6 Questions
What is the primary function of a root word in a medical term?
To provide the core meaning of the term
What is the prefix 'anti-' typically used to mean in a medical term?
Against
What is the suffix '-itis' typically used to indicate in a medical term?
Inflammation
What is the purpose of a combining form in medical terminology?
To modify a root word to create a new word
What is the typical order of elements in a medical term?
Root word, suffix, prefix
What is the root word in the medical term 'neurosurgery'?
Neuro-
Study Notes
Medical Terms
Word Roots
- Most medical terms are composed of a root word, prefix, and suffix
- Root words provide the core meaning of the term
- Examples of common root words:
- Cardi- (heart)
- Neuro- (nervous system)
- Gastr- (stomach)
- Oste- (bone)
Prefixes
- Prefixes are attached to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning
- Examples of common prefixes:
- Anti- (against)
- Post- (after)
- Pre- (before)
- Re- (again)
Suffixes
- Suffixes are attached to the end of a root word to modify its meaning
- Examples of common suffixes:
- -itis (inflammation)
- -oma (tumor)
- -ectomy (removal of)
- -algia (pain)
Combining Forms
- Combining forms are modified root words that are used to create new words
- Examples of common combining forms:
- Arthro- (joint)
- Derm- (skin)
- Nephro- (kidney)
- Ophthalmo- (eye)
Medical Terminology Rules
- When combining words, the root word usually comes first
- Prefixes are usually attached to the root word, followed by the suffix
- When a suffix is added to a root word, the root word usually remains unchanged
Examples of Medical Terms
- Cardiology (study of the heart)
- Root word: cardi- (heart)
- Suffix: -logy (study of)
- Neurosurgeon (surgeon of the nervous system)
- Root word: neuro- (nervous system)
- Suffix: -surgeon (surgeon)
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
- Root word: gastr- (stomach)
- Suffix: -itis (inflammation)
Medical Terms
Word Roots
- Most medical terms consist of a root word, prefix, and suffix
- Root words provide the core meaning of the term
- Examples of common root words:
- Cardi- refers to the heart
- Neuro- refers to the nervous system
- Gastr- refers to the stomach
- Oste- refers to bones
Prefixes
- Prefixes modify the meaning of a root word when attached to the beginning
- Examples of common prefixes:
- Anti- means against
- Post- means after
- Pre- means before
- Re- means again
Suffixes
- Suffixes modify the meaning of a root word when attached to the end
- Examples of common suffixes:
- -itis means inflammation
- -oma means tumor
- -ectomy means removal of
- -algia means pain
Combining Forms
- Combining forms are modified root words used to create new words
- Examples of common combining forms:
- Arthro- refers to joints
- Derm- refers to the skin
- Nephro- refers to the kidney
- Ophthalmo- refers to the eye
Medical Terminology Rules
- Root words usually come first when combining words
- Prefixes attach to the root word, followed by the suffix
- When adding a suffix to a root word, the root word usually remains unchanged
Examples of Medical Terms
- Cardiology: study of the heart
- Combines cardi- (heart) with -logy (study of)
- Neurosurgeon: surgeon of the nervous system
- Combines neuro- (nervous system) with -surgeon (surgeon)
- Gastritis: inflammation of the stomach
- Combines gastr- (stomach) with -itis (inflammation)
Learn about the composition of medical terms, including root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Understand how to break down medical terms to identify their meanings.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
