The Language of Anatomy and Physiology 1: Medical Terminology Basics

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing essential medical terminology elements—roots, prefixes, suffixes—and example terms introduced in the lecture notes.

Medical terminology

The specialized language used to describe the human body, its functions, conditions, and procedures.

Nomenclature

A systematic method for naming anatomical structures, diseases, procedures, or instruments in medicine.

Root (word root)

The core element of a medical term that provides its fundamental meaning.

Prefix

A word element placed at the beginning of a medical term that modifies or qualifies the root’s meaning.

Suffix

A word element added to the end of a medical term that modifies the root’s meaning, often indicating a procedure, condition, or disease.

Combining vowel

Usually the vowel ‘o’ (sometimes ‘i’ or ‘a’) inserted between word parts to ease pronunciation when joining roots and suffixes.

Acronym

A term formed from the initial letters of words in a phrase (e.g., AIDS for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Eponym

A medical term derived from the name of a person associated with its discovery, description, or invention (e.g., Parkinson disease).

Histology

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Supraorbital

Pertaining to the area located above the orbit (eye socket).

Dysphagia

Difficulty or pain in swallowing.

Gastr/o-

Root meaning “stomach.” (Example: hypogastric – below the stomach).

Oss- / Oste/o-

Root meaning “bone.” (Example: osteology – study of bones).

Hydr/o-

Root meaning “water” or “fluid.” (Example: hydrotherapy – water treatment).

Lip/o-

Root meaning “fat.” (Example: liposuction – removal of fat).

Hyper-

Prefix meaning “excessive” or “above normal.” (Example: hypertension – high blood pressure).

Hypo-

Prefix meaning “deficient” or “below normal.” (Example: hypoglycemia – low blood sugar).

Macro-

Prefix meaning “large.” (Example: macrocephaly – abnormally large head).

Micro-

Prefix meaning “small.” (Example: microscope – instrument for viewing small objects).

-cyte

Suffix meaning “cell.” (Example: leukocyte – white blood cell).

-ase

Suffix meaning “enzyme.” (Example: lipase – enzyme that breaks down fat).

-gram

Suffix meaning “a record” or “picture.” (Example: angiogram – image of blood vessels).

-itis

Suffix meaning “inflammation.” (Example: gastritis – inflammation of the stomach lining).