Definition of the words ch.1

guidelines for deciphering medical terms?

Break down the word into its parts and you will know what the definition is.

root

Is the foundation of a medical term, it provides general meaning to the word. often indicates body system or part of the body as well as the action. NO (-)

suffix

Its attached at the end of words to add meaning, such as, condition, disease, or procedure. EVERY MEDICAL TERM HAS ONE. this (-) comes at the beginning of these words.

All medical terms contain which word part?

Suffix

Combining form

combination of the root and the combining vowel

Prefix

they are added at the beginning of words in order to form new medical words. They provide information such as location of an organ, the number of parts, or time (frequency). NOT EVERY TERM WILL HAVE ONE. the (-) comes at the end of this words.

Combining vowel

they help in the pronunciation of long medical terms. Most used is an "O". utilized in two places between a word root and a suffix or in between 2 word roots.

rules for when to keep or drop the combining vowel?

1st look at the suffix, begins with vowel? DON'T use the combining vowel. begins with a consonant? USE the combining vowel. Combining vowel is kept when its between 2 word roots, even when the second word root begins with a vowel.