Combining Forms Flashcards
MT RULES for possible test questions.
Combining Form Rules
Rule #1:Rule 1: The combining vowel is used when another root or suffix is added to the combining form and the added root word or suffix begins with a consonant.
hepat/o + megaly = hepatomegaly
Rule#2:The combining vowel is dropped when the root word or suffix added to the combining form begins with a vowel.
hepat/o + splen/o + megaly = hepatosplenomegaly
Rule#3: Words that end in certain letters, most notably “x,” substitute a “c” when combined with suffixes or plural endings.
cervix + -al = cervical
Rule#4: Many prefixes end in a vowel and can be added to a root word or combining form without change to either. Any exceptions to this rule will be noted as they occur.
acr/o
extremities
aden/o
gland
adenoid/o
adenoids
adip/o
fat
ankyl/o
crooked
alb/o
white (albino)
amyl/o
starch (amylase)
angi/o
vessel
arteri/o=artery
artery (arterigram)
arthr/o
joint (arthroscopy)
articul/o
joint (articulitis)
atel/o=imperfect
imperfect (atelectasis)
ather/o
yellow, fatty plaque
dextr/o
right
