Midterm

Medical Terminology

The language used to describe the human body, its components, processes, and conditions.

Root

The base meaning of a word, often representing an organ or system.

Combining Form

A root plus a vowel (often 'o') that connects word parts smoothly.

Prefix

A modification that adds meaning related to location, number, or intensity before the root.

Suffix

A modification that indicates a condition, procedure, or disease at the end of a term.

-itis

Suffix meaning inflammation.

-ectomy

Suffix meaning surgical removal.

Anatomical Position

A standardized body position used for accurately describing locations and relationships between structures.

Superior

Above in relation to another structure.

Inferior

Below in relation to another structure.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Phenotype

The physical expression of genes.

Facilitated Diffusion

The passive movement of substances down the concentration gradient with the help of carrier proteins.

Active Transport

Movement of substances against the concentration gradient that requires ATP.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining internal stability in an organism.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by loss of bone density, making bones brittle.

Osteomalacia

A condition characterized by defective bone mineralization, leading to soft bones.

Trabeculae

Rod or plate-like structures in spongy bone that provide support and strength.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction.

Carbonic Anhydrase

An enzyme that converts carbon dioxide and water into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, facilitating CO₂ transport.

Hematopoiesis

The formation of blood cells.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding.

Blood Type Compatibility

The matching of ABO and Rh factors necessary to prevent agglutination during blood transfusions.

epicardium

The prefix epi- means "around".

-ectomy

The suffix -ectomy means "surgical excision."

hemoptysis

Coughing up blood.

PCL

The structure that prevents hyperextension of the knee.

spongy bone

The bone type that contains trabeculae.

ventral respiratory group (VRG)

The pacemaker of respiration is located in this area.

acidic

Oxygen dissociates more readily in tissues that are this.

O-negative

The universal donor of red blood cells.

systole

The contraction phase of the heart.

synostosis

The joint type that allows the least movement.

parietal

Bone that is NOT a facial bone.

osteoporosis

Refers to decreased bone density.

acetylcholine

This is released at the synapse (neuromuscular junction).

carbonic anhydrase

The enzyme that forms bicarbonate from CO₂.

effusion

The term means fluid escape into tissues or cavities.

tendon

The structure that connects muscle to bone.

endochondral ossification

The process of bone formation from cartilage.

tachy-

The prefix that means "fast."

pulmonary vein

The blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the lungs.

negative feedback

The mechanism that maintains body temperature.

hemat-

The root that means "blood."

integumentary

The organ system that provides thermoregulation.

stenosis

A narrowing of a blood vessel.

left ventricle

The heart chamber that generates the highest pressure.

necrosis

The death of tissue.

arrhythmia

An abnormal heart rhythm.

lobectomy

Surgical removal of a lobe.

analgesia

State of reduced pain sensation.

pathology

Study of disease.

homeostasis

Maintaining internal balance.

M.I.

Abbreviation for myocardial infarction (heart attack).

osteomyelitis

Inflammation of bone.

hematopoiesis

Blood cell production.

thoracic

Pertaining to the chest.

-plasty

A suffix meaning surgical repair.

stethoscope

Instrument used to listen to chest sounds.

ischemia

Death due to lack of oxygen.

hypo-

The prefix that means below or deficient.

sarcomere

The functional unit of muscle contraction.

right ventricle

Blood flows from here to the pulmonary artery.

mitral valve

Heart valve between the left atrium and left ventricle.

appendicular skeleton

Bones of the limbs belong to this.

acetylcholine

The neurotransmitter for skeletal muscle contraction.

clavicle

The collarbone.

-logy

The suffix meaning study of.

SA node

The pacemaker of the heart.