Chapter 1: Basic Word Structures Flashcards
Root
Givers essential meaning to the term
Suffix
The word ending
Prefix
A small part added to the beginning of the term
Combining vowel
Connects roots to suffixes and roots to other roots
Combining form
The combination of the root and combining vowel
How do you read the meaning of medical words?
Start at the suffix, then go to the beginning of the word and read across.
What do you do with the combining vowel before a suffix that starts with a vowel?
Drop the combining vowel
What do you do with a combining vowel between word roots if the second root begins with a vowel?
Keep the combining vowel
-logy
The study of
Hemat/o
Blood
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Record of the electrical charges within the heart
Electr/o
Electricity
Cardi/o
Heart
-gram
Record
Gastroenterology
The study of the stomach and intestines
Gastr/o
Stomach
Enter/o
Small intestine (intestines)
Gastroscope
Instrument used to visually examine the stomach
-scope
Instrument used to visually examine
Gastric
Pertaining to the stomach
-ic
Pertaining to
Cardiac
Pertaining to the heart
-ac
Pertaining to
Enteritis
Inflammation of the small intestine
-itis
Inflammation
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the stomach and small intestine
Subgastric
Pertaining to below the stomach
Sub
Below
Under
Transgastric
Pertaining to across the stomach
Retrogastric
Pertaining to behind the stomach
Aden/o
Gland
-Oma
Tumor or mass
Adenoma
Tumor of the gland
Adenitis
Inflammation of the gland
Arthr/o
Joint
Arthritis
Inflammation of the joint
Bi/o
Life
Biology
The study of life
Biopsy
“The process of viewing life”; living tissue is removed and viewed under a microscope
-opsy
The process of viewing
Carcin/o
Cancer
Cancerous
Carcinoma
A cancerous mass or tumor
Cephal/o
Head
Cephalic
Pertaining to the head
What does it mean for an infant to be born cephalic?
A baby is born head first
Cerebr/o
Cerebrum (largest part of the brain)
Cerebral
Pertaining to the cerebrum
Cerebral vascular accident (CVA)
Also known as a stroke
During a CVA, blood is prevented from reaching areas of the cerebrum.
Depending on the location and extent of reduced blood flow, signs and symptoms may include:
- loss of movement (paralysis)
- loss of speech (aphasia)
- weakness
- changes in sensation
What are the 10 functions of the cerebrum and their location?
- Smell - just behind the eye socket
- Speech - lateral parts of the temporal lobe
- Hearing - lateral parts of the temporal lobe
- Reading - lateral part of occipital lobe
- Visual - dorsal part of occipital lobe
- Writing - superior part of occipital lobe
- Sensations of the body - posterior part of the parietal lobe
- Movement - anterior part of the parietal lobe
- Eye movement - small posterior part of frontal lobe
- Thought processes - frontal lobe
Order the male urinary tract parts from superior to inferior:
Adrenal glands, kidneys, prostate gland, ureters, urethra, urinary bladder
- Adrenal glands
- Kidneys
- Ureters
- Urinary bladder
- Prostate gland
- Urethra
Cyst/o
Urinary bladder
Cystoscope
An instrument used to visually examine the urinary bladder
-vascular
Blood vessels
Cyt/o
Cell
Cytology
The study of cells
Derm/o
Skin
Dermat/o
Skin
Dermal
Pertaining to the skin
Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin
What are the 3 parts of the small intestine from superior to inferior?
- Duodenum
- Jejunum
- Ileum
What is the different between the ileum and ilium?
Ileum - inferior most part of the small intestine (i-l-E-u-m; remember E for intEstine)
Ilium - superior most part of the hip bone (i-l-I-u-m; remember I for HIP)
Is the trachea anterior or posterior to the esophagus?
Trachea = anterior Esophagus = posterior
Which side of the body is the liver on?
Right
Is the spleen anterior or posterior to the stomach?
Posterior
What side of the body is the stomach on?
Left
What side of the body is the heart on?
Left
What side of the body is the pancreas on? Where is it in proximity to the duodenum?
Medial right (almost central, but toward the right) Posterior (to the right of the duodenum)
Encephal/o
Brain
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Record of the electricity within the brain
What does an EEG help to diagnose?
Seizure disorders such a epilepsy
Col/o
Colon (large intestine)
Erythr/o
Red
Erthythrocyte
Red blood cells
What is the function of the erythrocyte?
Red blood cells carry oxygen
Leuk/o
White
Leukocyte
White blood cell
What is the function of leukocytes?
White blood cells are disease fighting cells
What are the 5 types of leukocytes?
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
- Neutrophils
- Lymphocytes
- Monocytes
What is the function of the eosinophil?
Fight infection
What is the function of the basophil?
Immune system surveillance
Which of the 5 leukocytes is the most abundant, at 40-70%?
Neutrophils
What are the 3 types of lymphocytes?
- Natural Killers
- T Cells
- B Cells
What are the two types of monocytes?
- Macrophages
2. Dendritic Cells
Platelet
Clotting cells
Thromb/o
Clotting
Thrombocytes
Clotting cells (also known as platelets)
Gnos/o
Knowledge
Gastroscopy
Process of visual examination of the stomach using an instrument
Diagnosis
“State of complete knowledge”; the complete knowledge gained after testing and examining the patient
Dia-
Through
Complete
-sis
State of
Prognosis
“State before knowing”; a prediction (before knowledge) that is made after a diagnosis that forecasts the outcome of treatment
Pro-
Before
Forward
FORMATION OF PLURALS
Words ending in A
- Vertebra
- Bursa
Retain the A and add an E
- Vertebrae
- Bursae
Vertebra/e
Backbone/s
Bursa/e
Sac/s of fluid near a joint
FORMATION OF PLURALS
Words ending in IS
- Diagnosis
- Psychosis
Drop the IS and add ES
- Diagnoses
- Psychoses
Psychosis/es
Abnormal condition/s of the mind
FORMATION OF PLURALS
Words ending in IX or EX
- Apex
- Cortex
- Varix
Drop the IX or EX and add ICES
- Apices
- Cortices
- Varices
Apex/ices
Pointed end/s of organs
Cortex/ices
Outer part/s of organs
Varix/ices
Enlarged, swollen vein/s
FORMATION OF PLURALS
Words ending in ON
ex: Ganglion
Drop the ON and add A
Ex: Ganglia
Ganglion/a
Groups of nerve cells; OR
Benign cysts near a joint (such as the wrists)
FORMATION OF PLURALS
Words ending in UM
- Bacterium
- Ovum
Drop the UM and add A
- Bacteria
- Ova
Bacterium/a
Types of one-celled organisms
Ova/um
Egg cell/s
FORMATION OF PLURALS
Words ending in US
- Bronchus
- Calculus
Drop the US and add I*
- Bronchi
- Calculi
- Exception to this rule are Viruses and Sinuses
Bronchus/i
Tubes leading from the windpipe to the lungs
Calculus/i
Stone/s
Gynec/o
Woman
Female
Gynecology
The study of women (specifically female reproductive organs and related diseases)
Hem/o
Blood
Hemoglobin
Protein in red blood cells that help carry oxygen in the blood
-globin
protein
Hematoma
A mass of blood (or swelling of blood)
Hepat/o
Liver
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver
Subungal hematoma
A mass of blood below the nail
Ung/o
Nail
Lapar/o
Abdomen (area between the chest and hip)
-tomy
Cutting into
Incision
Exploratory laparotomy
A surgeon makes a large incision in the abdominal wall to inspect organs for evidence of disease
Nephr/o
Kidney
Nephrectomy
Removal of the kidney
-ectomy
Cutting out
Excision or resection of an organ or other part of the body
Neur/o
Nerve
Neurology
The study of nerves
Onc/o
Tumor
-logist
Specialist
Oncologist
Specialist in the study of tumors (cancerous or malignant diseases)
Ophthalm/o
Eye
Ophthalmoscope
Instrument used to visually examine the eye
Ophthalmologist
Specialist of the eyes
Oste/o
Bone
Osteoarthritis
Inflammation of the joints where degeneration and loss of cartilages occurs
Path/o
Disease
Pathologist
“Specialist of diseases”; a pathologist is a medical doctor who views biopsy samples to make a diagnosis and examines dead bodies
Aut-
Self
Autopsy
“Process of viewing the self”; an opportunity to see for oneself what caused a patient’s death
Ren/o
Kidneys
Rhin/o
Nose
Sarc/o
Flesh
Medical examiner
A pathologist who specialized in forensic (legal) medicine related to criminal issues
Coroner
An elected official (administrator) who investigates any suspicious death
May or may not be a medical examiner.
-algia
Pain
Neural
Pertaining to the nerves
Arthralgia
Pain of the joint
Gastrectomy
Excision or resection of the stomach
What is a subtotal gastrectomy?
A partial removal of the stomach
-emia
Blood condition
Leukemia
“Condition of white blood cells”; large numbers of immature, cancerous cells are found in the bloodstream and bone marrow (inner part of the bone that makes blood cells)
Arthrogram
Record (x-ray) of the joint
-ia
Condition
Neuralgia
Condition of the nerves
-ism
Condition
Process
Hyperthyroidism
“condition of excessive thyroid”; The thyroid gland is in the neck. It secrets a hormone thyroxine, which helps cells burn food and release energy. In Hyperthyroidism, the gland secretes too much thyroxine.
Also known as Grave’s Disease.
Signs and symptoms include rapid pulse, nervousness, excessive sweating, and swelling of tissue behind the eyeball.
Hyper-
Excessive
More than normal
Too much
Neurologist
Specialist in the study of nerves/nervous system
Nephrology
The study of the kidneys
Hepatoma
Cancerous tumor of the liver
What is another name for hepatoma?
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Cardiology
The study of the heart
Dermatology
The study of the skin
Endocrinology
The study of the endocrine glands
Hematology
The study of blood
Psychology
The study of the mind and mental disorders
Rheumatology
The study of joint diseases
Rheum/o
Flow
Fluid
FUN FACT: Was once thought to cause aches and pains, especially in joints
Neurotomy
Cutting of nerves
Arthroscopy
Process of visually examining the joint
How is a laparoscopy for tubal ligation done? What is the purpose?
Purpose: Interrupt the continuity of the Fallopian tubes as a means of preventing future pregnancy
How it’s done:
- Vaginal speculum keeps vagina cavity open
- Uterine cannula is a tube placed into the uterus to manipulate the uterus during the procedure
- Forceps and tenaculum are used for grasping and manipulating tissue
- Surgeon goes in laparoscopically with these instruments.
A-, an-
No
Not
Anemia
“No blood”; it is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a decrease in their ability to carry oxygen resulting from less hemoglobin
Dys-
Bad
Painful
Difficult
Abnormal
Diameter
Complete measure
Dysentery
Condition of painful intestines
Symptoms include bloody stool and abdominal pain
Endo-
Within
crin/o
Secrete (to form and give off)
Endocrine glands
Glands that secrete hormones within the body into the bloodstream
Includes: thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, ovaries, testes
What 4 glands are endocrine glands?
HINT: There are technically 5, but one is different for males and females.
Thyroid gland
Pituitary gland
Adrenal glands
Ovaries / testes
Endocardium
“Structure within the heart”; The valves and chambers within the heart are lined with endocardium
-um
Structure
Exo-
Outside
Exocrine glands
Glands secreting chemicals outside of the body
Includes: sweat, tear, and mammary glands
What are 2 exocrine glands? (Three if you’re a woman)
Sweat glands
Tear ducts
Mammary glands
Hyperglycemia
“Blood condition of excessive sugar”; a condition where insulin is absent or not working, thus leaving an excess of sugar in the blood.
glyc/o
Sugar
What is the difference between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is when people lack insulin; typically born with this condition or develop it in childhood
Type 2 Diabetes is when people have ineffective insulin; typically develops later in life
What is the function insulin? What organ releases insulin?
- A hormone that allows sugar to leave the bloodstream and enter cells
- Pancreas
Hypo-
Below
Less than normal
Under
Hypoglycemia
“Blood condition of too much sugar”; This happens when there is too much insulin in the bloodstream.
Symptoms include weakness, headache, and hunger
Peri-
Surrounding
Pericardium
Structure surrounding the heart
Prostate gland
Gland standing before (in front of) (urinary bladder) in males
-state
Stand
Re-
Back
Resection
“Cutting back an organ”; removing some or all of an organ in the sense of cutting back or away
-section
Cutting into an organ
Retro-
behind
Trans-
Across
Through
Subhepatic
Below liver
Transdermal
Through skin
Transurethral
Through urethra
What is the urethra?
The tube leading from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body
What does TURP stand for? What is the purpose of this procedure?
- Transurethral resection of the prostate gland
- Surgical procedure to remove no cancerous (benign) growth of the prostate gland; pieces of the enlarged gland are removed through the urethra
What is the difference between a gastrotomy and gastrectomy?
Gastrotomy is an incision of the stomach
Gastrectomy is a removal of part of the stomach
Turn the following terms into plurals:
- Psychosis
- Ovum
- Vertebra
- Bronchus
- Spermatozoon
- Apex
- Psychoses
- Ova
- Vertebrae
- Bronchi
- Spermatozoa
- Apices
Rhinotomy
Incision of the nose
Thrombosis
Condition of clotting
What condition requires the following medical procedures?
CONDITIONS A. Adenocarcinoma of an endocrine gland in the neck B. Epilepsy C. Heart attack D. Leukemia E. Osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) F. Renal cell carcinoma G. Stomach ulcer H. Urinary bladder carcinoma
PROCEDURES
- Below-the-knee resection (amputation)
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Electrocardiogram
- Cystoscopy
- Nephrectomy
- Thyroid gland resection
- Gastroscopy
- Electroencephalogram
- Below-the-knee resection (amputation) = E. Osteogenic sarcoma
- Bone marrow biopsy = D. Leukemia
- Electrocardiogram = C. Heart Attack
- Cystoscopy = H. Urinary bladder carcinoma
- Nephrectomy = F. Renal cell carcinoma
- Thyroid gland resection = A. Adenocarcinoma
- Gastroscopy = G. Stomach ulcer
- Electroencephalogram = B. Epilepsy
What is the principal diagnosis?
The cause, after evaluation, for the patient’s admission to the hospital
What is a POA diagnosis? What does POA stand for?
POA = present on admission
Reflects the incidental conditions that are noted and treated if necessary but are not the cause for hospital admission
What is the admitting diagnosis?
The cause, BEFORE further evaluation, for admission to the hospital
What is edema?
Swelling due to slow or sluggish blood flow
Fluid seeps out of tiny vessels into tissue spaces
Often caused by a blood clot in a blood vessel
Leukocytosis
Slight increase in the number of NORMAL white blood cells as a response to infection