Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of a combining vowel in medical terminology?

Accepted Answer

It is used to join word roots, especially in compound words, and usually is an 'o' or sometimes an 'i'.

Question 2

Given the term 'osteomyelitis', break down the word and define it using the correct order for medical terms.

Accepted Answer

Suffix: -itis = inflammation; Word root: oste = bone; Word root: myel = marrow; Definition: inflammation of the bone and marrow.

Question 3

Which of the following terms correctly uses a combining vowel according to the rules of medical terminology?

Accepted Answer

cardiogram

Question 4

A student writes the term 'megal/o/card/o' to mean 'enlarged heart.' What is the error in this construction?

Accepted Answer

The combining vowel 'o' should not be used before the suffix; the correct term is 'megalocardia'.

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct order for defining a medical term with a prefix, word root, and suffix?

Accepted Answer

Suffix, prefix, word root

Question 6

In the term 'hypodermic', why is there no combining vowel before the suffix?

Accepted Answer

Because the suffix begins with a vowel.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of an eponym?

Accepted Answer

Parkinson's disease

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with 'cardiopulmonary disease.' Using the rules for defining medical terms, what does this term mean?

Accepted Answer

Pertaining to the heart and the lungs

Question 9

Which of the following words demonstrates the correct use of a combining vowel when the suffix begins with a consonant?

Accepted Answer

cardiogram

Question 10

Which pronunciation guideline is correct for the word 'cyst'?

Accepted Answer

The 'c' is pronounced as a soft 's' because it is followed by 'y'.

Question 11

Which of the following terms is constructed incorrectly according to the rules of medical terminology?

Accepted Answer

megalocardio

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct breakdown and definition for the term 'intracardiac'?

Accepted Answer

Prefix: intra = within; Word root: cardi = heart; Suffix: ac = pertaining to; Definition: pertaining to within the heart

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding the use of prefixes and suffixes in medical terminology?

Accepted Answer

The meaning of prefixes and suffixes never changes, but both change the meaning of the word root.

Question 14

Which of the following words contains a word root that ends in 'g' and is followed by a vowel, resulting in a soft 'g' sound?

Accepted Answer

pharyngitis

Question 15

A medical term is spelled 'psoriasis.' According to pronunciation guidelines, how is the initial 'ps' pronounced?

Accepted Answer

As an 's' sound

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct way to construct a compound medical word referring to 'white blood cell disease'?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{leuk/o/cyt/osis}$$

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a correct pronunciation rule for medical terms?

Accepted Answer

If a word begins with 'c' followed by 'e', 'i', or 'y', it is pronounced as a hard 'k'.

Question 18

Which of the following terms is an example of a medical eponym?

Accepted Answer

Parkinson disease

Question 19

A student is asked to define the term 'carditis.' What is the correct process for defining this term?

Accepted Answer

Define the suffix first, then the word root.

Question 20

Which of the following is true about the use of combining vowels in medical terminology?

Accepted Answer

A combining vowel is used between two word roots, even if the second root begins with a vowel.

Chapter 1: Word Building Rules in Medical Terminology

Study Guide - Practice Questions