Medical terminology is a structured language for describing body parts, processes, conditions, procedures, and treatments. Understanding how terms are built makes unfamiliar vocabulary easier to interpret.
A root usually identifies the central subject of a term, such as an organ, tissue, or condition. A prefix is added before a root to modify its meaning, while a suffix is added after a root to indicate such things as a condition, disease process, or procedure. Many medical terms combine these parts into a single word.
All flashcards
What is a word root?
The central word part that usually names the organ, tissue, or condition being described.
How do prefixes and suffixes differ?
A prefix appears before a root and modifies its meaning; a suffix follows a root and often indicates a condition, process, or procedure.
What is a combining form?
A root with a connecting vowel, most often -o- in English medical terminology.
When is the combining vowel commonly dropped?
It is generally dropped when the next word part, such as a suffix, begins with a vowel; arthr- plus -itis forms arthritis.
Why are Greek and Latin important to medical terminology?
Many medical roots and affixes derive from these languages, which historically supplied much of the vocabulary of European science and medicine.
Quiz questions
What does a word root usually identify in a medical term?Answer: The main organ, tissue, or condition named by the term.
What is a combining form?Answer: A word root joined to a vowel, commonly -o-.
Why is the combining vowel generally omitted in arthritis?Answer: Because -itis begins with a vowel, so no connecting vowel is needed.
What does gastroenteritis mean based on its word parts?Answer: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Which pair gives two classical roots used for kidney terminology?Answer: Greek nephr- and Latin ren-.