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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a root word in a medical term?
What is the primary function of a root word in a medical term?
What is the prefix 'anti-' typically used to mean in a medical term?
What is the prefix 'anti-' typically used to mean in a medical term?
What is the suffix '-itis' typically used to indicate in a medical term?
What is the suffix '-itis' typically used to indicate in a medical term?
What is the purpose of a combining form in medical terminology?
What is the purpose of a combining form in medical terminology?
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What is the typical order of elements in a medical term?
What is the typical order of elements in a medical term?
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What is the root word in the medical term 'neurosurgery'?
What is the root word in the medical term 'neurosurgery'?
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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)
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Description
Learn about the composition of medical terms, including root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Understand how to break down medical terms to identify their meanings.
