Understanding -cele: Medical Terms for Swelling & Protrusion

Several medical terms end with the combining form -cele, which refers to a swelling, hernia, or protrusion:

- Enterocele: Protrusion or hernia of the intestines.

- Epiplocele: Protrusion or hernia of the fatty tissue (omentum) in the abdomen.

- Hydrocele: Accumulation of serous fluid in the scrotum around a testicle.

- Inguinal hernia: A protrusion of abdominal contents through a weakness in the inguinal canal.

- Femoral hernia: A protrusion of abdominal contents through a weakness in the femoral canal.

- Umbilical hernia: Protrusion of abdominal contents through the umbilicus (belly button).

- Hiatal hernia: Protrusion of the stomach through an opening in the diaphragm.