ren/o or nephr/o is a combining form that refers to “kidney”.
Located below the rib cage, each side of the spine, the kidneys are bean-like organs about the size of a fist. The kidneys filter blood. Wastes are eliminated from the kidney, fluid balance is maintained, and electrolytes are maintained.
Examples of Medical Terms Containing ren/o or nephr/o
Nephritis: nephr ( “kidney”) + –itis ( “inflammation”)
Definition: Inflammation of the kidneys, which can cause pain and difficulty with urine production.
Nephrolithiasis: nephr/o ( “kidney”) + lith ( “stone”) + –iasis ( “condition”)
Definition: The condition of having kidney stones.
Nephropathy: nephr/o ( “kidney”) + –pathy ( “disease”)
Definition: A disease or disorder of the kidney.
Nephrectomy: nephr ( “kidney”) + –ectomy ( “surgical removal”)
Definition: Surgical removal of a kidney.
Nephrogram: nephr/o ( “kidney”) + –gram ( “the record”)
Definition: A record of the structure and function of the kidney, typically made using imaging techniques such as X-ray, CT or MRI.
Nephrotoxicity: nephr/o ( “kidney”) + toxic ( “poison”) + –ity ( “state or condition”)
Definition: Poisoning of the kidney caused by certain drugs or toxins.
Renal: ren ( “kidney”) + –al ( “pertaining to”)
Definition: Pertaining to the kidney.
