Time for Prayer
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
CHAPTER 1
DIFFERENT TEXTBOOK:
ESSENTIALS OF MEDICAL
TERMINOLOGY
Ms. Doshi
Class Plan
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Pronunciation Guide
The Parts of Medical Terms
Usually, each medical term is made up of:
prefix
root
suffix
Example: periarthritis
prefix
root
suffix
peri
arthr
itis
Example: periarthritis
To understand a medical term, start with the
suffix. Then the prefix and then the root.
prefix (2)
root (3)
suffix (1)
peri
arthr
itis
itis = inflammation
peri = around
arthr = joint
Meaning: inflammation around a joint.
Terms with no Prefix
Not all medical terms have all three parts.
Example:
arthritis
root (2)
suffix (1)
arthr
itis
itis = inflammation
root = joint
Meaning: Inflammation of a joint
Terms with no Prefix Examples
Now, you try!
Flashcards
Examples of Terms with no Prefix
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Terms with No Root
Some terms do not have a root!
Example:
neo-plasm
new
growth
Meaning of neoplasm is “new growth”.
Terms with Two Roots
Some terms have two roots followed by a
suffix. We often use a combining vowel to
make pronunciation easier. It goes between
the two roots.
osteoarthritis
-itis
suffix meaning “inflammation”
-oste/o root meaning “bone”
-arthr
root meaning “joint”
Meaning: inflammation of the bone and joint.
Another Example, Two Roots
gastroenteritis
-itis
gastr/o
enter/o
suffix meaning “inflammation”
root meaning “stomach”
root meaning “intestine”
Meaning:
inflammation of the stomach and intestine
The Combining Vowel
When do we use it?
Between two roots. (Seen already)
When a root is followed by a suffix, we use a
combining vowel only when the suffix begins
with a consonant.
Examples: When to Use a Combining Vowel
The Combining Form
The combining form is the name given to a
root that is followed by a combining vowel.
Example:
arthr/o
“/o” means that “o” may or may not be used
in a medical word.
Examples of the Combining Form
The combining form is the root + combining
vowel. Note that it is difficult to pronounce
the root.
Plurals
The formation of plurals depends on what
letters are at the end of the term.
Rules:
Plural rules are on page 13.
Exceptions: virus
viruses
sinus
sinuses
Let’s Practice Plurals
Flashcards
Plurals-Introduction
In order
And then check.
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Now you try!
Get in groups of 3 or with a partner.
Do questions on pages 13 and 14.
You have 30 minutes.
The we go through the answers.