“A” Roots Every Anatomy Student Should Know

Understanding the terms used in an anatomy and physiology class can seem difficult. At times, anatomy and physiology students may feel like they are trying to decipher a foreign language. In a way, medical terminology truly is another language. Most medical terms are based on latin and greek roots. If an anatomy and physiology student has a good understanding of common root words, deciphering anatomy terms becomes much easier.

Here are some common “A” prefixes every anatomy and physiology student should know before the first day of class. For extra practice, students can download free flashcards to aid in the memorization process.

a-, an-
The prefixes a- and an- are encountered often by nearly everyone. a- or an- is of Greek origin and refers to a lack, deficit or separation. Examples include anemia, anorexia, agnosia.

acro-
The prefix acro- is of Greek origin and refers to the tip, extremity, height or peak of a structure. Examples include acromion and acromegaly.

adeno-
The prefix adeno- is of Greek origin and relates to glands or glandular tissue. Examples include adenoma and adenopathy.

ag-
The prefix ag- and relates to doing, moving or togetherness. Examples include agglutination.

albi-
The prefix albi- refers to being white in color. Examples include albinism.

-al, -ary
The suffixes -al and -ary simply mean pertaining to. These suffixes tie together other root words. Examples include axillary and peripheral.

aliment-
The prefix aliment- refers to food, nourishment and nutrition. Examples include alimentary.

andro-
The prefix andro- refers to masculinity or male traits. Examples include androgens.

angi-
The term angi- refers to the vessels. Examples includes angiogram and angioblast .

anti-
The prefix anti- is of Greek origin and refers to something against. Examples include antitoxin, antibody and antigen.

apo-
The prefix apo- refers to something away, detached or separate. Examples include aponeurosis, apogee, and apocrine.

astro-
The prefix astro- is of Greek origin and refers to something star-like. Examples include astrocyte.

athero-
The prefix athero- is of Greek origin and refers to soft deposits or fat. Examples include atherosclerosis.

atrio-
The prefix atrio- is of Latin origin and refers to entrances and entryways. Examples include atrium and atrioventricular.

auri-
The prefix auri- is of Latin origin and refers to gold color or the ear. Examples include auricle and aurilave.

auto-
The prefix auto- is of Greek origin and refers to sameness and self. Examples include autotroph and autolysis.


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