Medical Term Basics

Explore the fascinating world of medical terminology and learn how

understanding prefixes, suffixes, word roots, and building medical
terms can enhance your medical knowledge.

by Dilshad Jafar Mahmoud

Introduction
1 Why Learn Medical Terminology?
Discover the importance of medical
terminology in effective communication
Language of Medicine 2 among healthcare professionals and how
Learn how medical terminology is like a it aids in accurate patient diagnosis.
universal language, enabling healthcare
professionals worldwide to understand
and communicate medical information
effectively.
3 Cognitive Benefits

Explore how learning medical

terminology can enhance critical
thinking skills, memory retention, and
overall cognitive abilities.
Overview of Medical Terminology
1 Components of 2 Word Building
Medical Terms
Discover the structure
of medical terms,
including root words,
prefixes, and suffixes,
and how they combine
to convey specific
meanings.
3 Roots from Latin and
Rules Greek
Learn the essential Uncover the vast influence of
rules for combining Latin and Greek on medical
word parts to form terminology and explore some
medical terms and common examples of word
understand how roots derived from these
modifications can alter classical languages.
the meaning.
Understanding Medical Terminology: Key Takeaways
• Medical terminology is an essential tool for healthcare professionals.
• By grasping the four types of word parts - word roots, combining forms, prefixes, and
suffixes - you can decode complex medical terms and enhance your communication
skills.
• Building a solid foundation in medical terminology will pave the way for success in the
healthcare field.
Common Prefixes and Suffixes
Prefixes
• Understanding the role of
prefixes in altering the
meaning of medical terms
• Exploring common prefixes and
their meanings, such as "pre-",
"post-", "sub-“, and “hypo-“.
• Recognizing how prefixes
can indicate time, location,
and quantity
Suffixes
• Recognizing the significance
of suffixes in determining
word function
• Exploring common suffixes like
"-ectomy", "-itis", and "-osis"
• Understanding how suffixes
denote medical conditions,
procedures, and symptoms.
Prefixes in Medical Terminology

Prefixes are word parts that come before the word root and modify its meaning. They
provide additional information about location, quantity, time, and more.

By understanding common prefixes, you can better interpret medical terminology.

For instance, the prefix "hypo-" indicates a deficiency or below-normal level, as seen
in terms like
hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid),
hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and
hypotension (low blood pressure)
Suffixes in Medical Terminology

Suffixes are word parts that come after the word root and alter its meaning. They often
indicate a condition, procedure, or body part.

Familiarizing yourself with suffixes will enhance your ability to comprehend medical
terms.

For example, the suffix "-itis" denotes inflammation, as seen in terms like:
tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) and
gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining).
Word Roots in Medical Terminology

Word roots are the foundational elements of medical terms. They provide the main meaning of a word
and are typically derived from Latin or Greek. By understanding common word roots, you can decipher
the meaning of many medical terms. For example:

1 Hepat 2 Nephr 3 Arthr

The word root "hepat"
refers to the liver.
It appears in terms such as
hepatomegaly (enlarged
liver) and hepatitis
(inflammation of the liver).
The word root "nephr" pertains
to the kidney.
It is seen in terms like
nephritis (kidney inflammation)
and nephrology ( the study of
kidneys).
The word root "arthr"
relates to joints.
It is present in terms such
as arthritis (joint
inflammation) and
arthroscopy (a diagnostic
procedure for joints).
Combining Forms in Medical Terminology

In addition to word roots, combining forms are used in medical

terminology to create more specific terms.
Combining forms are usually created by adding a combining vowel, such
as "o" or "i," to the word root.

For example, "hepat" combined with the vowel "o" becomes "hepato," forming
combining forms like

hepatocele (herniation of the liver) and

hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver).
More Combining Forms
Combining form:- Created by adding a vowel (usually the letter “o”) to the end of
a word root.
• Used when connecting word roots or when the word root is
joined to a suffix that begins with a consonant.
Examples:
cardi/o = heart
gastr/o = stomach
neur/o = nerve
Oste/o = bone
Myel/o = spinal cord
My/o = muscle
Arthr/o = joint
Understanding Word Roots

Anatomy and Word Roots Root Analogy Exploring Medical Word Roots
Discover how knowledge of basic Use the analogy of plant roots to Explore a variety of word roots used in
anatomy can unlock the meanings grasp the concept of word roots medical terminology and understand
behind medical word roots and in medical terminology and their etymology and linkage to
provide valuable insights into understand how they form the specific medical conditions and
various body systems. foundation for word construction. anatomical structures.
Building Medical Terms

Combining Forms Dissected Word Building Techniques

Learn how combining forms are
formed by linking word roots and
vowels, enabling medical
professionals to create precise and
descriptive medical terms.
Discover clever tips and strategies
for constructing medical terms
efficiently and accurately, from
utilizing commonly used word parts
to understanding hyphenation.

Medical Terminology Exercises

Put your skills to the test with interactive practice exercises that challenge you to
create medical terms based on given scenarios and patient conditions.
Examples of Medical Terms using Word Parts

Term Meaning
Cardiology The study of the heart and its diseases.
Gastroenteritis Inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Pneumonia Infection and inflammation of the lungs.
Practice Exercises

Identify the prefix, root, and suffix in the

Exercise 1: medical term "hypertension.“
Hyper- is the prefix "above," "excessive," or "beyond normal.
-Tens- or "tension“ is the root often refers to pressure
-ion." This suffix means indicate a state or condition

Build a medical term that means

Exercise 2: "inflammation of the liver.“
Answer → Hepatitis

Exercise 3: Create a medical term for "surgical

removal of the gallbladder.“
Answer → cholecystectomy
How to Read hard / long words
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis
Here's a simplified breakdown of how you can read it:
1."Pneu" (like "new")
2."Mono" (like "moh-noh")
3."Ultra" (like "uhl-truh")
4."Micro" (like "my-kroh")
5."Scopic" (like "skoh-pik")
6."Silico" (like "sil-i-koh")
7."Volcano" (like "vahl-kay-noh")
8."Conio" (like "koh-nee-oh")
9."Si" (like "see")

So, when pronounced in sections, it might sound like

"new-moh-noh-uhl-truh-my-kroh-skoh-pik-sil-i-koh-vahl-kay-noh-koh-nee-oh-see.“

Keep in mind that this word is primarily used as a linguistic novelty and is not commonly used in everyday language.

Try: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Conclusion

• Mastering medical terminology is an essential skill for anyone in

the healthcare field.
• By understanding the basics of medical terms, you can enhance
communication, improve patient care, and advance your
professional journey in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.