1. The language of anatomy and physiology
Medical Terminology
The language of anatomy and physiology

2. 10 Words vs. 10 Word Parts

3. It’s Greek to Me
Most words are derived from a combination of Latin and Greek
Latin is a “dead” language no population actively uses
Greek is the language medicine began in

4. ROOT Word Parts PRE- fix SUF-
Prefix, root, and suffix often separated by a combining vowel
Ex: Hyperactive, achondroplasia, angioplasty
ROOT
PRE-
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SUF-

5. Root
Main part, subject, central meaning of the word
Sometimes 2 roots with a combining vowel
Ex. Cardiopulmon = heart and lung
ROOT
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SUF-

6. ROOT Prefix PRE- fix SUF-
Syllable(s) before the root to alter the meaning
Ex: hyperthermic = above temp
hypothermic = below temp
ROOT
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SUF-

7. ROOT Suffix PRE- fix SUF-
Syllable(s) at the end of a root to alter the meaning
Ex: -osis = condition of
-itis = inflamation of
ROOT
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SUF-

8. Plural Forms (not to be confused with “pleural” forms!)
English = most forms just add “-s” or “-es”
Latin/Greek = many forms

9. 10 Common Plural Endings Singular Plural a (aorta) ae (aortae)
en (foramen)
ina (foramina)
is (testis)
es (testes)
is (iris)
ides (irides)
nx (phalanx)
ges (phalanges)
on (spermatozoon)
a (spermatozoa)
um (ovum)
a (ova)
us (bronchus)
I (bronchi)
x (thorax)
ces (thoraces)
y (artery)
ies (arteries)
Singular

10. Spelling
Correct spelling is extremely important in anatomy and physiology!
Examples
abduct vs. adduct
arteritis vs arthritis
ileum vs ilium