Clinical Diagnosis · Haematological System · Hard

Spherocytosis

Meaning: An inherited condition in which red cells are small, ball-shaped and fragile, causing their breakdown and jaundice.

In practice: Hereditary spherocytosis was suspected given jaundice, splenomegaly and a family history.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.

Which word means: The identification of a disease or condition from its signs and symptoms.

Which word means: Optic nerve damage, often linked to raised intraocular pressure, causing progressive visual field loss.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.