Medical Terminology Chapter 15: Word Parts

Medical Terminology: Key Word Parts

• cerebell/o: Refers to the cerebellum, a significant brain structure responsible for coordination and balance.

• cerebr/o: Indicates the cerebrum, which is the largest part of the brain and involved in higher brain functions including thought and action.

• dur/o: Relates to the dura mater, the tough outer covering of the brain and spinal cord, providing protection.

• encephal/o: Represents the brain as a whole, encompassing various structures and functions.

• gangli/o, ganglion/o: Denotes ganglion, a cluster of nerve cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system.

• gli/o: Refers to glial cells or "gluey substance," which support and protect neurons in the nervous system.

• mening/o, meningi/o: Connects to the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

• myel/o: Relates to the spinal cord, the major conduit for information traveling between the brain and the body.

• neur/o: Indicates a nerve, which carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

• radic/o, radicul/o, rhiz/o: Refers to nerve roots, the origin points of nerves from the spinal cord.

• esthesi/o: Pertains to sensation, sensitivity, or feeling, crucial for sensory perception.

• ment/o, psych/o: Relates to the mind and psychological processes, important in mental health and cognitive functions.

• mon/o: Stands for one or single, often used to indicate singularity in medical terminology.

• phas/o: Refers to speech, essential in communication and language functions.

• poli/o: Indicates gray matter, the region of the brain and spinal cord with neuronal cell bodies and processing capabilities.

• quadri/o: Denotes four, commonly used in conditions affecting all four limbs or quadrants.

• -iatrist: Refers to a specialist or physician, often used in medical terms to indicate a professional in a specific field.

• -iatry: Indicates treatment or specialty, commonly associated with fields of medicine and healthcare.

• -ictal: Relates to seizures or attacks, often used to describe events associated with epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

• -paresis: Refers to slight paralysis, indicating reduced movement or strength in a specific area of the body.