General Anatomy · Digestive System · Hard

Hypochondrium

Meaning: The upper region of the abdomen on either side, beneath the lower ribs.

In practice: Pain in the right hypochondrium after fatty food is typical of gallstones.

Word parts

  • hypo- means below or less than normal

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 general anatomy words.

Which word means: Central compartment of the thorax between the lungs, containing the heart and great vessels.

Which word means: A large organ that filters blood, produces bile, and processes nutrients.

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Related words

More general anatomy terms · All medical words