broncho

Broncho- is a combining form used like a prefix representing the words bronchus or bronchia. The bronchus (plural bronchi) is either of two main branches of the trachea that goes to the lung. The bronchia are smaller branches off of the bronchi. Broncho- is used in many medical terms.

Broncho- comes from the Greek brónchos, meaning “windpipe,” another name for the trachea.

What are variants of broncho-? 

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, broncho- becomes bronch-, as in bronchitis (which uses the equivalent form of bronch– in New Latin).

An occasional variant of broncho- is bronchio-, as in bronchiocele.

One example of a medical term that features the combining form broncho- is bronchotomy, “incision into a bronchus.”

As we have seen, broncho- can represent bronchus. But what about –tomy? That’s right, -tomy is a combining form meaning “cutting, incision.” Bronchotomy literally translates to “bronchus incision.”

What are some words that use the combining form broncho-?

• bronchocele (using the equivalent form of broncho- in Greek)
• broncholith
• bronchogenic
• bronchomotor
• bronchophony
• bronchorrhea
• bronchoscope

What are some other forms that broncho- may be commonly confused with?

• brachio-
• brachy-
• branchio-

The combining form -scope means “an instrument for viewing.” What is a bronchoscope used to view?