Medical Terminology – Midterm Review Objectives

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing foundational concepts required to meet the midterm review objectives: memory strategies, grammatical word parts, term analysis, construction, usage, and pronunciation.

Root

The fundamental meaning‐bearing part of a medical term that provides the core concept.

Combining Form

A root word plus a combining vowel (usually ‘o’ or ‘i’) that allows attachment to another root or suffix (e.g., cardi/o).

Suffix

A word part added to the end of a root or combining form to modify its meaning (e.g., –itis meaning inflammation).

Prefix

A word part added to the beginning of a root or combining form to alter or refine its meaning (e.g., hyper– meaning excessive).

Medical Term Breakdown

The process of identifying and separating a term into its prefix, root(s), combining vowel(s), and suffix to understand its meaning.

Medical Term Construction

Building a correct medical term by logically combining appropriate prefixes, roots, combining vowels, and suffixes.

Mnemonic Device

A memory aid (such as an acronym or rhyme) used to improve retention of medical vocabulary.

Spaced Repetition

A learning strategy that reviews information at increasing intervals to enhance long‐term memory of medical terms.

Pronunciation (Medical)

The act of articulating medical terms accurately, emphasizing correct syllable stress and phonetic rules.

Abbreviation

A shortened form of a medical term or phrase (e.g., BP for blood pressure) used for efficiency in documentation.

Contextual Usage

The skill of integrating medical terms into sentences or clinical scenarios correctly and meaningfully.