Chapter 1

Greek and Latin

Terms built from Greek and Latin word parts, such as arthritis.

Eponyms

Term named after a person or place.

Acronyms

Terms formed from the fist letters of the words in a phrase that can be spoken as a whole word.

Moderns language

Terms derived from the English language, such as nuclear medicine scanner.

Word root

core of the term; fundamental meaning. All medical terms have one or more word roots.

Suffix

attached to the end of the word root and provides additional information: modifies meaning. Not all medical terms have suffix.

Prefix

attached to the beginning of the word root and provides additional information: modifies meaning. Not all medical terms have a prefix.

Combining vowel

Vowel usually and o, placed between two word roots and between a word root and suffix. (if the suffix does not begin with a vowel eases pronunciation.)

Cell

Basic unit of all living things; the human body is composed of trillions of cells.

Tissue

Group of similar cells that perform a specific function

Organ

Two or more kinds of tissues that together peform special body functions.

System

Group of organs that work together to perform complex body functions.

muscle tissue

composed of cells that have a special ability to contract, usually producing movement.

nerve tissue

found in nerves, spinal cord, and brain; coordinates and controls body functions.

connective tissue

connects, supports, penetrates, and encases various body structure; forms bones, fat, cartilage and blood.

epithelial tissue

the major covering of the external surface of the bod; forms membranes that line body cavities and organs and is the major tissue in glands (also called epithelium)