Clinical Diagnosis · Sensory System · Hard
Hemianopia
Meaning: Loss of vision in half of the visual field of one or both eyes.
In practice: A pituitary tumour compressing the optic chiasm typically causes bitemporal loss of the outer fields.
Word parts
- hemi- means half
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: Passing abnormally large volumes of urine, over about 3 litres a day.
Answer: Polyuria
Which word means: Autoimmune inflammatory disease of skeletal muscle causing proximal weakness.
Answer: Polymyositis
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