Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Words Flashcards
Covers the structure of medical terms, including the most common prefixes, suffixes, and root words. (157 cards)
Prefix:
a-, an-
A prefix meaning ‘without’ or ‘not’.
The patient was anemic, indicating a lack of sufficient red blood cells.
Prefix:
ab-
A prefix meaning ‘away from’.
The physical therapist noted that the patient’s arm remained abducted at 30 degrees
Prefix:
ad-
A prefix meaning ‘toward’.
The therapy aims to promote adduction of the limbs.
Prefix:
ante-
A prefix meaning ‘before’ or ‘forward’.
The antepartum care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
Prefix:
anti-
A prefix meaning ‘against’.
The patient was prescribed an antibiotic to fight the infection.
Prefix:
auto-
A prefix meaning ‘self’.
The body has an autonomous system for regulating blood pressure.
Prefix:
bi-
A prefix meaning ‘two’ or ‘double’.
The procedure was performed under binaural anesthesia.
Prefix:
brady-
A prefix meaning ‘slow’.
The patient’s bradycardia was monitored closely during recovery.
Prefix:
circum-
A prefix meaning ‘around’.
The surgeon made a circumferential incision to access the area.
Prefix:
co-, com-
Prefixes meaning ‘with’ or ‘together’.
The coagulation process is essential for wound healing.
Prefix:
contra-
A prefix meaning ‘against’ or ‘opposite’.
The medication is contradicted in patients with liver disease.
Prefix:
de-
A prefix meaning ‘down’ or ‘away from’.
The treatment aims to decrease inflammation in the joints.
Prefix:
dia-
A prefix meaning ‘through’ or ‘across’.
The doctor ordered a diagonal scan to check for abnormalities.
Prefix:
dys-
A prefix meaning ‘bad’, ‘difficult’, or ‘painful’.
The patient reported dysphagia, making swallowing challenging.
Prefix:
ecto-
A prefix meaning ‘outside’ or ‘external’.
The ectopic pregnancy required immediate medical attention.
Prefix:
en-, endo-, intra-
Prefixes meaning ‘inside’ or ‘within’.
The endoscope was used to examine the internal organs.
Prefix:
epi-
A prefix meaning ‘upon’ or ‘over’.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.
Prefix:
eu-
A prefix meaning ‘good’ or ‘normal’.
The patient’s eupnea indicated normal breathing.
Prefix:
exo-
A prefix meaning ‘outside’ or ‘outward’.
The exocrine glands secrete substances outside the bloodstream.
Prefix:
extra-
A prefix meaning ‘outside’ or ‘beyond’.
The extracellular fluid surrounds the cells in the body.
Prefix:
hemi-
A prefix meaning ‘half’.
The patient experienced hemiplegia following the stroke.
Prefix:
hetero-
A prefix meaning ‘different’.
The heterogeneous mixture of cells was analyzed under a microscope.
Prefix:
homo-, homeo-
Prefixes meaning ‘same’ or ‘alike’.
The procedure aims to maintain homeostasis within the body.
Prefix:
hyper-
A prefix meaning ‘excessive’ or ‘above normal’.
The patient was diagnosed with hypertension, indicating high blood pressure.