Medical Terminology Simplified

6–126 To examine an abnormality in the colon, the physician performs a visual

examination of the sigmoid colon called a ____________________ / _____ /

____________________.

6–127 A sigmoid/o/scope,a flexible fiber-optic tube that permits transmission of

light to visualize images around curves and corners, is placed through the anus to vi-

sualize part of the gastro/intestin/al tract.

To examine the colon, the physician uses a flexible fiber-optic instrument called a

____________________ / _____ / ____________________.

6–128 The sigmoid colon is S-shaped and is the last part of the colon. (See

Fig. 6–5.) Sigmoid/ectomy is most commonly performed for carcin/oma of the

sigmoid colon.

Identify words in this frame that mean

excision of the sigmoid colon:____________________ / ____________________

cancerous tumor:____________________ / __________

6–129 A col/o/scopy is commonly referred to as a colon/o/scopy. Both terms

mean visual____________________of the____________________.

6–130 Use colon/oto form medical words that mean

inflammation of the colon: ____________________ / __________

instrument to examine the colon:____________________ / _____ / __________

visual examination of the colon:____________________ / _____ / __________

Boldfaceindicates a word root or combining form. Blueindicates a suffix. Pinkindicates a prefix.

242 CHAPTER 6• Digestive System

End of

sigmoidoscopy

(Examination

of lower third

of colon)

Colonoscopy
(Examination
of entire length
of colon)

Polyp

Anus

Sigmoid colon

Figure 6-5Sigmoidoscopy and

colonoscopy.

examination, colon

KŌ-lŏn

sigmoid/o/scopy

sĭg-moy-DŎS-kō-pē

sigmoid/o/scope

sĭg-MOY-dō-skōp

sigmoid/ectomy

sĭg-moyd-ĔK-tō-mē

carcin/oma

kăr-sĭ-NŌ-mă

colon/itis

kō-lŏn-ī-tĭs

colon/o/scope

kō-LŎN-ō-skōp

colon/o/scopy

kō-lŏn-ŎS-kō-pē