1. Introduction to Medical Terminology
Chapter 1
Introduction to Medical Terminology

2. Word Parts Are the Key
Understanding word parts and how they work together to form medical terms will reinforce your word-building skills
Most word parts in medical terminology are of Latin origin
Others are of Greek origin, or other languages

3. Four Types of Word Parts
Word root
(Example, gastr: stomach)
Combining form
(Example, gastr/o)
Suffix
(Example, -itis)
Prefix
(Example, hyper-)

4. Word Parts

5. Word Roots
Cannot stand alone
Basic meaning of the word
Usually describe the part of the body that is involved
Suffixes are placed at the end of the word root
Prefixes are placed at the beginning of the word root

6. Combining Forms
Include a vowel, usually an "o," added to the end of a word root
Aids in pronunciation
In combining two word roots, a combining form is added to the first word root
Combining form is used at the end of the second word root if the suffix begins with a vowel

7. Word Roots/Combining Forms

8. Suffixes
Added at the end of a word to complete the term
May indicate a procedure, condition, disorder, or disease

9. A combining vowel is used when suffix begins with a consonant
Suffixes
A combining vowel is used when suffix begins with a consonant
Example, neuroplasty
When joining neur/o (nerve) with suffix -plasty (surgical repair), combining vowel "o" is used because suffix begins with a consonant

10. A combining vowel is not used when suffix begins with a vowel
Suffixes
A combining vowel is not used when suffix begins with a vowel
Example, tonsillitis
When joining tonsill (tonsils) with suffix -itis (inflammation), combining vowel "o" is not used because suffix begins with a vowel

11. Suffixes

12. Suffixes as Noun Endings
Suffix may change a word root into a noun
Noun: person, place, or thing
Example, cranium
crani: skull
-um: noun ending

13. Suffixes that Mean "Pertaining To"
Suffixes may change the meaning of word root into an adjective
Adjective: defines or describes
Example, cardiac
cardi: heart
-ac: pertaining to

14. Suffixes that Mean "Abnormal Condition or Disease"
Suffixes may be used to change the meaning of a wood root to describe an abnormal condition
Example, gastrosis
gastr: stomach
-osis: abnormal condition or disease

15. Suffixes Related to Pathology
Suffixes may be used to describe a disease
Pathology: study of all aspects of disease
Examples:
-algia: pain and suffering
-itis: inflammation
-megaly: enlargement

16. Suffixes Related to Procedures
Suffix may be used to describe a procedure
Examples:
-centesis: surgical puncture to remove fluid
-graphy: producing a picture or record
-scopy: visual examination

17. The "Double R" Suffixes
Suffixes that begin with two of the letter "r"
Greek origin
Study them and learn the differences

18. -rrhage and -rrhagia: bleeding
The "Double R" Suffixes
-rrhage and -rrhagia: bleeding
Mostly used to describe sudden, severe bleeding
Example,
Hemorrhage: the loss of a large amount of blood in a short time
(hem/o: blood; -rrhage: abnormal excessive fluid discharge)

19. -rrhaphy: surgical suturing Example:
The "Double R" Suffixes
-rrhaphy: surgical suturing
Example:
Myorrhaphy: the surgical suturing of a muscle wound
(my/o: muscle; -rrhaphy: surgical suturing)

20. -rrhea: flow or discharge of body fluids Example:
The "Double R" Suffixes
-rrhea: flow or discharge of body fluids
Example:
Diarrhea: the frequent flow of loose or watery stools
(dia-: through; -rrhea: flow or discharge)

21. The "Double R" Suffixes
-rrhexis: rupture
Example,
myorrhexis: the rupture of a muscle
my/o: muscle; -rrhexis: rupture

22. Added at the beginning of a word
Prefixes
Added at the beginning of a word
Usually indicates location, time, or number
Examples,
Prenatal: before birth
(pre-: before; nat: birth; -al: pertaining to)

23. Prefixes

24. Contrasting and Confusing Prefixes
May have similar spellings, but different meanings
Examples,
ab-: away from
ad-: toward
inter-: between or among
intra-: within or inside

25. Determining Meanings on the Basis of the Word Parts
Knowing the meaning of the word parts often makes it possible to figure out the definition of an unfamiliar medical term.

26. Taking Terms Apart
First, separate into word parts
Start from the suffix and move toward the beginning, identifying the meaning of each part
Determine the context in which the term is used; some word parts may have more than one meaning

27. Taking Terms Apart
Refer to medical dictionary or trusted online source to double-check your definition
Be aware, not all terms are made up of word parts

28. Taking Terms Apart Example, Otorhinolaryngology
Suffix -ology: the study of
Word root laryng: larynx or throat
Combining vowel is not used here because word root is joining a suffix that begins with a vowel
Combining form rhin/o: nose
Combining vowel is used here because word root rhin is joining another word root

29. Taking Terms Apart

30. Guessing at Meanings
Attempt to decide the meaning of the word
Always double-check for accuracy because some terms have more than one meaning

31. Medical Dictionary Use
Assists with mastering correct use of medical terms
Guidelines:
Review user guide, table of contents, and appendices
Check the medical term alphabetically
Check each letter, since similar spellings may have different meanings
Check all the definitions listed

32. Searching for Definitions on the Internet
Only use reliable Web sites
Refer to at least two Web sites
Be aware of search terms
Double-check spelling and meaning of the term for which you are searching

33. Pronunciation
Commonly accepted pronunciation appears in parenthesis next to the term
Pronounce a new word by saying it as it is spelled in the parentheses.
Primary emphasis shown in uppercase boldface letters (eh-DEE-mah)
Secondary emphasis shown in boldface lowercase letters (ah-pen-dih-SIGH-tis)

34. Spelling is Always Important
Changing just one or two letters may completely change the meaning of a word
Many medical terms are known as "look-alike, sound-alike"

35. Singular and Plural Endings
Unusual rules apply since many medical terms are of Latin or Greek origin
English endings have been adopted for some commonly used terms

36. Basic Medical Terms to Describe Diseases
Further study may be required in learning medical terms that describe diseases and disease conditions

37. Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Terms and Word Parts
Many medical terms may look and sound similar but their meanings are different
Study these terms carefully

38. Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Terms and Word Parts
Example,
arteri/o, ather/o, arthr/o
arteri/o: artery
ather/o: plaque or fatty substance
arthr/o: joint

39. Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Terms and Word Parts
Example,
-ectomy, -ostomy, -otomy
-ectomy: surgical removal
-ostomy: surgical creation of an artificial opening to the body surface
-otomy: cutting or a surgical incision

40. Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Terms and Word Parts
Example,
ileum and ilium
ileum (ILL-ee-um): the last and longest portion of the small intestine. Memory aid: ileum is spelled with an "e" as in intestine.
ilium (ILL-ee-um): part of the hip bone. Memory aid: ilium is spelled with an "i" as in hip.

41. Using Abbreviations
Used frequently to record long and complex medical terms
May lead to confusion and errors
Be familiar with the "Do Not Use" abbreviations of your facility
Use only accepted abbreviations
When in doubt, spell it out