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: Example

F FPH

FlatusPhlegm

J GJ

GingivitisJaundice

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)