HOSA Medical Terminology Competition Study Guide

HOSA Medical Terminology Competition Study Guide

Competition Overview

  • Purpose: Medical Terminology knowledge and skills relevant to prefixes, suffixes, word roots, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and health-related occupations.

Test Format

  • Questions: 50 multiple-choice questions

  • Time Limit: 60 minutes (≈ 1.2 min/question)

  • Tiebreaker: 20 additional questions (spelling must be perfect)

  • Division: Secondary & Postsecondary/Collegiate

  • Event Type: Individual competitor

Official References

  • Ehrlich: Medical Terminology for Health Professions (latest edition)

  • Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary

  • Stanhope & Turnbull: Introduction to Medical Terminology

  • Dean Vaughn: Medical Terminology by Body Systems

Competitor Requirements

  • Must Bring:

    • Photo ID

    • Two #2 lead pencils (not mechanical) with eraser

  • Dress Code: Business attire or official HOSA uniform (bonus points)

Test Plan Breakdown

  • Keys to Success:

    • Master word parts first (45% of test)

    • Study body systems methodically (5% each)

    • Practice breaking down complex terms

    • Use mark-and-return strategy for difficult questions

    • Review common spelling pitfalls for tiebreakers

Essential Prefixes – Complete Quick Reference

Negative/Absence

  • a- , an- (without) → apnea

  • anti- (against) → antibiotic

  • contra- (against) → contraindication

  • dis- (apart, not) → dislocate

  • de- (down, away) → dehydrate

  • ab- (away from) → abduction

  • aniso- (unequal) → anisocytosis

  • non- (not) → nonmalignant

Size/Number

  • mono- , uni- (one) → monocyte

  • bi- , di- (two) → bilateral

  • tri- (three) → tricuspid

  • quadri- (four) → quadriplegia

  • poly- (many) → polyuria

  • pan- (all) → pandemic

  • hemi- , semi- (half) → hemiplegia

  • oligo- (few) → oliguria

  • micro- (small) → microscope

  • macro- , mega- (large) → macrocyte

  • multi- (many) → multifocal

  • nano- (very small) → nanogram

Position/Location

  • endo- , intra- (within) → endoscopy

  • exo- , ecto- (outside) → exocrine

  • epi- (upon) → epidermis

  • sub- , infra- (below) → subcutaneous

  • super- , supra- (above) → supraorbital

  • meta- (beyond, change) → metastasis

  • para- (beside) → parathyroid

  • extra- (outside) → extracellular

Direction/Time

  • ante- , pre- (before) → antenatal

  • post- (after) → postoperative

  • retro- (backward) → retrograde

  • peri- (around) → pericardium

  • circum- (around) → circumoral

  • trans- (across) → transfusion

  • inter- (between) → intercostal

  • pro- (forward) → prognosis

Intensity/Quality

  • hyper- (excessive) → hypertension

  • hypo- (deficient) → hypoglycemia

  • eu- (normal) → eupnea

  • dys- (difficult) → dysphagia

  • tachy- (fast) → tachycardia

  • brady- (slow) → bradycardia

  • iso- (equal) → isotonic

  • homo-/hetero- (same/different) → homogeneous

  • neo- (new) → neoplasm

  • mal- (bad) → malnutrition

  • ortho- (straight) → orthopedic

  • auto- (self) → autoimmune

Total: 44 key prefixes | 5 categories | HOSA Medical Terminology Study Guide

Essential Suffixes – Complete Quick Reference

Diagnostic/Measurement

  • -gram (record) → cardiogram

  • -graph (recording instrument) → electrocardiograph

  • -graphy (process of recording) → angiography

  • -meter (measuring device) → spirometer

  • -metry (measurement) → oximetry

  • -scope (viewing instrument) → endoscope

  • -scopy (visual exam) → endoscopy

  • -scan (image procedure) → ultrascan

Surgical/Procedural

  • -ectomy (removal) → appendectomy

  • -tomy (incision) → tracheotomy

  • -plasty (repair) → rhinoplasty

  • -pexy (fixation) → orchiopexy

  • -stomy (new opening) → colostomy

  • -desis (binding) → arthrodesis

  • -tripsy (crushing) → lithotripsy

  • -centesis (puncture) → amniocentesis

Pathological/Condition

  • -itis (inflammation) → tonsillitis

  • -osis (abnormal condition) → cyanosis

  • -oma (tumor) → lymphoma

  • -pathy (disease) → neuropathy

  • -plasia (formation) → hyperplasia

  • -malacia (softening) → osteomalacia

  • -sclerosis (hardening) → arteriosclerosis

  • -emia (blood condition) → anemia

  • -uria (urine condition) → hematuria

  • -cele (hernia, pouch) → meningocele

  • -iasis (condition) → psoriasis

  • -ism (condition) → dwarfism

Descriptive/Extent

  • -algia, -dynia (pain) → neuralgia

  • -pnea (breathing) → apnea

  • -rrhea (flow) → diarrhea

  • -rrhage/-rrhagia (burst forth) → hemorrhage

  • -rrhexis (rupture) → angiorrhexis

  • -penia (deficiency) → leukopenia

  • -cytosis (increased cells) → leukocytosis

  • -megaly (enlargement) → cardiomegaly

  • -lysis (breakdown) → hemolysis

  • -stasis (stopping) → hemostasis

  • -phobia (fear) → claustrophobia

  • -ptosis (drooping) → blepharoptosis

Function/Performance

  • -ology (study of) → cardiology

  • -ologist (specialist) → cardiologist

  • -plegia (paralysis) → paraplegia

  • -paresis (weakness) → hemiparesis

  • -iatry (medical specialty) → psychiatry

  • -iatrist (specialist) → psychiatrist

  • -trophy (nourishment) → atrophy

  • -cyte (cell) → erythrocyte

Total: 38 key suffixes | 5 categories | HOSA Medical Terminology Study Guide

Major Root Words by System – Quick Reference

Cardiovascular

  • cardi/o (heart) → cardiology

  • angi/o (vessel) → angiogram

  • arteri/o (artery) → arterial

  • phleb/o, ven/o (vein) → phlebotomy

  • hem/o, hemat/o (blood) → hematology

  • thromb/o (clot) → thrombosis

  • ather/o (plaque) → atherosclerosis

  • coron/o (crown/heart) → coronary

Respiratory

  • pneum/o, pulmon/o (lung) → pneumonia

  • bronch/o (bronchus) → bronchitis

  • trache/o (trachea) → tracheotomy

  • laryng/o (larynx) → laryngitis

  • pharyng/o (pharynx) → pharyngitis

  • pleur/o (pleura) → pleurisy

  • nas/o, rhin/o (nose) → rhinoplasty

  • bronchiol/o (bronchiole) → bronchiolitis

Digestive

  • or/o (mouth) → oral

  • esophag/o (esophagus) → esophageal

  • gastr/o (stomach) → gastritis

  • enter/o (intestine) → enteritis

  • col/o, colon/o (colon) → colonoscopy

  • hepat/o (liver) → hepatitis

  • cholecyst/o (gallbladder) → cholecystectomy

  • pancreat/o (pancreas) → pancreatitis

  • proct/o (rectum/anus) → proctology

  • sial/o (saliva) → sialolithiasis

  • append/o (appendix) → appendicitis

  • stomat/o (mouth) → stomatitis

Nervous/Special Senses

  • neur/o (nerve) → neuralgia

  • encephal/o (brain) → encephalitis

  • cerebr/o (cerebrum) → cerebral

  • cerebell/o (cerebellum) → cerebellar

  • mening/o (meninges) → meningitis

  • myel/o (spinal cord) → myelopathy

  • ophthalm/o, opt/o (eye) → ophthalmology

  • ot/o (ear) → otitis

  • audi/o (hearing) → audiogram

  • rhin/o, olfact/o (smell) → rhinitis

  • retin/o (retina) → retinopathy

  • vestibul/o (balance) → vestibular

Musculoskeletal

  • oste/o (bone) → osteoporosis

  • arthr/o (joint) → arthritis

  • chondr/o (cartilage) → chondromalacia

  • my/o, muscul/o (muscle) → myalgia

  • tend/o, tendin/o (tendon) → tendinitis

  • fasci/o (fascia) → fasciitis

  • cost/o (rib) → intercostal

  • crani/o (skull) → craniotomy

  • spondyl/o, vertebr/o (vertebra) → spondylosis

  • stern/o (sternum) → sternal

  • carp/o (wrist) → carpal

  • tars/o (ankle) → tarsal

Urinary

  • ren/o, nephr/o (kidney) → renal, nephrology

  • cyst/o (bladder) → cystitis

  • ur/o (urine) → uremia

  • ureter/o (ureter) → ureteroscopy

  • urethr/o (urethra) → urethritis

  • pyel/o (renal pelvis) → pyelonephritis

  • glomerul/o (glomerulus) → glomerulonephritis

  • lith/o (stone) → lithotripsy

Reproductive

  • MALE:

    • orchid/o, test/o (testis) → orchidectomy

    • prostat/o (prostate) → prostatectomy

    • ** balan/o** (glans penis) → balanitis

    • vas/o (vessel/vas) → vasectomy

  • FEMALE:

    • hyster/o, metr/o, uter/o (uterus) → hysterectomy

    • oophor/o (ovary) → oophorectomy

    • salping/o (tube) → salpingitis

    • colp/o, vagin/o (vagina) → colposcopy

    • cervic/o (cervix) → cervical

Endocrine

  • aden/o (gland) → adenoma

  • thyroid/o, thyr/o (thyroid) → hypothyroidism

  • parathyroid/o (parathyroid) → parathyroidectomy

  • adren/o (adrenal) → adrenalectomy

  • pancreat/o (pancreas) → pancreatitis

  • pituitar/o, hypophys/o (pituitary) → hypophysectomy

  • gluc/o, glyc/o (glucose) → hyperglycemia

  • insulin/o (insulin) → insulinoma

Integumentary

  • derm/o, dermat/o, cutane/o (skin) → dermatitis

  • trich/o (hair) → trichotillomania

  • onych/o (nail) → onychomycosis

  • seb/o (sebum) → seborrhea

  • kerat/o (horny tissue/cornea) → keratosis

  • melan/o (black pigment) → melanoma

  • hidr/o (sweat) → hyperhidrosis

  • xer/o (dry) → xeroderma

Other High-Yield Roots

  • path/o (disease) → pathology

  • cyt/o (cell) → cytology

  • hist/o (tissue) → histology

  • onc/o (tumor) → oncology

  • py/o (pus) → pyuria

  • leuk/o (white) → leukocyte

  • erythr/o (red) → erythrocyte

  • cyan/o (blue) → cyanosis

  • xanth/o (yellow) → xanthoma

  • chlor/o (green) → chloroma

  • iatr/o (physician/treatment) → iatrogenic

  • toxic/o (poison) → toxicology

Total: 67 key root words | 10 body systems | HOSA Medical Terminology Study Guide

How to Decode a Medical Term – Flowchart + Worked Examples

Combining Vowel "o" Rule

  • Keep the "o" between two roots (e.g., gastroenterology), but drop it before a suffix that begins with a vowel (e.g., arthritis instead of arthroitis).

Examples

  • Example 1:
    gastroenterology → gastr/o + enter/o + -logy
    → study of stomach and intestines

  • Example 2:
    electrocardiogram → electr/o + cardi/o + -gram
    → record of heart's electrical activity

  • Example 3:
    cholecystectomy → cholecyst/o + -ectomy
    → removal of the gallbladder

  • Example 4:
    rhinoplasty → rhin/o + -plasty
    → surgical repair of the nose

Steps to Break Down Complex Terms

  • Step 1: Identify prefix (if present)

    • Prefixes appear at the beginning and modify the meaning (e.g., hyper-, sub-, anti-)

  • Step 2: Identify word root(s) + combining vowel

    • The root contains the core meaning, often with combining vowel "o" (e.g., gastr/o, cardi/o)

  • Step 3: Identify suffix

    • Suffixes appear at the end and usually indicate procedure, condition, or specialty (e.g., -itis, -ectomy)

  • Step 4: Combine meanings left-to-right; adjust grammar

    • Translate each component and combine them in a logical order that makes sense in English

Anatomical Position, Planes, Directions, Cavities

Anatomical Position

  • Standard reference position used to describe locations of structures:

    • Standing erect

    • Facing forward

    • Arms at sides, palms forward (supinated)

    • Feet parallel, toes forward

    • Head level, eyes looking forward

Directional Pairs

Direction

Opposing Direction

Anterior / Ventral

(front)

Posterior / Dorsal

(back)

Superior / Cranial

(toward head)

Inferior / Caudal

(toward feet)

Medial

(toward midline)

Lateral

(away from midline)

Proximal

(near attachment)

Distal

(far from attachment)

Superficial

(toward surface)

Deep

(away from surface)

Body Planes & Sections

  • Sagittal Plane: Divides body into right/left

    • Midsagittal (median): equal halves

    • Parasagittal: unequal portions

  • Frontal/Coronal Plane: Divides into anterior/posterior

  • Transverse/Horizontal Plane: Divides into superior/inferior

  • Oblique Plane: Any plane between the above

Body Cavities

  • Dorsal Body Cavity

    • Cranial cavity: Contains brain

    • Vertebral/Spinal cavity: Contains spinal cord

  • Ventral Body Cavity

    • Thoracic: Pleural, Pericardial, Mediastinum (protected by rib cage)

    • Abdominopelvic: Abdominal, Pelvic (separated by pelvic inlet)

    • Quadrants: RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ

    • 9 Regions: Hypochondriac (R/L), Epigastric, Lumbar (R/L), Umbilical, Iliac/Inguinal (R/L), Hypogastric

Movement Terms

  • Flexion ↔ Extension

  • Abduction ↔ Adduction

  • Rotation (internal/external)

  • Supination ↔ Pronation

  • Inversion ↔ Eversion

  • Circumduction

Skeletal System – Roots, Conditions, Procedures

Key Roots

  • oste/o (bone) → osteology

  • arthr/o (joint) → arthritis

  • chondr/o (cartilage) → chondritis

  • cost/o (rib) → costalgia

  • crani/o (skull) → craniotomy

  • spondyl/o (vertebra) → spondylitis

  • vertebr/o (vertebra) → vertebroplasty

  • stern/o (sternum) → sternotomy

  • carp/o (wrist) → carpectomy

  • tars/o (ankle) → tarsalgia

  • myel/o (bone marrow) → myeloma

  • lamin/o (lamina) → laminectomy

Common Conditions

  • Osteoporosis (porous bone): Decrease in bone mass and density

  • Osteomalacia (soft bone): Softening of bones due to vitamin D deficiency

  • Osteomyelitis (bone infection): Infection of bone/bone marrow

  • Arthritis (joint inflammation): General term for joint inflammation

  • Osteoarthritis (degenerative): Wear-and-tear degenerative joint disease

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune): Autoimmune joint inflammation

  • Scoliosis (lateral curvature): Abnormal lateral curve of spine

  • Kyphosis (hunchback): Abnormal posterior curve of spine

  • Lordosis (swayback): Abnormal anterior curve of spine

Fracture Types

  • Simple/Closed: Bone breaks but doesn't pierce skin

  • Compound/Open: Bone breaks through skin

  • Comminuted: Bone shatters into multiple pieces

  • Greenstick: Incomplete fracture (children)

  • Spiral: Twisting break around bone

  • Oblique: Diagonal break across bone

  • Impacted: Fragments driven into each other

  • Pathological: Due to disease weakening bone

Diagnostics & Procedures

  • Arthroscopy: Visual exam of joint interior

  • Arthroplasty: Joint repair/replacement

  • Osteotomy: Cutting of bone

  • Laminectomy: Removal of vertebral arch

  • Reduction: Restoring proper alignment (closed or open)

  • Fixation: Stabilizing fracture (internal or external)

  • Arthrodesis: Surgical fusion of joint

  • Arthrogram: X-ray of joint with contrast

Total: 5% of exam | HOSA Medical Terminology Study Guide

Muscular System – Terms, Movement, Disorders

Key Root Words & Combining Forms

  • my/o, myo- (muscle) → myocyte, myalgia

  • muscul/o (muscle) → musculoskeletal

  • tend/o, tendin/o (tendon) → tendinitis

  • fasci/o (fascia) → fascitis

  • fibr/o (fiber) → fibrosis

  • sarco- (flesh, muscle) → sarcopenia

  • leiomy/o (smooth muscle) → leiomyoma

  • rhabd/o (striated muscle) → rhabdomyolysis

Common Conditions & Pathologies

  • myalgia (muscle pain) → fibromyalgia

  • myositis (muscle inflammation) → polymyositis

  • myopathy (muscle disease) → neuropathic myopathy

  • muscular dystrophy (genetic degeneration) → Duchenne muscular dystrophy

  • myasthenia gravis (neuromusc. weakness) → autoimmune disorder

  • tendinitis (tendon inflammation) → Achilles tendinitis

  • tendinosis (tendon degeneration) → chronic condition

  • rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) → creatine kinase ↑

Function & Degree Terms

  • -trophy (nourishment/development):

    • atrophy (decrease in size) → disuse atrophy

    • hypertrophy (increase in size) → cardiac hypertrophy

    • dystrophy (abnormal development) → muscular dystrophy

    • myotrophy (muscle nutrition) → myotrophic

  • -plegia (paralysis):

    • hemiplegia (half of body) → post-stroke

    • paraplegia (lower limbs) → thoracic injury

    • quadriplegia (all four limbs) → cervical injury

    • diplegia (similar body parts) → cerebral palsy

  • -paresis (weakness): hemiparesis, paraparesis, quadriparesis

Movement Terminology

  • Abduction (movement away from midline) → ab = away

  • Adduction (movement toward midline) → ad = toward

  • Flexion (decrease joint angle) → bending motion

  • Extension (increase joint angle) → straightening

  • Dorsiflexion (foot upward) → ankle movement

  • Plantarflexion (foot downward) → pointing toes

  • Rotation (around axis) → medial/lateral

  • Circumduction (circular movement) → arm windmill

  • Supination (palm up) → holding soup

  • Pronation (palm down) → pouring

Injuries & Procedures

  • Strain (muscle/tendon injury) → overstretching

  • Sprain (ligament injury) → joint instability

  • Tenosynovitis (tendon sheath infl.) → de Quervain's

  • Compartment syndrome (↑ pressure) → ischemia

  • Myotomy (muscle incision) → release tension

  • Tenotomy (tendon cutting) → clubfoot

  • Tenorrhaphy (tendon suture) → repair

  • Myoplasty (muscle repair) → reconstructive

  • RICE therapy (injury treatment) → rest, ice, compression, elevation

  • Fasciotomy (fascia cutting) → release pressure

  • Myorrhaphy (muscle suturing) → repair tear

  • EMG (electromyography) → diagnose function

Total: 5% of exam | HOSA Medical Terminology Study Guide

Respiratory (Left) | Digestive (Right)

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

  • Root Words

    • pneum/o, pulmon/o: lung

    • bronch/o, bronchiol/o: bronchus, bronchiole

    • trache/o: trachea (windpipe)

    • laryng/o: larynx (voice box)

    • pharyng/o: pharynx (throat)

    • pleur/o: pleura (lung membrane)

    • nas/o, rhin/o: nose

Breathing (-pnea) Terms

  • apnea: absence of breathing

  • dyspnea: difficult or painful breathing

  • tachypnea: rapid breathing

  • bradypnea: slow breathing

  • orthopnea: breathing only in upright position

Common Conditions

  • pneumonia: inflammation/infection of lung tissue

  • bronchitis: inflammation of bronchi

  • laryngitis: inflammation of larynx

  • tracheitis: inflammation of trachea

  • pleurisy: inflammation of pleura

  • COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

  • asthma: chronic inflammation with bronchospasm

Procedures

  • tracheotomy: incision into trachea

  • bronchoscopy: visualization of bronchial tree

  • laryngoscopy: visualization of larynx

  • thoracentesis: aspiration of fluid from pleural cavity

  • spirometry: measurement of lung capacity

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

  • Root Words

    • or/o: mouth

    • esophag/o: esophagus

    • gastr/o: stomach

    • enter/o: small intestine

    • col/o, colon/o: large intestine (colon)

    • hepat/o: liver

    • cholecyst/o: gallbladder

    • pancreat/o: pancreas

    • proct/o: rectum, anus

Common Conditions

  • gastritis: inflammation of stomach

  • enteritis: inflammation of intestine

  • colitis: inflammation of colon

  • hepatitis: inflammation of liver

  • cholecystitis: inflammation of gallbladder

  • pancreatitis: inflammation of pancreas

  • GERD: gastroesophageal reflux disease

  • peptic ulcer: erosion of GI mucosa

  • cirrhosis: chronic liver disease

Procedures

  • EGD: esophagogastroduodenoscopy

  • colonoscopy: visualization of colon

  • sigmoidoscopy: visualization of sigmoid colon

  • cholecystectomy: removal of gallbladder

  • gastrectomy: removal of stomach (partial/total)

  • hepatectomy: removal of liver (partial)

  • ERCP: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Specialty

  • gastroenterology: study of digestive system

  • hepatology: study of liver

Cardiovascular & Lymphatic Systems

Root Words

  • cardi/o (heart) → cardiology

  • angi/o (vessel) → angiogram

  • arteri/o (artery) → arteritis

  • phleb/o, ven/o (vein) → phlebitis

  • hem/o, hemat/o (blood) → hematoma

  • lymph/o (lymph) → lymphatic

  • lymphaden/o (lymph node) → lymphadenitis

  • thromb/o (clot) → thrombosis

  • ather/o (plaque) → atherosclerosis

  • coron/o (crown/heart) → coronary

  • splen/o (spleen) → splenomegaly

  • sphygm/o (pulse) → sphygmomanometer

Cardiac Terms

  • tachycardia (fast heart rate): > 100 beats/min

  • bradycardia (slow heart rate): < 60 beats/min

  • cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) → heart failure

  • cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) → dilated/hypertrophic

  • myocardial (heart muscle) → myocardial infarction

  • endocarditis (inner layer inflammation) → valve damage

  • pericarditis (outer layer inflammation) → chest pain

  • arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) → AF, VF, heart block

Vascular/Pressure Terms

  • hypertension (high blood pressure): > 130/80 mmHg

  • hypotension (low blood pressure): < 90/60 mmHg

  • arteriosclerosis (artery hardening) → reduced elasticity

  • atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) → narrowed arteries

  • phlebitis (vein inflammation) → pain, swelling

  • vasculitis (vessel inflammation) → autoimmune

  • stenosis (narrowing) → aortic/mitral

  • varicose veins (enlarged veins) → venous insufficiency

Blood Disorders

  • anemia (low RBC/hemoglobin) → fatigue, pallor

  • leukemia (blood cell cancer) → WBC dysfunction

  • thrombosis (blood clot formation) → DVT, stroke

  • embolism (traveling clot) → pulmonary embolism

  • hematoma (blood collection) → bruising

  • hemophilia (clotting disorder) → excessive bleeding

  • polycythemia (excess RBC) → thickened blood

  • leukopenia (low WBC) → infection risk

Lymphatic Conditions

  • lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) → infection

  • lymphedema (lymph buildup) → limb swelling

  • angiography (vessel imaging) → contrast medium

  • angioplasty (vessel repair) → balloon dilation

  • lymphoma (lymphatic cancer) → Hodgkin's/non-Hodgkin's

  • splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) → left upper abdomen

  • phlebotomy (venipuncture) → blood draw

  • cardiac catheterization (heart procedure) → diagnosis/treatment

  • lymphadenitis (inflamed nodes) → tender, painful

  • lymphangitis (lymph vessel inflammation) → red streaks

  • ECG/EKG (electrical activity) → heart rhythm

  • echocardiography (ultrasound imaging) → structure/function

Total: 45+ key terms | HOSA Medical Terminology Study Guide

Nervous System (Top) | Special Senses (Bottom)

NERVOUS SYSTEM

  • Root Words

  • neur/o: nerve

  • encephal/o: brain

  • cerebr/o: cerebrum (largest part of brain)

  • cerebell/o: cerebellum (back part of brain)

  • mening/o: meninges (membranes covering brain/spinal cord)

  • myel/o: spinal cord or bone marrow

Common Conditions

  • neuralgia: nerve pain

  • neuritis: inflammation of a nerve

  • neuropathy: disease of nerves

  • encephalitis: inflammation of the brain

  • meningitis: inflammation of the meninges

  • multiple sclerosis: demyelinating disease

  • epilepsy: recurrent seizure disorder

  • stroke (CVA): cerebrovascular accident

  • TIA: transient ischemic attack

  • Alzheimer disease: progressive neurodegenerative disorder

Procedures

  • neuroplasty: surgical repair of a nerve

  • EEG: electroencephalography

  • lumbar puncture: spinal tap

  • craniotomy: surgical opening into the skull

  • myelography: x-ray examination of the spinal cord

SPECIAL SENSES

  • Eyes

    • ophthalm/o, opt/o: eye

    • retin/o: retina

    • blephar/o: eyelid

    • dacry/o: tear, lacrimal apparatus

    • kerat/o: cornea

    • conjunctiv/o: conjunctiva

  • Ears & Nose

    • ot/o: ear

    • audi/o, acous/o: hearing

    • tympan/o: eardrum

    • rhin/o, nas/o: nose

    • olfact/o: smell

    • sinus/o: sinus

Common Conditions

  • conjunctivitis: inflammation of the conjunctiva

  • glaucoma: increased intraocular pressure

  • cataract: clouding of the lens

  • retinopathy: disease of the retina

  • otitis media: middle ear infection

  • tinnitus: ringing in the ears

  • rhinitis: inflammation of nasal mucosa

  • sinusitis: inflammation of sinuses

Procedures

  • optometry: measurement of vision

  • ophthalmoscopy: examination of eye interior

  • tonometry: measurement of pressure (intraocular)

  • otoscopy: examination of the ear

  • tympanoplasty: surgical repair of eardrum

  • rhinoplasty: surgical repair of nose

Total: 35+ key terms | HOSA Medical Terminology Study Guide

Endocrine, Reproductive & Integumentary Systems

Endocrine System

Key Root Words

  • aden/o: gland

  • thyroid/o, thyr/o: thyroid gland

  • parathyroid/o: parathyroid gland

  • adren/o: adrenal gland

  • pancreat/o: pancreas

  • pituitar/o, hypophys/o: pituitary gland

  • gonad/o: sex glands

  • thym/o: thymus gland

Key Terms & Conditions

  • endocrinology: study of endocrine system

  • adenoma: glandular tumor

  • thyroiditis: inflammation of the thyroid

  • hyperthyroidism: excessive thyroid secretion

  • hypothyroidism: deficient thyroid secretion

  • diabetes mellitus: hyperglycemia (↑ blood glucose)

  • adrenalectomy: removal of adrenal gland

  • goiter: enlarged thyroid gland

Reproductive System

Male Reproductive Root Words

  • orchid/o, test/o: testis

  • prostat/o: prostate gland

  • balan/o: glans penis

  • vas/o: vas deferens

  • sperm/o, semin/o: sperm

  • andr/o: male

Procedures/Conditions

  • orchidectomy: removal of testis

  • prostatectomy: removal of prostate

  • vasectomy: cutting of vas deferens

  • orchitis: testicular inflammation

  • balanitis: inflammation of glans penis

  • prostatitis: prostate inflammation

Female Reproductive Root Words

  • hyster/o, metr/o, uter/o: uterus

  • oophor/o, ovari/o: ovary

  • salping/o: fallopian tube

  • colp/o, vagin/o: vagina

  • cervic/o: cervix (neck of uterus)

  • gyn/o: female

  • mamm/o, mast/o: breast

Procedures/Conditions

  • hysterectomy: removal of uterus

  • oophorectomy: removal of ovary

  • salpingectomy: removal of fallopian tube

  • colposcopy: visual exam of vagina

  • episiotomy: incision of perineum

  • amenorrhea: absence of menstruation

  • dysmenorrhea: painful menstruation

Integumentary System

Root Words

  • derm/o, dermat/o, cutane/o: skin

  • trich/o: hair

  • onych/o: nail

  • seb/o: sebum (oil)

  • kerat/o: horny tissue/cornea

  • melan/o: black pigment

  • hidr/o: sweat

  • xer/o: dry

Conditions & Procedures

  • dermatitis: skin inflammation

  • dermatology: study of skin

  • subcutaneous: beneath the skin

  • onychomycosis: fungal nail infection

  • melanoma: pigmented malignant tumor

  • albinism: lack of melanin pigment

  • alopecia: hair loss

  • hidrosis: excessive sweating

  • seborrhea: excessive oil secretion

  • xerosis: abnormal dryness

  • biopsy: removal of tissue for exam

  • dermatoplasty: skin repair

  • debridement: removal of dead tissue

Urinary System + Commonly Confused Terms

URINARY SYSTEM

Key Root Words

  • ren/o, nephr/o: kidney (ren = Latin, nephr = Greek)

  • cyst/o: urinary bladder

  • ur/o: urine, urinary tract

  • ureter/o: ureter (kidney to bladder)

  • urethr/o: urethra (bladder to outside)

  • pyel/o: renal pelvis

Common Conditions

  • nephritis: inflammation of kidney

  • cystitis: inflammation of bladder

  • pyelonephritis: inflammation of kidney and renal pelvis

  • uremia: excess urea in blood

  • renal failure: kidney failure

  • nephrolithiasis: kidney stones

  • urinary retention: inability to empty bladder

Procedures

  • urinalysis: analysis of urine

  • cystoscopy: visualization of bladder

  • nephrectomy: removal of kidney

  • lithotripsy: crushing of stones

  • catheterization: insertion of tube into bladder

COMMONLY CONFUSED TERMS

  • Anatomical & Positional Pairs

    • ileum: part of small intestine (e for enteric/gut)

    • ilium: hip bone (i for "I hurt my hip")

    • abduction: movement away from midline (ab = away)

    • adduction: movement toward midline (ad = toward)

    • proximal: near attachment/origin (prox = close)

    • distal: far from attachment/origin (dist = distant)

  • Terminology Traps

    • afferent: carrying toward a center (a for arrival)

    • efferent: carrying away from center (e for exit)

    • palpation: examining by touch (palm = touch)

    • percussion: tapping body for diagnosis (percuss = tap)

    • acute: sudden onset, short duration (think "acute angle" = sharp)

    • chronic: long-lasting, persistent (chron = time)

    • ureter: tube from kidney to bladder (-er = enters bladder)

    • urethra: tube from bladder to outside (-a = away from bladder)

Term Families & Relationships - Visualizing Medical Terminology

Cardiovascular

  • cardi/o (heart) → cardiology: study of the heart → cardiologist: heart specialist → carditis: inflammation of heart → cardiomegaly: enlarged heart → tachycardia: fast heart rate → cardiomyopathy: heart muscle disease

Nervous System

  • neur/o (nerve) → neurology: study of nerves/nervous system → neuralgia: nerve pain → neuritis: inflammation of nerves → neuropathy: nerve disease → neuroplasty: surgical repair of nerve

Digestive System

  • gastr/o (stomach) → gastritis: inflammation of stomach → gastroenterology: study of stomach and intestines → gastroscopy: visual examination of stomach → gastric: pertaining to stomach → gastralgia: stomach pain

Integumentary System

  • derm/o (skin) → dermatology: study of skin → dermatitis: inflammation of skin → dermatosis: skin condition → dermatome: area of skin supplied by single spinal nerve → dermatoplasty: surgical skin repair

Hematology

  • hem/o (blood) → hematology: study of blood → hematoma: blood collection/clot → hemorrhage: bleeding → hemolysis: blood cell destruction → hemostasis: stopping blood flow

Top 100 Must-Know Terms – Quick Reference

Anatomical Basics & Directions

  • Anterior/Ventral: front side of body

  • Posterior/Dorsal: back side of body

  • Superior/Cranial: toward the head

  • Inferior/Caudal: away from the head

  • Medial: toward midline

  • Lateral: away from midline

  • Proximal: near attachment

  • Distal: away from attachment

  • Superficial: toward surface

  • Deep: away from surface

  • Ipsilateral: same side

  • Contralateral: opposite side

Movement Terms

  • Flexion: decreasing angle

  • Extension: increasing angle

  • Abduction: away from midline

  • Adduction: toward midline

  • Rotation: turning on axis

  • Supination: palm up/forward

  • Pronation: palm down/back

  • Circumduction: circular movement

Cardiovascular Terms

  • Hypertension: hyper- (high) + tension

  • Hypotension: hypo- (low) + tension

  • Tachycardia: tachy- (fast) + card/o + -ia

  • Bradycardia: brady- (slow) + card/o + -ia

  • Myocardial: my/o (muscle) + card/o + -ial

  • Myocarditis: my/o + card/o + -itis (inflammation)

  • Cardiomegaly: card/o + -megaly (enlarge)

  • Atherosclerosis: ather/o (plaque) + -sclerosis

Infarction

  • Tissue death from ↓ blood

  • Arrhythmia: a- (without) + rhythm/o + -ia

  • Ischemia: isch/o (block) + -emia (blood)

  • Angina pectoris: chest pain from ↓ O₂

Hematology Terms

  • Anemia: an- (without) + -emia (blood)

  • Leukemia: leuk/o (white) + -emia

  • Hemoglobin: hem/o (blood) + globin

  • Hematoma: hemat/o (blood) + -oma (mass)

  • Hemostasis: hem/o + -stasis (stopping)

  • Thrombosis: thromb/o (clot) + -osis

Respiratory Terms

  • Pneumonia: pneum/o (lung) + -ia

  • Bronchitis: bronch/o + -itis (inflammation)

  • Laryngitis: laryng/o + -itis

  • Tracheotomy: trache/o + -tomy (cut)

  • Apnea: a- (without) + -pnea

  • Dyspnea: dys- (difficult) + -pnea

  • Orthopnea: ortho- (straight) + -pnea

  • Hemoptysis: hem/o + -ptysis (spitting)

Gastrointestinal Terms

  • Gastritis: gastr/o (stomach) + -itis

  • Enteritis: enter/o (intestine) + -itis

  • Colitis: col/o (colon) + -itis

  • Hepatitis: hepat/o (liver) + -itis

  • Cholecystitis: cholecyst/o (gallbladder) + -itis

  • Gastroenterology: gastr/o + enter/o + -logy

  • Colonoscopy: colon/o + -scopy (viewing)

Skeletal Terms

  • Osteoporosis: oste/o (bone) + -porosis (porous)

  • Osteoarthritis: oste/o + arthr/o (joint) + -itis

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: autoimmune joint inflammation

  • Osteomyelitis: oste/o + myel/o (marrow) + -itis

  • Scoliosis: scoli/o (curved) + -osis

  • Kyphosis: kyph/o (hump) + -osis

  • Lordosis: lord/o (curved) + -osis

  • Arthroplasty: arthr/o + -plasty (repair)

Muscular & Neurological Terms

  • Myalgia: my/o (muscle) + -algia (pain)

  • Myositis: my/o + -itis (inflammation)

  • Myopathy: my/o + -pathy (disease)

  • Dystrophy: dys- (abnormal) + -trophy

  • Hemiplegia: hemi- (half) + -plegia (paralysis)

  • Paraplegia: para- (beside) + -plegia

  • Quadriplegia: quadri- (four) + -plegia

  • Paresis: weakness (vs. paralysis)

  • Neuropathy: neur/o (nerve) + -pathy

  • Neuralgia: neur/o + -algia (pain)

  • Encephalitis: encephal/o (brain) + -itis

  • Meningitis: mening/o (meninges) + -itis

  • CVA (stroke): cerebrovascular accident

  • TIA: transient ischemic attack

  • Multiple sclerosis: multi- + -sclerosis (hardening)

  • Epilepsy: seizure disorder

Special Senses Terms

  • Conjunctivitis: conjunctiv/o + -itis

  • Glaucoma: glauc/o (gray) + -oma

  • Cataract: lens opacity

  • Retinopathy: retin/o + -pathy

  • Otitis media: ot/o (ear) + -itis (middle)

  • Tinnitus: ringing in ears

  • Sinusitis: sinus/o + -itis

  • Rhinoplasty: rhin/o (nose) + -plasty

Endocrine, Reproductive, Integumentary, Urinary

  • Hyperthyroidism: hyper- + thyroid/o + -ism

  • Hypothyroidism: hypo- + thyroid/o + -ism

  • Diabetes Mellitus: elevated blood glucose

  • Hysterectomy: hyster/o (uterus) + -ectomy

  • Oophorectomy: oophor/o (ovary) + -ectomy

  • Menorrhagia: men/o (menses) + -rrhagia

  • Dermatitis: dermat/o (skin) + -itis

  • Nephritis: nephr/o (kidney) + -itis

  • Cystitis: cyst/o (bladder) + -itis

  • Pyelonephritis: pyel/o (renal pelvis) + nephr/o + -itis

  • Hematuria: hemat/o (blood) + -uria

  • Nephrectomy: nephr/o + -ectomy

Practice Questions & Term Breakdown

SAMPLE MCQ QUESTIONS

1) Which suffix means "breathing"?
A) -cide
B) -ion
C) -pnea
D) -stasis
2) Surgical removal of the gallbladder is:
A) cholecystostomy
B) cholecystotomy
C) cholecystectomy
D) cholecystopexy
3) Which root means "liver"?
A) hepat/o
B) nephr/o
C) ren/o
D) enter/o
4) Inflammation of the meninges is called:
A) encephalitis
B) neuritis
C) myelitis
D) meningitis
5) High blood pressure is known as:
A) hypotension
B) hypertension
C) hyperglycemia
D) hyperemia
6) Blue discoloration is called:
A) xanthosis
B) cyanosis
C) erythrocytosis
D) melanosis
7) Slow heart rate is termed:
A) tachycardia
B) bradycardia
C) arrhythmia
D) cardiomegaly
8) Incision into the trachea is called:
A) tracheostomy
B) tracheotomy
C) tracheoplasty
D) tracheoscopy

ANSWERS

1-C: -pnea means "breathing"
2-C: -ectomy means "surgical removal"
3-A: hepat/o refers to the liver
4-D: mening/o + -itis = inflammation of meninges
5-B: hyper- (excessive) + tension (pressure)
6-B: cyan/o means blue/bluish
7-B: brady- (slow) + cardi/o (heart)
8-B: trache/o (trachea) + -tomy (incision)

TERM BREAKDOWN PRACTICE

  1. osteoarthritis

    • oste/o (bone) + arthr/o (joint) + -itis (inflammation) → inflammation of bone and joint

  2. gastroenteritis

    • gastr/o (stomach) + enter/o (intestine) + -itis (inflammation) → inflammation of stomach and intestines

  3. cardiomegaly

    • cardi/o (heart) + -megaly (enlargement) → enlargement of the heart

  4. neuritis

    • neur/o (nerve) + -itis (inflammation) → inflammation of a nerve

  5. rhinoplasty

    • rhin/o (nose) + -plasty (surgical repair) → surgical repair of the nose

  6. nephrectomy

    • nephr/o (kidney) + -ectomy (removal) → surgical removal of a kidney

  7. leukocytosis

    • leuk/o (white) + cyt/o (cell) + -osis (abnormal condition) → abnormal increase in white blood cells

  8. hypoglycemia

    • hypo- (below, deficient) + glyc/o (sugar) + -emia (blood condition) → deficient sugar in the blood

Practice Tips

  • Word-Building Formula: Prefix (optional) + Root(s) + Suffix (required)

  • Step 1: Identify each word part

  • Step 2: Know the meaning of each part

  • Step 3: Combine meanings for complete definition

  • Step 4: Apply grammar rules (drop vowels before vowels)

Common Traps, Spelling & Test Strategy

Spelling Pitfalls

  • Double Letters:

    • hemorrhage (not hemorhage)

    • otorrhea (not otorhea)

    • menorrhagia (not menoragia)

    • appendectomy

    • gall bladder

Similar Sounds

  • ileum (intestine) vs ilium (hip)

  • ureter vs urethra

  • ab- (away) vs ad- (toward)

  • pleural vs plural

  • palpation vs palpitation

  • British vs American: anemia vs anaemia, esophagus vs oesophagus

Note: HOSA uses US spelling

Watch Silent Letters

  • pneumonia, diaphragm, ptosis, psychiatry, gnathic

Word-Building Traps

Combining Vowel "o" Rules

  • Keep between two roots: cardiomyopathy

  • Drop before vowel-starting suffix: arthritis (not arthroitis)

    • Exception: Keep if needed for pronunciation

Language Consistency

  • Greek with Greek, Latin with Latin

  • Don't mix: quadrilateral (correct) vs quadroangle (incorrect mix)

Easily Confused Terms

  • -ectomy (removal) vs -ostomy (opening) vs -otomy (incision)

    • -ectomy = excision (cut out); -ostomy = opening; -otomy = cut open

  • -itis (inflammation) vs -osis (abnormal condition)

    • -itis = inflammation; -osis = state/condition

  • ather/o (plaque) vs arteri/o (artery)

    • atherosclerosis = plaque hardening; arteriosclerosis = artery hardening

  • hyster/o (uterus) vs hist/o (tissue)**:

    • hysterectomy (uterus removal); histology (study of tissue)

Time & Strategy Tips

Pace Management

  • **60 min ÷ 50 questions = 1.2 min/question

First pass**: Answer what you know

  • Mark challenging questions for review

  • Return to marked questions

  • Double check before time expires

Elimination Strategies

  • Use parts to deduce terms you don't know

  • Eliminate options with mismatched parts

  • If two choices look similar, compare differences

  • Watch for suffix type: procedure (-tomy) vs condition (-itis)

Use process of elimination on tough questions

Tiebreaker Tips

  • Spelling must be exact for tiebreakers

  • Write root + suffix in your head first

  • Sound out each syllable carefully

  • Beware of double consonants

  • No abbreviations permitted

Final Tip

  • For words you're unsure about, mentally break them into components (prefix-root-suffix) and rebuild!

4-Week Study Plan & Resources

4-Week Study Plan

Week 1: Prefixes & Suffixes (45% foundation)

  • Days 1–3: Negative/position/intensity prefixes

  • Days 4–6: Surgical/diagnostic/pathology suffixes

  • Day 7: Mixed quiz & review errors

Week 2: Roots by System

  • Days 1-2: Cardiovascular/Respiratory roots

  • Days 3-4: Digestive/Urinary roots

  • Days 5-6: Musculoskeletal roots

  • Days 7: Neuro/Special Senses roots

Week 3: Body Systems & Conditions

  • Days 1-2: Learn top conditions per system

  • Days 3-4: Common procedures per system

  • Days 5-6: Anatomical terms & planes

  • Days 7: Commonly confused pairs

Week 4: Practice & Review

  • Days 1-3: Take 3 timed practice tests

  • Day 4: Review your error log patterns

  • Day 5: Final mixed prefix/suffix review

  • Days 6-7: Spelling drills (rrh/pt/ps/gn)

Daily Checklist (30–45 min)

  • Time Activity

  • 10 min Flashcards: Review 20-30 prefix/suffix cards daily

  • 10 min System Focus: Study roots from one body system

  • 10 min Practice: Answer 10 sample questions

  • 5-10 min Error Log: Review missed terms & spelling challenges

  • 5 min Word Analysis: Break down 5 new complex terms

Resources

  • Official HOSA Resources:

    • HOSA Medical Terminology Guidelines (2025–26)

    • Ehrlich: Medical Terminology for Health Professions (latest edition)

    • Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary (latest edition)

    • Stanhope & Turnbull: Introduction to Medical Terminology

    • Dean Vaughn's Medical Terminology by Body Systems

  • Practice Materials:

    • Reputable flashcards (Quizlet/Brainscape)

    • Practice tests with answer explanations

    • Medical Terminology word part lists

    • Medical term building games & apps

    • School-provided study materials

Test Day Tips Preparation

  • Sleep well the night before (7-8 hours minimum)

  • Eat a nutritious breakfast and stay hydrated

  • Arrive 30 minutes early to avoid rushing

  • Bring required items: #2 pencils, photo ID

During the Test

  • Remember: 50 questions in 60 minutes (1.2 min/question)

  • Answer easy questions first, mark difficult ones

  • Use word part knowledge to deduce unfamiliar terms

For tiebreakers:** Spelling must be 100% accurate**

Strategy Tips

  • Dress professionally for bonus points (HOSA uniform or business attire)

  • Break down complex terms into prefixes, roots, suffixes

  • When uncertain, eliminate wrong answers systematically

  • Trust your preparation and word-part logic