Medical Terms Ending in "-cele": Swellings, Hernias, and Protrusions

The combining form -cele (from Greek kēlē, meaning "hernia" or "swelling") denotes a protrusion or hernia of an organ or tissue. Common examples include:

• Enterocele: Herniation of the small intestine.
• Epiplocele: Protrusion of the omentum (fatty abdominal tissue).
• Hydrocele: Accumulation of serous fluid in the scrotum around the testis.
• Inguinal hernia: Protrusion of abdominal contents through the inguinal canal.
• Femoral hernia: Protrusion through the femoral canal.
• Umbilical hernia: Protrusion through the umbilicus (navel).
• Hiatal hernia: Protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragmatic hiatus.

These terms describe specific anatomical sites where a structure abnormally bulges through a defect or opening.