The Anatomy of Medical Terms

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the anatomy of medical terms.

Root

The constant, unchanging foundation of a medical term, usually of Greek or Latin origin.

Combining Vowel

A vowel that joins a root to another root or to a suffix; most commonly 'o'.

Combining Form

A combination of a root and a combining vowel.

Suffix

A word part added to the end of a root or combining form that changes the meaning of medical terms.

Prefix

The beginning part of some medical words.

Diagnostic Suffix

Suffixes used to describe diagnosis, procedures, or tests.

Surgical Suffix

Suffixes that describe surgical procedures.

Pathological Suffix

Suffixes that describe a sign or symptom of a disease.

-oma

A suffix indicating a tumor or mass.

-itis

A suffix used to denote inflammation.

-logy

A suffix meaning the study of.

-ician

A suffix denoting an expert specialist.

-iatry

A suffix indicating treatment or medical specialty.

-ac

An adjective suffix meaning pertaining to, e.g., cardiac (pertaining to the heart).

-ary

An adjective suffix meaning pertaining to, e.g., pulmonary (pertaining to the lungs).

-icle

A noun suffix meaning small or minute, e.g., ossicle.

Analyzing Medical Terms

The process of breaking down medical terms into their individual components to understand their meaning.