Chapter 1: Elements of Medical Words

Question 1

what are the 4 elements of a medical term?

Answer 1

1. Word Root
2. Combining Form
3. Suffix
4. Prefix

Question 2

Define Word Root

Answer 2

The foundation of a medical term, contains the primary meaning.

Question 3

Define: Combining Form

Answer 3

A word that is created from a root word and a vowel.

The vowel is usually “o” but sometimes an “i”.

Question 4

Define: Suffix

Answer 4

A word element placed at the end of a word that alters its meaning.

Question 5

Define: Prefix

Answer 5

A word element attached at the beginning of a word or word root.

Usually indicate a number, time, position, direction, or negation.

Question 6

What are the 3 steps for defining medical words?

Answer 6

1. Define the suffix.
2. Define the first part of the word (Root word, combining form, or prefix).
3. Define the middle parts of the word.

Question 7

Give an example.

Answer 7

Gastroenteritis.

1. Suffix = itis (meaning inflammation).
2. Gastr/o (meaning stomach)
3. Define middle part of word (Enter meaning intestine).

Gasstroenteritis –> Inflammation of stomach and intestine.

Question 8

What are the two word roots for skin?

Answer 8

1. Dermat
2. Cutane (Pertaining to skin)

Question 9

What is the root word for kidney?

Answer 9

1. Nephr
2. Ren

Question 10

What is the root word for mouth?

Answer 10

1. Stomat
2. Or (oral)

Question 11

What is the combining form for the meaning “red”?

Answer 11

Erythr/o

Question 12

What is the combining form for the meaning “Stomach”?

Answer 12

Gastr/o

Question 13

What is the combining form for “Liver”?

Answer 13

Hepat/o

Question 14

What is the combining form for “immune, immunity, or safe”?

Answer 14

Immuno

Question 15

What is the combining form for “Kidney”?

Answer 15

Nephr/o

Question 16

What is the combining word for the word “Bone”?

Answer 16

Oste/o

Question 17

What does “itis” stand for? Provide an example

Answer 17

Inflammation

Gastritis = inflammation of stomach

Question 18

What does “Megaly” stand for? Provide an example.

Answer 18

Enlargement

Gastromegaly = enlargement of stomach

Question 19

What does “oma” mean? Provide an example.

Answer 19

Tumour

Hepatoma = tumour of the liver.

Question 20

What does “Cyte” mean? Provide an example.

Answer 20

Cell

Hepatocytes = cells in the liver.

Question 21

What does the prefix “an” mean? Provide an example.

Answer 21

“An” = without, not

Ex: Anesthesia = (condition of not feeling)

Question 22

What does the prefix “hyper” mean? Provide an example.

Answer 22

“Hyper” = excessive, above normal.

Hyperthermia = condition of excessive heat.

Question 23

What does the prefix “Intra” mean?

Answer 23

“Intra” = in, within.

Intramuscular = within the muscle(s).

Question 24

What does the prefix “Para” mean?

Answer 24

Para = beside, beyond.

Paranasal = pertaining to the area near the nose.

Question 25

What does the prefix “poly” mean?

Answer 25

“Poly” = Many, mucn

Polyuria = condition of much urine

Question 26

What does the prefix “Pre” mean?

Answer 26

“Pre” = before

Prenatal = Pertaining to before birth

Question 27

What does “Ectomy” mean?

Answer 27

(Excision or removing of/by)

Question 28

What does “entero” mean?

Answer 28

Intestine

Question 29

What does “ology” mean?

Answer 29

The study of