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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of root words in medical terminology?
What is the primary function of root words in medical terminology?
What prefix means 'against or opposite'?
What prefix means 'against or opposite'?
What type of medical term describes body parts and structures?
What type of medical term describes body parts and structures?
What suffix means 'pain'?
What suffix means 'pain'?
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What is the best way to learn medical terminology?
What is the best way to learn medical terminology?
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What medical word category includes terms that describe medical tests and procedures?
What medical word category includes terms that describe medical tests and procedures?
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What is a combining form?
What is a combining form?
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What prefix means 'half'?
What prefix means 'half'?
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What is the term for a tumor or swelling?
What is the term for a tumor or swelling?
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What type of medical term describes diseases and conditions?
What type of medical term describes diseases and conditions?
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Study Notes
Understanding Medical Terminology
Medical terminology is a system of words and phrases used by healthcare professionals to describe the human body, its parts, and various medical procedures.
Word Structure
Medical terms are composed of:
- Root words: Core words that convey the main meaning
- Prefixes: Letters or words added to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning
- Suffixes: Letters or words added to the end of a root word to modify its meaning
- Combining forms: Modified root words used to create new words
Common Prefixes and Suffixes
Prefixes:
- Anti-: Against or opposite
- Hemi-: Half
- Hyper-: Excessive or above normal
- Hypo-: Below normal or deficient
- Re-: Again or anew
Suffixes:
- -algia: Pain
- -itis: Inflammation
- -oma: Tumor or swelling
- -osis: Condition or disease
- -ectomy: Surgical removal
Medical Word Categories
Anatomical Terms:
- Describe body parts and structures
- Examples: Cardiac (heart), Neuro (nervous system), Osteo (bone)
Diagnostic Terms:
- Describe medical tests and procedures
- Examples: Radiology (X-ray), Sonography (ultrasound), Endoscopy (internal examination)
Therapeutic Terms:
- Describe medical treatments and interventions
- Examples: Chemotherapy (cancer treatment), Physical therapy (rehabilitation), Vaccination (immunization)
Pathological Terms:
- Describe diseases and conditions
- Examples: Hypertension (high blood pressure), Diabetes (high blood sugar), Cancer (malignant tumor)
Tips for Learning Medical Terminology
- Learn word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode unfamiliar terms
- Break down complex words into their component parts
- Practice using flashcards or online resources to reinforce learning
- Focus on common terms and concepts used in your field of study or profession
Understanding Medical Terminology
- Medical terminology is a system of words and phrases used by healthcare professionals to describe the human body, its parts, and various medical procedures.
Word Structure
- Medical terms are composed of four main elements: root words, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms.
- Root words convey the main meaning of a medical term.
- Prefixes are letters or words added to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning.
- Suffixes are letters or words added to the end of a root word to modify its meaning.
- Combining forms are modified root words used to create new words.
Common Prefixes and Suffixes
- Anti- means against or opposite.
- Hemi- means half.
- Hyper- means excessive or above normal.
- Hypo- means below normal or deficient.
- Re- means again or anew.
- -algia means pain.
- -itis means inflammation.
- -oma means tumor or swelling.
- -osis means condition or disease.
- -ectomy means surgical removal.
Medical Word Categories
Anatomical Terms
- Describe body parts and structures.
- Examples: Cardiac (heart), Neuro (nervous system), Osteo (bone).
Diagnostic Terms
- Describe medical tests and procedures.
- Examples: Radiology (X-ray), Sonography (ultrasound), Endoscopy (internal examination).
Therapeutic Terms
- Describe medical treatments and interventions.
- Examples: Chemotherapy (cancer treatment), Physical therapy (rehabilitation), Vaccination (immunization).
Pathological Terms
- Describe diseases and conditions.
- Examples: Hypertension (high blood pressure), Diabetes (high blood sugar), Cancer (malignant tumor).
Tips for Learning Medical Terminology
- Learn word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode unfamiliar terms.
- Break down complex words into their component parts.
- Practice using flashcards or online resources to reinforce learning.
- Focus on common terms and concepts used in your field of study or profession.
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Description
Learn the fundamentals of medical terminology, including word structure, root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Understand how healthcare professionals use medical terms to describe the human body and medical procedures.
