Medical Terminology

How is the plural of a medical term ending in 's' typically formed?

What is the correct plural form for the term 'allergy'?

Which of the following is an example of an acronym in medical terminology?

What does the abbreviation 'SOB' commonly represent in the medical field?

What is the correct pluralization of the term 'sinus'?

What role does a combining vowel play in constructing medical terms?

Which statement is true about prefixes in medical terminology?

How should a combining vowel be treated when joining with a suffix that begins with a vowel?

What is true about eponyms in medical terminology?

When combining word roots to form a complete medical term, what is the typical function of a suffix?

Medical Terminology - Unit 1

Word root: The main part of a medical term, often of Greek or Latin origin.
Combining vowel: A vowel (often "o") inserted between word roots to improve pronunciation. Examples include cardi/o, gastr/o, oste/o.
Prefixes: Placed before a word root to modify its meaning. Often written with a hyphen (e.g., anti-).
Suffixes: Added to the end of a word or word root to modify its meaning. A hyphen might be used if the suffix starts with a vowel.
Examples: Erythr/o (red) + -cyte (cell) = red blood cell.
Combining vowel dropping: Dropping the combining vowel if the suffix begins with a vowel. Example: Hepat/o + itis = Hepatitis.
Eponyms: Names for diseases, organs, procedures, or body functions derived from person's names. Examples: Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease.
Abbreviations: Shortened forms of words or phrases used in place of the whole (e.g., MD for Doctor of Medicine, SOB for shortness of breath).
Acronyms: Pronounceable names made from the initial letters of words (e.g., CABG for coronary artery bypass graft).
Plurals: Formed by adding "s" to singular terms. Nouns ending in s, ch, or sh form plurals by adding "es. Singular nouns ending in "y" preceded by a consonant change the "y" to "i" then add "es".
Example: Abrasion (singular) - Abrasions (plural)
Practice exercises and self-tests are provided in the materials (page numbers are listed).

Reference Material

Quick & Easy Medical Terminology by Peggy C. Leonard (Seventh Edition) pages 1-13

This quiz focuses on the fundamental components of medical terminology. You'll explore key elements such as word roots, combining vowels, prefixes, suffixes, and the use of eponyms and abbreviations. Prepare to test your understanding of these essential building blocks of medical language.