Lesson 1 Reading (Chapter 1: Introduction to Medical Terminology) Flashcards
Word Root
Basic meaning of the term.
Combining Form
A word root with a combining vowel added to the end.
Suffix
Usually, but not always, indicates the procedure, condition, disorder, or disease.
A suffix always comes at the end of the word.
Prefix
Usually, but not always, indicates location, time, number, or status.
A prefix always comes at the beginning of a word.
Word Part Guidelines
- A word root cannot stand alone. A suffix must always be added at the end of the word to complete the term.
- The rules for creating a combining form by adding a vowel apply when a suffix beginning with a consonant is added to a word root.
- If a prefix is added, it is always placed at the beginning of the word.
Cyan/o
Blue
Erythr/o
Red
Leuk/o
White
Melan/o
Black
Poli/o
Gray
Combining Forms and Vowels
A combining form includes a vowel, usually the letter o, added to the end of a word root. The rules for the use of a combining vowel are as follows:
When two word roots are joined, a combining vowel is always added to the first word root. A combining vowel is used at the end of the second word root only if the suffix begins with a consonant.
A combining vowel is used when the suffix begins with a consonant.
Suffixes as Noun Endings
Commonly used a noun endings: -a, -um, -y, -e, -us
Suffixes Meaning “Pertaining to”
An adjective is a word that defines or describes. In medical terminology, many suffixes meaning “pertaining to” are used to change the meaning of a word root into an adjective.
-ac, -eal, -ior, -al, -ical, -ory, -an, -ial, -ous, -ar, -ic, -tic, -ary, -ine
Suffixes Meaning “Abnormal Condition or Disease”
In medical terminology, many suffixes mean “abnormal condition or disease.” -ago, -iasis, -osis, -esis, -ion, -pathy, -ia, -ism
-algia
Pain, suffering
-dynia
Pain
-itis
Inflamation
-megaly
Enlargement
-malacia
Abnormal softening
-necrosis
Tissue death
-sclerosis
Abnormal hardening
-stenosis
Abnormal narrowing
-centesis
A surgical puncture to remove fluid for diagnostic purposes or to remove excess fluid.
-graphy
The process of producing a picture or record.