Chapter 3 definitions

Question 1

inflection

Answer 1

is the modification of a word by adding endings to it in order to change the grammatical function of the word.

Observe the changes to the endings of the noun digitus (finger or toe) in the following anatomical
terms:

Digitus secundus. = second finger
Digiti = Fingers
Extensor digitorum longus = Long extender of the fingers

Question 2

Case

Answer 2

The different grammatical usages are called cases

Latin nouns have five main cases: nominative, genitive, accusative, dative, and ablative.

Anatomical and biological taxonomies use only two cases of nouns, the nominative and genitive.

Question 3

Nominative case

Answer 3

first word of an anatomical term is invariably a noun in the nominative case. The inflectional ending of the first term will indicate whether it should be translated as a nominative singular or plural nominative. This is often done by adding an –s or –es in English.

vena basilica = basilic vein
(nominative, singular noun)

venae vesicales = vesical veins
(nominative, plural noun)

Question 4

Genitive case

Answer 4

In an anatomical term, the genitive case generally, but not necessarily, appears right after the noun it modifies. The inflectional endings will indicate if a noun is a genitive singular or plural. The genitive case is generally translated “of the x.”

arteria nervi = artery of the nerve
(genitive, singular noun)

vasa nervorum = vessels of the nerves
(genitive, plural noun)

Question 5

Number

Answer 5

is the grammatical term used to indicate if a noun is singular or plural

Question 6

Gender

Answer 6

Every Latin noun has a specific gender associated with it. In grammar, the gender of a noun designates whether it is masculine, feminine, or neuter. A neuter is a noun which is neither masculine nor feminine.

Question 7

Declesions

Answer 7

Latin nouns are divided into groups called declensions. A declension is a collection of nouns which follow a similar pattern of endings to indicate their case and number.