Medical Terminology Study Guide
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1. Introduction to Medical Terminology
1.1 What is Medical Terminology?
Medical terminology is the specialized language used by healthcare professionals to accurately
describe the human body, medical conditions, procedures, treatments, and pharmaceuticals.
It combines elements from Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
The use of medical terminology improves clarity, reduces errors, and helps in the accurate
recording of patient data.
1.2 Importance of Medical Terminology
Clear Communication: Ensures all healthcare professionals can effectively understand each
other.
Medical Documentation: Accurate records and prescriptions depend on precise language.
Patient Care: Understanding medical terms allows healthcare providers to make accurate
diagnoses and communicate treatment options.
Professional Development: Medical terminology is essential for anyone pursuing a career in the
healthcare sector, including doctors, nurses, radiologists, and medical assistants.
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2. Structure of Medical Terms
2.1 Word Components
Root Words: The foundation of a medical term that provides its core meaning.
Example: Cardio- means heart (e.g., cardiology = study of the heart).
, Prefixes: Added at the beginning of the term to modify the meaning. Often indicate location,
number, time, or status.
Example: Hyper- means excessive (e.g., hypertension = high blood pressure).
Suffixes: Added at the end of the term and usually indicate a condition, disease, procedure, or
part of the body.
Example: -itis means inflammation (e.g., bronchitis = inflammation of the bronchial tubes).
Combining Vowels: Typically the letter "o," used to link root words to suffixes or other roots. It
helps in pronunciation and connects terms smoothly.
Example: cardi/o/logy (combining vowel "o" connects root "cardi-" to suffix "-logy").
2.2 Rules for Word Formation
Root + Suffix: Root word + suffix creates the term.
Example: cardi/o + -logy = cardiology (study of the heart).
Prefix + Root: Prefix modifies the meaning of the root word.
Example: hyper- + tension = hypertension (high blood pressure).
Combining Vowel: Used between two roots or between a root and a suffix when needed for
easier pronunciation.
Example: oste/o + -pathy = osteopathy (disease of bones).
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3. Common Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes
3.1 Prefixes
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1. Introduction to Medical Terminology
1.1 What is Medical Terminology?
Medical terminology is the specialized language used by healthcare professionals to accurately
describe the human body, medical conditions, procedures, treatments, and pharmaceuticals.
It combines elements from Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
The use of medical terminology improves clarity, reduces errors, and helps in the accurate
recording of patient data.
1.2 Importance of Medical Terminology
Clear Communication: Ensures all healthcare professionals can effectively understand each
other.
Medical Documentation: Accurate records and prescriptions depend on precise language.
Patient Care: Understanding medical terms allows healthcare providers to make accurate
diagnoses and communicate treatment options.
Professional Development: Medical terminology is essential for anyone pursuing a career in the
healthcare sector, including doctors, nurses, radiologists, and medical assistants.
---
2. Structure of Medical Terms
2.1 Word Components
Root Words: The foundation of a medical term that provides its core meaning.
Example: Cardio- means heart (e.g., cardiology = study of the heart).
, Prefixes: Added at the beginning of the term to modify the meaning. Often indicate location,
number, time, or status.
Example: Hyper- means excessive (e.g., hypertension = high blood pressure).
Suffixes: Added at the end of the term and usually indicate a condition, disease, procedure, or
part of the body.
Example: -itis means inflammation (e.g., bronchitis = inflammation of the bronchial tubes).
Combining Vowels: Typically the letter "o," used to link root words to suffixes or other roots. It
helps in pronunciation and connects terms smoothly.
Example: cardi/o/logy (combining vowel "o" connects root "cardi-" to suffix "-logy").
2.2 Rules for Word Formation
Root + Suffix: Root word + suffix creates the term.
Example: cardi/o + -logy = cardiology (study of the heart).
Prefix + Root: Prefix modifies the meaning of the root word.
Example: hyper- + tension = hypertension (high blood pressure).
Combining Vowel: Used between two roots or between a root and a suffix when needed for
easier pronunciation.
Example: oste/o + -pathy = osteopathy (disease of bones).
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3. Common Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes
3.1 Prefixes
