16 Questions
What is the main part or foundation of a medical word?
Word Root
What is the purpose of a combining vowel in a medical word?
To make the pronunciation of a word root easier
What is the term for the combination of a word root and a combining vowel?
Combining Form
What is the function of a suffix in a medical word?
To modify the meaning of a word root or combining form
What is the term for the four basic parts of a medical word?
Elements
What is the meaning of the root word 'dermat'?
Skin
What is the purpose of understanding the meanings of word roots?
To determine the meaning of a complex medical term
What is the combining vowel usually in a combining form?
O
What is the purpose of a combining vowel in a medical term?
To make pronunciation easier
What does the suffix '-al' typically mean in a medical term?
Pertaining to something
What is the function of a prefix in a medical term?
To change the meaning of the root
What does the suffix '-oma' typically mean in a medical term?
Tumor
What is the term for 'hardening of the skin'?
Scler/o/derma
When is a combining vowel NOT used in a medical term?
When the suffix begins with a vowel
What is the meaning of the suffix '-er' in a medical term?
One who performs an action
What is the purpose of adding a suffix to a word root?
To create a new word with a different meaning
Study Notes
Basic Elements of a Medical Word
- A medical word consists of four elements: Word Root, Combining Form, Suffix, and Prefix.
Word Root
- The main part or foundation of a word.
- All words have at least one word root.
- A word root may be used alone or combined with other elements to form a complete word.
- Examples: "dent" means tooth, "dermat" means skin, "cardi" means heart, "gastr" means stomach, "pancreat" means pancreas.
Combining Forms
- A combination of a word root and a vowel to make pronunciation easier.
- The combining vowel is usually an "o", but others may be used.
- Combining forms are used to link multiple roots together.
- Example: osteoarthritis = oste/ o / arthr/ itis.
Word-Building System
- By understanding word roots, one can determine the meaning of complex medical terms by combining smaller parts.
- Example: Leukocytopenia = Leuk/ (white) + cyt/ (cell) + /o/ (combining vowel) + /penia/ (decrease).
Suffixes
- Added to the end of a word root or combining form to modify its meaning.
- Create a noun or adjective with a different meaning.
- A combining vowel is used between a word root and a suffix that begins with a consonant.
- Examples: -al (pertaining to), -er (one who), -able (capable of being), -oma (tumor).
Prefixes
- A syllable or syllables placed before a word or word root to alter its meaning or create a new word.
- Examples: not provided in the text.
Learn about the four basic elements of a medical word: word root, combining form, suffix, and prefix. Understand how they combine to form complete medical words.
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