The prefix “Adeno-” in medicine refers to a type of tissue or organ that is derived from glandular cells or has gland-like properties. The term comes from the Greek word “aden,” which means “gland.”
Glands are specialized structures in the body that produce and secrete substances, such as hormones, enzymes, and mucus. Adeno- can refer to a variety of glandular tissues and organs, including the adenoids, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and lacrimal glands.
Some common medical terms that use the prefix adeno- include:
- Adenoma: A benign tumor that arises from glandular tissue.
- Adenocarcinoma: A malignant tumor that develops from glandular cells.
- Adenopathy: Enlargement or swelling of a gland or lymph node.
- Adenovirus: A virus that commonly causes respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, and other illnesses.
- Adenotonsillitis: Inflammation of the adenoids and tonsils.
- Adenocystoma: A cystic tumor that originates from glandular tissue.
- Adenohypophysis: The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which produces and secretes various hormones.
In summary, the prefix adeno- is used in medicine to refer to glandular tissues or organs and is commonly used in various medical terms to describe conditions and diseases that affect these structures.