Word Roots in Medical Terminology

Introduction to Word Roots

Medical terminology is built from word roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Understanding common word roots helps students decode complex medical terms by identifying the core meaning related to body parts, organs, or systems.

• Word Root: The main part of a medical term, usually indicating a body part or system.

• Combining Form: The word root plus a vowel (usually 'o'), used when adding suffixes or other roots.

• Example: The root cardi means "heart"; in cardiology, it refers to the study of the heart.

Common Medical Word Roots

Table of Word Roots, Definitions, and Memory Tools

The following table summarizes common medical word roots, their definitions, and memory aids to help with memorization.

Additional info: The table uses images as memory tools to help students associate the root with its meaning.

Application of Word Roots

Understanding and Defining Medical Terms

Medical terms are often constructed by combining word roots with prefixes and suffixes. Understanding the meaning of each component allows for accurate interpretation of complex terms.

• Etiology: The study of the causes of diseases or conditions. Example: Etiology is used to describe the origin or cause of a disease.

• Pathology: The study of disease.

• Ophthalmology: The study of the eye and its diseases.

Practice: Defining Combining Forms

• Pulmon/o: lungs

• Cis/o: to cut

• Nephr/o: kidney

• Hemat/o: blood

Practice: Defining Medical Terms

• Encephalogram: A record or image of the brain. (From encephal/o meaning "brain" and -gram meaning "record or image")

• Hypomastectomy: Surgical removal of breast tissue. (From hypo- meaning "below normal," mast/o meaning "breast," and -ectomy meaning "surgical removal")

Summary Table: Combining Forms and Definitions

Key Takeaways

• Learning word roots is essential for understanding and constructing medical terms.

• Combining forms often use a connecting vowel for easier pronunciation.

• Practice by breaking down unfamiliar terms into their components to determine their meaning.