The root words for kidney are Nephro and rene.
Medical terminology often uses root words derived from Greek or Latin to describe organs, conditions, and procedures. Understanding these roots helps decipher the meaning of complex medical terms. For the kidney, two common root words are used, both indicating a relation to this vital organ.
Key Root Words for Kidney
According to information from Des Moines University, the primary word roots associated with the kidney are "Nephro" and "rene."
| Word Root | Meaning | Example Term(s) from Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Nephro | kidney | nephrosis |
| rene | kidney | renal artery |
These roots are consistently used in anatomical and medical terms related to the kidney.
Examples in Medical Terms
- Nephro-: This root, often combined with suffixes or other roots, forms terms related to kidney disease, structure, or function.
- Nephrosis: Any degenerative kidney disease.
- Nephrology: The study of the kidneys.
- Nephrectomy: Surgical removal of a kidney.
- rene-: This root typically appears in adjectives describing something related to the kidney.
- Renal artery: An artery that carries blood to the kidney.
- Renal failure: A condition in which the kidneys lose the ability to remove waste and balance fluids.
- Adrenal glands: Glands located on top of the kidneys (ad- meaning near or upon).
Understanding that both "Nephro" and "rene" refer to the kidney is crucial for interpreting medical vocabulary accurately.
