,BIOD 103 FINAL Exam | Medical
Terminology | Portage Learning | Q & A
1.Which of the following best defines medical terminology?
A) The study of disease processes and their treatments
B) The specialized language used to describe the human body and medical conditions
C) The analysis of surgical procedures and their outcomes
D) The study of drug interactions and pharmacology
Correct Answer: The specialized language used to describe the human body and medical conditions
Rationale: Medical terminology is the specialized language used to accurately describe the human body,
its components, processes, conditions, and procedures. It provides a standardized way for healthcare
professionals to communicate effectively.
2. Which part of a medical term provides its core meaning?
A) Prefix
B) Suffix
C) Root word
D) Combining vowel
Correct Answer: Root word
Rationale: The root word is the fundamental part of a medical term that contains its primary meaning,
often referring to a body part or system. Prefixes and suffixes modify this core meaning.
3. The suffix "-ectomy" refers to:
A) Inflammation
B) Surgical removal
,C) Enlargement
D) Tumor
Correct Answer: Surgical removal
Rationale: The suffix "-ectomy" means surgical removal or excision. Examples include appendectomy
(removal of the appendix) and nephrectomy (removal of a kidney).
4. The prefix "brady-" means:
A) Fast
B) Slow
C) Normal
D) Irregular
Correct Answer: Slow
Rationale: The prefix "brady-" means slow. It is used in medical terms such as bradycardia (slow heart
rate) and bradypnea (slow breathing).
5. The root "cardi/o" refers to which structure?
A) Brain
B) Heart
C) Lung
D) Kidney
Correct Answer: Heart
Rationale: The combining form "cardi/o" specifically means heart. This root is used in terms such as
cardiology (study of the heart) and cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease).
, 6. Which suffix means "inflammation"?
A) -oma
B) -osis
C) -itis
D) -pathy
Correct Answer: -itis
Rationale: The suffix "-itis" means inflammation. It is used in terms like tonsillitis (inflammation of the
tonsils) and arthritis (inflammation of joints).
7. The term "hepatomegaly" means:
A) Inflammation of the liver
B) Enlargement of the liver
C) Tumor of the liver
D) Removal of the liver
Correct Answer: Enlargement of the liver
Rationale: "Hepatomegaly" is formed from "hepat/o" (liver) and the suffix "-megaly" (enlargement). It
refers to an enlarged liver.
8. The prefix "tachy-" means:
A) Slow
B) Fast
C) Normal
D) Irregular
Correct Answer: Fast