Questions and Answers
What does the prefix 'calc/o' refer to?
What is the meaning of 'kyph/o'?
What does 'lamin/o' refer to?
Lamina (part of vertebral arch)
Define 'lord/o'.
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What is the meaning of 'lumb/o'?
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What does 'myel/o' denote?
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What does the prefix 'orth/o' signify?
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Define 'oste/o'.
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What does 'scoli/o' mean?
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What does 'spondyl/o' refer to?
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What is the definition of 'vertebr/o'?
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What does the suffix '-blast' mean?
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What does '-clast' signify?
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What does the suffix '-listhesis' refer to?
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What does '-malacia' indicate?
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What does '-physis' mean?
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Define '-porosis'.
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What does the suffix '-tome' refer to?
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Study Notes
Prefixes and Suffixes in Medical Terminology
- calc/o and calci/o: Both refer to calcium, crucial for bone health and various bodily functions.
- kyph/o: Indicates humpback or hunchback, often associated with spinal deformities.
- lamin/o: Represents the lamina, part of the vertebral arch that protects the spinal cord.
- lord/o: Refers to an anterior curvature in the lumbar region, commonly related to swayback posture.
- lumb/o: Pertains to the loins or lower back, an area often associated with pain or injury.
- myel/o: Relates to bone marrow, a key component in the formation of blood cells.
- orth/o: Signifies straight alignment, often used in orthopedics.
- oste/o: Indicates bone, foundational in terms like osteoporosis.
- scoli/o: Refers to crooked or bent; typically used to describe scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine.
- spondyl/o: Associated with vertebrae, especially regarding structural conditions.
- vertebr/o: Focuses on vertebrae, an important term in spinal anatomy.
Important Suffixes
- -blast: Denotes embryonic or immature cells, such as osteoblasts that form bone.
- -clast: Implies the action of breaking, essential in medical terms regarding bone resorption.
- -listhesis: Indicates slipping, commonly linked to spinal conditions like spondylolisthesis.
- -malacia: Refers to softening, a condition affecting tissue structure.
- -physis: Signifies growth, important in developmental terms.
- -porosis: Relates to pores or passages, included in conditions like osteoporosis.
- -tome: Denotes an instrument to cut, frequently used in surgical contexts.
Specific Bones and Their Terminology
- acetabul/o: Refers to the acetabulum, the socket of the hip joint.
- calcane/o: Specifies the calcaneus, or heel bone.
- carp/o: Pertains to carpal bones in the wrist.
- clavicul/o: Represents the clavicle, commonly called the collarbone.
- cost/o: Indicates ribs, important in thoracic anatomy.
- crani/o: Refers to the cranium, the skull housing the brain.
- femor/o: Denotes the femur, the thigh bone.
- fibul/o: Relates to the fibula, the smaller bone in the lower leg.
- humer/o: Refers to the humerus, the upper arm bone.
- ili/o: Pertains to the ilium, the upper part of the pelvis.
- ischi/o: Refers to the ischium, the lower part of the pelvis.
- mandibul/o: Represents the mandible, the lower jaw bone.
- maxill/o: Denotes the maxilla, the upper jawbone.
- patell/o: Refers to the patella, or kneecap.
- tibi/o: Relates to the tibia, the shin bone.
Muscles and Connective Tissue
- my/o and myos/o: Both refer to muscle, crucial in musculoskeletal health.
- myel/o: Specifically identifies heart muscle and is important in cardiology.
- -asthenia: Indicates a lack of strength, often seen in muscle disorders.
- -trophy: Refers to development and nourishment, essential in muscular health.
Additional Terms Related to Joints and Tendons
- arthr/o and articul/o: Both pertain to joints, essential in rheumatology.
- burs/o: Refers to bursa, fluid-filled sacs reducing friction in joints.
- chondr/o: Indicates cartilage, important for joint function and health.
- ligament/o: Refers to ligaments, connecting bones at joints.
- synov/o: Pertains to synovial membranes, which secrete joint fluid.
- ten/o and tendin/o: Both signify tendon, critical for muscle attachment to bones.
Terminology of Body Movement
- ankyl/o: Refers to stiffness, often associated with immobility in joints.
- -stenosis: Indicates narrowing, frequently discussed in relation to spinal or vascular health.
- fasci/o: Relates to fascia, the connective tissue enveloping muscles.
- fibr/o: Pertains to fibrous connective tissue, part of the structural makeup of organs and systems.
Directional Prefixes
- ab-: Means away from, frequently used in anatomical terms.
- ad-: Means towards, often applied in movement and positioning.
- dorsi-: Refers to the back area, essential for understanding anatomical orientation.
- poly-: Indicates many or much, often used in medical terms for conditions with multiple factors or instances.
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Description
Test your knowledge of common medical prefixes and their meanings. This quiz covers key prefixes such as 'calc/o', 'kyph/o', 'lamin/o', 'lord/o', 'lumb/o', and 'myel/o'. Perfect for students or professionals looking to reinforce their understanding of medical terminology.
