Introduction to Human Anatomy & Medical Terminology

The combining form meaning “new” is __________.

Select one:

a. ne(o)-

b. non-

c. dupl(o)-

d. myel(o)-

Answer: Ne(o)

Tip: means “new.”

The suffix meaning “to rupture” is __________.

Select one:

a. -rrhaphy

b. -rrhage

c. -rrhexis

d. -rrhea

Answer: rrhexis

Tip: means “rupture” or “breaking apart.”

Colposcopy is a visual examination of the vagina.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: COLPO = vagina and cervix.

The suffix denoting an instrument used to measure is __________.

Select one:

a. -tome

b. -meter

c. -scope

d. -graph

Answer: meter

Tip: means an instrument used to measure something.

“Home(o)-“ is a combining form meaning "same, like or alike.”

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: The combining form home(o)- means “same” or “alike.”

The medical term meaning “between ribs” is __________.

Select one:

a. Intracostal

b. Hypocostal

c. Supracostal

d. Intercostal

Answer: Intercostal

Tip: means between the ribs.

An abnormally fast heartbeat is referred to as __________.

Select one:

a. Bradycardia

b. Stenosis

c. Tachycardia

d. Palpitation

Answer: Tachycardia

Tip: means an abnormally fast heart rate. In adults, it generally refers to a resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute.

“-emesis“ is a suffix meaning “vomiting.”

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: emesis = vomiting. For example, hematemesis means vomiting blood.

The prefix “dys-“ in the word dyspnea means __________.

Select one:

a. Normal, good

b. Slow

c. Abnormal, difficult

d. Too fast

Answer: Abnormal, difficult

Tip: Remember DYS = difficulty!

The prefix “epi-“ in the word epigastric means __________.

Select one:

a. Behind

b. Above

c. Below

d. In front of

Answer: Above

Tip: EPI = on or above.

The suffix “-ptosis “ in the word blepharoptosis means __________.

Select one:

a. Sagging or drooping

b. Abnormal hardening

c. Destruction

d. Abnormal protrusion

Answer: Sagging or drooping

Tip: ptosis = drooping.

The suffix “-megaly “ in the word cardiomegaly means __________.

Select one:

a. Inflammation

b. Enlargement

c. Pain

d. Shrinking

Answer: Enlargement

Tip: means enlargement. Cardiomegaly means enlargement of the heart.

Arthrodesis is a form of joint inflammation.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: False

Tip: Arthrodesis is the surgical fusion of a joint, not joint inflammation. Joint inflammation is called arthritis.

The term keratitis describes an inflammation of the skin.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: False

Tip: Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, the clear front covering of the eye. Inflammation of the skin is called dermatitis.

In the term myopathy, what does the suffix “–pathy” mean?

Select one:

a. Rupture

b. Inflammation

c. Disease Correct

d. Swelling

Answer: Disease

Tip: means disease or disorder. Myopathy is a disease or disorder of the muscles.

A frontal, or coronal, plane divides the body vertically into anterior and posterior parts.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: The frontal (coronal) plane divides the body vertically into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Which term means "relating to a neck or cervix"?

Select one:

a. Brachial

b. Cervical

c. Humeral

d. Pelvic

Answer: Cervical

Tip: Cervical means relating to the neck or the cervix (the lower part of the uterus).

A syndrome is a set of signs and symptoms occurring together as part of a disease.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: Think of a syndrome as a “group of symptoms.” Several signs and symptoms appear together and form a recognizable pattern.

Which plane divides the body vertically into left and right parts?

Select one:

a. Coronal plane

b. Median plane

c. Horizontal plane

d. Sagittal plane

Answer: Sagittal plane

Tip: Sagittal separates the sides!

Pharmacology is the study of sources, properties, and uses of drugs.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: Pharmacology = the study of drugs

Gross anatomy studies __________.

Select one:

a. Human development

b. The different structures in a certain region

c. Structure visible to the unaided eye Correct

d. Cells

Answer: Structure visible to the unaided eye

Tip: Gross = visible to the naked eye!

The act of identifying a disease or injury is called __________.

Select one:

a. Diagnosis

b. Screening

c. Etiology

d. Histology

Answer: Diagnosis

Tip: Diagnosis = determining what is wrong!

Anterior means __________.

Select one:

a. Closer to the front of the body

b. Toward the back of the body

c. Close to the surface

d. Below, lower

Answer: Closer to the front of the body

Tip: Anterior = Ahead (toward the front)!

A sagittal plane divides the body into __________.

Select one:

a. Distal and proximal parts

b. Anterior and posterior parts

c. Right and left parts Correct

d. Upper and lower parts

Answer: Right and left parts

Tip: Sagittal splits the sides!

Ibuprofen is __________.

Select one:

a. Chemical name

b. Generic name Correct

c. Family name

d. Trade name

Answer: Generic name

Tip: Ibuprofen is generic; Advil is a brand!

Antitussives __________.

Select one:

a. Decrease nasal congestion

b. Increase urination

c. Relieve or prevent cough

d. Prevent the formation of blood clots

Answer: Relieve or prevent cough

Tip: Antitussives help stop a cough!

CVA is the acronym for computed tomography.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: False

Tip: CVA affects blood flow in the brain; CT takes images of the body!

Which procedure allows direct visualization of internal structures rather than producing diagnostic images?

Select one:

a. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

b. Computed tomography

c. Ultrasound

d. Positron emission tomography

Answer: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Tip: Endoscopy = directly look inside!

Which type of endoscopy is used to examine organs inside the abdominopelvic cavity?

Select one:

a. Colonoscopy

b. Cystoscopy

c. Gastroscopy

d. Laparoscopy

Answer: Laparoscopy

Tip: Laparoscopy lets doctors look inside the abdomen!

A cancer-causing agent is called a __________.

Select one:

a. Dysplasia

b. Carcinogen

c. Pathogen

d. Neoplasm

Answer: Carcinogen

Tip: Carcino = cancer, and -gen = producing!

The meaning of the combining form "py(o)-" is __________.

Select one:

a. Discharge

b. Fever

c. Tumor

d. Pus

Answer: Pus

Tip: Pyo = pus!

A leiomyoma is a __________.

Select one:

a. Benign tumor arising from blood vessels

b. Malignant tumor arising from muscle tissue

c. Benign tumor arising from smooth muscle tissue

d. Cancer of bone tissue

Answer: Benign tumor arising from smooth muscle tissue

Tip: Leiomyoma = smooth muscle tumor!

Which cells can protect us from invaders from the outside world?

Select one:

a. White blood cells

b. Muscle cells

c. Red blood cells

d. Nerve cells

Answer: White blood cells

Tip: White cells protect; red cells transport!

Enlargement of an organ or tissue due to an increase in cells is called __________.

Select one:

a. Dysplasia

b. Hyperplasia

c. Hypertrophy

d. Neoplasia

Answer: Hyperplasia

Tip: Hyperplasia = more cells; hypertrophy = bigger cells!

Which of the following is not a type of cancer?

Select one:

a. Osteosarcoma

b. Leukemia

c. Leiomyosarcoma

d. Lipoma

Answer: Lipoma

Tip: Lipoma is usually benign; sarcomas are malignant.

Chromosomes are the basic units of genetic information.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: False

Genes are on chromosomes!

Which genetic disorder can lead to severe repeated bleeding?

Select one:

a. Hemophilia

b. Phenylketonuria

c. Cystic fibrosis

d. Turner syndrome

Answer: Hemophilia

Tip: Hemophilia = trouble stopping bleeding!

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) differentiate to form the three embryonic layers: Ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: E-M-E: Ectoderm, Mesoderm, Endoderm — the three germ layers that develop into the body! 🧬

__________ tissue covers external and internal surfaces.

Select one:

a. Nervous

b. Muscle

c. Connective

d. Epithelial

Answer: Epithelial

Tip: Epithelial tissue is the body's covering and lining!

Patients with __________ have a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.

Select one:

a. Down syndrome

b. Cystc fibrosis

c. Klinefelter syndrome

d. Phenylketonuria

Answer: Down syndrome

Tip: Down syndrome = chromosome 21.

Which tissue supports, protects, and binds other tissues together?

Select one:

a. Nervous tissue

b. Epithelial tissue

c. Muscle tissue

d. Connective tissue

Answer: Connective tissue

Tip: Remember connective = connects!

Cytology is the study of the structure and function of cells.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: Remember cyto = cell.

Cardiac muscle is found in the wall of the heart only.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: Cardiac = heart!

PSA is a screening procedure for __________.

Select one:

a. Prostate cancer

b. Bladder cancer

c. Cervical cancer

d. Breast cancer

Answer: Prostate cancer

Tip: Remember PSA = Prostate Screening Aid

An increase in muscle size due to working out a lot is an example of __________.

Select one:

a. Pathologic hyperplasia

b. Pathologic hypertrophy

c. Physiologic hypertrophy

d. Physiologic hyperplasia

Answer: Physiologic hypertrophy

Tip: Working out makes muscles grow in size = physiologic hypertrophy!

Humans have __________ pairs of chromosomes.

Select one:

a. 46

b. 12

c. 2

d. 23

Answer: 23

Tip: Remember 23 pairs = 46 total.

__________ can be defined as a lack of proper nutrition.

Select one:

a. Malnutrition

b. Wasting

c. Underweight

d. Stunting

Answer: Malnutrition

Tip: Remember mal = bad or poor.

The skeletal system is the fast-acting control system of the body.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: False

Tip: Nervous = fast messages; skeletal = support and protection!

Structures that are made of two or more tissues are called __________.

Select one:

a. Cells

b. Organisms

c. Organs

d. Tissue groups

Answer: Organs

Tip: Remember the body's levels of organization: Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Organism

The meaning of epigastric is __________.

Select one:

a. Located above the stomach

b. Relating to the spine

c. Relating to the stomach

d. In front of the stomach

Answer: Located above the stomach

Tip: Epi- = above Gastric = stomach Epigastric = above the stomach!

The dorsal cavity __________.

Select one:

a. Is much larger than the ventral cavity

b. Houses and protects the nervous system

c. Is subdivided into two pleural cavities

d. Is the part of the ventral cavity below the diaphragm

Answer: Houses and protects the nervous system

Tip: Remember dorsal = back. The dorsal cavity protects your brain and spinal cord!

The integumentary system __________.

Select one:

a. Forms the external body covering

b. Consists of hormone-secreting glands

c. Protects and supports body organs

d. Allows for manipulation of the environment

Answer: Forms the external body covering

Tip: Remember integumentary = your body's outer covering. Think of your skin as your body's protective shield!

Normal body temperature is __________.

Select one:

a. 80.4°F

b. 100.4°F

c. 98.6°F

d. 104.0°F

Answer: 98.6°F

Tip: Remember 98.6°F = 37°C.

Cell death caused by poor blood flow is called __________.

Select one:

a. Attack

b. Infarct

c. Ischemia

d. Hypoxia

Answer: Infarct

Tip: Ischemia can lead to an infarct!

An exceptionally high body temperature above 106°F is called __________.

Select one:

a. Fever

b. Hyperthemia

c. Hypothermia

d. Hyperpyrexia

Answer: Hyperpyrexia

Tip: Hyperpyrexia = extremely high fever!

The abdominopelvic cavity is the part of the ventral cavity below the diaphragm.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: Remember abdominopelvic = abdomen + pelvis.

Which of the following is the acronym for "right lower quadrant"?

Select one:

a. RLU

b. RQL

c. RLQ

d. RUQ

Answer: RLQ

Tip: Remember R-L-Q = Right, Lower, Quadrant.

The meaning of the combining form "ventr(o)-" is __________.

Select one:

a. Abdomen

b. Skull

c. Chest

d. Belly

Answer: Belly

Tip: Ventral refers to the belly side of the body.

A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 37.1 is considered __________.

Select one:

a. Normal

b. Underweight

c. Overweight

d. Obese

Answer: Obese

Tip: 30 means Obese!

The digestive system helps regulate the water balance of the body.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: False

Tip: The urinary system is primarily responsible for regulating the body's water balance by controlling how much water the kidneys remove in urine.

Glucose is a __________.

Select one:

a. Vitamin

b. Protein

c. Lipid

d. Carbohydrate

Answer: Carbohydrate

Tip: Glucose gives you go!

On average, we take in about __________ mL of water per day.

Select one:

a. 750

b. 250

c. 2500

d. 1500

Answer 2500

Tip: 2.5 liters a day!

A heart attack is caused by an obstruction of blood flow in the coronary arteries of the heart.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: Heart attack = blocked heart blood flow.

The term __________ describes profuse sweating that can be brought on by heat or illness.

Select one:

a. Diaphoresis

b. Acne

c. Anhidrosis

d. Hidrosis

Answer: Diaphoresis

Tip: If you see profuse sweating on a test, think diaphoresis!

Ecchymosis refers to small, pinpoint bleedings (hemorrhages).

Select one:

True

False

Answer: False

Tip: Petechiae = pinpoints!

We estimate the volume of fluid lost in a severely burned patient by __________.

Select one:

a. Measuring urinary output and fluid intake

b. Using the "Rule of Nines"

c. Observing the tissues that are usually moist

d. Blood analysis

Answer: Using the "Rule of Nines"

Tips: Burn percentage = Rule of Nines.

In __________, the skin becomes hard and tight.

Select one:

a. Scleroderma

b. Tinea

c. Psoriasis

d. Gangrene

Answer: Scleroderma

Tip: Scleroderma = hard, tight skin

You just burned your hand on a hot pot. A blister forms, and the burn is painful. Your burn is a __________.

Select one:

a. Full-thickness burn

b. Third-degree burn

c. First-degree burn

d. Second-degree burn

Answer: Second-degree burn

Tip:Second degree = Swelling and blisters!

Sebum is produced by __________.

Select one:

a. Sweat glands

b. Sudoriferous glands

c. Oil glands

d. Hair follicles

Answer: Oil glands

Tip: Sebum = Skin oil!

First degree burn is damage to the upper most layer (epidermis) only.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: First degree = First layer (Epidermis)

Squamous cell carcinoma is the least common type of skin cancer.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: False

Tip: Basal is the most; squamous is next!

The outermost layer of the skin is called __________.

Select one:

a. Hypodermis

b. Subcutaneous

c. Epidermis

d. Dermis

Answer: Epidermis

Tip: Epi = Exterior!

In what type of scarring is the scar tissue growing too much?

Select one:

a. Cicatrix

b. Atrophy

c. Granulation

d. Keloid

Answer: Keloid

Tip: Keloid = Keeps growing!

Third degree burns are painful but will heal without problems.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: False

Tip: Third degree = Tissue destroyed.

The presence of excessive hair in women is called __________.

Select one:

a. Koilonychia

b. Diaphoresis

c. Hirsutism

d. Folliculitis

Answer: Hirsutism

Tip: Hirsutism = Hair growth.

Melanocytes are found in the __________.

Select one:

a. Hypodermis

b. Epidermis Correct

c. Dermis

d. Fat tissue

Answer: Epidermis

Tip: Melanocytes make melanin in the epidermis!

Acne is caused by problems with __________.

Select one:

a. Sweat glands

b. Sebaceous glands Correct

c. Nail root

d. Hair follicles

Answer: Sebaceous glands

Tip: Sebaceous = sebum = skin oil! Too much oil can contribute to acne.

Alopecia can be a partial or complete loss of hair.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: Alopecia = hair loss.

A __________ is a normal scar resulting from the healing of a wound.

Select one:

a. Keloid

b. Cicatrix

c. Cirrhosis

d. Fibrosis

Answer: Cicatrix

Tip: Cicatrix = scar.

Nails are composed of __________.

Select one:

a. Melanin

b. Fibrin

c. Carotene

d. Keratin

Answer: Keratin

Tip: Keratin = hair, skin, and nails!

The coccyx is also called ___________.

Select one:

a. Tailbone

b. Hip bone

c. Sacrum

d. Thigh bone

Answer: Tailbone

Tip: Coccyx sits at the bottom!

The axial skeleton is made up of __________.

Select one:

a. Skull, upper and lower limbs

b. Vertebral column, upper and lower limbs

c. Skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage

d. Skull, vertebral column, upper limbs

Answer: Skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage

Tip: Think of your axis as the center of your body. The axial skeleton forms the central framework of your body.

Finger bones are also known as __________.

Select one:

a. Digits

b. Metacarpals

c. Carpals

d. Phalanges

Answer: Phalanges

Tip: Phalanges = Fingers

__________ connect muscles to bones or other structures.

Select one:

a. Tendons

b. Ligaments

c. Cartilages

d. Joints

Answer: Tendons

Tip: Tendons = Tie muscles to bones

Which of the following is an autoimmune disorder affecting joints?

Select one:

a. Gout

b. Osteoarthritis

c. Rheumatoid arthritis

d. Osteopenia

Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis

Tip: Rheumatoid arthritis = Immune system attacks joints

Ribs 11 and 12 are called vertebral, or floating, ribs.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: Floating ribs = 11 and 12

The axial skeleton consists of __________ bones.

Select one:

a. 24

b. 80

c. 204

d. 30

Answer: 80

Tip: Axial is at the axis, and there are 80!

The __________ is the largest, longest, and strongest bone in the body.

Select one:

a. Tibia

b. Humerus

c. Femur

d. Fibula

Answer: Femur

Tip: Femur = Famous for being the biggest!

If the affected bone is broken into more than two fragments, the injury is called a __________ fracture.

Select one:

a. Displaced

b. Comminuted

c. Complete

d. Compound

Answer: Comminuted

Tip: Comminuted = Crushed into pieces

Acute gout often affects the __________.

Select one:

a. Face

b. Knee

c. Big toe

d. Hip

Answer: Big toe

Tip: Gout = Big toe!

The major risk factor for developing osteoporosis is __________.

Select one:

a. Old age

b. Lack of estrogen

c. Vitamin C deficiency

d. Overweight

Answer: Lack of estrogen

Tip: Estrogen = Bone protection

Osteoma is a tumor arising from __________.

Select one:

a. Bone tissue

b. Cartilage

c. Bone marrow

d. Tendon sheath

Answer: Bone tissue

Tip: Osteoma = Bone tumor

Which of the following is a sesamoid bone?

Select one:

a. Tibia

b. Femur

c. Sternum

d. Patella

Answer: Patella

Tip: Sesamoid = Small bone inside a tendon

The medical term for bone softening is osteomalacia.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: Osteomalacia = Soft bones

There are 34 vertebrae in the vertebral column.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: False

Tip: The vertebral column typically has 33 vertebrae, not 34.

Which of the following statements is not correct?

Select one:

a. Herniated discs can be considered a joint injury

b. Gouty arthritis is the most common arthritis form

c. Osteophytes can limit joint movement

d. Septic arthritis can be caused by bacteria

Answer: Gouty arthritis is the most common arthritis form

Tip: Osteoarthritis = most common; gout = uric acid crystals.

Which of the following is not a function of the skeleton?

Select one:

a. Protection of the brain

b. Blood cell formation

c. Fat storage

d. Vitamin storage

Answer: Vitamin storage

Tip: Remember the skeleton’s main functions as support, protection, movement, blood cell formation, and mineral/fat storage.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Select one:

True

False

Answer: True

Tip: ALS = Lou Gehrig’s disease.

A myogram is __________.

Select one:

a. Pain in a muscle

b. A form of muscle weakness

c. Graphic representation of a muscle contraction

d. A movement away from the midline

Answer: Graphic representation of a muscle contraction

Tip: myogram = a record of muscle activity.

Dorsiflexion is an upward movement of the __________.

Select one:

a. Leg

b. Hand

c. Foot

d. Shoulder

Answer: Foot

Tip: Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion are movements of the foot at the ankle.