Introduction to Medical Terminology

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Questions and Answers

Which body system is associated with the word root 'Cardi/o'?

Urinary system

Respiratory system

Digestive system

Cardiovascular system (correct)

What does the word root 'Neur/o' denote?

Heart

Lung

Joint

Nerve (correct)

The word root 'Gastr/o' pertains to which organ?

Stomach (correct)

Kidney

Brain

Skin

Which body system does the word root 'Dermat/o' belong to?

Integumentary system Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the word root 'Nephro/o'?

Urinary System Signup and view all the answers

The word root 'Enter/o' is linked to which part of the body?

Intestine Signup and view all the answers

Which body system is represented by the word root 'Arthr/o'?

Skeletal system Signup and view all the answers

What does the word root 'Bronch/o' specifically refer to?

Bronchus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a word root in a medical term?

To provide the fundamental meaning of the word Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the four basic word elements in medical terminology?

Abbreviations Signup and view all the answers

What do Greek word roots typically describe in medical terminology?

Treatments or diagnoses Signup and view all the answers

What is a combining form in medical terminology?

A word root combined with a vowel to link to a suffix Signup and view all the answers

Which word part is added to modify the meaning at the beginning of a medical term?

Prefix Signup and view all the answers

What does a suffix do in a medical term?

Modifies the meaning at the end of the word Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Latin word roots in medical terminology?

Used to describe anatomic structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the words 'derm' and 'cutane'?

They refer to the same anatomical structure, skin Signup and view all the answers

When is a combining vowel not used between two word roots?

When one root begins with a vowel Signup and view all the answers

In the term 'neuroplasty', what determines the use of the combining vowel?

The suffix starts with a consonant Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a suffix in medical terminology?

To change the meaning of the word Signup and view all the answers

In the term 'gastroenteritis', is a combining vowel used between 'gastr' and 'enter'?

Yes, because it combines two roots Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following suffixes would require a combining vowel?

-plasty Signup and view all the answers

In 'arthritis', how is the combining vowel used between 'arthr' and 'itis'?

A combining vowel is never used Signup and view all the answers

Is a combining vowel always required between two word roots?

Yes, regardless of the letters Signup and view all the answers

What is the combining form for the term meaning 'stomach'?

gastr/o Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Medical Terminology

Medical terminology uses four basic word parts: word roots, combining forms, suffixes, and prefixes.
Word roots convey the fundamental meaning of the word, acting as the foundation for building medical terms.
Combining forms are word roots with a vowel added, typically "o," to connect them to suffixes or other word roots.
Suffixes added to the end of a word complete the medical term and modify its meaning.
Prefixes added to the beginning of a word modify the root word's meaning.

Word Roots

Derived from Greek or Latin.
Greek roots describe diseases, conditions, treatments, or diagnoses.
Latin roots describe anatomical structures.

Combining Forms

A combining form is a word root with a vowel (usually "o") added.
The combining vowel acts as a connector, linking word roots and suffixes.

Rules for Using Combining Form Vowels

A combining vowel is used when the suffix starts with a consonant.
A combining vowel is not used when the suffix starts with a vowel.
A combining vowel is used when joining two or more word roots.
A combining vowel is NOT used when joining a word root with a suffix that starts with a vowel.

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of medical terminology, focusing on word parts such as word roots, combining forms, suffixes, and prefixes. You'll learn about the origins of these terms and how they are used in the medical field. Test your understanding of how to construct and modify medical terms.