1-Medical_Terminology_Flashcards
(40 cards)
How should medical terms be broken down?
Into suffix, prefix, and root.
Where should you begin when analyzing a medical term?
Start with the suffix, then move to the prefix and root.
What is an essential tool for confirming medical term definitions?
A medical dictionary.
What does medical terminology describe?
Body components/processes, medical procedures, diseases, disorders, and pharmacology.
Why is medical terminology essential for healthcare professionals?
For accurate communication, understanding reports, and effective collaboration.
What is the basic meaning of a medical term?
The word root.
What is a combining form?
A word root plus a combining vowel (e.g., gastr/o).
What does a suffix indicate?
A procedure, condition, disorder, or disease.
What information does a prefix provide?
Location, time, number, or status.
How is a root linked to a suffix starting with a vowel?
Directly (e.g., hepat-itis).
How is a combining form used with a consonant-starting suffix?
Root + ‘o’ + suffix (e.g., gastr/o-logy).
How is a compound word formed?
A combining form links two roots (e.g., oste/o-arthr-itis).
What does ‘-itis’ mean?
Inflammation (e.g., arthritis).
What does ‘-ectomy’ mean?
Surgical removal (e.g., appendectomy).
What does ‘-scopy’ mean?
Visual examination (e.g., endoscopy).
What does ‘-megaly’ mean?
Enlargement (e.g., cardiomegaly).
What does ‘-algia’ or ‘-dynia’ mean?
Pain (e.g., neuralgia).
What does ‘sub-‘ mean?
Under (e.g., subcutaneous).
What does ‘peri-‘ mean?
Around (e.g., pericardium).
What does ‘inter-‘ mean?
Between (e.g., intercostal).
What does ‘pre-‘ mean?
Before (e.g., prenatal).
What does ‘post-‘ mean?
After (e.g., postoperative).
What does ‘uni-‘ mean?
One (e.g., unilateral).
What does ‘poly-‘ mean?
Many (e.g., polyneuropathy).
