow.L. sella, saddle, + turcica, Turkish.L. semen, seed.L. semi, half, + luna, moon.L. semi, half, + membranosus, membrane.L. semen, seed, + ferre, to bear.L. semi, half, + tendinosus, tendon.L. saeptum, fence.L. serra, saw.L. serum, whey.G. sesamen, sesame plant, or seed, + eidos,shape, likeness.G. sialon, saliva, + gramma, mark.G. sigma, Greek letter, + eidos, shape,likeness.L. sinister, left side or unlucky.L. sinus, curve, cavity, bosom.L. sinus, curve, cavity, + eidos, shape,likeness.L. situs, site, position, + inversus, inverted,+ viscerum, of the viscera.G. skeletos, dried.G. smegma, soap.L. solea, sandal, sole.G. soma, body.G. soma (pl. somata), body.G. soma, body, + pleura, side.G. soma, body, + suffix -ite, indicating origin.G. sperma, seed.G. sperma, seed, + kytos, cell.G. sperma, seed, + genesis, origin.120

Alphabetical List of TermsSpermatogonium.Spermatozoon(pl. -a).Sphenoid.Sphincter.Spina.Splanchnic.Splanchnology.Spleen.Spongiosum.Spongioblast.Squamo-.Stapes.Stenosis.Sternum.Sthenic.Stomach.Stomodeum,Stomatodeum.Strabismus.Stratum (pl. strata).Stria.Striatum.Stroma.Styloid.Subcostal.Sublingual.Submandibular.Substantia.Sulcus.Superciliary.G. sperma, seed, + gone,generation.G. sperma, seed, + zoon, animal.G. sphen, wedge, + eidos, likeness,shape.G. sphingein, to bind tight.L. spina, thorn.G. splanchna, viscera.G. splanknon, viscus, + logos, treatise.L. splen, spleen.G. spongia, sponge.G. spongia, sponge, + blastos, germ, bud.L. squama, scale.L. stapes, stirrup.G. stenosis, narrowing.G. sternon, chest.G. sthenos, strength.G. stomachos, gullet, oesophagus.G. stoma, mouth, + odaios, pertainingtoaway.G. strabismos, squinting.L. stratum, layer.L. stria, furrow.L. striatus, grooved, streaked.G. stroma, blanket.G. stylos, pillar, + eidos, likeness.L. sub, under, + costa, rib.L. sub, under, + lingua, tongue.L. sub, under, + mandibula, jaw.L. substantia, substance.L. sulcus, furrow.L. super, above, + cilium, eyelid.121

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationSupination.Supinator.Supracostal.Supraspinatus.Surgery.Sural.Sustentaculum.Suture.Sympathetic.Symphysis.Synapse.Synarthrosis.Synchrondosis.Syncytium.Syndesmosis.Syndrome.Synergy.Synostosis.Synovia.Systole.L. supinus, lying on the back.L. supinare, to bend backward.L. supra, above, + costa, rib.L. supra, above, + spina, thorn.L. chirurgia, from G. cheir, hand, + ergon,work.L. sura, calf of leg.L. sustentaculum, support.L. sutura, seam, sewing together.G. syn, together, + pathein, to suffer.G. syn, together, + physis, growth.G. syn, together, + haptein, to fasten.G. syn, together, + arthron, joint.G. syn, together, + chondros, cartilage.G. syn, together, + cytos, cell.G. syn, together, + desmosis, band.G. syndrome, occurrence.G. syn, together, + ergon, work.G. syn, together, + osteon, bone.G. syn, together, + ovum, egg.G. systole, contraction.TTabular.Taenia, Tenia.Talipes.Talonid.Talus.Tapetum.Tarsus.Tectum.L. tabula, board, table.L. taenia, band, ribbon.L. talipedo, weak in the feet (talipes, clubfoot).L. talus, ankle bone, + G. eidos, form,likeness.L. talus, ankle-bone.L. tapete, carpet, tapestry.G. tarsos, sole of the foot.L. tectum (tego), roof.122

Alphabetical List of TermsTegmen.Tegmentum.Tela.Telencephalon.Telophase.Temporal.Temporal.Temporalis.Tendon.Tensor.Tentorium.Teres.Terminalis.Testicle.Testis.Tetany.Thalamus.Theca.Thenar.Theory.Thorax(pl. thoraces).Thrombocyte.Thrombus.Thymus.Thyroid.Tibia.Tonsil.Tome.Trabecula (pl. -ae).Trachea.Tract.L. tegmen, covering.L. tegumentum, covering.L. tela, web.G. telos, end, + enkephalos, brain.G. tele, far, distant, + phasis, stage.L. temporalis, belonging to time.L. tempora, the temples.L. tempus, time.L. tendere, to stretch.L. tendere, to stretch.L. tentorium, tent.L. tero, I grind, rub.L. terminare, to limit.L. testiculus, testis.L. testis, testicle; a witness.G. tetanus, stiffness.G. thalamos, chamber.L. theca, envelope, sheath.G. thenar, hand.G. theoreo, I consider, contemplate.G. thorax, breast-plate, breast.G. thrombos, lump, + kytos, cell.G. thrombus, lump.G. thymos, thyme.G. thyreos, shield, + eidos, form.L. tibia, long flute.L. tonsilla, mooring post.G. tennein, to cut.L. trabecula, a little beam.G. tracheia, windpipe.L. tractus, wool drawn out for spinning.123

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationTragus.Trapezius.Triceps.Tricuspid.Trigeminus.Trigone.Triquetrum.Trochanter.Trochlea.Trophoblast.Truncus.Tuberculum.Tuberosity.Tunica.Tympanic.G. tragos, goat, from small tuft of hair (goat’sbeard) in this region.G. trapezion, small four-sided table.L. tres, three, + caput, head.L. tres, three, + cuspis, point.L. trigeminus, born three together.L. trigonum, triangle.L. triquetrus, three-cornered, triangular.G. trochos, wheel, pulley.G. trochilia, pulley.G. trophe, nourishment, + blastos, bud.L. truncus, trunk of tree.L. tuberculum, a small hump.L. tuber, round smooth swelling.L. tunica, undergarment.L. tympanum, drum.UUlna.Umbilicus.Unciform.Uncinate.Uncus.Ungual.Unipennate.Urachus.Urea.Ureter.Urethra.Urine.Urogenital.L. ulna, elbow.L. umbilicus, navel.L. uncus, hook, + forma, shape.L. uncinatus, furnished with a hook.L. uncus, hook.L. unguis, claw, nail.L. unus, one, + penna, feather.G. ouron, urine, + cheo, I pour.G. ouron, urine.G. ouron, urine, + tereo, to preserve.G. ouethra, word invented by Hippocrates(c. 460 B.C.).G. ouron, urine.G. ouron, urine, + L. genitalis, genital.124

Alphabetical List of TermsUrostyle.Uterus.Utriculus.Uvea.Uvula.G. oura, tail, + stylos, pillar.L. uterus, womb.L. utriculus, small skin or leather bottle.L. uva, grape.L. uva, grape.VVagina.Vagus.Valgus.Vallate.Vallecula.Valve.Valvula.Varus.Vas.Vascular.Vein.Velum.Venter.Ventral.Ventricle.Vermiform.Vermis.Vernix.Vertebra.Vertex.Vesica.Vesicle.Vestibulum.L. vagina, sheath.L. vagus, wandering.L. valgus, bow-legged (Genu valgus nowmeans knock-kneed).L. vallum, rampart, walled.L. dim. of vallus, fossa.L. valva, leaf of door.L. valvula, a little fold, valve.L. varus, knock-kneed (term has becometransposed, see Valgus).L. vas, vessel.L. vasculum, small vessel.L. vena, vein.L. velum, veil.L. venter, belly.L. venter, belly.L. ventriculus, little cavity, loculus.L. vermis, worm, + forma, shape.L. vermis, worm.L. vernatio, shedding of snake skin.L. vertebra, joint.L. vertex, whirl, whirlpool.L. vesica, bladder.L. vesicula, a small bladder.L. vestibulum, entrance court.125

Anatomical Terms and their DerivationVestige.Villus (pl. villi).Vincula.Visceral.Viscus.Vitelline.Vitellus.Vitreus, vitreous.Viviparous.Volar.Volvulus.Vomer.Vorticosae.Vulva.L. vestigium, trace, footprint.L. villus, hair.L. vinculum, band, cord.L. viscera, entrails, bowels.L. viscus, internal organ.L. vitellus, yolk of egg.L. vitellus, little calf (became transferred toyolk of egg by Celsus c. 10 A.D.).L. vitreus, of glass; hence, transparent.L. vivus, living, + parere, to beget.L. vola, palm of hand.L. volvulus, twisted.L. vomer, ploughshare.L. vertex, whirl, whirlpool.L. volva, cover.XXanthoderm.Xiphoid.G. xanthos, yellow, + dermos, skin.G. xiphos, sword, + eidos, shape, likeness.ZZona.Zonula.Zygapophysis.Zygoma.Zygomatic.Zygote.L. zona, belt, girdle.L. dim. of zona, belt, girdle.G. zygon, yoke,+ apophysis, process of abone.G. zygoma, yoke.G. zygoma, yoke.G. zygoein, to yoke together.126