Medical Terminology

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and important rules regarding medical terminology.

What is medical terminology?

Specialized vocabulary used by medical professionals to identify anatomy, physiology, location, direction, medical status, and instructions for medications.

What are word parts in medical terminology?

Components like word roots, combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes that are used to build medical terms.

What is a word root?

The core meaning of a word, serving as a foundation for forming new words.

What is a combining form?

A word root combined with a vowel, usually 'o', to connect with prefixes, suffixes, or other roots.

What do prefixes do in medical terms?

Prefixes describe and expand the meaning of a root word and are placed at the beginning of terms.

What are suffixes in medical terminology?

Word parts added to the end of a root word that change its meaning or part of speech.

What are the three main body planes?

Sagittal plane, frontal plane, and transverse plane.

What is the significance of anatomical position?

Describes the body standing erect with arms at the sides, palms facing forward, and legs parallel.

What is the difference between the terms 'anterior' and 'posterior'?

Anterior refers to the front of the body, while posterior refers to the back.

What is the plural of 'radius'?

The plural form is 'radii'.

What is an eponym?

A term named after a person, indicating a disease or medical condition discovered by that person.

What is the rule for adding suffixes starting with a vowel?

If the suffix begins with a vowel, the combining vowel of the root is dropped.

What does 'brady-' prefix mean?

Slow.

What does '-ectomy' mean as a suffix?

Surgical removal.

Name a common combining form for the heart.

'cardi/o'.

What is the difference between 'proximal' and 'distal'?

Proximal means closer to the point of attachment, while distal means further away.

What is 'neurology'?

The study of nerves.

What does 'hem/o' represent in medical terminology?

Blood.

What is the meaning of the suffix '-itis'?

Inflammation.

What is the plural of 'ganglion'?

Ganglia.

What is a 'superior' directional term?

A term indicating a position closer to the head.

What is the thoracic cavity?

The cavity containing the heart, lungs, and other thoracic organs.