Word Parts

Word Parts for learning medical terminology

Chapter One

Introduction

In learning all the medical terminology that one needs to learn for the medical professions one must remember some very basic terms that we all learned in elementary school. These three basic terms are: prefix, suffix and root word. Many of these medical word parts must be memorized to a point and some usually do change over time.

In this book one will learn that these word parts will help them be able to interrupt the many meanings of medical terms. In learning these word parts the professional will be able to interrupt many medical terms in general. All these words parts in some way are used in many medical professions depending on where they work.

Now for the quick review of the three words that all medical terms must have: a root word, a prefix and a suffix. As we all learned in elementary school:

1. root word- this is the main word or part that prefixes and suffixes will be added.

2. prefix- this serves to further define the root word at the beginning of the term and it is a syllable or a word.

3. suffix- this describes what is happening to the term at the end of the word and it is also a syllable or a word.

As I did with common medical abbreviations I will be giving these word parts in alphabetical order as the order given in 'Diversified Health Occupations'. These questions and answers can be downloaded and printed out into flashcards for easier study.

The Letter 'A'

1. What does the prefix 'a-' mean? without, lack of

2. What does the prefix 'ab-' mean? from, away

3. What does the suffix '-able' mean? capable of

4. What does the suffixes '-ac and -ic' mean? pertaining to

5. What does the prefix '-aer (o)' mean? extremities (arms and legs)

(Note: The (o) is what is known as a combining vowel between the prefix/root/suffix.)

6. What does the prefix 'ad-' mean? to, toward, near

7. What does the prefix 'aden- (o)' mean? gland, glandular

8. What does the prefix 'adren-(o)' mean? adrenal gland

9. What does the prefix 'aer-(o)' mean? air

10. What does the suffix '-al' mean? like, similar, pertaining to

_________________________

1. What does the prefix 'alba-' mean? white

2. What does the prefix 'alges- ( i, ia)' mean? pain

3. What does the suffix '-algia' mean? pain

4. What does the prefix 'ambi-' mean? both, both sides

5. What does the prefix 'an- (o, us)' mean? anus (opening to the rectum)

6. What does the prefix 'angi- (o)' mean? vessel

7. What does the prefix 'ankyl-' mean? crooked, looped, immovable, fixed

8. What does the prefix 'ante- (ro)' mean? before, in front of, ahead of

9. What does the prefix 'anti-' mean? against

10. What does the prefix 'append- (i, o) mean? appenzymeendix

______________________

1. What does the prefix 'arter- (io)' mean? artery

2. What does the prefix 'arthr- (o)' mean? joint

3. What does the suffix '-ase' mean? enzyme

4. What does the suffix '-asis' mean? condition of

5. What does the suffix '-asthenia' mean? weakness, lack of strength

6. What does the prefix 'ather- (o)' mean? fatty, lipid

7. What does the prefix 'aud- ( i, o)' mean? sound, hearing

8. What does the prefix 'aur-') mean? ear

9. What does the prefix 'auto-' mean? self

(This ends the possible flashcards for the letter 'A'. Chapter two will cover the letters 'B' and 'C'. Just a reminder if you do make flashcards you will need index cards and the word parts on one side and meaning on the other. I know you all made flashcards before for some course or other before starting the next chapter on another letter.)