Understanding Medical Terminology Flashcards

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

How do you create a medical term?

prefix + root word + suffix = medical term

What are the four parts used in medical terminology?

word root (WR), combining form (CF), suffix (S), prefix (P)

What is a word root (WR)?

the basic meaning of a medical term

What is a combining form (CF)?

a word root plus a vowel that is used to help pronounce certain medical terms Signup and view all the answers

What is a suffix (S)?

the word ending Signup and view all the answers

What is a prefix (P)?

used at the beginning of the medical term Signup and view all the answers

Which vowel is most often used in a combining form?

o Signup and view all the answers

What are the steps to 'read' a medical term?

start with the suffix and define it, go to the prefix and define it, then define the word root or combining form in the middle Signup and view all the answers

List 3 words that end with the suffix -ologist.

pathologist, radiologist, psychology Signup and view all the answers

Name 3 words that include the word root neur/o.

neurology, neurovascular, neurologist Signup and view all the answers

Define the word 'sublingual'.

Pertaining to something that is under the tongue. Signup and view all the answers

Define the word 'subcutaneous'.

Pertaining to something that is under the skin. Signup and view all the answers

Define the word 'transneurocostal'.

Pertaining to something that is across or through the nerve of a rib. Signup and view all the answers

Define the word 'transpolyrhinal'.

Pertaining to something that is across or goes through many noses. Signup and view all the answers

Define the word 'subpolylingual'.

Pertaining to something that is under many tongues. Signup and view all the answers

Define the word 'transdermal'.

Pertaining to something that is across or through the skin. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Creating Medical Terms

A medical term is formed by combining a prefix, a root word, and a suffix.

Components of Medical Terminology

Four primary parts:
- Word root (WR) - conveys the basic meaning.
- Combining form (CF) - a root word with a vowel to aid pronunciation.
- Suffix (S) - the ending of the word which modifies its meaning.
- Prefix (P) - an addition at the beginning of the term which alters its meaning.

Word Root (WR)

Represents the fundamental meaning of a medical term.

Combining Form (CF)

Created by adding a vowel (commonly "o") to the word root, enhancing pronunciation.

Suffix (S)

Found at the end of a medical term, providing context or meaning.

Prefix (P)

Added at the start of a medical term to give additional meaning.

Common Combining Form Vowel

The letter "o" is the most frequently used vowel in combining forms.

Reading Medical Terms

Approach by analyzing components:
- Start with the suffix to define it.
- Move to the prefix and define it.
- Finally, interpret the root or combined forms in the middle.

Words Ending in -ologist

Examples include pathologist, radiologist, and psychologist.

Words Including Neur/o

Terms such as neurology, neurovascular, and neurologist incorporate the root neur/o.

Medical Term "Sublingual"

Breakdown:
- Prefix "sub" (under),
- Combining form "lingu" (tongue),
- Suffix "-al" (pertaining to).
Meaning: Pertaining to under the tongue.

Medical Term "Subcutaneous"

Breakdown:
- Prefix "sub" (under),
- Word root "cutane" (skin),
- Suffix "-ous" (pertaining to).
Meaning: Pertaining to under the skin.

Medical Term "Transneurocostal"

Breakdown:
- Prefix "trans" (across),
- Combining form "neuro" (nerve),
- Word root "cost" (rib),
- Suffix "-al" (pertaining to).
Meaning: Pertaining to across the nerve of a rib.

Medical Term "Transpolyrhinal"

Breakdown:
- Prefixes "trans" (across) and "poly" (many),
- Word root "rhin" (nose),
- Suffix "-al" (pertaining to).
Meaning: Pertaining to across many noses.

Medical Term "Subpolylingual"

Breakdown:
- Prefixes "sub" (under) and "poly" (many),
- Combining form "lingu" (tongue),
- Suffix "-al" (pertaining to).
Meaning: Pertaining to under many tongues.

Medical Term "Transdermal"

Breakdown:
- Prefix "trans" (across),
- Word root "derm" (skin),
- Suffix "-al" (pertaining to).
Meaning: Pertaining to across the skin.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz focuses on the fundamental aspects of medical terminology, including the formation of medical terms using prefixes, root words, and suffixes. Explore the key components such as word roots, combining forms, suffixes, and prefixes to enhance your understanding of medical language.