1. PowerPoint to accompany Essentials of Medical Language Allan, Lockyer
Hold placement for cover image.
PowerPoint to accompany Essentials of Medical Language Allan, Lockyer
Chapter 1:
The Anatomy of Word Construction:
The Essential Elements of the Language of Medicine

2. Lesson 1.1: The Construction of Medical Words
The Anatomy of Word Construction: The Essential Elements of the Language of Medicine
Lesson 1.1: The Construction of Medical Words
Talking Points:
The medical language has developed from both Greek and Latin roots.
By the end of lesson 1.1 the student will be able to:
• Select and identify the meaning of the roots of essential medical terms.
• Define the elements combining vowel and combining form.
• Identify the combining vowel and the combining form of essential medical terms.
• Define the elements suffix and prefix.
• Select and identify the meaning of the suffixes and prefixes of essential medical terms.

3. Roots and Combining Vowels
All medical terms have one or more roots.
The root provides the meaning of the word.
Example:
The word pneumonia has the root pneumon-, meaning lung or air.
Talking Points:
To understand medical language, the student must first become familiar with the elements of medical terms.
What is a prefix? A prefix is the beginning of some words. Not all words have prefixes; some words simply begin with the root.
What is a root? A root is the foundation of the word. It is the base of the word which gives the word its meaning.

4. Roots and Combining Vowels
Roots are often joined to other elements of a medical term by placing a combining vowel on the end of the root.
A root plus a combining vowel creates a combining form.
Example: pneum + o pneum/o
Talking Points:
What is a combining vowel? A combining vowel joins a root to another root or a root to a suffix. A combining vowel is like a bridge that connects the main roots together. A combining vowel makes the word easier to pronounce.
What is a combining form? A combining form is a combination of a root word and a combining vowel. Combining forms help glue roots together. They can also come before a suffix.
What is a suffix? A suffix is the ending of a word. Not all words have suffixes. Many words simply end with the root word.

5. Keynote
Throughout this textbook, the combining vowel will be separated from the root by a slash (/) whenever the term is being analyzed.
Example: respir/a
Talking Points:
The textbook comes equipped with a CD-ROM that will give you the correct pronunciation of the medical term. Practice your pronunciation along with CD-ROM.

6. Combining Forms pneum- -o- pneum/o root combining combining vowel form
pulmon- -o- pulmon/o
Talking Points:
Assist the student in identifying the elements of the following word:
In the word gynecologist:
gynec is the root word meaning female.
o is the combining vowel. (Remember, “o” is the most commonly used combining vowel.)
logist is a suffix meaning skilled in.

7. Keynote Different roots can have the same meaning.
Pulmon- and pneumon- both mean lung.
Talking Points:
Altering the pronunciation or spelling of a word can dramatically change the meaning.
Many medical terms sound similar; therefore, spelling must be precise, and the correct pronunciation must be used.
A misspelling or mispronunciation could alter the treatment and medication prescribed to a patient, resulting in injury or death.

8. Element Review Identify the elements of the following word:
- pneumothorax
pneum / -o / thorax
root combining root
vowel
Talking Points:
Assist the student in identifying the elements of the following word.
In the word gastroenterology:
gastro is the root word meaning stomach.
o is the combining vowel. (Remember, “o” is the most commonly used combining vowel.)
enter is a second root meaning intestine.
o is used a second time as a combining vowel.
logy is a suffix meaning study of.

9. Suffix
A suffix is an element added to the end of a root or combining form to give it a new meaning.
If the suffix begins with a consonant, it must follow a combining vowel.
If the suffix begins with a vowel, no combining vowel is needed.
Talking Points:
A suffix is found at the end of a medical term. It can be attached to a root word or a combining form.
Note the following rules for using a suffix and a combining vowel.
If a suffix starts with a vowel, then no combining vowel is needed. For example, in the word dermatitis, the suffix begins with a vowel, so no combining vowel is needed.
If a suffix begins with a consonant, a combining vowel is needed. For example, in the word dermatologist, derma is the root and logist is the suffix; to make the word complete, an combining vowel of “o” is needed between the root and suffix.
Occasionally a word can have two suffixes.
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10. Suffix pulmon –ary root + suffix = pulmonary, pertaining to the lung
pulmon/o –logy
root + combining vowel + suffix
= pulmonology, study of the lung
Talking Points:
A suffix is found at the end of a medical term. It can be attached to a root word or a combining form.
Note the following rules for using a suffix and a combining vowel.
If a suffix starts with a vowel, then no combining vowel is needed. For example, in the word dermatitis, the suffix begins with a vowel, so no combining vowel is needed.
If a suffix begins with a consonant, a combining vowel is needed. For example, in the word dermatologist, derma is the root and logist is the suffix; to make the word complete, an combining vowel of “o” is needed between the root and suffix.
Occasionally a word can have two suffixes.

11. Suffix –ia a condition of
pneumonia, a condition (infection) of the lung
–ation a process
respiration, a process of breathing.
Talking Points:
A suffix is found at the end of a medical term. It can be attached to a root word or a combining form.
Note the following rules for using a suffix and a combining vowel.
If a suffix starts with a vowel, then no combining vowel is needed. For example, in the word dermatitis, the suffix begins with a vowel, so no combining vowel is needed.
If a suffix begins with a consonant, a combining vowel is needed. For example, in the word dermatologist, derma is the root and logist is the suffix; to make the word complete, an combining vowel of “o” is needed between the root and suffix.
Occasionally a word can have two suffixes.
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12. Prefix
A prefix is an element added to the beginning of a root or combining form to continue to expand the meaning of medical terms.
Prefixes never require a combining vowel.
Not every term has a prefix.
Talking Points:
A prefix is found at the beginning of a medical term.
Note the following rules for using a combining vowel with a prefix:
A prefix never requires the use of a combining vowel. For example, pericardium and epigastric do not require the use of a combining vowel.
A prefix is followed by a root word.
Occasionally a term may have 2 prefixes.

13. Prefix pre– mature prefix + root
= premature, before the normal pregnancy
post– mature
= postmature, after the normal pregnancy
Talking Points:
A prefix is found at the beginning of a medical term.
Note the following rules for using a combining vowel with a prefix:
A prefix never requires the use of a combining vowel. For example, pericardium and epigastric do not require the use of a combining vowel.
A prefix is followed by a root word.
Occasionally a term may have 2 prefixes.
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14. Prefix uni– unilateral, one side of the body bi–
bilateral, two (both) sides of the body
Talking Points:
A prefix is found at the beginning of a medical term.
Note the following rules for using a combining vowel with a prefix:
A prefix never requires the use of a combining vowel. For example, pericardium and epigastric do not require the use of a combining vowel.
A prefix is followed by a root word.
Occasionally a term may have 2 prefixes.
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15. Prefix peri– perinatal, around the time of birth epi–
epigastric, above the stomach
hypo–
hypogastric, below the stomach
Talking Points:
A prefix is found at the beginning of a medical term.
Note the following rules for using a combining vowel with a prefix:
A prefix never requires the use of a combining vowel. For example, pericardium and epigastric do not require the use of a combining vowel.
A prefix is followed by a root word.
Occasionally a term may have 2 prefixes.
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16. Prefix micro– microcyte, small red blood cell macro–
macrocyte, large red blood cell
Talking Points:
A prefix is found at the beginning of a medical term.
Note the following rules for using a combining vowel with a prefix:
A prefix never requires the use of a combining vowel. For example, pericardium and epigastric do not require the use of a combining vowel.
A prefix is followed by a root word.
Occasionally a term may have 2 prefixes.
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17. Element Review
Identify the prefixes and suffixes of the following word:
– perinatal
peri nat al
prefix root suffix
Talking Points:
Assist the student in identifying the prefixes and suffixes of the following word: arthroscopy.
In arthroscopy:
arthr is the root word meaning joint.
o is the combining vowel. (Remember, “o” is the most commonly used combining vowel.)
scopy is the suffix meaning visual examination of.

18. Element Review
Identify the prefixes and suffixes of the following word:
– hypogastric
hypo- -gastr- -ic
prefix root suffix
Talking Points:
Assist the student in identifying the prefixes and suffixes of the following word: hypogastric.
In hypogastric:
hypo is the prefix meaning below.
No combining vowel is required.
gastric is the root word meaning stomach.

19. The Anatomy of Word Construction
Lesson 1.2: Word Analysis and Deconstruction
Talking Points:
A suffix or prefix added to a root word can give the term an entirely different meaning.
By the end of lesson 1-2 the student will be able to:
Define the term suffix.
Identify the suffixes of commonly used medical terms and their meanings.
Define the term prefix.
Identify the prefixes of commonly used medical terms and their meanings.
Link word elements together to construct medical terms.
Dissect word elements to deconstruct medical terms.

20. Word Deconstruction
When you see an unfamiliar medical term, first identify the suffix.
– cardiologist
The suffix is -logist, one who studies and is a specialist in. Cardi/o is the combining form for heart.
Talking Points:
When you see an unfamiliar medical term, first identify the suffix.

21. Word Deconstruction
Use deconstruction to determine the meaning of the following word:
– myocardial
The suffix is -al, pertaining to; my/o is the combining form for muscle; and cardi means heart.
Talking Points:

22. Element Review Identify the elements of the following word:
– cardiomyopathy
cardi/o my/o- -pathy
combining combining suffix
form form
Talking Points:
Assist the student in identifying the prefixes and suffixes of the following word:
In the word cardiomyopathy:
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23. Pronunciations
Correct pronunciation of medical terms is essential so that other health professionals can understand what you are saying.
It is a most important component in ensuring patient safety and providing high-quality patient care.
Talking Points:
An error in pronunciation or spelling of a medical term can dramatically change its meaning. For quality patient care and safety, you must be sure you correctly spell and pronounce medical terms.
Your textbook will assist you in the correct pronunciation by spelling the word out phonetically (spelling the word how it sounds).
You must continually practice saying the word aloud to become comfortable with its pronunciation.

24. Pronunciations
Some words that are pronounced the same are spelled differently.
For example:
Both ilium and ileum are pronounced
ILL -ee-um.
The ilium is a bone in the pelvis
The ileum is a segment of the small intestine.
Talking Points:
An error in pronunciation or spelling of a medical term can dramatically change its meaning. For quality patient care and safety, you must be sure you correctly spell and pronounce medical terms.
Your textbook will assist you in the correct pronunciation by spelling the word out phonetically (spelling the word how it sounds).
You must continually practice saying the word aloud to become comfortable with its pronunciation.
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25. Pronunciations Some words sound the same if incorrectly pronounced.
For example:
The term prostate, pronounced PROSS-tate, refers to the gland at the base of the male bladder.
The term prostrate means to be physically weak or exhausted or to lie flat on the ground.
Talking Points:
An error in pronunciation or spelling of a medical term can dramatically change its meaning. For quality patient care and safety, you must be sure you correctly spell and pronounce medical terms.
Your textbook will assist you in the correct pronunciation by spelling the word out phonetically (spelling the word how it sounds).
You must continually practice saying the word aloud to become comfortable with its pronunciation.
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26. Plurals
Plural endings for medical terms do not simply involve adding an “s.”
Plural endings must be memorized.
Talking Points:
Plural endings are not based on the English language.
Plural forms of medical terms are based on Latin and Greek languages.
Adding an “s” to a medical term does not make it plural; the student must memorize the plurals of medical terms.

27. Plural Examples Refer to Table 1.1 of the text, page 12.
Singular Ending
Plural Ending
Examples -a
-ae
axilla
axillae
-is
-es
diagnosis
diagnoses
Talking Points:
Use Table 1.1 to illustrate the plural endings of many common suffixes.
Note the plural ending of medical terms can be very different from a singular ending; for example, ax changes to aces.
Remind the student that memorization of the plural form is required.

28. Keynote
Many words, when they are written or pronounced, have an element that if misspelled or mispronounced gives the intended word an entirely different meaning.
Talking Points:
Altering the pronunciation or spelling of a word can dramatically change the meaning.
Many medical terms sound similar; therefore, precise spelling and pronunciation must be clearly differentiated.
A misspelling or mispronunciation could alter the treatment and medication prescribed to a patient, resulting in injury or death.

29. Keynote
• Consider the case of confusing hypotension (low blood pressure) with hypertension (high blood pressure)
A treatment response to the different meaning could cause a medical error and perhaps the death of a patient.
Talking Points:
Altering the pronunciation or spelling of a word can dramatically change the meaning.
Many medical terms sound similar; therefore, precise spelling and pronunciation must be clearly differentiated.
A misspelling or mispronunciation could alter the treatment and medication prescribed to a patient resulting in injury or death.
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30. Keynote
Precision in written and verbal communication is essential to prevent errors in patient care.
Talking Points:
The textbook comes equipped with a CD-ROM that will give you the correct pronunciation of the medical term. Practice your pronunciation along with CD-ROM.

31. Final Word
Being a health professional requires the utmost attention to detail and precision in both written documentation and verbal communication. A patient’s life can be in your hands.
Any incorrect spelling can reflect badly on the whole health team.
Any incorrect pronunciation and spelling can reflect badly on you as a health professional.
Talking Points:
The textbook comes equipped with a CD-ROM which will give you the correct pronunciation of the medical term. Practice your pronunciation along with CD-ROM.
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32. Final Word Roots provide the core meaning of medical terms.
Roots are often joined to other elements in the medical term by placing a combining vowel on the end of the root.
Adding a suffix or a prefix to a root can build new words with different meanings.
Precision in communication is vitally important.
Talking Points:
To understand medical language, the student must first become familiar with the elements of medical terms.
What is a prefix? A prefix is the beginning of some words. Not all words have prefixes; some words simply begin with the root.
What is a root? A root is the foundation of the word. It is the base of the word which gives the word its meaning.
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