Basic Medical Terminology

Question 1

What are prefixes?

Answer 1

Often denote time, location and status

Question 2

Examples of root words

Answer 2

Abdomin(o) → abdomen
Aden(o) → gland
Adip(o) → fat
Brachi(o) → arm

Question 3

What are suffixes?

Answer 3

Indicate procedure, disorder, or disease

Question 4

Example of suffixes

Answer 4

Itis → inflammation
Ectomy → removal
Scope → viewing instrument
Opsy→ inspection or examination
Algia → pain
Oma → swelling or tumour
Emesis → vomiting

Question 5

Common formations

Answer 5

Root word + suffix
Prefix+ root word
Prefix + root word+ suffix
Root word + root word
Root word + root word + suffix

Question 6

Blooding blocks → example

Answer 6

Haemat + emesis → vomiting blood

Question 7

Building blocks → example

Answer 7

Micro + bio+ ology → study of microscopic organisms

Question 8

What is myocardium

Answer 8

Heart muscle

Question 9

What is myocardia’s

Answer 9

Inflammation of the heart muscle

Question 10

What is at otorhinolaryngology ?

Answer 10

The study of cars, nose and throat (ENT)

Question 11

Colour word part → terminology

Answer 11

Erytyth → red
Cyan → blue
Leuk → white
Jaunt → yellow

Question 12

Erythrocytes

Answer 12

Red blood cells

Question 13

Cyanosis

Answer 13

Blue discolouration of skin

Question 14

Leukoplakia

Answer 14

White patches in the mouth

Question 15

Jaundice

Answer 15

Yellowing of skin

Question 16

Difference between inflammation (-itis) and infection (infectious/bacterial)

Answer 16

Inflammation of the bladder lining = cystitis
Infection of the bladder lining causing inflammation = bacterial cystitis

Inflammation of the appendix = appendicitis
Infection of the appendix causing inflammation = infected appendicitis (often referred to as appendicitis)

Question 17

Common terms in RT

Answer 17

Cachexia → weakness & weight loss due to cancer
Dysphasia → difficulty swallowing
Dyspepsia → indigestion
Dyspnoea → difficulty breathing
Dysuria → painful or difficult urination
Haemoptysis → coughing up blood
Haematemesis → vomiting blood
Haematuria → blood in urine
Erythema → reddening of skin

Question 18

Radiotherapy abbreviations

Answer 18

RIP → patient has died
DOB → date of birth
UKP → unknown primary (location of original tumour is unknown)
TLD → thermoluminescent dosimeter ( device used for some personal dose monitoring and patient dose)
Tbs - BT → patient needs to be seen before treatment by doctor
TITA → to ill to attend