med term chapter 1
Introduction to Medical Terminology
Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
• Identify and define the four elements used to build medical words.
• Apply the basic rules to define and build medical terms.
• Define and provide examples of surgical, diagnostic, pathological, and related suffixes.
• Define and provide examples of adjective and noun endings that form medical words.
• Apply rules learned in this chapter to write singular and plural forms of medical words.
• Practice pronouncing the medical terms presented in this chapter.
• Demonstrate your knowledge by successfully completing the activities in this chapter.
The language of medicine is a specialized vocabulary used by health care providers. Many current medical word elements originated as early as the 4th century B.C., when Hippocrates practiced medicine. With technological and scientific advancements in medicine, new terms have evolved to reflect these innovations. For example, radiographic terms, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US), are now used to describe current diagnostic procedures.
MEDICAL WORD ELEMENTS
A medical word consists of some or all of the following elements:
• word root
• combining form
• suffix
• prefix
How these elements are combined and whether all or some of them are present in a medical term determine the meaning of a word. To understand the meaning of medical words, it is important to learn how to divide them into their basic elements. This chapter covers the basic principles of medical word building and how to pronounce terms correctly. Pronunciations are provided with all terms. In addition, pronunciation guidelines are located on the inside back cover of this book, so you can refer to them throughout the chapters to pronounce terms correctly.
Word Roots
A word root (WR) is the foundation of a medical term and contains its primary meaning. All medical terms have at least one word root. Examine the terms tonsillitis, tonsillectomy, colitis, and colectomy listed below to determine their basic elements (roots and suffixes) and meanings. You will note that the meaning of the word changes whenever you change one of the word elements. (In the examples that follow, word roots are in boldface and suffixes are in blue.)
Word Analysis The roots tonsill and col indicate body parts, the tonsils and colon, respectively. The suffix -itis means inflammation; the suffix -ectomy means excision, removal. By adding a different suffix to the root, the meaning of the word changes, as shown in the above examples.
Combining Forms
A combining form (CF) is created when a word root is combined with a vowel. The vowel, known as a combining vowel, is usually an o, but sometimes it is an i or e. The combining vowel has no meaning of its own but enables two word elements to be connected. Like the word root, the combining form is the basic foundation to which other word elements are added to build a complete medical word. In this text, a combining form will be listed as word root/vowel (e.g., arthr/o, gastr/o, nephr/o, neur/o, and oste/o), as illustrated in the following examples. The difficulty of pronouncing certain combinations of word roots requires insertion of a vowel, usually an o. Like the word root, the combining form usually indicates a body part.
Examples of Combining Forms
Word Root + Combining Vowel = Combining Form Meaning
arthr + o = arthr/o joint
Gastr + o = gastr/o stomach
Nephr + o = nephr/o kidney
Neur + o = neur/o nerve
Oste + o = oste/o bone
Linking Suffixes
A CF links with a suffix that begins with a consonant. Examples of suffixes that begin with a consonant are -centesis and -pathy. This linking is illustrated below in the terms arthr/o/centesis and gastr/o/pathy.
A WR links with a suffix that begins with a vowel. Examples of suffixes that begin with a vowel are -itis and -ectomy. This linking is illustrated below in the terms arthr/itis and gastr/ectomy.
Word Analysis The roots gastr and arthr indicate body parts. The suffix -itis means inflammation; -centesis means puncture; -pathy means disease; and -ectomy means excision, removal.
Suffixes
A suffix is a word element placed at the end of a word that changes the meaning of the word. In the terms mast/ectomy and mast/itis, the suffixes are -ectomy (excision, removal) and -itis (inflammation). Changing the suffix changes the meaning of the word. In medical terminology, a suffix usually describes a pathology (disease or abnormality), symptom, surgical or diagnostic procedure, or part of speech.
When studying medical terminology, try to learn the combining form rather than the root because the combining form makes most words easier to pronounce. In the example arthrocentesis, the root without a connecting vowel would be written arthrcentesis (ăr-thr-sĕn-TĒ-sĭs). Spelled this way, the term is difficult to pronounce. By adding the vowel after the root, the word arthrocentesis (ăr-thrō-sĕn-TĒ-sĭs) is much easier to pronounce.
Word Analysis The root mast indicates the body part, the breast. The suffix -ectomy means excision, removal; the suffix -itis means inflammation. Adding different suffixes to the root mast changes the meaning of the word.
Prefixes
A prefix is a word element attached to the beginning of a word or word root. However, not all medical terms have a prefix. Adding or changing a prefix changes the meaning of the word. The prefix usually indicates a number, time, position, direction, or negation. Prefixes do not require adding a connecting vowel. Many prefixes in medical terms are the same as the prefixes used in the English language. Consider the following terms. (In the examples that follow, word roots are in boldface, suffixes are in blue, and prefixes are in pink.)
The prefixes pre- and post- indicate a state of time. Both prefixes are attached directly to the word root that follows. In the above examples, pre- and post- are attached to the root nat. In this text, whenever a prefix stands alone, it will be followed by a hyphen, as in pre- and post-. Whenever a suffix stands alone, it will be preceded by a hyphen, as in -al.
Word Analysis The root nat means birth; the suffix -al means pertaining to.
Review Activity 1-1
Matching Word Elements
Match the numbered list items with their definitions in the right-hand column.
1. _______________ pre- means
Choose one...
2. _______________ basic components of words
Choose one...
3. _______________ combining form
Choose one...
4. _______________ combining vowel(s)
Choose one...
5. _______________ post- means
Choose one...
6. _______________ suffix -itis
Choose one...
7. _______________ gastr means
Choose one...
8. _______________ location of prefixes
Choose one...
9. _______________ location of suffixes
Choose one...
10. _______________ word root
Choose one...
Show Answer
Competency Verification: Check your answers in Appendix B, Answer Key, page 381. If you are not satisfied with your level of comprehension, review the terms in the table, and retake the review.
Review Activity 1-2
Understanding Medical Word Elements
Correct Response:
1. root, combining form, suffix, and prefix
2. arthr
3. False—A combining vowel is usually an “o.”
4. False—A word root links a suffix that begins with a vowel.
5. True
6. True
7. False—Whenever a prefix stands alone, it will be followed by a hyphen.
8. True
Fill in the following blanks to complete the sentences correctly:
1. The four elements used to form medical words are .
2. A root is the main part, or foundation, of a word. In the words arthritis, arthroma, and arthroscope, the root is .
Identify the following statements as true or false by circling True or False for each statement. If false, rewrite the statement correctly on the line provided.
3. A combining vowel is usually an e.
4. A word root (WR) links a suffix that begins with a consonant .
5. A combining vowel links multiple roots to each other .
6. A combining form links a suffix that begins with a consonant .
7. Whenever a prefix stands alone, it will be preceded by a hyphen .
8. In the term intramuscular, intra- is the prefix .
Show Answer
Underline
Underline the word root in each of the following combining forms:
9. splen/o (spleen)
10. hyster/o (uterus)
11. enter/o (intestine)
12. neur/o (nerve)
13. ot/o (ear)
14. dermat/o (skin)
15. hydr/o (water)
Show Answer
Competency Verification: Check your answers in Appendix B, Answer Key, page 381. If you are not satisfied with your level of comprehension, review the terms in the table, and retake the review.
Review Activity 1-3
Identifying Word Roots and Combining Forms
Underline
Underline the word roots in the following terms:
Medical Word Meaning
1. nephritis
inflammation of the kidneys
2. arthrodesis
fixation of a joint
3. dermatitis
inflammation of the skin
4. arthrocentesis
surgical puncture of a joint
5. gastrectomy
excision of the stomach
Underline the following elements that are combining forms:
6. nephr
kidney
7. hepat/o
liver
8. arthr
joint
9. oste/o/arthr
bone, joint
10. cholangi/o
bile vessel
Show Answer
Competency Verification: Check your answers in Appendix B, Answer Key, page 381. If you are not satisfied with your level of comprehension, review the terms in the table, and retake the review.
DEFINING AND BUILDING MEDICAL WORDS
Defining and building medical words are crucial skills in mastering medical terminology. Following the basic guidelines will help develop these skills.
Defining Medical Words
Here are three steps for defining medical words by using the term oste/o/arthr/itis (ŏs-tē-ō-ăr-THRĪ-tĭs) as an example.
1. Define the suffix, or last part of the word. In this case, the suffix -itis means inflammation.
2. Define the first part of the word (word root or combining form, or prefix). In this case, the combining form oste/o means bone.
3. Define the middle parts of the word (word root or combining form). In this case, arthr means joint. Table 1-1 further illustrates this process.
TABLE 1-1 Defining Osteoarthritis
This table illustrates the three steps in defining a medical word by using the example osteoarthritis.
Combining Form Middle Suffix
oste/o arthr -itis
bone joint inflammation
(rule 2) (rule 3) (rule 1)
Therefore, oste/o/arthr/itis is an inflammation of bone(s) and joint(s).
Building Medical Words
There are three rules for building medical words.
Rule #1
A word root links a suffix that begins with a vowel.
Word Root + Suffix = Medical Word Meaning
append
appendix + -ectomy
excision, removal = append/ectomy
ăp-ĕn-DĔK-tō-mē excision of the appendix
gastr
stomach + -itis
inflammation = gastr/itis
găs-TRĪ-tĭs inflammation of the stomach
Rule #2
A combining form (root + o) links a suffix that begins with a consonant.
Combining Form + Suffix = Medical Word Meaning
colon/o
colon + -scope
instrument for examining = colon/o/scope
kō-LŎN-ō-skōp instrument for examining the colon
Rule #3
A combining form (root + o) links a root to another root to form a compound word. This rule holds true even if the next root begins with a vowel, as in gastroenteritis. Keep in mind that the rules for linking multiple roots to each other are slightly different from the rules for linking roots and combining forms to suffixes. Following are several examples:
Combining Form + Word Root + Suffix = Medical Word Meaning
gastr/o
stomach + enter
intestine (usually small intestine) + -itis
inflammation = gastr/o/enter/itis
găs-trō-ĕn-tĕr-Ī-tĭs inflammation of stomach and intestine (usually small intestine)
gastr/o
stomach + col
colon + -itis
inflammation = gastr/o/col/itis
găs-trō-kō-LĪ-tĭs inflammation of stomach and colon
oste/o
(bone) + chondr
cartilage + -itis
inflammation = oste/o/chondr/itis
os-tē-ō-kŏn-DRĪ-tĭs inflammation of bone and cartilage
oste/o
(bone) + arthr
joint + -itis
inflammation = oste/o/arthr/itis
ŏs-tē-ō-ăr-THRĪ-tĭs inflammation of bone and joint
Review Activity 1-4
Defining Medical Words
Use the following table to complete the statements below. The first one is completed for you.
Combining Forms Suffixes and Prefixes Meaning
append/o appendix
arthr/o joint
col/o, colon/o colon
enter/o intestine (usually small)
gastr/o stomach
mast/o breast
oste/o bone
-centesis surgical puncture
-itis inflammation
-pathy disease
-scope instrument to view or examine
pre- before
post- after
Correct Response:
1. breast
2. inflammation
3. colon
4. bone
5. after
6. joint
7. disease
8. pre-
9. gastr/o
10. -pathy
11. mast/o
12. -scope
13. appendix
14. intestine (usually small intestine)
15. -centesis
1. Mast/ectomy is an excision of a breast .
2. Tonsill/itis is an of the tonsils.
3. A colon/o/scope is an instrument to examine the .
4. Oste/o/malacia is a softening of a (singular).
5. Post/nat/al means pertaining to (the period) birth.
6. Arthr/o/centesis is a surgical puncture of a .
7. Arthr/o/pathy is of the joints.
8. A prefix that means before is .
9. The combining form (CF) for stomach is .
10. The suffix for disease is .
11. The combining form for breast is .
12. The suffix that means instrument to examine is .
13. The combining form append/o refers to the .
14. Gastro/enter/itis is an inflammation of the stomach and the .
15. The suffix for surgical puncture is .
Show Answer
Competency Verification: Check your answers in Appendix B, Answer Key, page 381. If you are not satisfied with your level of comprehension, review the terms in the table, and retake the review.
Review Activity 1-5
Defining and Building Medical Words
The three steps for defining medical words are:
1. Define the last part of the word, or suffix.
2. Define the first part of the word, or prefix, word root, or combining form.
3. Define the middle of the word.
Fill In The Blank
First, pronounce the term aloud. Then apply the above three steps to define the terms in the following table. If you are uncertain of a definition, refer to Appendix A of this textbook, which provides an alphabetical list of word elements and their definitions. The first one is completed for you.
Term Definition
1. col/itis
kō-LĪ-tĭs
Term Definition
2. gastr/o/scope
GĂS-trō-skōp
Term Definition
3. hepat/itis
hĕp-ă-TĪ-tĭs
Term Definition
4. pre/nat/al
prē-NĀ-tăl
Term Definition
5. tonsill/ectomy
tŏn-sĭl-ĔK-tō-mē
Term Definition
6. tonsill/itis
tŏn-sĭl-Ī-tĭs
Term Definition
1. col/itis
kō-LĪ-tĭs
Your answer :
Correct Answer : inflammation (of) colon
2. gastr/o/scope
GĂS-trō-skōp
Your answer :
Correct Answer : instrument for examining the stomach
3. hepat/itis
hĕp-ă-TĪ-tĭs
Your answer :
Correct Answer : inflammation of the liver
4. pre/nat/al
prē-NĀ-tăl
Your answer :
Correct Answer : pertaining to (the period) before birth
5. tonsill/ectomy
tŏn-sĭl-ĔK-tō-mē
Your answer :
Correct Answer : excision of the tonsils
6. tonsill/itis
tŏn-sĭl-Ī-tĭs
Your answer :
Correct Answer : inflammation of the tonsils
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Fill In The Blank
Refer to the section “Building Medical Words” on page 8 to complete this activity. Write the number for the rule that applies to each listed term and a short summary of the rule. Use the abbreviations WR to designate a word root and CF to designate a combining form. The first one is completed for you.
Term Rule Summary of Rule
7. append/ectomy
ăp-ĕn-DĔK-tō-mē
Term Rule Summary of Rule
8. arthr/o/centesis
ăr-thrō-sĕn-TĒ-sĭs
Term Rule Summary of Rule
9. col/ectomy
kō-LĔK-tō-mē
Term Rule Summary of Rule
10. colon/o/scope
kō-LŎN-ō-skōp
Term Rule Summary of Rule
11. gastr/itis
găs-TRĪ-tĭs
Term Rule Summary of Rule
12. gastr/o/enter/o/col/itis
găs-trō-ĕn-tĕr-ō-kŏl-Ī-tĭs
Term Rule Summary of Rule
13. arthr/o/pathy
ăr-THRŎP-ă-thē
Term Rule Summary of Rule
14. oste/o/arthr/itis
os-tē-ō-ăr-THRĪ-tĭs
Term Rule Summary of Rule
15. oste/o/chondr/itis
ŏs-tē-ō-kŏn-DRĪ-tĭs
Term Rule Summary of Rule
7. append/ectomy
ăp-ĕn-DĔK-tō-mē
Your answer :
Correct Answer : 1
Your answer :
Correct Answer : A WR links a suffix that begins with a vowel.
8. arthr/o/centesis
ăr-thrō-sĕn-TĒ-sĭs
Your answer :
Correct Answer : 2
Your answer :
Correct Answer : A CF links a suffix that begins with a consonant.
9. col/ectomy
kō-LĔK-tō-mē
Your answer :
Correct Answer : 1
Your answer :
Correct Answer : A WR links a suffix that begins with a vowel.
10. colon/o/scope
kō-LŎN-ō-skōp
Your answer :
Correct Answer : 2
Your answer :
Correct Answer : A CF links a suffix that begins with a consonant.
11. gastr/itis
găs-TRĪ-tĭs
Your answer :
Correct Answer : 1
Your answer :
Correct Answer : A WR links a suffix that begins with a vowel.
12. gastr/o/enter/o/col/itis
găs-trō-ĕn-tĕr-ō-kŏl-Ī-tĭs
Your answer :
Correct Answer : 3, 1
Your answer :
Correct Answer : A CF links multiple roots to each other. This rule holds true even if the next word root begins with a vowel. A WR links a suffix that begins with a vowel.
13. arthr/o/pathy
ăr-THRŎP-ă-thē
Your answer :
Correct Answer : 2
Your answer :
Correct Answer : A CF links a suffix that begins with a consonant.
14. oste/o/arthr/itis
os-tē-ō-ăr-THRĪ-tĭs
Your answer :
Correct Answer : 3, 1
Your answer :
Correct Answer : A CF links multiple roots to each other. This rule holds true even if the next word root begins with a vowel. A WR links a suffix that begins with a vowel.
15. oste/o/chondr/itis
ŏs-tē-ō-kŏn-DRĪ-tĭs
Your answer :
Correct Answer : 3, 1
Your answer :
Correct Answer : A CF links multiple roots to each other. This rule holds true even if the next word root begins with a vowel. A WR links a suffix that begins with a vowel.
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Competency Verification: Check your answers in Appendix B, Answer Key, page 382. If you are not satisfied with your level of comprehension, review the terms in the table, and retake the review.
PRONUNCIATION GUIDELINES
Although pronunciation of medical words usually follows the same rules that govern pronunciation of common English words, some medical words may be difficult to pronounce when first encountered. Therefore, selected terms in this book include a phonetic pronunciation. Diacritical marks and capitalization are used to aid pronunciation of terms throughout the text and to help you understand pronunciation marks used in most dictionaries.
Pronunciation guidelines are located on the inside back cover of this book and at the end of selected tables. Use them whenever help is needed with pronunciation of medical words.
Review Activity 1-6
Understanding Pronunciations
Underline
Review the pronunciation guidelines (located inside the front cover of this book) and underline the correct answer in each of the following statements:
1. The diacritical mark ¯ is called a (breve, macron).
2. The diacritical mark ˘ is called a (breve, macron).
3. The ¯ indicates the (short, long) sound of vowels.
4. The ˘ indicates the (short, long) sound of vowels.
5. The combination ch is sometimes pronounced like (k, chiy). Examples are cholesterol, cholemia.
6. When pn is at the beginning of a word, it is pronounced only with the sound of (p, n). Examples are pneumonia, pneumotoxin.
7. When pn is in middle of a word, the p (is, is not) pronounced. Examples are orthopnea, hyperpnea.
8. When i is at the end of a word, it is pronounced like (eye, ee). Examples are bronchi, fungi, nuclei.
9. For ae and oe, only the (first, second) vowel is pronounced. Examples are bursae, pleurae.
10. When e and es form the final letter or letters of a word, they are commonly pronounced as (combined, separate) syllables. Examples are syncope, systole, nares.
Show Answer
Competency Verification: Check your answers in Appendix B, Answer Key, page 383. If you are not satisfied with your level of comprehension, review the terms in the table, and retake the review.
Review Activity 1-7
Plural Suffixes
When a word changes from a singular form to a plural form, the suffix of the word is the part that changes. For example, the medical report may list one diagnosis or several diagnoses. The rules for forming plurals starting from the singular forms of the words are listed on the inside back cover of this book. When in doubt about singular and plural word formations, refer to these rules, or use a medical dictionary. Review the rules, and use them to complete this activity. The first word is completed for you.
Fill In The Blank
Singular Plural Rule
1. sarcoma
săr-KŌ-mă
Singular Plural Rule
2. thrombus
THRŎM-bŭs
Singular Plural Rule
3. appendix
ă-PĔN-dĭks
Singular Plural Rule
4. diverticulum
dī-vĕr-TĬK-ū-lŭm
Singular Plural Rule
5. ovary
Ō-vă-rē
Singular Plural Rule
6. diagnosis
dī-ăg-NŌ-sĭs
Singular Plural Rule
7. lumen
LŪ-mĕn
Singular Plural Rule
8. vertebra
VĔR-tĕ-bră
Singular Plural Rule
9. thorax
THŌ-răks
Singular Plural Rule
10. spermatozoon
spĕr-măt-ō-ZŌ-ŏn
Singular Plural Rule
1. sarcoma
săr-KŌ-mă
Your answer :
Correct Answer : sarcomata
Your answer :
Correct Answer : Retain the ma and add ta.
2. thrombus
THRŎM-bŭs
Your answer :
Correct Answer : thrombi
Your answer :
Correct Answer : Drop us and add i.
3. appendix
ă-PĔN-dĭks
Your answer :
Correct Answer : appendices
Your answer :
Correct Answer : Drop ix and add ices.
4. diverticulum
dī-vĕr-TĬK-ū-lŭm
Your answer :
Correct Answer : diverticula
Your answer :
Correct Answer : Drop um and add a.
5. ovary
Ō-vă-rē
Your answer :
Correct Answer : ovaries
Your answer :
Correct Answer : Drop y and add ies.
6. diagnosis
dī-ăg-NŌ-sĭs
Your answer :
Correct Answer : diagnoses
Your answer :
Correct Answer : Drop is and add es.
7. lumen
LŪ-mĕn
Your answer :
Correct Answer : lumina
Your answer :
Correct Answer : Drop en and add ina.
8. vertebra
VĔR-tĕ-bră
Your answer :
Correct Answer : vertebrae
Your answer :
Correct Answer : Retain the a and add e.
9. thorax
THŌ-răks
Your answer :
Correct Answer : thoraces
Your answer :
Correct Answer : Drop the x and add ces.
10. spermatozoon
spĕr-măt-ō-ZŌ-ŏn
Your answer :
Correct Answer : spermatozoa
Your answer :
Correct Answer : Drop on and add a.
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Competency Verification: Check your answers in Appendix B, Answer Key, page 383. If you are not satisfied with your level of comprehension, review the terms in the table, and retake the review.
Review Activity 1-8
Common Suffixes
In previous material, you were introduced to the principles of medical word building. You learned that a combining form is a word root + a vowel and that the combining form is the main part, or foundation, of a medical term. Examples of combining forms are gastr/o (stomach), dermat/o (skin), and nephr/o (kidney). You also learned that a suffix is an element located at the end of a word and a prefix is an element located at the beginning of a word. This section presents common suffixes and prefixes used to construct medical terms. Some of these elements have already been introduced, but they are now reinforced in the appropriate categorized tables below. Similar tables are included for each chapter in the book. The common elements in this section of the chapter will be reinforced throughout the textbook in numerous medical terms.
Surgical Suffixes
Short Answer
Common suffixes associated with surgical procedures, their meanings, and an example of a related term are listed in the following table. First, study the suffix and its meaning, and practice pronouncing the term aloud. Then use the information provided to complete the meaning of each term. You may also refer to Appendix A: Glossary of Medical Word Elements to complete this exercise. To build a working vocabulary of medical terms and understand how those terms are used in the health care industry, it is important that you complete all of these exercises. The first one is completed for you.
Suffix Term Meaning
-centesis
surgical puncture
arthr/o/centesis
ăr-thrō-sĕn-TĒ-sĭs
arthr/o: joint
Suffix Term Meaning
-clasis
to break; surgical fracture
oste/o/clasis
ŏs-tē-ŎK-lă-sĭs
oste/o: bone
Suffix Term Meaning
-desis
binding, fixation (of a bone or joint)
arth r/o/desis
ăr-thrō-DĒ-sĭs
arthr/o: joint
Suffix Term Meaning
-ectomy
excision, removal
append/ectomy
ăp-ĕn-DĔK-tō-mē
append: appendix
(See Figure 1-1.)
Suffix Term Meaning
-lysis
separation; destruction; loosening
thromb/o/lysis
thrŏm-BŎL-ĭ-sĭs
thromb/o: blood clot
Suffix Term Meaning
-pexy
fixation (of an organ)
mast/o/pexy
MĂS-tō-pĕks-ē
mast/o: breast
Suffix Term Meaning
-plasty
surgical repair
rhin/o/plasty
RĪ-nō-plăs-tē
rhin/o: nose
Suffix Term Meaning
-rrhaphy
suture
my/o/rrhaphy
mī-OR-ă-fē
my/o: muscle
Suffix Term Meaning
-stomy
forming an opening (mouth)
trache/o/stomy
trā-kē-ŎS-tō-mē
trache/o: trachea (windpipe)
Suffix Term Meaning
-tome
instrument to cut
oste/o/tome
ŎS-tē-ō-tōm
oste/o: bone
Suffix Term Meaning
-tomy
incision
trache/o/tomy
trā-kē-ŎT-ō-mē
trache/o: trachea (windpipe)
Suffix Term Meaning
-tripsy
crushing
lith/o/tripsy
LĬTH-ō-trĭp-sē
lith/o: stone, calculus
Suffix Term Meaning
-centesis
surgical puncture
arthr/o/centesis
ăr-thrō-sĕn-TĒ-sĭs
arthr/o: joint
Correct Answer : Surgical puncture of a joint
-clasis
to break; surgical fracture
oste/o/clasis
ŏs-tē-ŎK-lă-sĭs
oste/o: bone
Correct Answer : surgical breaking or fracture of a bone to correct a deformity; also called osteoclasia
-desis
binding, fixation (of a bone or joint)
arth r/o/desis
ăr-thrō-DĒ-sĭs
arthr/o: joint
Correct Answer : binding or fixation of a joint
-ectomy
excision, removal
append/ectomy
ăp-ĕn-DĔK-tō-mē
append: appendix
(See Figure 1-1.)
Correct Answer : excision or removal of the appendix
-lysis
separation; destruction; loosening
thromb/o/lysis
thrŏm-BŎL-ĭ-sĭs
thromb/o: blood clot
Correct Answer : separation, destruction, or loosening of a blood clot
-pexy
fixation (of an organ)
mast/o/pexy
MĂS-tō-pĕks-ē
mast/o: breast
Correct Answer : surgical fixation of the breast(s)
-plasty
surgical repair
rhin/o/plasty
RĪ-nō-plăs-tē
rhin/o: nose
Correct Answer : surgical repair of the nose (to change shape or size)
-rrhaphy
suture
my/o/rrhaphy
mī-OR-ă-fē
my/o: muscle
Correct Answer : suture of a muscle
-stomy
forming an opening (mouth)
trache/o/stomy
trā-kē-ŎS-tō-mē
trache/o: trachea (windpipe)
Correct Answer : forming an opening (mouth) into the trachea
-tome
instrument to cut
oste/o/tome
ŎS-tē-ō-tōm
oste/o: bone
Correct Answer : instrument to cut bone
-tomy
incision
trache/o/tomy
trā-kē-ŎT-ō-mē
trache/o: trachea (windpipe)
Correct Answer : incision of the trachea
-tripsy
crushing
lith/o/tripsy
LĬTH-ō-trĭp-sē
lith/o: stone, calculus
Correct Answer : crushing a stone or calculus
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Pronunciation Help Long sound ā in rāte ē in rēbirth ī in īsle ō in ōver ū in ūnite
Short sound ă in ălone ĕ in ĕver ĭ in ĭt ŏ in nŏt ŭ in cŭt
Competency Verification: Check your answers in Appendix B, Answer Key, pages 383–384. If you are not satisfied with your level of comprehension, review the terms in the table, and retake the review.
Figure 1-1 Appendectomy. Minimally invasive surgery to remove the appendix through small incisions in the lower abdomen. One incision is used for video camera viewing and the other two for instruments to surgically remove the appendix. (Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/marina_ua.)
Diagnostic Suffixes
Short Answer
Common suffixes associated with diagnostic procedures, their meanings, and an example of a related term are listed in the following table. First, study the suffix and its meaning, and practice pronouncing the term aloud. Then use the information provided to complete the meaning of each term. You may also refer to Appendix A: Glossary of Medical Word Elements to complete this exercise. To build a working vocabulary of medical terms and understand how those terms are used in the health care field, it is important that you complete all of these exercises. The first one is completed for you.
Suffix Term Meaning
-gram
record, writing
electr/o/cardi/o/gram
ē-lĕk-trō-KĂR-dē-ō-grām
electr/o: electricity
cardi/o: heart
(See Figure 1-2.)
Suffix Term Meaning
-graph
instrument for recording
electr/o/cardi/o/graph
ē-lĕk-trō-KĂR-dē-ō-grăf
electr/o: electricity
cardi/o: heart
(See Figure 1-2.)
Suffix Term Meaning
-graphy
process of recording
electr/o/cardi/o/graphy
ē-lĕk-trō-kăr-dē-ŎG-ră-fē
electr/o: electricity
cardi/o: heart
(See Figure 1-2.)
Suffix Term Meaning
-meter
instrument for measuring
pelv/i/meter*
pĕl-VĬM-ĕ-tĕr
pelv/i: pelvis
Suffix Term Meaning
-metry
act of measuring
pelv/i/metry*
pĕl-VĬM-ĕ-trē
pelv/i: pelvis
Suffix Term Meaning
-scope
instrument for examining
endo/scope
ĔN-dō-skōp
endo-: in, within
Suffix Term Meaning
-scopy
visual examination
endo/scopy
ĕn-DŎS-kō-pē
endo-: in, within
Suffix Term Meaning
-gram
record, writing
electr/o/cardi/o/gram
ē-lĕk-trō-KĂR-dē-ō-grām
electr/o: electricity
cardi/o: heart
(See Figure 1-2.)
Correct Answer : Record of electrical activity of the heart
-graph
instrument for recording
electr/o/cardi/o/graph
ē-lĕk-trō-KĂR-dē-ō-grăf
electr/o: electricity
cardi/o: heart
(See Figure 1-2.)
Correct Answer : instrument for recording electrical activity of the heart
-graphy
process of recording
electr/o/cardi/o/graphy
ē-lĕk-trō-kăr-dē-ŎG-ră-fē
electr/o: electricity
cardi/o: heart
(See Figure 1-2.)
Correct Answer : process of recording electrical activity of the heart
-meter
instrument for measuring
pelv/i/meter*
pĕl-VĬM-ĕ-tĕr
pelv/i: pelvis
Correct Answer : instrument for measuring the pelvis
-metry
act of measuring
pelv/i/metry*
pĕl-VĬM-ĕ-trē
pelv/i: pelvis
Correct Answer : act of measuring the pelvis
-scope
instrument for examining
endo/scope
ĔN-dō-skōp
endo-: in, within
Correct Answer : instrument for examining within (instrument for examining inside a hollow organ or cavity)
-scopy
visual examination
endo/scopy
ĕn-DŎS-kō-pē
endo-: in, within
Correct Answer : visual examination within; visual examination of a cavity or canal by using a specialized lighted instrument called an endoscope
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Pronunciation Help Long sound ā in rāte ē in rēbirth ī in īsle ō in ōver ū in ūnite
Short sound ă in ălone ĕ in ĕver ĭ in ĭt ŏ in nŏt ŭ in cŭt
*The i in pelv/i/meter and pelv/i/metry are exceptions to the rule of using the connecting vowel o.
Competency Verification: Check your answers in Appendix B, Answer Key, page 384. If you are not satisfied with your level of comprehension, review the terms in the table, and retake the review.
Figure 1-2 Electrocardiography (ECG) is the process of detecting and recording the electrical activity of the heart. (A) Electrodes are attached to the patient’s chest. (B) The electrocardiograph records the electrical impulses that move through each part of the heart to produce (C) an electrocardiogram, which is interpreted by the cardiologist to diagnose abnormalities in rate and rhythm. (Credit: Part A: iStock/Getty Images Plus/herraez. Part B: iStock/Getty Images Plus/rarrarorro. Part C: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Hydrogenn.)
Pathological Suffixes
Short Answer
Common suffixes associated with pathological (disease) conditions, their meanings, and an example of a related term are listed in the following table. First, study the suffix and its meaning, and practice pronouncing the term aloud. Then use the information provided to complete the meaning of each term. You may also refer to Appendix A: Glossary of Medical Word Elements to complete this exercise. To build a working vocabulary of medical terms and understand how those terms are used in the health care industry, it is important that you complete all of these exercises. The first one is completed for you.
Suffix Term Meaning
-algia, -dynia
pain
neur/algia
nū-RĂL-jē-ă
neur: nerve
Suffix Term Meaning
ot/o/dynia
ō-tō-DĬN-ē-ă
ot/o: ear
Suffix Term Meaning
-cele
hernia, swelling
hepat/o/cele
hĕ-PĂT-ō-sēl
hepat/o: liver
Suffix Term Meaning
-ectasis
dilation, expansion
bronchi/ectasis
brŏng-kē-ĔK-tă-sĭs
bronchi: bronchus (plural, bronchi)
Suffix Term Meaning
-edema
swelling
lymph/edema
lĭmf-ĕ-DĒ-mă
lymph: lymph
(See Figure 1-3.)
Suffix Term Meaning
-emesis
vomiting
hyper/emesis
hī-pĕr-ĔM-ĕ-sĭs
hyper-: excessive, above normal
Suffix Term Meaning
-emia
blood condition
an/emia
ă-NĒ-mē-ă
an-: without, not
Suffix Term Meaning
-iasis
abnormal condition (produced by something specific)
chol/e/lith/iasis*
kō-lē-lĭ-THĪ-ă-sĭs
chol/e: bile, gall
lith: stone, calculus
Suffix Term Meaning
-itis
inflammation
gastr/itis
găs-TRĪ-tĭs
gastr: stomach
Suffix Term Meaning
-lith
stone, calculus
chol/e/lith*
KŌ-lē-lĭth
chol/e: bile, gall
Suffix Term Meaning
-malacia
softening
chondr/o/malacia
kŏn-drō-mă-LĀ-shē-ă
chondr/o: cartilage
Suffix Term Meaning
-megaly
enlargement
cardi/o/megaly
kăr-dē-ō-MĔG-ă-lē
cardi/o: heart
Suffix Term Meaning
-oma
tumor
neur/oma
nū-RŌ-mă
neur: nerve
Suffix Term Meaning
-osis
abnormal condition; increase (used primarily with blood cells)
cyan/osis
sī-ă-NŌ-sĭs
cyan: blue
Suffix Term Meaning
-pathy
disease
my/o/pathy
mī-ŎP-ă-thē
my/o: muscle
Suffix Term Meaning
-penia
decrease, deficiency
erythr/o/penia
e-rĭth-rō-PĒ-nē-ă
erythr/o: red
Suffix Term Meaning
-phobia
fear
hem/o/phobia
hē-mō-FŌ-bē-ă
hem/o: blood
Suffix Term Meaning
-plegia
paralysis
hemi/plegia
hĕm-ē-PLĒ-jē-ă
hemi-: one half
Suffix Term Meaning
-rrhage, -rrhagia
bursting (of)
hem/o/rrhage
HĔM-ĕ-rĭj
hem/o: blood
Suffix Term Meaning
men/o/rrhagia
mĕn-ō-RĀ-jē-ă
men/o: menses, menstruation
Suffix Term Meaning
-rrhea
discharge, flow
dia/rrhea
dī-ă-RĒ-ă
dia-: through, across
Suffix Term Meaning
-rrhexis
rupture
arteri/o/rrhexis
ăr-tē-rē-ō-RĔK-sĭs
arteri/o: artery
Suffix Term Meaning
-stenosis
narrowing, stricture
arteri/o/stenosis
ăr-tē-rē-ō-stĕ-NŌ-sĭs
arteri/o: artery
Suffix Term Meaning
-toxic
poison
hepat/o/toxic
HĔP-ă-tō-tŏk-sĭk
hepat/o: liver
Suffix Term Meaning
-trophy
nourishment, development
dys/trophy
DĬS-trō-fē
dys-: bad; painful; difficult
(See Figure 1-4.)
Suffix Term Meaning
-algia, -dynia
pain
neur/algia
nū-RĂL-jē-ă
neur: nerve
Correct Answer : Pain in a nerve
ot/o/dynia
ō-tō-DĬN-ē-ă
ot/o: ear
Correct Answer : pain in the ear (earache)
-cele
hernia, swelling
hepat/o/cele
hĕ-PĂT-ō-sēl
hepat/o: liver
Correct Answer : hernia or swelling of the liver
-ectasis
dilation, expansion
bronchi/ectasis
brŏng-kē-ĔK-tă-sĭs
bronchi: bronchus (plural, bronchi)
Correct Answer : dilation or expansion of a bronchus or bronchi
-edema
swelling
lymph/edema
lĭmf-ĕ-DĒ-mă
lymph: lymph
(See Figure 1-3.)
Correct Answer : swelling of lymph tissue (swelling and accumulation of tissue fluid)
-emesis
vomiting
hyper/emesis
hī-pĕr-ĔM-ĕ-sĭs
hyper-: excessive, above normal
Correct Answer : excessive or above normal vomiting
-emia
blood condition
an/emia
ă-NĒ-mē-ă
an-: without, not
Correct Answer : without blood (blood condition caused by iron deficiency or a decrease in red blood cells)
-iasis
abnormal condition (produced by something specific)
chol/e/lith/iasis*
kō-lē-lĭ-THĪ-ă-sĭs
chol/e: bile, gall
lith: stone, calculus
Correct Answer : presence or formation of gallstones (in the gallbladder or common bile duct)
-itis
inflammation
gastr/itis
găs-TRĪ-tĭs
gastr: stomach
Correct Answer : inflammation of the stomach
-lith
stone, calculus
chol/e/lith*
KŌ-lē-lĭth
chol/e: bile, gall
Correct Answer : gallstone
-malacia
softening
chondr/o/malacia
kŏn-drō-mă-LĀ-shē-ă
chondr/o: cartilage
Correct Answer : softening of cartilage
-megaly
enlargement
cardi/o/megaly
kăr-dē-ō-MĔG-ă-lē
cardi/o: heart
Correct Answer : enlargement of the heart
-oma
tumor
neur/oma
nū-RŌ-mă
neur: nerve
Correct Answer : tumor composed of nerve cells
-osis
abnormal condition; increase (used primarily with blood cells)
cyan/osis
sī-ă-NŌ-sĭs
cyan: blue
Correct Answer : abnormal condition of blueness (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membrane)
-pathy
disease
my/o/pathy
mī-ŎP-ă-thē
my/o: muscle
Correct Answer : disease of muscle
-penia
decrease, deficiency
erythr/o/penia
e-rĭth-rō-PĒ-nē-ă
erythr/o: red
Correct Answer : abnormal decrease or deficiency in red (blood cells)
-phobia
fear
hem/o/phobia
hē-mō-FŌ-bē-ă
hem/o: blood
Correct Answer : fear of blood
-plegia
paralysis
hemi/plegia
hĕm-ē-PLĒ-jē-ă
hemi-: one half
Correct Answer : paralysis of one half (paralysis of one side of the body)
-rrhage, -rrhagia
bursting (of)
hem/o/rrhage
HĔM-ĕ-rĭj
hem/o: blood
Correct Answer : bursting forth of blood (loss of large amounts of blood within a short period, either externally or internally)
men/o/rrhagia
mĕn-ō-RĀ-jē-ă
men/o: menses, menstruation
Correct Answer : bursting forth of menses (profuse discharge of blood during menstruation)
-rrhea
discharge, flow
dia/rrhea
dī-ă-RĒ-ă
dia-: through, across
Correct Answer : discharge or flow through (frequent discharge or flow of fluid fecal matter from the bowel)
-rrhexis
rupture
arteri/o/rrhexis
ăr-tē-rē-ō-RĔK-sĭs
arteri/o: artery
Correct Answer : rupture of an artery
-stenosis
narrowing, stricture
arteri/o/stenosis
ăr-tē-rē-ō-stĕ-NŌ-sĭs
arteri/o: artery
Correct Answer : narrowing or stricture of an artery
-toxic
poison
hepat/o/toxic
HĔP-ă-tō-tŏk-sĭk
hepat/o: liver
Correct Answer : poisonous or toxic to the liver
-trophy
nourishment, development
dys/trophy
DĬS-trō-fē
dys-: bad; painful; difficult
(See Figure 1-4.)
Correct Answer : bad development or nourishment (abnormal condition caused by defective nutrition or metabolism)
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Pronunciation Help Long sound ā in rāte ē in rēbirth ī in īsle ō in ōver ū in ūnite
Short sound ă in ălone ĕ in ĕver ĭ in ĭt ŏ in nŏt ŭ in cŭt
*The e in chol/e/lithiasis and chol/e/lith are exceptions to the rule of using the connecting vowel o.
Figure 1-3 Lymphedema of the left foot. (Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Amawasri.)
Competency Verification: Check your answers in Appendix B, Answer Key, pages 384-385. If you are not satisfied with your level of comprehension, review the terms in the table, and retake the review.
Figure 1-4 Muscular dystrophy. (Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/VectorMine.) Review Activity 1-9
Review Activity 1-9
Grammatical Suffixes
Common suffixes denoting grammar endings are attached to word roots to create terms with adjective or noun endings in medical words. These same suffixes are used in the common English language.
In the following table, adjective suffixes that mean pertaining to are attached to word roots to form a medical term. Examples of common noun suffixes are also included in the table below. First, practice pronouncing the term aloud. Then use the information provided to complete the meaning of each term. You may also refer to Appendix A: Glossary of Medical Word Elements to complete this exercise. To understand how these terms are used in the health care industry, it is important that you complete all of these exercises. The first one is completed for you.
Short Answer
Suffix Meaning Medical Word Meaning
Adjective endings
-ac, -al, -ar, -ic, -ous, -tic
pertaining to
cardi/ac
KĂR-dē-ăk
cardi: heart
Suffix Meaning Medical Word Meaning
nas/al
NĀ-zl
nas: nose
Suffix Meaning Medical Word Meaning
muscul/ar
MŬS-kū-lăr
muscul: muscle
Suffix Meaning Medical Word Meaning
tox/ic
TŎKS-ĭk
tox: poison
Suffix Meaning Medical Word Meaning
muc/ous
MŪ-kŭs
muc: mucus
Suffix Meaning Medical Word Meaning
necr/o/tic
nĕ-KRŌT-ĭk
necr/o: death, necrosis
Suffix Meaning Medical Word Meaning
Noun endings
-ia, -ism
condition
leuk/o/pen/ia
lū-kō-PĒ-nē-ă
leuk/o: white
-penia: decrease; deficiency
Suffix Meaning Medical Word Meaning
thyroid/ism
THĪ-rŏy-dĭzm
thyroid: thyroid gland
Suffix Meaning Medical Word Meaning
-iatry
medicine, treatment
psych/iatry
sī-KĪ-ă-trē
psych: mind
Suffix Meaning Medical Word Meaning
-ist
specialist
cardi/o/log/ist
kăr-dē-ŎL-ō-jĭst
cardi/o: heart
Suffix Meaning Medical Word Meaning
-y
condition, process
neur/o/path/y
nū-RŎP-ă-thē
neur/o: nerve
path: disease
Suffix Meaning Medical Word Meaning
Adjective endings
-ac, -al, -ar, -ic, -ous, -tic
pertaining to
cardi/ac
KĂR-dē-ăk
cardi: heart
Correct Answer : pertaining to the heart
nas/al
NĀ-zl
nas: nose
Correct Answer : pertaining to the nose
muscul/ar
MŬS-kū-lăr
muscul: muscle
Correct Answer : pertaining to muscle(s)
tox/ic
TŎKS-ĭk
tox: poison
Correct Answer : pertaining to poison
muc/ous
MŪ-kŭs
muc: mucus
Correct Answer : pertaining to mucus
necr/o/tic
nĕ-KRŌT-ĭk
necr/o: death, necrosis
Correct Answer : pertaining to death or necrosis
Noun endings
-ia, -ism
condition
leuk/o/pen/ia
lū-kō-PĒ-nē-ă
leuk/o: white
-penia: decrease; deficiency
Correct Answer : condition of white blood cell deficiency
thyroid/ism
THĪ-rŏy-dĭzm
thyroid: thyroid gland
Correct Answer : condition of the thyroid gland
-iatry
medicine, treatment
psych/iatry
sī-KĪ-ă-trē
psych: mind
Correct Answer : treatment of the mind
-ist
specialist
cardi/o/log/ist
kăr-dē-ŎL-ō-jĭst
cardi/o: heart
Correct Answer : specialist in the study of the heart
-y
condition, process
neur/o/path/y
nū-RŎP-ă-thē
neur/o: nerve
path: disease
Correct Answer : condition of a nerve disease
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Pronunciation Help Long sound ā in rāte ē in rēbirth ī in īsle ō in ōver ū in ūnite
Short sound ă in ălone ĕ in ĕver ĭ in ĭt ŏ in nŏt ŭ in cŭt
Competency Verification: Check your answers in Appendix B, Answer Key, pages 385–386. If you are not satisfied with your level of comprehension, review the terms in the table, and retake the review.
Review Activity 1-10
Common Prefixes
Short Answer
Common prefixes, their meanings, and an example of a related term are listed in the following table. First, study the prefix and its meaning, and practice pronouncing the term aloud. Then use the information in the following table to complete the meaning of the terms. You may also refer to Appendix A: Glossary of Medical Word Elements to complete this exercise. To understand the meaning of medical terms, it is important to engage actively in activities of this type. Complete all of the exercises, and you will master medical terminology. The first one is completed for you.
Prefix Term Meaning
a-,* an-†
without, not
a/mast/ia
ă-MĂS-tē-ă
mast: breast
-ia: condition
Prefix Term Meaning
an/esthesia
ăn-ĕs-THĒ-zē-ă
-esthesia: feeling
Prefix Term Meaning
circum-, peri-
around
circum/duction
sĕr-kŭm-DŬK-shŭn
-duction: act of leading, bringing, conducting
Prefix Term Meaning
peri/odont/al
pĕr-ē-ō-DŎN-tăl
odont: teeth
-al: pertaining to
(See Figure 1-5.)
Prefix Term Meaning
dia-, trans-
through, across
dia/therm/y
DĪ-ă-thĕr-mē
therm: heat
-y: condition, process
Prefix Term Meaning
trans/vagin/al
trăns-VĂJ-ĭn-ăl
vagin: vagina
-al: pertaining to
Prefix Term Meaning
dipl-, diplo-
double
dipl/opia
dĭp-LŌ-pē-ă
-opia: vision
Prefix Term Meaning
diplo/bacteri/al
dĭp-lō-băk-TĒR-ē-ăl
bacteri: bacteria
-al: pertaining to
Prefix Term Meaning
dys-
bad, painful, difficult
dys/phonia
dĭs-FŌ-nē-ă
-phonia: voice
Prefix Term Meaning
endo-, intrain, within
endo/crine
ĔN-dō-krĭn
-crine: secrete
Prefix Term Meaning
intra/muscul/ar
ĭn-tră-MŬS-kū-lăr
muscul: muscle
-ar: pertaining to
Prefix Term Meaning
homo-, homeo-
same
homo/graft
HŌ-mō-grăft
-graft: transplantation
Prefix Term Meaning
homeo/plasia
hō-mē-ō-PLĀ-zē-ă
-plasia: formation, growth
Prefix Term Meaning
hypo-
under, below, deficient
hypo/derm/ic
hī-pō-DĔR-mĭk
derm: skin
-ic: pertaining to
(See Figure 1-6.)
Prefix Term Meaning
macro-
large
macro/cyte
MĂK-rō-sīt
-cyte: cell
Prefix Term Meaning
micro-
small
micro/scope
MĪ-krō-skōp
-scope: instrument for examining
Prefix Term Meaning
mono-, uni-
one
mono/therapy
MŎN-ō-thĕr-ă-pē
-therapy: treatment
Prefix Term Meaning
uni/nucle/ar
ū-nĭ-NŪ-klē-ăr
nucle: nucleus
-ar: pertaining to
Prefix Term Meaning
post-
after, behind
post/nat/al
pōst-NĀ-tăl
nat: birth
-al: pertaining to
Prefix Term Meaning
pre-, pro-
before, in front of
pre/nat/al
prē-NĀ-tăl
nat: birth
-al: pertaining to
Prefix Term Meaning
pro/gnosis
prŏg-NŌ-sĭs
-gnosis: knowing
Prefix Term Meaning
primi
-first
primi/gravida
prī-mĭ-GRĂV-ĭ-dă
-gravida: pregnant woman
Prefix Term Meaning
retro-
backward, behind
retro/version
rĕt-rō-VĔR-zhŭn
-version: turning
Prefix Term Meaning
super-
upper, above
super/ior
soo-PĒ-rē-or
-ior: pertaining to
Prefix Term Meaning
a-,* an-†
without, not
a/mast/ia
ă-MĂS-tē-ă
mast: breast
-ia: condition
Correct Answer : without a breast
an/esthesia
ăn-ĕs-THĒ-zē-ă
-esthesia: feeling
Correct Answer : without feeling (partial or complete loss of sensation with or without loss of consciousness)
circum-, peri-
around
circum/duction
sĕr-kŭm-DŬK-shŭn
-duction: act of leading, bringing, conducting
Correct Answer : act of leading around (movement of a part, such as an extremity, in a circular direction)
peri/odont/al
pĕr-ē-ō-DŎN-tăl
odont: teeth
-al: pertaining to
(See Figure 1-5.)
Correct Answer : pertaining to around a tooth
dia-, trans-
through, across
dia/therm/y
DĪ-ă-thĕr-mē
therm: heat
-y: condition, process
Correct Answer : process of generating heat through (some part of the body)
trans/vagin/al
trăns-VĂJ-ĭn-ăl
vagin: vagina
-al: pertaining to
Correct Answer : pertaining to through or across the vagina
dipl-, diplo-
double
dipl/opia
dĭp-LŌ-pē-ă
-opia: vision
Correct Answer : double vision
diplo/bacteri/al
dĭp-lō-băk-TĒR-ē-ăl
bacteri: bacteria
-al: pertaining to
Correct Answer : pertaining to paired bacteria
dys-
bad, painful, difficult
dys/phonia
dĭs-FŌ-nē-ă
-phonia: voice
Correct Answer : difficulty speaking
endo-, intrain, within
endo/crine
ĔN-dō-krĭn
-crine: secrete
Correct Answer : secrete within (gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream)
intra/muscul/ar
ĭn-tră-MŬS-kū-lăr
muscul: muscle
-ar: pertaining to
Correct Answer : pertaining to within the muscle
homo-, homeo-
same
homo/graft
HŌ-mō-grăft
-graft: transplantation
Correct Answer : transplantation of same (transplantation of tissue between the same species)
homeo/plasia
hō-mē-ō-PLĀ-zē-ă
-plasia: formation, growth
Correct Answer : formation or growth of new tissue similar to the tissue already existing in a part
hypo-
under, below, deficient
hypo/derm/ic
hī-pō-DĔR-mĭk
derm: skin
-ic: pertaining to
(See Figure 1-6.)
Correct Answer : pertaining to under the skin (under, or inserted under, the skin, as in a hypodermic injection)
macro-
large
macro/cyte
MĂK-rō-sīt
-cyte: cell
Correct Answer : abnormally large erythrocyte, such as those found in pernicious anemia
micro-
small
micro/scope
MĪ-krō-skōp
-scope: instrument for examining
Correct Answer : instrument for examining small (minute) objects
mono-, uni-
one
mono/therapy
MŎN-ō-thĕr-ă-pē
-therapy: treatment
Correct Answer : one treatment
uni/nucle/ar
ū-nĭ-NŪ-klē-ăr
nucle: nucleus
-ar: pertaining to
Correct Answer : pertaining to one nucleus
post-
after, behind
post/nat/al
pōst-NĀ-tăl
nat: birth
-al: pertaining to
Correct Answer : pertaining to (the period) after birth
pre-, pro-
before, in front of
pre/nat/al
prē-NĀ-tăl
nat: birth
-al: pertaining to
Correct Answer : pertaining to (the period) before birth
pro/gnosis
prŏg-NŌ-sĭs
-gnosis: knowing
Correct Answer : before knowing (prediction of the course and end of a disease and the estimated chance of recovery)
primifirst
primi/gravida
prī-mĭ-GRĂV-ĭ-dă
-gravida: pregnant woman
Correct Answer : woman pregnant for the first time
retro-
backward, behind
retro/version
rĕt-rō-VĔR-zhŭn
-version: turning
Correct Answer : turning backward (tipping backward of an organ, such as the uterus, from its normal position)
super-
upper, above
super/ior
soo-PĒ-rē-or
-ior: pertaining to
Correct Answer : pertaining to upper or above (toward the head or upper portion of a structure)
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Pronunciation Help Long sound ā in rāte ē in rēbirth ī in īsle ō in ōver ū in ūnite
Short sound ă in ălone ĕ in ĕver ĭ in ĭt ŏ in nŏt ŭ in cŭt
*The prefix a- is usually used before a consonant.
†The prefix an- is usually used before a vowel.
Competency Verification: Check your answers in Appendix B, Answer Key, pages 386–387. If you are not satisfied with your level of comprehension, review the terms in the table, and retake the review.
Figure 1-5 Periodontal pocket. (Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/laymul.)