Common Word Roots for Cells & Tissues

Myx/o or muc/o is the combining form for "mucus". Mucus is a thick, sticky fluid produced by the membranes that line certain body parts, like the nose, mouth, throat, and vagina.

Aden/o is the combining form for "gland". A gland is an organ that produces hormones, digestive juices and other bodily fluids like sweat, tears, saliva and milk.

Reticul/o is a combining form that pertains to "network". A network is a web-like structure of intersecting fibers, strands, or tubules.

Cyt/o is the combining form for "cell". A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms that can function on its own. Cells make up all living organisms and tissues in the body.

Nucle/o or kary/o is the combining form for "nucleus". A nucleus is the cell membrane-covered organelle within a cell that contains the genetic material.

Somat/o is a combining form that pertains to "body". A body describes the entire physical structure of a thing.

Papill/o is a combining form for "nipple-like". Papilla is a nipple-like projection of an organ or part of the body.

Hist/o or histi/o is the combining form for "tissue". A tissue is a collection of cells that share the same structure and function as one entity. Four types of tissue are defined by their structure and function: epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous.

Morph/o is the combining form for "form". A form is a shape, outline, or configuration of something.

Fibr/o is the combining form for "fiber". Fiber can be characterized as any elongated, thread-like structure.