Chapter 1: Introduction to Word Parts and Word Construction

Overview of Medical Terminology

Medical terminology is constructed from distinct word parts, including prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Understanding these components allows students to interpret and construct complex medical terms efficiently. This chapter introduces the foundational elements of medical words and their meanings.

Prefixes

Common Prefixes and Their Meanings

• a-: without

• anti-: against, opposite of

• brady-: slow

• endo-: within

• epi-: upon, over, above, on top

• hypo-: below

• micro-: small

• neo-: new

• pre-: to come before

Example: Bradycardia means a slow heart rate (brady- = slow, cardi/o = heart, -ia = condition of).

Prefixes Indicating Numbers

• mono-, uni-: one

• bi-, di-: two

• tri-: three

• quadri-, tetra-: four

Example: Unilateral means pertaining to one side (uni- = one, later/o = side, -al = pertaining to).

Suffixes

Common Suffixes and Their Meanings

• -al: pertaining to

• -ectomy: surgical excision, removal

• -emia: condition of blood

• -gram: a record or image

• -ia, -iasis: condition of

• -iatry: treatment, specialty

• -ic: pertaining to

• -itis: inflammation

• -logist: one who studies

• -logy: study or science of

• -megaly: abnormally large

• -pathy: disease

• -phasia: speaking

• -philia: loving, affinity for

• -plasty: surgical repair

• -scope: instrument used for viewing

• -tic: pertaining to

• -um: noun ending

Example: Gastrectomy means surgical removal of the stomach (gastr/o = stomach, -ectomy = removal).

Roots

Common Roots and Their Meanings

Example: Neuritis means inflammation of a nerve (neur/o = nerve, -itis = inflammation).

Roots Indicating Colors

Color Roots and Their Meanings

Example: Cyanosis means a bluish discoloration of the skin (cyan/o = blue, -osis = condition).

Word Construction in Medical Terminology

Combining Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes

• Medical terms are often constructed by combining a prefix, root, and suffix.

• The root provides the core meaning, while prefixes and suffixes modify the meaning.

• Combining vowels (often 'o') are used to connect roots and suffixes for easier pronunciation.

Example: Electrocardiogram (electr/o = electricity, cardi/o = heart, -gram = record or image) is a record of the electrical activity of the heart.

Summary Table: Word Part Functions

Additional info: Mastery of word parts is essential for understanding medical documentation and communicating effectively in healthcare settings.