Terms Chapter 1 Flashcards
Root
is the fundamental unit of each medical word. It establishes the basic meaning of the word and is the main part of the word.
Suffix
is a short word part or series of parts added at the end of a root to modify its meaning.
Prefix
is a short word part added before a root to modify its meaning.
Compound word
contains more than one root. E.g eyeball, bedpan, frostbite etc.
Combining forms
roots shown with a combining vowel: a, e, i, o, u. E.g neur/o/logy The vowel “o” is added to aid with pronunciation when a suffix or another root beginning with a consonant is added to a root.
Words ending in x
When adding a suffix to a word ending in x, the x is changed to a “g” or a “c”. If there’s a consonant before the x, such as “yx” or “nx”, the x is changed to a “g” e.g pharnyx (pharnygeal). If a vowel comes before the x, such as “ax” or “ix”, the x is changed to a “c” e.g thorax (thoracic)
Abbreviation
are shortened words or initials
Acronym
is an abbreviation formed from the first letter of each word in a phrase
Symbols
used as a shorthand in case histories
c/o
complaining of
epigastric
upper abdominal
orthopnea
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing when laying down.
dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
gastroenterologist
Doctors who treat and diagnose problems in gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver.
GERD
gastroesophageal reflux disease
EGD
esophageal gastroduodenoscopy
