Medical Terminology Simplified

2–61 Now that you have examined the nine regions, let us review some of the

terms within each region. These terms are commonly used to describe a location of

organs within the abdominal cavity.

Although the CFs in the left-hand column below denote a body structure, when at-

tached to directional elements, they form terms denoting specific regions of the ab-

domen. Study the meaning of each regional term, then divide each one in the

right-hand column into its basic elements. The first term is completed for you.

2–62 Suffixes -ac, -ic, -ous and -ior mean pertaining to.Can you identify the parts

of speech of these suffixes? ____________________

2–63 Use gastr/oto develop medical words that pertain to the area

under or below the stomach: __________ / __________ / __________

above or on the stomach: __________ / __________ / __________

2–64 The epi/gastr/ic region may be the location of “heartburn” pain. Pain in this

area could be symptomatic of many abnormal conditions, including indigestion or

heart attack.

The area of heartburn pain may be felt in the __________ / __________ /

__________region.

2–65 The right and left hypo/chondr/iac* regions are located on each side of the

epi/gastr/ic region and directly under the cartilage of the ribs.

Identify the elements in hypo/chondr/iacthat mean

pertaining to: ___________

under, below, deficient:___________

cartilage:____________________

Refer to Figure 2–4B to answer the following frames. If needed, use Appendix A: Glossary of Medical Word

Elements.

Frame 2–55to Frame 2–65

Abdominopelvic Quadrants and Regions • CHAPTER 2 47

hypo/chondr/iac

hī-pō-KŎN-drē-ăk

epi/gastr/ic

ĕp-ĭ-GĂS-trĭk

inguin/al

ĬNG-gwĭ-năl

lumb/ar

LŬM-băr

umbilic/al

ŭm-BĬL-ĭ-kăl

adjectives

epi/gastr/ic

ĕp-ĭ-GĂS-trĭk

-iac

hypo-

chondr

hypo/gastr/ic

hī-pō-GĂS-trĭk

epi/gastr/ic

ĕp-ĭ-GĂS-trĭk

Combining Form Meaning Regions of the Abdomen

chondr/o cartilage h y p o / c h o n d r / i a c*

gastr/o stomach e p i g a s t r i c

inguin/o groin i n g u i n a l

lumb/o loins (lower back) l u m b a r

umbilic/o umbilicus, navel u m b i l i c a l

*Although chondr/omeans cartilage, hypo/chondr/iacalso refers to the right and left regions below the ribs

(see Fig. 2–4B).

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