Medical Terminology

Medical terms are built using four types of word parts:
- Word Root – the base of the word; usually refers to a body part (e.g., cardi = heart)
- Combining Form – a word root with a vowel added, usually “o” (e.g., cardi/o)
- Suffix – added to the end; shows what’s happening (e.g., -itis = inflammation)
- Prefix – added to the beginning; describes location, time, number, or status (e.g., hyper- = excessive)

2. Putting It All Together

To figure out what a word means:
- Start at the suffix
- Then the prefix (if there is one)
- Then the word root or combining form

Example:
Gastroenteritis = gastr/o (stomach) + enter (intestine) + -itis (inflammation)
→ Inflammation of the stomach and intestines

Common Word Parts from This Chapter

Word Roots & Combining Forms

• gastr/o = stomach
  • neur/o = nerve
  • my/o = muscle
  • arthr/o = joint
  • cardi/o = heart

Suffixes

• -itis = inflammation
  • -ectomy = surgical removal
  • -algia = pain
  • -osis = abnormal condition
  • -rrhea = flow/discharge

Prefixes

• hyper- = excessive
  • hypo- = below/deficient
  • pre- = before
  • post- = after
  • intra- = within

Pronunciation Tips

This book uses a 'sounds-like' system to help you pronounce tough words.
Example:
- Gastralgia (gas-TRAL-jee-ah)
- Neurorrhaphy (new-ROR-ah-fee)

Spelling and Abbreviations Matter

- A one-letter change can mean a completely different condition!
- Always be cautious with abbreviations. Some are on the “Do Not Use” list because they can cause serious errors.