Medical Terminology · Respiratory System · Medium
Tracheostomy
Meaning: A surgical opening in the front of the neck into the windpipe to allow breathing.
In practice: She had a tracheostomy after prolonged ventilation in intensive care.
Word parts
- -ostomy means surgically made opening
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 medical terminology words.
Which word means: Present from birth, whether inherited or caused by events during pregnancy.
Answer: Congenital
Which word means: A procedure to widen a narrowed or blocked blood vessel using a small inflatable balloon.
Answer: Angioplasty
Words like tracheostomy come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.