Medical Terminology Basics

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Questions and Answers

What punctuation mark is typically used after a prefix when it stands alone?

  • Colon
  • Comma
  • Semicolon
  • Hyphen (correct)

Which of the following is true about prefixes when used in isolation?

  • They are usually followed by a hyphen. (correct)
  • They cannot stand alone.
  • They are always followed by an underscore.
  • They require a period.

Which of the following statements about prefixes is incorrect?

  • Hyphens are used when prefixes appear isolated.
  • Prefixed words do not require hyphens. (correct)
  • Prefixes often modify root words.
  • Prefixes can stand alone.

How is a standalone prefix typically identified in written form?

<p>By placing a hyphen after it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a prefix is presented independently in a sentence, which of the following is its correct representation?

<p>prefix- (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a word root?

<p>To form the main body of a word (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From which languages can word roots derive?

<p>Latin and Greek (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a word root?

<p>It can stand alone as a complete word (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates the concept of a word root?

<p>Laugh - Laughter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'main body' in the context of a word root?

<p>The essential part that conveys meaning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Word Root

The fundamental part of a word that holds its core meaning.

Origin of a word root

Originating from an earlier language, like Latin or Greek.

Silly Examples

Examples that are intentionally silly or exaggerated to illustrate a point.

Word root (Core of a word)

A word root is the main body of a word and carries its core meaning.

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Importance of word roots

Word roots are essential for understanding the meaning of words and their relationships to other words.

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What is a prefix?

A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.

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What is a hyphen?

A hyphen is a short line used to connect words or parts of words.

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When is a hyphen used with a prefix?

When a prefix is written alone, it's usually followed by a hyphen.

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What does the hyphen do with a prefix?

A hyphen helps separate the prefix from the word.

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Give an example of a prefix followed by a hyphen.

Example: pre- + fix = prefix

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Study Notes

Word Root

  • Word root is the core part of a medical term.
  • It's often of Greek or Latin origin.
  • Examples of word roots include:
    • lithos (G., stone)
    • psyche (G., mind)
    • cauda (L., tail)
    • oris (L., mouth)

Combining Vowel

  • A combining vowel (often "o") is inserted between word roots to improve pronunciation.
  • This improves pronunciation clarity and improves the flow of the words.
  • Examples include:
    • Cardio (heart)
    • Gastro (stomach)
    • Osteo (bone)

Prefixes and Suffixes

  • Word roots are often accompanied by prefixes and/or suffixes.
  • Prefixes are placed before the word root.
  • Suffixes are placed after the word root.
  • A hyphen often follows a prefix if it's used alone, indicating more words will follow.
    • Example: a-febrile (without fever)
    • Example: anti-viral (against viruses)

Suffixes

  • Suffixes modify the meaning of the word.
  • They are attached to the end of the word root.
  • Suffixes are usually preceded by a hyphen.
    • Example: Erythr/o (red)+cyte (cell) = red blood cell
    • Example: dys- (bad) + -pnea (breathing) = dyspnea( difficulty breathing)

Combining Vowels and Suffixes

  • If a suffix begins with a vowel, the combining vowel is omitted.
  • Example: hepat/o + itis = hepatitis
  • Most prefixes end in a vowel and can be added to other words with no changes
    • Example: pre + cancer = precancerous
    • Example: anti + biotic = antibiotic

Eponyms

  • Eponyms are terms for diseases, organs, procedures, or body functions named after a person.
  • Example: Parkinson disease, Alzheimer's disease, Caesarean section

Abbreviations and Medical Terms

  • Abbreviations are shortened words or phrases used in medical contexts
    • Example: MD (Doctor of medicine)
    • Example: SOB (shortness of breath)
    • Example: Stat (immediately)
  • Acronyms are pronounceable, word-like names made of the first letters of multiple words.
    • Example: CABG (Coronary artery bypass graft)

Plurals

  • For most medical terms, add "s" to the singular form to create the plural.
  • For some terms, add "-es" to create plurals
    • Example: Abrasion(singular) - Abrasions (plural)
    • Example: Sinus (singular) - Sinuses (plural)
  • Some terms need a vowel change from "y" to "i" when adding "-es" for the plural.
    • Example: Allergy - Allergies

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