Introduction to Medical Terminology (Pt. 1) Flashcards
Why is medical terminology used in the industry?
Using medical terminology is an efficient method of conveying very specific and important information. Because each term has a precise meaning, detailed information can be quickly shared using only a few words.
What are the three common types of medical terms?
- Terms built from Latin/Greek word parts (e.g. cardiology & tonsillectomy)
- Terms based on a person’s name, called eponyms (e.g. Alzheimer & Parkinson’s)
- Terms utilizing modern english words (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging & irritable bowel syndrome)
What are the four categories from which Latin/Greek- based medical terms are built?
The four diffirent categories are…
- Word Roots
- Suffixes
- Prefixes
- Combining Vowels
Word Roots
The word root is the foundation of most medical terms and gives the essential meaning of the term. It frequently but not always refers to a body structure, organ, or system.
Suffix
A suffix is found at the end of a medical term. The type of information it provides includes conditions, diseases, surgical procedures, and diagnostic procedures involving the word root.
Prefix
A prefix is found at the beginning of a medical term. It often indicates information such as abnormal conditions, numbers, positions, or times.
Combining Vowels
Combining vowels are used for two reasons: to connect word parts and to make medical terms easier to spell and pronounce. Combining vowels are placed either between a word root and suffix or between two word roots.
When do you place a combining vowel between a word root and a suffix?
To decide whether a combining vowel is needed between a word root and suffix, you must look at the first letter of the suffix.
Do not use a combining vowel between a word and suffix if the suffix begins in a vowel
Ex: arthr (root) + -itis (suffix) is arthr/itis not arthr/o/itis
When do you place a combining vowel between two word roots?
Place a combining vowel between two word roots, even if the second word root begins with a vowel.
Ex…
- Correct! ==> gastr/o/enter/o/logy
- Wrong! ==> gastr/enter/o/logy.
Combining Forms
Consist of a word root and its combining vowel (e.g. electr/o is the combining form meaning electricity).
NOTE: word roots are often presented in the combining form due to its ease of pronounciation.
Give the combining form for the following locations
arthr
joint
carcin
cancer
cardi
heart
cephal
head
electr
electricity
gastr
stomach
hepat
liver
my
muscle
