6 Questions
What is the main function of a root word in a medical term?
To indicate the body part or system being referred to
What does the suffix '-itis' indicate in a medical term?
Inflammation
What is the prefix 'Hyper-' used to indicate in a medical term?
Excessive
What is the medical term for the study of the nervous system?
Neurology
What is the first step in building a medical term?
Identify the root word and its meaning
What is the term for the study of the heart?
Cardiology
Study Notes
Medical Terminology Basics
Word Roots
- Most medical terms are composed of a root word and a suffix
- Root words typically indicate the body part or system being referred to
- Examples:
- Card- (heart)
- Neuro- (nervous system)
- Gastr- (stomach)
Suffixes
- Indicate the condition, disease, or procedure related to the root word
- Examples:
- -itis (inflammation)
- -ectomy (surgical removal)
- -oma (tumor)
Prefixes
- Indicate location, direction, or extent of the condition
- Examples:
- Endo- (within)
- Exo- (outside)
- Hyper- (excessive)
Combining Forms
- Modified root words that combine with suffixes and prefixes
- Examples:
- Cardi- (heart) + -itis (inflammation) = Cardiitis
- Neuro- (nervous system) + -logy (study of) = Neurology
Common Medical Terms
Body Systems
- Cardiovascular: related to the heart and blood vessels
- Respiratory: related to breathing and lungs
- Gastrointestinal: related to digestion and gut
- Musculoskeletal: related to muscles and bones
Medical Specialties
- Cardiology: study of the heart
- Neurology: study of the nervous system
- Oncology: study of cancer
- Orthopedics: study of musculoskeletal system
Word Building
Steps to build a medical term:
- Identify the root word and its meaning
- Identify the suffix and its meaning
- Combine the root word and suffix to form the medical term
- Use prefixes to modify the term as necessary
Medical Terminology Basics
Word Structure
- Medical terms composed of a root word, suffix, and sometimes a prefix
- Root words indicate the body part or system being referred to
- Suffixes indicate the condition, disease, or procedure related to the root word
- Prefixes indicate location, direction, or extent of the condition
Roots
- Examples of root words:
- Card- (heart)
- Neuro- (nervous system)
- Gastr- (stomach)
Suffixes
- Examples of suffixes:
- -itis (inflammation)
- -ectomy (surgical removal)
- -oma (tumor)
Prefixes
- Examples of prefixes:
- Endo- (within)
- Exo- (outside)
- Hyper- (excessive)
Combining Forms
- Modified root words that combine with suffixes and prefixes
- Examples:
- Cardi- (heart) + -itis (inflammation) = Cardiitis
- Neuro- (nervous system) + -logy (study of) = Neurology
Medical Terms
Body Systems
- Cardiovascular: heart and blood vessels
- Respiratory: breathing and lungs
- Gastrointestinal: digestion and gut
- Musculoskeletal: muscles and bones
Medical Specialties
- Cardiology: study of the heart
- Neurology: study of the nervous system
- Oncology: study of cancer
- Orthopedics: study of the musculoskeletal system
Word Building
Steps to build a medical term:
- Identify the root word and its meaning
- Identify the suffix and its meaning
- Combine the root word and suffix to form the medical term
- Use prefixes to modify the term as necessary
Learn the fundamentals of medical terminology, including word roots, suffixes, and prefixes. Understand how to break down medical terms into their components and decipher their meanings.
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