Medical Terminology

Question 1

What language do most medical terms derive from? What percentage of words does each language make up?

Answer 1

Medical Greek and Latin.

75% Greek
25% Latin

Question 2

What language do most terms derive from in the 21st Century?

Answer 2

The terms are now medical English. Most terms are now half/wholly composed of English words

Question 3

What are the 3 components to a medical term?

Answer 3

1. ROOT = main part of the word
2. PREFIX = alters the root’s meaning
3. SUFFIX = relates to diagnosis, operative procedures, or symptoms

Question 4

What are the linking/combing vowels in medical terms?

Answer 4

A or O, but never “E”

Question 5

Define directional terms below:
1. Superior
2. Inferior

Answer 5

1. Superior = up or above
2. Inferior = down or below

Question 6

Define the directional terms below:
1. Anterior
2. Posterior

Answer 6

1. Anterior = front
2. Posterior = back

Question 7

Define the directional terms below:
1. Medial
2. Lateral

Answer 7

1. Medial = midline
2. Lateral = side

Question 8

Define the directional terms below:
1. Proximal
2. Distal

Answer 8

1. Proximal = closer to shoulder or hip (limbs)
2. Distal = futher from shoulder or hip (limbs)