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Medical Word Parts: u

Word Part	Definition
UA	urinalysis
UE	upper extremity
ul/o	scar, gums
ulcer	A lesion on the surface of a organ or tissue, produced by the sloughing of inflammatory necrotic tissue.
-ule	small, small one
ulna	The inner and longer bone of the forearm.
ulnar	Pertaining to the ulna, the long medial bone of the forearm.
ultra-	beyond
ultrasonography	The visualization of deep structures of the body by recording the reflections of ultrasonic pulses directed into the tissues.
ultraviolet	Electromagnetic radiation that has shorter wavelengths than visible light.
-um	structure, tissue
umbilic-	umbilicus (navel)
umbilical	Pertaining to the opening in the abdominal wall where the blood vessels from the placenta enter.
umbilical cord	The flexible rope-like structure that connects a developing fetus to the placenta. The cord contains blood vessels which carry oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus and waste products away from the fetus.
umbilicus	The depression in the center of the abdominal wall where the umbilical cord entered in the fetus. Also called the navel.
un-	not, reversal of an action
unconsciousness	Abnormal loss of awareness of self and environment and lack of responsiveness to sensory stimuli.
uncus	A hook-shaped structure.
ung.	ointment
ungu/o	nail
ungual	Pertaining to the nails.
unguis	A nail.
uni-	one
ur/o	urine
uran/o	hard palate
urea	A compound formed in the liver which is the major nitrogenous end product of protein metabolism
uremia	Presence of excessive amounts of urea in the blood. May be a sign of renal disease or failure.
-uresis	urination
ureter	One of a pair of tubes that transports urine from the kidney pelvis to the urinary bladder.
ureter/o	ureter
ureteral	Pertaining to the ureter.
ureterocele	A cystic dilatation of the end of a ureter as it enters into the urinary bladder. It may obstruct urine flow.
ureterolithiasis	Formation of stones in the ureter.
ureterostomy	Surgical creation of an external opening in the ureter for external drainage of the urine.
urethr/o	urethra
urethra	A tube that transports urine from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body in both the sexes. It also has a reproductive function in the male by providing a passage for sperm.
urethral	Pertaining to the urethra.
urethritis	Inflammation of the urethra, causing painful and difficult urination.
URI	upper respiratory infection
-uria	urination
urin/o	urine, urinary system
urinalysis	Laboratory analysis of urine by chemical, physical, or microscopic means.
urinary bladder	A muscular, membranous sac along the urinary tract that store urine until urination.
urinary catheters	Catheters inserted into the urinary bladder or kidney for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
urinary fistula	An abnormal passage in any part of the urinary tract between itself or with other organs.
urination	Discharge of urine from the body.
urine	The fluid containing waste products and water secreted by the kidneys, then stored in the urinary bladder until urination.
urochesia	Passage of urine through the rectum.
urolith	A stone in the urinary tract.
urolithiasis	Formation of stones in any part of the urinary tract, usually in the kidney, urinary bladder or the ureter.
urologic	Pertaining to urology.
urology	A surgical specialty concerned with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract in both sexes, and the genital tract in the male.
urothelium	The epithelial lining of the urinary tract.
URT	upper respiratory tract
urticaria	Hives, which are welts on the skin that often itch
US	ultrasound
USP	United States Pharmacopeia
ut. dict.	as directed
uter/o	uterus
uterine	Pertaining to the uterus.
uterine prolapse	A condition where the uterus drops down into the vagina.
uterus	The womb. A female reproductive organ located between the bladder and the rectum.
UTI	urinary tract infection
UV	ultraviolet
UVA	ultraviolet A light
uve/o	uvea
uveal	Pertaining to the uvea.
uveitis	Inflammation of the uvea.
uvula	A fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate that hangs above the opening of the throat.