Introduction to Medical Terminology
TEST 1-1
Word Parts are the Key
The 4 types of Word Parts
1. Word Roots2. Combining Forms (combining vowels)
3. Suffixes4. Prefixes
Word Part Guidelines
Can a word root stand alone? ◦If not, what must be present?
The rule for creating a combining form (root form) applies when a suffix
beginning with a ? is added to a root.Is a prefix always necessary?
◦If it is, where is it placed?
Word Roots
Foundation of most medical termsUsually, but not always, describe ?.
Combining form vowels are added to the end of a root to ?.
The most common combining vowel is ?.
When a word root is show alone as a combining form (word form), it will include
a ? and its combing vowel.
Suffixes
Where is the suffix found? Suffixes usually, but not always, indicate
◦ A ?, ?, ? or ?
Example: Tonsill/o= ?
The suffix will tell what is happening to the ?
Tonsillectomy= ? Tonsillitis= ?
Suffixes as Noun Endings
A noun is a word that is the name of a ?.
In medical terminology, some suffixes change the word root into a noun…
Example: Crani= ?, -um= ?, Cranium
Common Noun Suffixes:-a, -e, -um (singular noun ending), -us (singular
noun ending), -y
Suffixes Meaning “Pertaining To”
An adjective is a word that ? And ?.
Example:Cardi/o + -ac = Cardiac
Common Suffixes Meaning Pertaining To:-ac, -al, -ar, -ary, -eal, -ical, -ial, -ic, -ine,
-ior, -ory, -ous, -tic
Suffixes Meaning Abnormal Condition or Disease
Common Suffixes Meaning Abnormal Condition or Disease:
-ago, -esis, -ia, -iasis, -ion, -ism, -osis
Suffixes Related to Pathology
DefinitionCommon Pathology Suffixes:
-algia, -dynia, -it is, -malacia, -megaly, -necrosis,
-sclerosis, -stenosis
Suffixes Related To Procedures
Common Procedural Suffixes:
-centesis, -graphy, -gram,-plasty, -scopy
The “Double R” Suffixes
Common “Double R” Suffixes
-rrhage/-rrhagia, -rrhaphy,-rrhea, -rrhexis
Prefixes
Added to the beginning of a word to influence the meaning of the term.
Usually, but not always, indicate ?, ?, or ?.
Common Prefixespre-, peri-, post-
Contrasting and Confusing Prefixes
ab- and ad-dys- and eu-
hyper- and hypo-inter- and intra-
sub- and super-/supra-
Determining Meanings on the Basis of Word Parts
Take the term apart.-Start at the suffix and work your way to the front.
As you separate the word parts, identify the meaning of them.
When word parts have more than one meaning, you may have to determine the context in which
it is used. When in doubt, use a medical dictionary.
Be aware that not all medical terms are made up of word parts.
Example:
Otorhinolaryngology
Suffix=ology= _____________Word root laryng= ______________
Combining form rhin/o= __________Combining form ot/o= ____________
Guessing at Meanings and Using the Medical Dictionary
If you attempt to guess, always verify (remember some words have multiple meanings)
Example: LithotomyKnowing how to use a medical dictionary (either traditional or electronic) is important.
With an unfamiliar source, spend a few minutes reviewing the user’s guide, table of
contents, and appendix.
Medical Dictionary:When You Know How to Spell It!
Based on the first letter of the term, use the top of the pages to direct you to the appropriate
section of the dictionary. (Top left is 1st word; top right is last word on that page)
Next, look alphabetically with the following letters of the term.
When you think you have found it, check the spelling carefully by reading from left to right
(similar spellings have different meanings) When you find the term, carefully check all
definitions to ensure the correct meaning is there.
Medical Dictionary: When You Don’t Know How to Spell It!
Listen carefully to the term and write it down; if no luck, begin using alternative
spellings based on beginning sound.
If it sounds like: It may begin with: ExampleF F
PHFlatus
PhlegmJ G
JGingivitisJaundice
K CCHK
QU
CrepitusCholeraKyphosis
Quadriplegia
S CPSS
CytologyPsychologist
Serum
Z XZ
XerodermaZygote
N NPN
NosocomialPneumonia
Medical Dictionary: Look Under Categories
For example, disorders are grouped with the terms in their names, such as:
Venereal Disease would be found under Disease, Venereal
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome would be found under Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol
Medical Dictionary: Multiple Word Terms
Begin your search with the last term, if no luck there, move forward to the next term
Example:Congestive Heart Failure may be under
Heart Failure, Congestive
Searching for Definitions on the Internet
Use reliable sites for medical term spellings and definitions.
Reliable sites can also help you to master the pronunciation of a word.
Example:National Institutes of Health (NIH)
www.nih.gov
Pronunciation
A term is easier to understand and remember when pronounced correctly.
Caution: there is often more than one correct way to pronounce medical terms
◦Typically based on Greek, Latin, or other foreign origin; however, there is a trend toward
pronouncing terms as they are said in English.
Is Spelling Always Important?
◦EXTREMELY!!!!
◦Changing one letter of a word can completely change the meaning to a life or death situation.
◦Be aware of Look-Alike Sound-Alike words
◦There may be alternative spellings in different countries.
Using Abbreviations
A shorthand way of writing long and complex medical terms
Often lead to confusion and errors! Example: BE
Facilities have policies on “Accepted Abbreviations”
If in doubt….. SPELL IT OUT!!!
Singular and Plural Endings
Rule is based on its origin-
• Add an –e to words ending in –a axilla - axillae
• Drop the –ax at the end of a word and add –aces thorax – thoraces
• Change the –x to –g in words ending in –nx and add –es
phalanx – phalanges
Singular and Plural Endings
• Drop the –ix or –ex at the end of the word and add –ices
apex – apices, appendix – appendices Drop the –y at the end of a word
and add –ies myringotomy – myringotomies
• Drop the –us at the end of a word and add an –i
alveolus – alveoli
Singular and Plural Endings
• Drop the –on at the end of a word and add–a ganglion– ganglia
• Drop the –is at the end of a word and add –es
metastasis – metastases• Drop the –um at the end of the word & add–a
• ischium– ischia• Drop the –ma at the end of a word and add –
mata • stoma– stomata
Basic Medical Terms to Describe Diseases
Sign, Symptom, SyndromeDiagnosis, Differential Diagnosis,
PrognosisAcute, Chronic, Remission
Disease, Eponym, Acronym
Look-Alike Sound-Alike Words/Terms
Arteri/o, ather/o, arthr/o-ectomy, -ostomy, otomy
Myc/o, myel/o, my/o-ologist, -ology
Pyel/o, py/o, pyr/o
Look-Alike Sound-Alike Words/Terms
Fissure and fistula Ileum and ilium
Infection and inflammation Laceration and lesion Mucous and mucus
Palpation and palpitation Prostate and prostrate
Supination and suppuration Triage and trauma
Viral and virile
Abbreviations related to the Intro of Medical Terminology
c/oHx
PMHDx
IM, IV, SQPx Tx
(See handout for additional abbreviations)