Medical Terminology
REVIEW
- a combining vowel IS used to link one root to another root and before a suffix that begins with a consonant -a combining vowel IS NOT used before a suffix that begins with a vowel
Prefix Examples
- hyper : excessive -pre : before -post : after -homo : same - hypo : under
These begin with a consonant so a combining vowel must be used between the word root and suffix
- scope : instrument to view -rrhexis : rupture -rrhea : flow or discharge
Word Root Examples
-"dent" means tooth -"dermat" means skin -"cardi" means heart -"gastr" means stomach -"pancreat" means pancreas
Plurality
-To make a medical word plural (more than one), first look at the suffix - then choose the rule that changes it from singular to plural
Meanings of certain suffixes
-al : pertaining to -er : one who -able : capable of being -oma : tumor
These suffixes begin with a vowel so a combining vowel is NOT used between the word root and the suffix
-algia : pain -edema : swelling -uria : urine
Combining Vowel
-combining forms consist of a combining vowel -ex: "o"
Word Root
-foundation of the word -have at least one word root -can be used alone or combined -refers to body part -some derive from Latin or Greek
Suffix
-is added to the END of a word root or combining form to modify its meaning -we create a noun or adjective with a different meaning
Combining Forms
-the combination of a word root and a vowel -correct pronunciation of medical terms is important -sometimes it is necessary to add a VOWEL after the ROOT to make pronunciation easier
ELEMENTS of a Medical Term
1. word root 2. combining form 3. suffix 4. prefix
Multiple roots
can have combining vowels to link the roots to each other
Word-Building System
can help determine meanings of complex medical terms by putting together the smaller parts
Prefixes
is a syllable placed BEFORE a word pr word root to alter its meaning or create a new word
Leukocytopenia
word roots: Leuk(white), cyt(cell), o(combining vowel), penia(suffix, decrease)
