Understanding Medical Terminology

Question 1

Anatomy of a Medical Term

Answer 1

Prefix - #, location, time, status
Root - gives essential meaning
Combining Vowel - usually “o” (makes the word easier to pronounce)
Combining Form - root + vowel
Suffix - procedure, condition, disease, disorder

Question 2

Prefix (Element)

Answer 2

Placed before the root word to alter its meaning.
Ex. A or an means without or no
Ab means away from and ad means towards
Prefixes can be written by themselves and followed by a hyphen

Question 3

Roots

Answer 3

Are the foundation of the word. Usually describes the part of the body that is involved. It is always the subject or main topic of the medical term.
Roots cannot stand alone a suffix must be added to complete the term, a prefix may be added.
Ex. Cyst(o) - bladder
Oste(o) - bone
Blephar(o) - eyelid

Question 4

Combining Vowel

Answer 4

Not used if the suffix begins with a vowel.
Not used with prefixes.
Usually used when the suffix begins with a consonant or two or more root words are combined.

Question 5

Suffix

Answer 5

Added to the end of a word to alter its meaning. Usually its describing the condition of a body part or the action of a body part.
May change the word from a noun to an adjective.

Question 6

How to dissect a medical term

Answer 6

Begin at the end. Determine what the suffix is. This will tell you if the word is a noun, verb or adjective.
Next move to the prefix at the beginning and define its meaning.
Continue moving left to right until all root words are determined.

Question 7

Tips for finding words in a medical dictionary.

Answer 7

If you cant find a word consider the following:
F sounds may begin with f or ph ie physical.
J sounds may begin with g or j ie gestation.
K sounds may begin with c, ch, k, or qu ie. cachexia
S sounds may begin with c, ps or s ie. cecum
Z sounds may begin with x or z ie. xyphoid