What is the foundation of a word called?
Word root
The root word can stand alone, be used with a prefix or suffix, or combined with other root words.
In the term gastr/ic, what does the root ‘gastr’ mean?
Stomach
The root ‘gastr’ is foundational to terms related to the stomach.
What is the purpose of a suffix in a medical term?
Modifies the root word
A suffix can stand alone or be used with a root word to make it more specific.
In the term gastr/itis, what does the suffix ‘-itis’ mean?
Inflammation
The suffix ‘-itis’ indicates an inflammatory condition.
What does the suffix ‘-ic’ in gastr/ic signify?
Pertaining to
The suffix ‘-ic’ is used to indicate a relationship to the root word.
What is a prefix in medical terminology?
Word beginning
A prefix modifies the root word and cannot stand alone.
What does the prefix ‘epi’ in epi/gastr/ic mean?
Above or upon
The prefix ‘epi’ modifies the root to indicate a position.
What does the prefix ‘trans’ in trans/gastr/ic mean?
Across
The prefix ‘trans’ indicates movement or position across something.
What is a combining vowel?
A vowel linking the root to the suffix or another root
Usually ‘o’, but sometimes ‘i’or ‘u’ are used.
In the term mamm/o/gram, what does ‘mamm’ refer to?
Breast
The root word ‘mamm’ is foundational to terms related to the breast.
What does the suffix ‘gram’ in mamm/o/gram mean?
Record
The suffix ‘gram’ indicates a record or image.
What is a combining form?
Combination of a root word with the combining vowel
Example: Cardi/o/gram, where ‘cardi’ is the combining form meaning heart.
What does the combining form cardi/o refer to?
Heart
The combining form ‘cardi/o’ is used in terms related to the heart.
What does dermatitis mean?
Inflammation of the skin
itis = inflammation and derm = skin
In medical terminology, what is the rule regarding the combining vowel before a suffix with a vowel?
Drop the combining vowel (usually o)
Example: gastric NOT gastroic
What is the rule for retaining the combining vowel between two root words?
Retain the combining vowel for ease of pronunciation
Example: osteoarthritis NOT ostearthritis
How is the letter combination ch pronounced in medical terminology?
K as in chromatin/chronic
This pronunciation is important for clarity.
How is the letter combination ps pronounced in medical terminology?
S as in psychiatry/psychology
This pronunciation is important for clarity.
How is the letter combination pn pronounced in medical terminology?
N as in pneumonia
This pronunciation is important for clarity.
True or false: Pronunciation and spelling are crucial in medical terminology.
TRUE
Example: ureter and urethra have similar spelling but are different structures.
Fill in the blank: The ileum and ______ are very similar but are also two very different structures.
ilium
This highlights the importance of precise terminology.
What does arthr mean?
joint
Example: arthritis, inflammation of the joints.
What does carcin refer to?
cancer
Example: carcinoma, a cancerous tumor.
What does hepat signify?
liver
Example: hepatitis, inflammation of the liver.
