Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology

Medical terminology is a language for accurately describing the human body and associated components, conditions, processes and process in a science-based manner. Some examples are: R.I.C.E., trapezius, and latissimus dorsi. It is to be used in the medical and nursing fields. This systematic approach to word building and term comprehension is based on the concept of: (1) word roots, (2) prefixes, and (3) suffixes. The ‘word is a term derived from a source language such as Greek or Latin and usually describes a body part. The prefix can be added in front of the term to modify the word root by giving additional information about the location of an organ, the number of parts, or time involved. Suffixes are attached to the end of a word root to add meaning such as condition, disease process, or procedure.

In the process of creating medical terminology, certain rules of language apply. These rules are part of language mechanics called linguistics. So, when a term is developed, some logical process is applied. The word root is developed to include a vowel sound following the term to add a smoothing action to the sound of the word when applying a suffix. The result is the formation of a new term with a vowel attached (word root + vowel) called a combining form. In English, the most common vowel used in the formation of the combining form is the letter -o-, added to the word root.

 

Roots

 

 

Prefixes do not normally require further modification to be added to a word root because the prefix normally ends in a vowel or vowel sound, although in some cases they may assimilate slightly and an in- may change to im- or syn- to sym-.

 

Prefixes

 

Suffixes are categorized as either (1) needing the combining form, or (2) not needing the combining form since they start with a vowel.

 

Suffixes

ac	pertaining to
al	pertaining to
ar	pertaining to
ary	pertaining to
eal	pertaining to
ial	pertaining to
ic	pertaining to
ous	pertaining to
agra	excessive pain
algia	pain
apheresis	removal
ase	enzyme
asthenia	weakness
atresia	absence of a normal body opening; occlusion; closure
capnia	carbon dioxide
cele	hernia; protrusion
centesis	surgical puncture to aspirate fluid
cidal	killing
clasia	break
clasis	break
clast	break
clysis	irrigating; washing
coccus (pl. cocci)	berryshaped ( a form of bacterium)
crine	separate; secrete
crit	to separate
cyte	cell
desis	surgical fixation; fusion
drome	run; running
ectasis	stretching out; dilatation; expansion
ectomy	excision or surgical removal
ectopia	displacement
emesis	vomiting
emia	blood condition
er	one who
esis	condition
iasis	condition
gen	substance or agent that produces or causes
genesis	origin; cause
genic	producing; originating; causing
gram	record; x-ray film
graph	instrument used to record
graphy	process of recording; xray filming
ia	condition of diseased or abnormal state
iatry	physician; treatment
ician	one who
ictal	seizure; attack
ism	state of
itis	inflammation
lepsy	seizure
lysis	loosening; dissolution; separating
lytic	destroy; reduce
malacia	softening
mania	madness; insane desire
megaly	enlargement
meter	instrument used to measure
metry	measurement
morph	form; shape
odia	smell
odynia	pain
oid	resembling
ologist	one who studies and practices (specialist)
ology	study of
oma	tumor; swelling
opia	vision (condition)
opsy	to view
oorhagia	rapid flow of blood
orrhaphy	suturing; repairing
orrhea	flow; excessive discharge
orrhexis	rupture
osis	abnormal condition (means increased when used with blood cell word roots)
ostomy	creation of an artificial opening
otomy	cut into or incision
oxia	oxygen
paresis	slight paralysis
pathy	disease
penia	abnormal reduction iumber
pepsia	digestion
pexy	surgical fixation; suspension
phagia	eating; swallowing
philia	love
phily	love
phobia	abnormal fear of or aversion to specific objects or things
phonia	sound or voice
phoria	feeling
physis	growth
plasia	formation; development; a growth
plasm	growth; substance; formation
plasty	plastic or surgical repair
plegia	paralysis
pnea	breathing
poiesis	formation
porosis	passage
prandial	meal
praxia	in front of; before
ptosis	dropping; sagging; prolapse
ptysis	spitting
salpinx	fallopian tube
sarcoma	malignant tumor
schisis	split; fissure
sclerosis	hardening
scope	instrument used for visual examination
scopy	visual examination
scopic	visual examination
sepsis	infection
sis	state of
spasm	sudden involuntary muscle contraction
stasis	control; stop
stalsis	contraction
stenosis	constriction; narrowing
thorax	chest
tocia	birth; labor
tome	instrument used to cut
tripsy	surgical crushing
trophy	nourishment
ule	little
uria	urine; urination

 

Decoding the medical term is an important process, (See: Morphology). Once experience is gained in the process of forming and decoding medical terminology, the process begins to make sense and becomes easier. One approach involves breaking down the word by evaluating the meaning of the suffix first, then prefix, and finally the word root. This will generally produce a good result for the experienced health care professional. When in doubt, the result should be verified by a medical terminology dictionary. The process of learning a new language, such as medical terminology, is a challenging, yet attainable goal as the basic rules—once learned—make the process easier. (See Applied Linguistics)

One quick online reference is a dictionary search engine. The allows one to enter a medical term into a dialogue box and initiate a search. There are also numerous online medical dictionaries to select from. Once a term is located, the response will be subdivided into several basic formats, including General usage, Medicine, Law, Business, and others.

The use of a medical dictionary or Internet search engine is most helpful in learning the exact meaning of a medical term. However, if the basic concepts of word building are understood, many words are understandable to the student of medical terminology.

Discussion

In forming or understanding a word root, one needs a basic comprehension of the term and the source language. The study of the origin of words is called etymology. For example, if a word was to be formed to indicate a condition of kidneys, there are two primary roots – one from Greek (νεφρός nephr(os)) and one from Latin (ren(es)). Renal failure would be a condition of kidneys, and nephritis is also a condition, or inflammation, of the kidneys. The suffix -itis means inflammation, and the entire word conveys the meaning inflammation of the kidney. To continue using these terms, other combinations will be presented for the purpose of examples: The term ‘supra-renal is a combination of the prefix supra- (meaning “above”), and the word root for kidney, and the entire word means “situated above the kidneys”. The word “nephrologist” combines the root word for kidney to the suffix -ologist with the resultant meaning of “one who studies the kidneys”.

In medical terminology, the word root is not usually capable of standing alone as a complete word within a sentence. This is different than most word roots in modern standard English. The medical word root is taken from a different source language, so it will remain meaningless as a stand-alone term in an English sentence. A suffix or prefix must be added to make a usable medical term. For example the term for “concerning the heart” is “cardiacus”, from the Greek kardía. If a person is suffering from a heart related illness, the statement, “The patient suffered a kardía event,” would not make sense. However, with the addition of a suffix -ac, the statement would be modified to read, “The patient suffered a cardiac event” which is an acceptable use of medical terminology. The process is different in standard English because the word roots are capable of standing alone in a sentence. For example, the word eye is a word root in English that can be used without modification in a sentence.

An additional challenge to the student of medical terminology is that the formation of the plural of a word must be done using the rules of forming the proper plural form as used in the source language. This is more difficult than in English, where adding -s or -es is the rule. Greek and Latin each have differing rules to be applied when forming the plural form of the word root. Often such details can be found using a medical dictionary.

There is also another rule of medical terminology to be recognized by the student. When more than one body part is used in the formation of a medical term, the individual word roots are joined together by using the combining form using the letter -o- to indicate the joining together of various body parts. For example if there is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, this would be written as gastro- and enter– plus -itis, gastroenteritis. In this example, the -o- signifies the joining together of two body parts.

Medical terminology

Main article: List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes

Medical Terminology often uses words created using prefixes and suffixes in Latin and Ancient Greek. In medicine, their meanings, and their etymology, are informed by the language of origin. Prefixes and suffixes, primarily in Greek—but also in Latin, have a dropable -o-. Medical roots generally go together according to language: Greek prefixes go with Greek suffixes and Latin Prefixes with Latin Suffixes. Although it is technically considered acceptable to create hybrid words, it is strongly preferred not to mix different lingual roots. Examples of well-accepted medical words that do mix lingual roots are neonatology and quadriplegia.

 

To check your knowledge Go to:

http://www.free-ed.net/sweethaven/medtech/medterm/default.asp

Examples of Multiple Choice Questions

HOW TO USE PROGRAMMED INSTRUCTIONS

 

1)    The material in programmed instruction is arranged in a series of small steps called frames. Each frame presents new information to you or reviews material you may already be familiar with. Therefore, all of the following material is arranged in steps called _________.  ANSWER:  frames

2)    By checking your answer after you have answered a question, you will get immediate feedback as to whether or not you are correct. This immediate feedback will help you learn what is _______________. (correct, incorrect) ANSWER: correct

3)    If your answer is incorrect, you should re-read the frame to find out why you missed the question. Fortunately, all of the information you need to correctly answer the question is contained within that __________. ANSWER: frame

4)    Programmed instruction also allows you to learn at your own speed. If the material is difficult for you, you can go slowly. If the material is easy, you can go more ______________. (slowly, quickly) ANSWER: quickly

5)    Programmed instruction is designed to proceed logically from one frame to the next frame. When working with programmed instruction, you should not attempt to skip ahead because each frame is developed from preceding frames. That is why this type of material is called _______________________. ANSWER: programmed instruction frame

 

LESSON 2: INTRODUCTION TO STEMS, PREFIX, AND SUFFIX

 

1)    All medical terms can be broken down into word parts. The three word parts that you will be concerned with are the prefix, the stem (root), and the suffix. Usually, only two of these parts are present in a medical term. The word parts, then, of a medical term may include the _________, the stem, and the suffix. ANSWER: prefix

2)    The stem is the part of the word which gives the basic meaning to the term. The part of the word, ‘basketball,’ which gives the basic meaning to the word is ‘ball.’ Therefore, ‘ball’ is considered to be the ______. ANSWER: stem

3)    The part of the word which comes before the stem and modifies or augments the meaning of the stem is called the prefix. In the word ‘basketball,’ ‘ball’ is the stem and ‘basket’ is the _________________. ANSWER; prefix

4)    The part of the word which gives the basic meaning to the word is called the ___________. ANSWER; stem

5)    The prefix is the part of the word which comes _________ the stem. (before, after) ANSWER; before

6)    The part of the word which comes after the stem and modifies or augments the meaning of the root word is called the suffix. In the term ‘specialist,’ ‘special’ is the stem and ‘ist’ is the __________. ANSWER; suffix

7)    In summary, words used in medicine are comprised of one or more parts called prefix, stem, and suffix. The part of the word which gives basic meaning to the word is the ______. ANSWER; stem

8)    The part of the word which comes after the stem and modifies or augments the meaning of the stem is called the _________. ANSWER; suffix

 

LESSON 3; STEMS

 

1)    The main body or basic component of a word is called the ______ or _______ word. ANSWER; stem root

2)    All words have a stem. Even everyday words have stems. For example, in the words ‘singer,’ ‘writer,’ and ‘speaker,’ ‘sing,’ ‘write,’ and ‘speak’ are the stems. In medical terms such as hepatomone, gastrotome, and arthrotome, the hepat (meaning liver), gastr (meaning stomach), and arthr (meaning joint) are the _________. ANSWER; stems

3)    Certain combinations of stems are hard to pronounce. This is often true when a stem ends in a consonant and the word part that is added to it also begins with a consonant. This awkwardness of pronunciation makes it necessary to insert a vowel called a combining vowel.

4)    Certain combinations of stems or root words are difficult to pronounce, making it necessary to insert a vowel called a ________________. ANSWER; combining vowel

5)    Usually the combining vowel is an ‘o,’ but occasionally it may be ‘a,’ ‘e,’ ‘i,’ ‘u,’ or ‘y.’

6)    The combining vowel is usually an _____________ ANSWER; o

7)    We find combining vowels in ordinary words. Instead of joining the two stems ‘therm’ and ‘meter’ directly, we insert the combining vowel ‘o’ and say ‘therm – ‘o’ meter.’

Here are some more examples:

a. Speed – meter becomes speed- ometer.
b. Megal – mania becomes mega- lomania.
c. Strat – phere becomes strato- sphere.
d. Therm – meter becomes ther- momete

8)    Instead of joining two stems or root words directly, we insert the combining vowel which is usually an _________. ANSWER; o

9)    A stem plus the combining vowel is known as the combining form. In the word speedometer, for example, ‘speed’ is the stem and ‘speed -o’ is the combining form.

10)                      In the word thermometer, ‘therm’ is the stem and ‘therm – o’ is the ________________. ANSWER; combining form

11)                      In the word megalomania, ‘megal’ is the stem and ‘megal – o’ is ________________. ANSWER; combining form

12)                      In the word stratosphere, ‘strat’ is the stem and ‘strat- o’ is the _______________. ANSWER; combining form

13)                      The basic core of any word is the ________. ANSWER; stem

14)                      Combinations of stems are often difficult to pronounce. When the first stem ends in a consonant and the second word part begins with a consonant, we must insert a vowel called a __________ vowel. ANSWER; combining

15)                      The combining vowel is usually an ______. ANSWER; o

16)                      The combination of a stem plus a combining vowel is known as the ______________. ANSWER; combining form

 

LESSON 4; STEMS PERTAINING TO THE MUSCOLOSKELETAL SYSTEM

 

1)    The musculoskeletal system includes the bones, muscles, and joints.

2)    Osteo is a stem which means bone. A person who has osteo-arthritis, for example, has inflammation of the ______ and joint. ANSWER; bone

3)    The stem, arthro, means joint. Arthrodesis means fixation of a _______ by fusion. ANSWER; joint

4)    The stem chondro means cartilage. A person with chondr-itis, for example, has inflammation of the _________. ANSWER; cartilage

5)    The stem myelo means bone marrow or spine. A person who has myelitis has an inflammation of the _______ ________ or _________. ANSWER; bone marrow/spine

6)    Myo is a stem which means muscle. A myospasm, for example, is an involuntary contraction of a ___________. ANSWER; mi’o-spazm muscle

7)    Tendo is a stem which means tendon. A person with tend-initis has inflammation of a _________. ANSWER; ten’di-ni’tis tendon

8)    Costo is a stem which means rib. The intercostal space, for example, refers to the space between the ____________. ANSWER; in’ter-kos’tal ribs

9)    Osteo means: _________. ANSWER; bone

10)                      Arthro means: _________ ANSWER; joints

11)                      Chondro: means _________ ANSWER; cartilage

12)                      Myelo: means _________. ANSWER; bone marrow/spine

13)                      Myo means: _________. ANSWER; muscle

14)                      Tendo: means _________. ANSWER; tendons

15)                      Costo means: _________. ANSWER; ribs

16)                      A person who has osteoar-thritis has inflammation of the ______ and _________. ANSWER; bone/joint.

17)                      Arthrodesis is fixation of a __________ by fusion. ANSWER; joint

18)                      A person with chondritis has inflammation of the __________. ANSWER; cartilage

19)                      A person who has myelitis has inflammation of the _____ _______ or __________. ANSWER; bone marrow/spine

20)                      A myospasm is an involuntary contraction of a __________. ANSWER; muscle

21)                      A person with tendinitis has an inflammation of a __________ ANSWER; Tendon

22)                      Intercostal refers to the space between the __________. ANSWER; ribs

 

LESSON 16; MISCELLANOUS STEMS

 

1)    Pyo is a stem meaning pus. The word pyogenic means producing __________. ANSWER; pus

2)    Lipo is a stem which means fat. A lipoma is a tumor composed of __________. ANSWER; fat

3)    Febri is a stem which means fever. A person who is afebrile is without __________. ANSWER; fever

4)    Myco is a stem which means fungus. Mycosis is any disease caused by a __________. ANSWER; FUNGUS

5)    Necro is a stem which means dead. A necropsy is an autopsy or scientific inspection of a __________ body. ANSWER; dead

6)    Emesis is a stem which means vomit. Hyperemesis is a word which means excessive __________. ANSWER; vomiting

7)    pyo means: __________ ANSWER; pus

8)    lipo means: __________ ANSWER; fat

9)    febri means: __________ ANSWER; fever

10)                      myco means: __________ ANSWER; fungus

11)                      necro means: __________ ANSWER; dead

12)                      emesis means: __________ ANSWER; vomiting

13)                      The term pyogenic means producing __________. ANSWER; pus

14)                      A lipoma is a tumor composed of __________. ANSWER; fat

15)                      A person who is afebrile is without __________. ANSWER; fever

16)                      Mycosis is any disease caused by a __________. ANSWER; fungus

17)                      A necropsy is an autopsy or scientific inspection of a __________ body. ANSWER; dead

18)                      Hyperemesis is excessive __________ ANSWER; vomting

 

LESSON 17; GENERAL INFORMATION

 

1)    A prefix comes __________ the stem. ANSWER; before

2)    In the term unforgettable, ‘forget’ is the stem and ‘un’ is the __________. ANSWER; prefix

3)    In the words implant, supplant, and transplant, the prefixes are ______, ______, and ______. ANSWER; imp/sup/trans

4)    You can change the meaning of a term by putting a prefix before the __________. ANSWER; stem

5)    Prefixes are the most frequently used elements in the formation of Greek and Latin words, but not every word contains a __________. ANSWER; prefix

6)    Prefixes may be divided into various categories of meaning depending on how they modify the stem, such as location, time, amount, color, negation, size, or position. Prefixes may be divided into various categories of __________. ANSWER: Meaning

7)    Not every Greek or Latin word contains a __________. ANSWER; prefix

8)    Prefixes may be divided into various categories of __________. ANSWER; meaning

 

LESSON 18; PREFIXES PERTAINING TO LOCATION

 

1)    The prefix intra- means inside or within. The dash after intra- indicates that the stem comes __________ (before, after) the prefix. ANSWER; after

2)      By combining the prefix intra- with the stem abdominal, you know it means __________ the abdomen. ANSWER; inside/within

3)    Endo- is also a prefix meaning within or inside. Metro is the stem meaning uterus. Endometritis, then, is a word which means inflammation __________ the uterus. ANSWER; inside/within

4)    Peri- is a prefix which means around or surrounding. Cardio is the stem for heart. Pericarditis, then, is a word which means inflammation __________ the heart. ANSWER; around/surrounding

5)    Ec- and ecto- are prefixes which mean out and outside. An ectopic pregnancy, for example, is a pregnancy which occurs __________ the uterine cavity. ANSWER; outside

6)    Em- and en- are also prefixes which mean within or inside. Empyema, for example, means pus __________ a body cavity. ANSWER; inside/within

7)     Retro- and post- are prefixes which mean behind. Retrocardial means located __________ the heart and postnasal means situated __________ the nose. ANSWER; behind, behind

8)    The prefixes sub- and hypo- mean under. Subcutaneous, for example, means __________ the skin, and a hypodermic needle is one that is inserted __________ the skin. ANSWER: under, under

9)    Inter- is a prefix meaning between. The stem, costal, means ribs. Therefore, intercostal muscles are muscles which are __________ the ribs. ANSWER; between

10)                      intra-/endo- means: __________ ANSWER; inside/within

11)                      peri- means: __________ ANSWER; around/surrounding

12)                      ec-/ecto- means: __________ ANSWER; out/outside

13)                      em-/en- means: __________ ANSWER; within/inside]

14)                      retro-/post- means: __________ ANSWER; behind

15)                      sub-/hypo- means: __________ ANSWER; under

16)                      inter- means: _________ ANSWER; between

17)                      The dash after intra- indicates that the stem comes __________ (before, after) the prefix. ANSWER; after

18)                      Intra-abdominal means __________ the abdomen. ANSWER; inside/within

19)                      Endometritis means inflammation __________ the uterus ANSWER; inside/within

20)                      Pericarditis means inflammation __________ the heart. ANSWER; aroun

21)                      Ectopic pregnancy is one which occurs __________ the uterine cavity ANSWER; outside

22)                      Empyema is a condition where there is an accumulation of pus __________ a body cavity. ANSWER; inside/within

23)                      Retrocardial means located __________ the heart. ANSWER; behind

24)                      Postnasal means situated __________ the nose. ANSWER; behind

25)                      Subcutaneous indicates __________ the skin. ANSWER under

26)                      A hypodermic needle is one that is inserted __________ the skin ANSWER; under

27)                      Intercostal muscles are muscles which are __________ the ribs. NSWER; between

 

LESSON 19; PREFIXES PERTAINING TO TIME

 

1)    The prefixes ante- and pre- mean before. By combining the prefix ante-with the stem partum, you know that antepartum means __________ childbirth. ANSWER; before]

2)    A preoperative medication is a medication which is given __________ (before, during, after) surgery.ANSWER; before

3)    The prefix post- also means after. Consequently, a postoperative complication is a complication which occurred (before, during, after) surgery. ANSWER; after

4)    ante- means: __________ ANSWER before

5)    pre- means: __________ ANSWER; before

6)    post- means: __________ ANSWER; after

7)    Antepartum means __________ childbirth. ANSWER; before

8)    A preoperative medication is one which is given __________ surgery. ANSWER; before

9)    A postoperative complication is one occurring __________ surgery. ANSWER; after

 

LESSON 23; PREFIXES PERTAINIGN TO SIZE AND POSITION

 

1)    Micro- is a prefix meaning small. A cyte is a stem meaning cell. A microcyte, therefore, is a very __________ cell. ANSWER; small

2)    A word indicating smallness of heart is __________cardia. ANSWER microcardia

3)    Macro- is a prefix which means the opposite of micro. Macro- is used in words to mean __________. ANSWER; Large

4)    Things that are macroscopic can be seen with the naked eye. Very large cells are called __________cytes. ANSWER; macrocytes

5)    Mega- is also a prefix which means large. A megacolon is an abnormally __________ colon. ANSWER large

6)    Antero- is a prefix meaning anterior part or in front of. Latero- is a prefix meaning side. Therefore, anterolateral means situated in __________ and to one _________. ANSWER. Front/side

7)    Dextro- is a prefix which means to the right. Dextrocardia, therefore, refers to having the heart on the __________ side of the body. ANSWER; right

8)    Levo- is a prefix meaning to the left. Levoversion is a term which means the act of turning to the __________. ANSWER; left

9)    Medio- is a prefix meaning middle. The medial part of the body pertains to the __________. ANSWER; middle

10)                      Micro means: __________ NASWER; small

11)                      Macro- means: __________ ANSWER; large

12)                      Mega- means: __________ ANSWER; large

13)                      Antero- means: __________ ANSWER; to the front

14)                      Latero- means: __________ ANSWER; to the side

15)                      Dextro- means: __________ NASWER; to the right

16)                      Levo- means: __________ ANSWER; to the left

17)                      Medio- means: __________ ANSWER; middle

18)                      A microcyte is a very __________ cell. NASWER; small

19)                      Macrocytes are very __________ cells. NASWER; large

20)                      A person with a megacolon has an abnormally __________ colon. ANSWER; large

21)                      Anterolateral means in __________ and to one __________. ANSWER; front/side

22)                      If the heart is on the __________ side of the body, it is referred to as dextrocardia. ANSWER; right

23)                      Levoversion means the act of turning to the __________. ANSWER; left

24)                      The medial part of the body is called the __________ part. ANSWER; middle

 

Stems Pertaining to the Nervous System and Psychiatric Disorders 

 

1)Neuro is a stem which means nerve. Polyneuritis means inflammation of many __________.

pol’e-nu-ri’tis

Answer; nerves

2) Cerebro and encephalo are stems which mean brain. Encephalitis, for example, means inflammation of the __________.

en’sef-ah-li’tis

Answer; brain

3) Psycho and mento are stems which mean mind. Psychology is the science that studies the __________.

si-kol ‘o-je

Answer; mind

4) Mania is a stem which means mad-ness. Pyromania, for example, means fire __________.

pi’ro-ma’ne-ah

Answer; madness

5) Phobia is a stem which means fear. A person with hydrophobia has a __________ of water.

hi’dro-fo’be-ah

Answer; fear

6) Esthesia is a stem which means feeling or sensation. Anesthesia means without __________ or __________.

an‘ es-the’ze-ah

Answer; feeling/sensation

7) neuro means: __________ 

Answer; nerve

8) cerebro/enchephalo means: __________ 

Answer; brain

9) psycho/mento means: __________ 

Answer; mind

10) mania means: __________ 

Answer; madness

11) phobia means: __________ 

 Answer; fear

12) esthesia means: __________ 

Answer; feeling/sensation

13) Polyneuritis is an inflammation of many __________. 

Answer; nerves

14) Encephalitis is an inflammation of the __________. 

Answer; brain

15) Psychology is the science that studies the __________. 

Answer; mind

16) Pyromania means fire __________. 

Answer; madness

17) A person with hydrophobia has a __________ of water. 

Answer; fear

18) Anesthesia means without __________. 

Answer; feeling/sensation

Lesson 13: Stems Pertaining to the Genitourinary System .

1) Nephro and rena are stems which mean kidney. A person who has had a nephrectomy has had a __________ removed.

ne-frek’to-m

Answer; kidney

2) Uretero is a stem which means ureter. A person who has ureteritis has an inflammation of the __________.

u’re-ter-i’tis

Answer; ureter

3) Cysto is a stem which means bladder. A person who has cystitis has an inflammation of the __________.

sis-ti-tis

Answer; bladder

4) Urethro is a stem meaning urethra. Urethritis is an inflammation of the .

u’re-thri’tis

Answer; urethra

5) Orchio is a stem which means testes. Orchiopexy means fixation of the ___________.

or’ke-o-pek’se

Answer; testes

6) Uro and uria are stems which mean urine. Urophobia is a term which means fear of passing __________.

u’ro-fo’be-ah

Answer; urine

7) Lith is a stem which means stone. Nephrolithiasis is the formation of renal __________.

nef’ro-li-thi’ah-sis

Answer; stones

8) nephro/reno means: __________ 

Answer; kidney

9) uretero means: __________ 

Answer; ureter

10) cysto means: __________ 

Answer; bladder

11) urethro means: __________ 

Answer; urethra

12) orchio means: ___________ 

Answer; testes

13) uro/uria means: __________ 

Answer; urine

14) lith means: __________ 

Answer; stone

15) A person who has had a nephrectomy has had a __________ removed. 

Answer; kidney

16) A person who has ureteritis has an inflammation of the __________. 

Answer; ureter

17) Someone who has cystitis has an inflammation of the __________. 

Answer; bladder

18) Urethritis is an inflammation of the __________. 

Answer; urethra

19) Orchiopexy is the fixation of the __________. 

Answer; testes

20) Nephrolithiasis is the formation of renal __________. 

Answer; stones

Lesson 14: Stems Pertaining to Gynecology and Obstetrics .

1) Hystero and metro are stems which mean uterus or womb. A woman who has had a hysterectomy, for example, has had her __________ removed.

his’te-rek’to-me

Answer; uterus

2) Oophoro is a stem which means ovary. A woman who has had an oophorectomy has had her __________ removed.

o’of-o-rek’to-me

Answer;ovary

3) Salpingo is a stem which means tube. A woman who has salpingitis has an inflammation of a __________.

sal’pin-ji’tis

Answer;tube

4) hystero/metro means: __________ Answer;uterus/womb

5) oophoro means: __________ 

Answer;ovary

6) salpingo means: __________ 

Answer;tube

7) A woman who has had a hysterectomy has had her __________ removed. 

Answer;uterus

8) When a woman has an oophorectomy, she has an __________ removed. 

Answer;ovary

9) A woman who has salpingitis has an inflammation of the __________. 

Answer;tube

10) Hystero and metro are stems which mean uterus or womb. A woman who has had a hysterectomy, for example, has had her __________ removed.

his’te-rek’to-me

Answer;uterus

11) Oophoro is a stem which means ovary. A woman who has had an oophorectomy has had her __________ removed.

o’of-o-rek’to-me

Answer;ovary

12) Salpingo is a stem which means tube. A woman who has salpingitis has an inflammation of a __________.

sal’pin-ji’tis

Answer;tube

13) hystero/metro means: __________ 

Answer;uterus/womb

14) oophoro means: __________ 

Answer;ovary

15) salpingo means: __________ 

Answer;tube

16) A woman who has had a hysterectomy has had her __________ removed. 

Answer;uterus

17) When a woman has an oophorectomy, she has an __________ removed. 

Answer;ovary

18) A woman who has salpingitis has an inflammation of the __________. 

Answer;tube

Lesson 15: Stems Pertaining to the Sensory Organs .

1) Oto is a stem which means ear. Otoplasty, for example, means plastic repair of the __________.

o’to-plas’te

Answer;ear

2) Tympano and myringo are stems which refer to the eardrum. A tympanoplasty means plastic repair of the __________.

tim’pah-no-plas’te

 

Answer;eardrum

3) Ophthalmo and oculo are stems which mean eye. Ophthalmology is the science dealing with the _________ and its diseases.

of’thal-mol’o-je

 

Answer;eye

4) Opto is a stem which means vision. An optometrist is a person who is trained to examine eyes in order to determine the presence of __________ problems.

op-tom’e-trist

 

Answer;vision

5) Blepharo is a stem which means eyelid. Blepharitis means inflammation of the __________.

blef’ah-ri’tis

 

Answer;eyelid

6) Kerato is a stem which means cornea. Keratitis means inflammation of the __________.

ker’ah-ti’tis

 

Answer;Cornea

7) Dacryo is a stem which means tear. A person with dacryocystitis has inflammation of the __________ sac.

dak’re-o-sis-ti’tis

 

Answer;tear

8) oto means: __________ 

Answer;ear

9) tympano/myringo means: __________ 

Answer;eardrum

10) ophthalmo/oculo means: __________ 

Answer;eye

9) opto means: __________ 

Answer;vision

10) blepharo means: __________ 

Answer;Eyelid

11) kerato means: __________ 

Answer;cornea

12) dacryo means: __________ 

Answer;tear

13) Otoplasty is the plastic repair of the __________. 

Answer;ear

14) A tympanoplasty is the plastic repair of the __________. 

Answer;eardrum

15) Ophthalmology is the science dealing with the __________ and its diseases. 

Answer;eye

16) An optometrist is a person who is trained to examine eyes in order to determine the presence of __________ problems. 

Answer;vision

17) Blepharitis is an inflammation of the __________. 

Answer;eyelid

18) Keratitis is an inflammation of the __________. 

Answer;cornea

19) A person with dacryocysitis has an inflammation of the __________ sac. 

Answer;tear

Lesson 24: Prefixes Pertaining to Miscellaneous Items .

1) Hydro- is a prefix meaning water. Hydrophobia, then, means fear of __________.

hi’dro-fo’be-ah

Answer;water

2) Dys- is a prefix meaning difficult or painful. A patient with dyspnea would be experiencing __________ or __________ breathing.

disp’ne-ah

Answer;difficult/painful

3) Nox- and noct- are prefixes meaning night. Nocturia, therefore, means urination during the __________.

nok-tu’re-ah

Answer;night

4) Mal- is a prefix meaning bad. Malodorous means having a __________ odor.

mal-o’der-es

Answer;bad

5) Pan- is a prefix meaning total or all. A panhysterectomy, therefore, is a __________ hysterectomy.

pan’his-ter-ek’to-me

Answer;total

6) Hydro- means: __________ 

Answer;water

7) Dys- means: __________ 

Answer;difficult/painful

8) Nox/Noct- means: __________ 

Answer;night

9) Mal- means: __________ 

Answer;bad

10) Pan- means: __________ 

Answer;all or total

11) A person with hydrophobia has a __________ of water. 

Answer;fear

12) A patient with dyspnea would be experiencing __________ or __________ breathing. 

Answer;difficult/painful

13) Nocturia means urination at __________. 

Answer;night

14) If something is malodorous, it has a __________ odor. 

Answer;bad

15) A panhysterectomy is a __________ hysterectomy. 

Answer;total

 

Suffixes—- General Information and Diseases

 

1)When reading or breaking down a medical term, we usually begin with the __________. (suffix).

2)A suffix is a letter or syllable at the end of a word which adds meaning to the word. A letter or syllable at the end of a word which adds to its meaning is called a __________.(suffix)

3)Like prefixes, suffixes could be placed into different categories of meaning. Suffixes differ from prefixes, however, in that a suffix comes (before, after) the stem.(After)

4)Most suffixes are in common use in English, but a few are peculiar to medicine. The suffixes most commonly used to indicate disease are -itis, meaning inflammation; -oma, meaning tumor; and -osis, meaning condition, usually morbid.  Suffixes commonly used to indicate disease are __________, __________, and __________.(itis/oma/osis)

5)A letter or syllable at the end of a word which adds to its meaning is called a __________.(suffix)

6) Suffixes commonly used to indicate disease are __________, __________, and __________. (itis/oma/osis)

 

                Lesson 26:: Suffixes Pertaining to Diagnosis

 

1)    The suffix -cele means hernia, protrusion, or tumor. A gastrocele, then, is a protrusion or __________ of the stomach.(Hernia)

 

2)    -emia is the suffix for blood. A word we are all familiar with is leukemia, which is an abnormal amount of immature white blood cells. Hypoglycemia is a low amount of sugar in the __________.(Blood)

 

3)    ectasis and -ectasia are suffixes meaning dilation, dilatation, or expansion. Angiectasis, then, is abnormal __________ of a blood vessel.( expanding/dilation/dilatation)

 

4)    The suffix for condition, formation of, or presence of is -iasis. Nephrolithiasis, therefore, is a __________ of stones in the kidney.(Condition)

 

5)    The suffix for inflammation is -itis. Encephalitis, then, is __________ of the brain.(Inflamation)

 

6)    The suffix for softening is -malacia. Therefore, chondromalacia is __________ of the cartilage.(Softening)

 

7)    The suffix for enlargement is -megaly. The stems for liver and spleen, as you will recall, are hepato and spleno. Hepatosplenomegaly, then, is __________ of the liver and spleen.(Enlargement)

 

8)    The suffix for hardening is -sclerosis. The stem for artery, as you will recall, is arterio. Arteriosclerosis, then, is __________ of the arteries.(Hardening)

 

9)    The suffix for tumor is -oma; thus a lipoma is a fatty __________.(Tumor)

 

10)                      The suffix for condition or disease is -osis. Dermatophytosis, then, is a __________ of fungus of the skin.(Condition)

 

11)                      The suffix for disease is -pathy. Thus, neuropathy is a __________ of the nerves.(Diseases)

 

12)                      The suffix for prolapse or downward displacement is ptosis. The stem for eyelid, as you will recall, is blepharo. Therefore, a blepharoptosis is a __________ __________of the eyelid.(Downward Displacement)

 

13)                      The suffix for rupture is -rrhexis. Cardiiiorrhexis, then, is a __________ of the heart.( Rupture)

 

14)                      The suffix for growth or nourishment is -trophy. The medical term for excessive __________, then, is hypertrophy.(Growth)

 

15)                      The suffix for fear is -phobia. Hydrophobia, then, is a __________ of water.(Fear)

 

16)                      -cele means: __________( hernia, protrusion, tumor)

 

17)                      emia means: __________(In the blood)

 

18)                      -ectasis means: __________( dilation, dilatation, or expansion)

 

19)                      -iasis means: __________( condition, formation of, presence of)

 

20)                      -itis means: __________(Inflammation)

 

21)                      -malacia means: __________(Softening)

 

22)                      -megaly means: __________(Enlargement)

 

23)                      -sclerosis means: __________(Hardening)

 

24)                      -oma means: __________(Tumor)

 

25)                      -osis means: __________(Condition)

 

26)                      -pathy means: __________(Disease)

 

27)                      -ptosis means: __________( prolapse/downward displacement)

 

28)                      -rrhexis means: __________(Rupture)

 

29)                      -trophy means: __________( growth/nourishment)

 

30)                      -phobia means: __________(Fear)

 

31)                      A gastrocele is a protrusion or __________ of the stomach.(Hernia)

 

32)                      Hypoglycemia is a low amount of sugar in the __________.(Blood)

 

33)                      Angiectasis is abnormal __________ of a blood vessel.(Dilation)

 

34)                      Nephrolithiasis is a __________ of stones in the kidney.(Formation)

 

35)                      Encephalitis is __________ of the brain.(Inflammation)

 

36)                      Chondromalacia is __________ of the cartilage.(Softening)

 

37)                      Hepatosplenomegaly is the __________ of the liver and spleen.(Enlargement)

 

38)                      Arteriosclerosis is __________ of the arteries.(Hardening)

 

39)                      A lipoma is a fatty __________.(Tumor)

 

40)                      Dermatophytosis is a fungus __________ of the skin.(Condition)

 

41)                      Neuropathy is a __________ of the nerves.(Disease)

 

42)                      Blepharoptosis is a __________ __________ of the eyelid.(Downward displacement)

 

43)                      Cardiorrhexis is a __________ of the heart.(Rupture)

 

44)                      Hypertrophy is the medical term for excessive __________.(Growth)

 

45)                      Hydrophobia is a __________ of water.(Fear)

 

 

Lesson 27 ::: Suffixes pertaining to operative procedure

 

1)    The suffix for removal or excision is -ectomy. The stem, salpingo, means tube, and the stem, oophoro, means ovary. A salpingo-oophorectomy, therefore, is the __________ or __________ of tubes and ovaries.( removal/excision)

 

2)    The stem cholecysto, as you recall, means gallbladder. Removal or excision of the gallbladder, therefore, is called a __________.( cholecystectomy)

 

3)    The suffix for inspection or examination is -scopy. A bronchoscopy, then is an __________ of the bronchi.( inspection/examination)

 

4)    -stomy is the suffix meaning surgical creation of an artificial opening. Therefore, a colostomy is an __________ into the colon.( artificial opening)

 

5)    -tomy is the suffix meaning incision or cutting into. A laparotomy, then, is an __________ in the abdominal wall.( incision)

 

6)    The suffix for binding or fixation is -desis. Arthrodesis, then, is the medical term for surgical __________/__________ of a joint.( binding/fixation)

 

7)    The suffix for suspension or fixation is -pexy. An orchiopexy is __________ of an undescended testis.( suspension/fixation)

 

8)    The suffix for plastic repair of is -plasty. Tympano, as you recall, is the stem for eardrum. Tympanoplasty, then, is the term for __________ __________ of the eardrum.( plastic repair)

 

9)    The suffix -centesis means puncture. Arthrocentesis, therefore, means __________ of a joint for the removal of fluid.(Puncture)

 

10)                      The suffix for suture repair is -rrhaphy. Neurorraphy is the medical term for __________ __________ of the nerve.(Suture Repair)

 

11)                      -ectomy means: __________( removal/excision)

 

12)                      -scopy means: __________( inspection/examination)

 

13)                      -stomy means: __________( artificial opening into)

 

14)                      -tomy means: __________( incision/cutting)

 

15)                      -desis means: __________( binding/fixation)

 

16)                      -pexy means: __________( suspension/fixation)

 

17)                      -plasty means: __________( plastic repair)

 

18)                      -centesis means: __________(Puncture)

 

19)                      -rrhaphy means: __________(Suture Repair)

 

20)                      A salpingo-oophorectomy is the __________ or __________ of tubes and ovaries.( removal/excision)

 

21)                      A bronchoscopy is an __________ of the bronchi.( examination/inspection))

 

22)                      A colostomy is an __________ __________ __________ the colon.( artificial opening into)

 

23)                      A laparotomy is an __________ into the abdominal wall.( incision)

 

24)                      Arthrodesis is the medical term for a surgical __________ of a joint.(Fixation)

 

25)                      An orchiopexy is __________ of an undescended testis.( suspension/fixation)

 

26)                      Rhinoplasty is the term for __________ __________ of the nose.( plastic repair)

 

27)                      Arthrocentesis is removal of fluid from a joint by __________.( puncture)

 

28)                      Neurorrhaphy is the __________ __________ of the nerve.( suture repair)

 

 

                Lesson 28:: Suffixes Pertaining to Symptoms

 

1)    -algia is a suffix meaning pain. Dentalgia, then, is the medical term for a __________ in the tooth.(Pain)

 

 

2)    -genic is the suffix for producing or originating. Pyo, as you recall, is the stem for pus. Pyogenic, then, is the term for __________ pus.(Producing)

 

3)    -lysis is a suffix meaning destruction or breakdown. Hemolysis, therefore, means the __________ of red blood cells.(Destruction)

 

4)    -rrhagia is the suffix meaning excessive flow or discharge. Thus, hemorrhage is a term meaning __________ of blood.( excessive flow/discharge)

 

5)    Another suffix meaning excessive discharge or flow is -rrhea. Diarrhea is the medical term for __________ __________ of the bowel.( excessive discharge)

 

6)    -penia is the suffix meaning decrease or deficiency. Erythropenia means a __________ of red blood cells.( deficiency/decrease)

 

7)    -spasm is the suffix meaning involuntary contraction. The medical term myospasm, then, means an __________ __________ of the muscle.( involuntary contraction)

 

8)    The suffixes –ic, -ac, -al, and -ar mean pertaining to. Cardiovascular, for example, means __________ __________ the heart and vessels.( pertaining to)

 

9)    Here’s another example: Intercostal means __________ __________ between the ribs.( pertaining to)

 

10)                      Otoscopic means __________ __________ an examination of the ear.( pertaining to)

 

11)                      Finally, cardiac means __________ __________ the heart.( pertaining to)

 

12)                      -algia means: __________(Pain)

 

13)                      -genic means: __________(Producing)

 

14)                      -lysis means: __________(Destruction)

 

15)                      -rrhagia means: __________( excessive discharge/flow)

 

16)                      -rrhea means: __________( excessive discharge)

 

17)                      -penia means: __________( deficiency)

 

18)                      -ic, -ac, -al, and -ar mean: __________( pertaining to)

 

19)                      -spasm means: __________( involuntary contraction)

 

20)                      Dentalgia is the medical term for a __________ in the tooth.(pain)

 

21)                      Pyogenic is the term for __________ pus.( producing)

 

22)                      Hemolysis means the _________ of red blood cells.( destruction)

 

23)                      Hemorrhage is a term meaning __________ of blood.( excessive discharge/flow)

 

24)                      Erythropenia means a __________ of red blood cells.( deficiency)

 

25)                      Diarrhea is the medical term for __________ __________ of the bowel.( excessive discharge)

 

26)                      Myospasm is the medical term for __________ __________ of a muscle.( involuntary contraction)

 

27)                      Cardiovascular means _________ __________ the heart and vessels.( pertaining to)

 

28)                      Intercostal means __________ __________ between the ribs.( pertaining to)

 

29)                      Otoscopic means __________ __________ an examination of the ear.( pertaining to)

 

30)                      Cardiac means __________ __________ the heart.( pertaining to)