Medical Terminology - Word Parts and Rules

Vocabulary flashcards covering the core word parts, language rules, and term breakdowns from Chapter 1 of Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professions.

Word Root

The foundational meaning of a word.

Combining Form

A word part created when a word root is combined with a combining form vowel.

Prefix

A word part at the beginning of a medical term that changes its meaning.

Suffix

A word part at the end of a medical term that changes its meaning.

Short Vowels

Vowels (a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y) indicated by lower case letters in language review for medical terms.

Long Vowels

Vowels (A, E, I, O, U) indicated by upper case letters in language review for medical terms.

Consonants

Letters in the alphabet consisting of b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, and z.

Rebels

Exceptions to the language rules used when building medical terms.

Oste/o

A combining form that means bone.

Arthr/o

A combining form that means joint.

-itis

A suffix that means inflammation.

Osteoarthritis

Inflammation of bone and joint.

Intra-

A prefix that means within.

Ven/o

A combining form that means vein.

-ous

A suffix that means pertaining to.

Intravenous

Pertaining to within a vein.

Gastr/o

A combining form that means stomach.

Enter/o

A combining form that means intestines.

-logy

A suffix that means the study of.

Gastroenterology

The study of the stomach and the intestines.