Medical Terminology

A Survival Guide
Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology, otherwise known as Latin consists of five declensions – the most difficult being the 3rd – each
declension consists of six cases – two of which are omitted from the course.

The Declensions range from 1st – 5th and the cases include:

 Nominative (Nom)
 Genitive (Gen)
 Accusative (Acc)
 Ablative (Abl)

Nominative – this case deals with the substantive (noun) as it exists on its own. E.g. Man, woman, chair, table, boy and girl
etc. Notice nothing is attached to these nouns, they exist as single entities.

Genitive – this case deals with “of” or “of the” E.g. Fracture of the left hand or tibia of girl. In each of these examples the
first noun is attached to the second by “of”. The second now i.e. the noun that follows “of” is declined in the genitive case –
the first noun remains in the nominative case.

Accusative – the use of this case is determined by directional prepositions (which will be displayed later), it is important to
know the prepositions for this case as lack of knowledge will result in incorrect translation. Be careful not to mix up with the
locational prepositions – usually Jana is good enough to indicate in some translations whether it is location or direction.

Ablative – the use of this case is determined by locational prepositions. Like the directional prepositions they are important
to know so as to make the correct translation.

Note: A substantive is another word for a noun – which is used to describe a person, a place or a thing. An adjective assigns
a value to a noun e.g left hand, right foot – with left and right being the adjectives here. As will be discussed later there are
both A-Type and B-Type adjectives in Medical Terminology.
Declension Table

Singular I II III IV V
F M N M/F N M N F
Nominative a us / er um ------- us u es
Genitive ae i is us ei
Accusative am um em / im um u em
Ablative a o e/i u e

Plural I II III IV V
F M N M/F N M N F
Nominative ae i a es a us ua es
Genitive arum orum um uum erum
Accusative as os a es a us ua es
Ablative is is ibus ibus ebus

M = Masculine, F = Feminine and N = Neuter – the importance of these will become clear as we progress through the
material

A simple word of advice – know this table by heart and be able to reproduce it in 60 seconds – it is invaluable in the exam
Prepositions
Directional Prepositions
Ad To, Towards, At Per Through
Ante Before, In front of Praeter Except
Apud Near by, next to Prope Near
ACCUSATIVE

Circa About Propter On account of

Circum Around Post After
Contra Against Secundum Along
Extra Outside Super Over, On
Intra Inside Supra Over, Above
Inter Between Trans Across
There is no long and short
Iuxta Next To Versus Towards about it, these have to been
known inside out.
Locational Prepositions
ABLAVTIVE

Ex Out of, From Sine Without

Ab Away From Pro Before
Cum With De Down From

Locational and Directional Prepositions

In To, Into Direction Accusative
BOTH

Sub In, At Direction Accusative

In Up, to Location Ablative
Sub Under Location Ablative
1st Declension

Singular I The 1st Declension is a Feminine Declension – this is important to note as adjectives which
are attached to the substantives are declined in feminine also.
F
Nominative a  This declension contains adjectives and ordinals.
Genitive ae  It is mainly a feminine atmosphere.
 Be careful – the nominative plural is the same as genitive singular so be careful when
Accusative am translating singular and plural
Ablative a  Know the vocabulary – its vital
 Watch out for singular and plural – fractures of bones or column of veterbrae etc
Plural I  Know your prepositions – if you don’t you will mess up the translation
 Note adjectives and ordinals come after the substantive.
F  Watch out for the key identifiers “of” etc
Nominative ae  Adjectives and ordinals are declined according to the noun / substantive to which they
are attached
Genitive arum
Accusative as
Ablative is

Preposition Substantive Adjective Ordinals

 1st Declension Vocabulary

Aqua Water Foma Form Rubeola Rubella

Arteriola Small Artery Gutta Drop Ruptura Rupture
Arteria Artery Glandula Gland Sutura Suture
Ala Wing Hora Hour Scapula Shoulder Blade
Apertura Opening Hernia Hernia Summa Total
Aorta Aorta Lageona Bottle Stilla Drop
Angina Angina Lingua Tongue Scarlatina Scarlet Fever
Bucca Cheek Massa Mass Spina Spine
Bursa Small sac Mamma Breast Tabula Table
Causa Cause Mammila Nipple Taeina Strip
Columna Column / Neck Membrana Membrane Tonsilla Tonsil
Costa Rib Medicina Nausea Ulna Ulna
Capsula Pill Mandibula Lower Jaw Urina Urine
Clavaria Skull Maxilla Upper Jaw Via Way
Clavicula Clavicle Orbita Orbit Vena Vein
Charta Chart Papilla Nipple Shaped Vesica Bladder
Cuticula Epidermis / Skin Prostata Prostate Vertebra Vertebra
Corona Crown Puella Girl Variola Small Pox
Femina Woman Pilula Pill Varicella Chicken Pox
Fractura Fracture Palpebra Eyelid Mora Delay / pause
Fascia Sheet Patella Knee Cap
Adjectives – An Introduction
 Adjectives are words that qualify / specify a noun – they describe it – e.g. distilled water, right hand, left foot etc.
 They are dependant on the substantives – not able to exist on their own – you cant say just left or distilled.
 They are flexible meaning they can be declined.
 They are fixed to imitate gender (m/f/n), number (singular or plural) and case (nom, gen, acc, abl).
 They are regularly forced to follow the substantive referred to.

Basically what is being said is that adjectives give a noun a quality, they come after the noun in the sentence not before it, if
the noun to which it is attached is for instance genitive 1st declension, then the adjective will come after the noun and also
be in the genitive 1st declension.

Below are some basic adjectives – more will be provided later on as we progress.

Simple Adjectives

Pura Pure Interossea Interosseous Congenita Congenital

Destillata Distilled Oblongata Oblong Acquisita Acquired
Sterilisata Sterilised Compacta Compact Complicata Complicated
Profunda Deep Spongiosa Spongy Postoperativa Post Operative
Nutricia Nutrient Mucosa Mucous Acuta Acute
Lata Wide/Broad Dextra Right Chronica Chronic
Fellea Relating to gall Sinistra Left Bifida Cleft
Urinaria Relating to urine Sana Sound
Integra Intact Tuberculosa Tuberculous
Ordinals – An Introduction
 Like adjectives, ordinals are used to qualify / specify a substantive – 1st rib, 2nd bone etc
 They also cannot exist on their own – they have to be assigned to a substantive
 They also are subject to number, case and gender.
 They are flexible also
 They are forced to follow the substantive they are assigned to.

Basically the same as the adjectives really – however in a sentence that contains both adjective and ordinal i.e 1st long rib –
then they follow the adjective which follows the noun.

Ordinals

1st Prima, us, um First 7th Septima, us, um Seventh

2nd Secunda, us, um Second 8th Octava, us, um Eighth
3rd Tertia, us, um Third 9th Nona, us, um Ninth
4th Quarta, us, um Fourth 10th Decima, us, um Tenth
5th Quinta, us, um Fifth 11th Undecima Eleventh
6th Sexta, us, um Sixth 12th Duodecima Twelfth
1st Declension - Exercises

1. Translate The Following

In front of the right scapula Ante scapulam dextram
Next to the incisure of the right scapula Apud incisuram scapulae dextrae
In the cells In cellulis
Out of the bottle Ex lageona
A drop of distilled water Gutta apuae destillatae
Away from the spine A columna vertebrarum
To the fifth vertebrae Ad vertebram quintam
In natural order of things In natura
Prevention of smallpox Preventia ante variolam

2. Create meaningful sentences

In (position) - vertebra – thoracica – tertia In vertebra thoracica tertia
In (position) – columna – vertebrae In columna vertebrarum
Ad – fracturae – tibia – et – fibula – dextra Ad fracturam tibiae et fibulae dextrae
Apud – mandibula Apud mandibulam
Ad – tunica – mucosa – lingua Ad tunicam mucosam linguae
Ex – arteriae - coronariae Ex arteriis coronariis
2nd Declension

Singular II The 2nd Declension is a dual gender declension – masculine and

neuter. It is important therefore to be able to correctly identify which
M N
is which, luckily the endings (bar a few exceptions) identify which
Nominative us / er um gender the substantive belongs to.
Genitive i
 This declension contains adjectives and ordinals.
Accusative um  Know the vocabulary – its vital.
Ablative o  Watch out for singular and plural.
 Know your prepositions – if you don’t you will mess up the
translation
Plural II  Note adjectives and ordinals come after the substantive.
 Watch out for the key identifiers “of” etc
M N  Adjectives and ordinals are declined according to the noun /
Nominative i a substantive to which they are attached.
 As mentioned there are some exceptions to be noted. There are
Genitive orum some male shaped feminine substantives occur.
Accusative os a  Methodus, periodus, paragraphus, diameter and alvus – these are
Ablative
feminine. This means that when these substantives have an adjective
is
attached to them, the adjectives follow the feminine form.

Preposition Substantive 1 Adjective 1 Substantive 2 Ordinals

 2nd Declension Vocabulary

Annus Year Duodenum Hungry gut Pericardium Pericardium

Angulus Angle Fundus Bottom Puer Boy
Acromion Ganglion Humerus Humerus Periculum Danger
Acidum Acid Intestinum Intestine Ramus Branch
Circulus Circular Ileus Intest obstruction Radius Radius
Cubitus Elbow Lobus Lobe Remidium Remedy
Carpus Wrist Ligamentum Ligament Rectum Upright gut
Cancer Carcinoma Labium Lip Sulcus Furrow
Cibus Meal Musculus Muscle Septum Septum
Cavum Cavity Morbus Disease Sternum Breast bone
Cranium Skull Magister Pharmacist Signum Symptom
Cerebrum Brain Medicus Doctor Scalpellum Scapel
Cerebelum Small brain Manubrium Handle Spatum Space
Collum Neck Nasus Nose Tuberculum Small tubercle
Caecum Blind gut Nervus Nerve Thymus Thymus
Crassum Fat bowel Oculus Eye Uterus Womb
Colon Large intestine Oesphagus Esophagus Vestibulum Large entrance
Diameter* Diameter Ostium Opening Vitrum Glass
Digitus Finger Organum Organ Vitum Defect
Ductulus Small duct Ovarium Ovary Ventriculus Stomach
Dorsum Back Olecrannon Ganglion Vir Man
 REMEMBER!

Diameter – Diameter
Periodus – Period
Methodus – Method
Alvus – organs of abdominal cavity

These are masculine substantives of the second declension but they are masculine
that are feminine (Transvestites) – the adjectives / ordinals attached to these
substantives are feminine
Adjectives – Part 1
To continue where we left off about adjectives.

 In English an adjective isn't determined by gender – in Latin however it is determined in part by gender.
 There are two types of adjective in Latin – A-Type Adjectives and B-Type Adjectives.
 Both types are compatible with all 5 types.
 All the A-type adjectives conform to gender (M /F / N).
 If the substantive is feminine then the adjective is feminine whereas if it is neuter or masculine then the adjective is
masculine or neuter. A- Type adjectives conform mainly to the 1st and 2nd declensions.
More Adjectives

Bonus, a, um Good Malus, a, um Bad Sanus Sound/Intact

Benignus, a, um Benign Malignus, a, um Malignant Aeger, gra, grum Ill/Hurt
Versus, a, um True Falsus, a, um False Vivus Alive
Maximus, a, um Maximal Minimus, a, um Minimal Mortuus Dead
Directus, a, um Direct Indirectus Indirect Various, a, um Various
Longus, a, um Long Latus Wide Vagus Wandering
Niger, gra, grum Black Albus White Medius Medial/Middle
Calidus, a, um Warm Frigidus Cold Interosseous Interossous
Rarus, a, um Rare Creber, bra, rum Frequent Perforatus Perforated
Plenus, a, um Full Vaccus / Vanus Empty Nutricius Nutrient
Externus, a, um External Internus Internal Infectiosus Infectious
Dexter, tra, trum Right Sinister, tra, rum Left Periculous Dangerous
Adultus ,a , um Adult Caecus Blind Crassus Fat
2nd Declension - Exercises
1. Match Properly
Fractura + radius dexter Fractura radii dextri
Fractura + septum nasi Fractura septi nasi
Ruptura + ligamentum interosseum Ruptura ligamenti interossei
Ruptura + musculus glutaeus maximus Ruptura musculi glutaei maximi
Cancer + lobus dexter thymi Cancer lobi dextri thymi
Signum + morbus infectiosus Signum morbi infectiosi

2. Give Plural Forms

Musculus obliquus Musculi obliqui
Ligamentum transversum Ligamenta transversa
Nervus transversus colli Nervi transversi collorum
Sub ramo externo nervi accessorii Sub ramis externis nervorum accessoriorum
Supra ramum medium nervi trigemini Supra ramos medios nervorum trigeminorum
Signum morbi congeniti Signum morborum congenitorum
Circum oculum dextrum Circum ocolos dextros
Contra spasmum Conta spasmos
Cum fractura humeri Cum fracturis humerorum
Sine medicamento Sine medicamentis
In spatio interosseo In spatis interosseis
2nd Declension - Exercises
3. Put together
Extra + nervus opticus / secundus Extra nervum opticum secundum
In (inside) + nervus opticus / secundus In nervo optico secondo
Sub + nervus opticus / secundus Sub nervvo optico secundo
Ante + nervus opticus / secundus Ante nervum opticum secundum
Ruptura + nervus opticus / secundus Ruptura nervi optici secundi
Extra + bulbus oculi Extra bulbum oculi
In (inside) + bulbus oculi In bulbo oculi
Sub + bulbus oculi Sub bulbo oculi
Ante + bulbus oculi Ante bulbum oculi
Ruptura + bulbus oculi Ruptura bulbi oculii

4. Localise Inter
Oculus dexter et sinister Inter oculum detrum et sinistrum
Ovaria Inter ovaria
Ovarium dextrum et sinistrum Inter ovarium dextrum et sinistrum
Periodus prima et secunda Inter periodum primam et secundam
Bulbi oculi Inter bulbos oculorum
Lobus dexter et sinister prostatae Inter lobum dextrum et sinistrum prostatae
2nd Declension - Exercises
5. Build up meaningful phrases
Ramus(pl) – nervus – trigeminus Rami nervi trigemini
Sub(position) – ramus – nervus – olfactorius Sub ramo nervi olfactori
Inter – ramus – nervus Inter ramos nervi
Signum(pl) – morbus – organum – internus Signa morborum organorum internorum
Intra – trachea – et – bronchus – dexter Intra tracheam et brochum dextrum
Numerus – morbus – infectiosus Numerus morborum infectiosorum
Praventia ante – morbilli- et – ceteri – morbus - infectiosus Praventia ante morbillos et ceteros morbos infectiosos
Fractura – radius – dexter – locus – typicus Fractura radii dextri loco typico
Cum – cancer – lobus – dexter – prostata Cum cancro lobi dextri prostate

6. Translate
Nerves and muscles of fingers Nervi et musculi digitorum
Above duodenum Supra duodenum
Under the right eye Sub oculo dextro
Between ovaries Inter ovaria
In the fundus of the womb In fundo uteri
In the right atrium In atrio dextro
Signs of tetanus Signa tetani
Complicated fracture of the neck of the humerus Fractura complicata colli humeri
Under laboratory conditions In vitro
Out of danger Extra periculum
Prevention of tetanus Preventia ante tetanum
Sample Test 1 – 1st and 2nd Decelsnion
1. Form a simple diagnosis
Fractura - mandibula Fractura mandiulae
Fractura – spina scapula Fractura spinae scapulae
Fractura + tibia Fractura tibiae

2. Put into plural form

Morbus coronarius Morbi coronarii
Lobus dexter prostatae Lobi dexri prostatarum
Arteria nutricia humeri Arteriae nutricae humerorum

3. Use the given preposition

In / locus frigidus In loco frigido
Contra / morbus chronicus Contra morbum chronicum
Post / fractura radii Post fracturam radii
Ante / cancer uteri Ante cancrum uteri
Ad / oculus sinister Ad oculum sinistrum
Sub / ithmus aortae Sub isthmo aortae
Sine / methodus bona Sine methodo bona

4. Translate
Fundus of the urinary bladder Fundus
Interosseus muscles Musculi interossei
The perforated intestine Intestinum
The second finger Digitus secundus
Sample Test 2 – 1st and 2nd Decelsnion
Multiple Choice Exercise

Musculus (longus / longa / longum)

Vena (cavus / cava / cavum)
Auditus (bonus / bona / bonum)
Manus (sinster / sinistra / sinistrum)
Oculus (dexter / dextra / dextrum)
Caries (humidus / humida / humidum)
Apparatus (digestorius / digestoria / digestorium)
Genu (varus / vara / varum)
Infarctus (venosus / venosa / venosum)
Diameter (transversus / transversa / transversum)
Fractura (apertus / aperta / apertum)
Dies (primus / prima / primum)
Facies (internus / interna / internum)
Partus (praematurus / praematura / praematurum)
Organum (laesus / laesa / laesum)
Cancer (incertus / incerta / incertum)
Methodus (directus / directa / directum)
Ovarium (dexter / dextra / dextrum)
Sample Test 3 – 1st and 2nd Decelsnion
1. Complete the Following Expressions
In (arteria nuticia) In arteria nutricia
Ad (columna vertebrarum) Ad columnam vertebrarum
Inter (costa) Inter costas
Ex (musculus dorsi) Ex musculo dorsi
Supra (membrum) Supra membrum
a/ab (scapula sinistra) a/ab scapula sinistra

2. Translate
Under (loc) the isthmus of aorta Sub ithmo aortae
A bad method Methodus mala
Rupture of the profound artery of the brain Ruptura arteriae profunda cerbri
Fracture of the right scapula Fractura scapulae dextrae
Into the left eye In oculum sinistrum

3. Form a diagnosis using the following vocabulary

Ruptura + facia lata Ruptura faciae latae
Fractura + fibula dextra Fractura fibulae dextrae
Signum + fractura radii sinistri aperta Signum fracturae radii sinistri apertae
Sample Test 3 – 1st and 2nd Decelsnion
4. Put the noun in brackets into the appropriate case
Ad (scatula) Ad scatulam Ab (oculus sinister) Ab oculuo sinistro
In (vena) In vena De (diameter transversa) De diametro transverso
Sub (lingua) Sub lingua Ex (ovarium sinistrum) Ex ovario sinistro
Supra (spina) Supra spinam Propter (fractura aperta) Propter fracturam apertam
Post (therapia) Post therapiam Inter (costae) Inter costarum

5. Translate
Fracture of the limb Fractura membri
A drop of distilled water Gutta aquae destillatae
Long muscles Musculi longi
Into the profound artery In arteria profunda
A bad method Methodus mala

6. Put the following terms in the “of” phrase

Fractura + digitus tertius Fractura digiti tertii
Ruptura + ligamentum interosseum Ruptura ligamenti interossei
Cancer + lobus sinister prostate Cancer lobi dextri prostatae
Signum + fractura fibulae dextrae complicata Signum fracturae complicatae fibulae dextrae
 REMEMBER!

Be careful with the structures of sentences – really watch what is being said in sentences –
always before you begin a translation read the English.

Take the term bulbus oculus for example – you would translate this to mean eyeball – but its not
– it would be bulb of eye – note the “of” – be careful because this kind of stuff can screw up
your translation. So you have to pay attention

Translate correctly

Inter bulbus oculi – between the eyeballs – Between bulbs of eyes – inter bulbum oculi

ACCUSATIVE GENATIVE
4th Declension

Singular IV The 4TH Declension is a dual gender declension – masculine and

neuter. It is important therefore to be able to correctly identify which
M N
is which, it is considered the younger brother of the 2nd declension.
Nominative us u You have once again to know and be able to identify the vocabulary of
Genitive us this declension – as it has similar endings to 2nd declension care has to
be taken!.
Accusative um u
Ablative u  follow the usual rules with knowing vocabulary, watch out for
singular and plural, know endings and remember adjectives follow
gender-number and case.
Plural II  There is one transvestite noun of importance in this declension –
manus – its masculine be in fact is feminine.
M N  Most of the 4th declension masculine are of verb origin.
Nominative us ua
Genitive uum
Accusative us ua
Ablative ibus

Preposition Substantive 1 Adjective 1 Substantive 2 Ordinals

 4th Declension Vocabulary

Aditus Entrance Lapsus Fall / slide / error Vomitus Vomit

Apparatus Apparatus Meatus Passage Visus Vision
Auditus Hearing Meatus acusticus Auditory passage Ductus Duct
Appetitus Appetite Manus Hand Ductus Chole Bile Duct
Archus Arch Olfactus Smell dochus
Abusus Addiction Prolapsus Prolapse
Carcinoma in situ Primary Cancer Processus Process Sense – Sensus
Cornu (N) Horn / corner P. Mastoideus Mastoid process Auditus Hearing
De-cubitus Bedsore Pulsus Pulse Visus Sight
De-fectus Defect Recessus Recess Olfactus Smell
De-cursus Course R. Palatinus Palatine recess Gustus Taste
Exitus Exit / death Status Status Tactus Touch
Gustus Taste Successus Success
Genu (N) Knee Situs Position / location Partus Delivery
[Link] (N) Outward Sensus Sense Aquae Ductus Aqua duct
[Link] (N) Inward Spiritus Breath Abortus Abortion
Insultus Attack S. Vini Alcohol Plexus Network of
Insultus cerebri Brain Attack Sinus Fold / Cavity
Ictus Brain Attack Tractus Tract
Infarctus Infarction Tactus Touch
Infarctus Myo Cardii Myocardial Inf Usus Usage
Adjectives – Part 2 – A - Type
Additional A-Type Adjectives

A- Type Adjectives

Optimus The best Indirectus Indirect

pessimus The worst Obliquus Oblique
Certus Certain Opticus Optic
Incertus Incertain Urologicus Urogenital
Suspectus Suspect Aromaticus Aromatic
Periculosus Dangerous Lactifer Milk
Subitus Sudden Bilifer Bile These are all in relation to
something or to the function of
Tardus Slow / tardy Circulatorius Circulatory something
Praematurus Premature Oculomotorius Occulomotor
Retardatus Retarded Respiratorius Respiratory
Praeoperativus Pre operative Auditivus Auditory
Postoperativus Post operative Digestorius Digestive
directus Direct Criticus Critical
 REMEMBER!
The 4th declension does not contain adjectives of its own – it uses adjectives (both A and B types) from the other
declensions. We know that the 4th declension contains masculine, neuter and feminine. Now we also know that the 1st
declension is the main feminine declension and that the 2nd declension contains a lot of masculine and neuter elements –
so we use this fact when it comes to correctly translating substantive-adjective statements in the 4th declension. Look at the
following examples to help explain:

Complicated fracture of the right hand

This sentence contains 2 substantive-adjective relations: Complicated (substantive acting as an adjective) Fracture
(substantive) and Right (adjective) Hand (Substantive). It also contains a case identifier “of”.
So everything before “of” is expressed in the nominative – we know fracture is 1st declension fractura – thus the adjective
attached will be expressed in 1st declension nominative
PART 1: Fractura Complicata of right hand
Now the next part is the tricky part. At first glance Manus is 4th declension masculine (us) but it is actually feminine
described as masculine – therefore it means that any adjective assigned to it must be translated as feminine. But the 4th
declension doesn’t have adjectives and as such its rules regarding adjectives follow those of the 1st and 2nd declensions –
meaning that you translate the substantive according to the case table of the 4th declension but the adjective (depending
on gender and case) is declined according to the 1st or 2nd declension.
So Manus is feminine and genitive (everything after “of” is genitive) meaning the adjective is also genitive
Now taking this into account lets do part 2 of the translation:
PART 2: Fractura complicata manus dextrae – because the adjective is genitive singular and feminine and according to the
case table for the 1st declension genitive singular ends in –ae

So Fracture of the right hand  fractura complicata manus dextrae

Remember the adjective follows the substantive to which it is attached

4th Declension - Exercises
1. Create Phrases
Ad – genu – dexter Ad genu dextrum
Sine – sensus Sine sensu
Super – ductus – lactifer Super ductum lactiferum
Sub – processus – styloideus Sub processu styloideo
Ab – sinus – transversus – pericardium Ab sinu transverso pericardii
Organum – sensus Organa sensuum (Organs of senses not sense organs)
In – periculum – exitus In periculo exitus
Post – collapsus – apparatus – respiratorius Post collapsum apparatus respiatorii
Signa – infactus – myocardium Signa infarctus myocardii
Periculum – partus – praematurus Periculum partus praematuri
In – status – post – ictus In statu post ictum
Contra – vomitus – gravida(pl) Contra vomitum gravidarum
Cum – decubitus(pl) – profundus Cum decubitibus profundis
In – decursus – morbilli In decursu morbillorum (remember morbilliorum is measles [Link])
Lagonea – spiritus – vinum Lagonea spiritus vini

2. Translate
In the arch of aorta In arcu aortae
Under the caracoid process Sub processu caracoideo
Behind the palatine recess Post recessus palatinum
Through the external acoustic meatus Per meatum acusticum externum
In the aquaduct of the brain In aquaeductu cerebri
4th Declension - Exercises

In the digestive apparatus In apparatu digestorio

In critical state In statu critico
Signs of birth before term Signa partus praematuri
Because of spontaneous abortion Propter abortum spontaneum
Without scent Sine olfactu
Sense organs (organs of senses) Organa sensuum
Transverse location of the organs Situs transversus organorum
5th Declension

Singular IV The 5TH Declension is the poorest of all declensions with a feminine atmosphere.
Many of its substantives lack plural form. Like the 4th declension before it, it does
F
not have adjectives of its own and as a result is forced to rely on those of the 1st
Nominative es declension. Like some of the previous declensions this too has a transvestite in its
Genitive ei mist Dies – Day is masculine along with meri-dies.
Accusative em  Once again know your vocabulary inside out
Ablative e  Know your exceptions
 Remember its adjectives are declined according to 1st and 2nd declension
standards.
Plural II  Res and Spes shorten the e to e in the course of the genitive singular
 There isn’t a lot of vocabulary so its one of the easiest declensions to learn – so
F finally some good news.
Nominative es
Genitive erum
Accusative es
Ablative ebus

Preposition Substantive 1 Adjective 1 Substantive 2 Ordinals

 5th Declension Vocabulary

Canities Greying of hair

Caries Decay
Caries sicca Decay of bone
Caries humida Decay of soft tissue
Dies Day (Rem its masculine)
Facies Face
Scabies Scabies
Superficies Surface
Series Series (in plural)
Species Species / tea
Rabies Rabies
Res Thing
Meridies Midday
5th Declension - Exercises
1. Create Phrases
Propter – canities – praematurus Propter canitiem praematuram
Periculum – caries – humidus Periculum cariei humidae
In (pos) – facies – externus – organum (pl) – internus In facie externa organorum internorum
Signum(pl) – scabies Signa scabiei
Lagonea – species – urologicus Lagonea specierum urologicarum

2. Translate
Beneath the surface Sub superficie
To the external face of the stomach Ad faciem externam ventriculi
Against scabies Contra scabiem
A bottle of urological tea Lagoena specierum urologicarum
Tea for internal use Species ad usum interim
Against premature greying of hair Conta canitiem pramaturam
Sample Test 4 – 4th and 5th Decelension
1. Put the term “apparatus digestorius” into
Genitive singular Apparatus digestorii
Accusative singular Apparatum digestorum
Nominative plural Apparatus digestorii

2. Use the following terms in prespositional phrases

Cum (caries sicca) Cum carie sicca
In (dir) (facies interna) In faciem internam
Post (dies secundus) Post diem secundum
Sub (loc) (processus styloideus) Sub processu styloideo
Ex (ductus lactifer) Ex ductu lactifero

3. Translate
Premature birth Partus praematurus
Without the left hand Sine manu sinistra
Failure of hearing, smell and touch Defectus auditus, olfactus et tactus
For external use Ad usum externum
3rd Declension

Singular IV The 3rd Declension is the hardest of all the declensions and
incorporates all three genders. It also incorporates both A and B type
M/F N
adjectives. There is no simple way of identifying the different genders
Nominative apart from some varying endings. The adjective rule of gender-
Genitive is number-case holds true here also. It has various nominative singular
so it can be tricky.
Accusative em / im
Ablative e/i Substantives in the 3rd declension are divided into two classes
1. Im-parisyllaba
2. Pari-syllaba
Plural II
Within each of these classes masculine = feminine
M/F N
Nominative es a
Genitive um
Accusative es a
Ablative ibus

Preposition Substantive 1 Adjective 1 Substantive 2 Ordinals

3rd Declension
It is necessary to know your vocabulary in this declension – there is no long and short about it – but there are some ways of
identifying which substantive is masculine, feminine or neuter.

Suffix Example
-or Dolor / tumor / calor / rigor
-tor / -sor / -xor Doctor / extensor / flexor
M

-er Venter / vomer

-ex Apex / index
-io Regio / contagio
-tio / -sio / -xio Functio / extensio / flexio
-go Cartilago / virgo
-tudo Longitudo / multitudo
F

-tas Qualitas / sterilitas / extremitas

-rs Mors / ars / pars
-ix Cervix / cicatrix
-men Semen / foramen / abdomen
-us Corpus / tempus / latus
-ur Femur / iecur
N

-ar Calcar / cochlear

-e Rete / mare
-al animal
 3rd Declension Vocabulary (Imparisyllabic) M F N

Abductor Abductor Expiratio Expiration Mellis Honey

Apex Apex Extremitas Extremity Odor Odor
Articulatio Joint Flexor Flexor Ordo Order
Adipositas Obesity Foetor Foul smell Operatio Operation
Appendix Appendix Functio Function Origo Origin
Abdomen Abdomen Foramen Foramen Opus Work
Albumen White / Protein Fellis Bile Os (oris) Mouth
Corrugator Corrugator Graviditas Pregnancy Os (ossis) Bone
Calor Heat Genus Gender Complicatio Complcation
Cortex Cortex Humor Fluid substance Palor Paleness
Commotio Concussion Hallux Big toe Pollex Thumb
Contusio Bruise Index Forefinger Pes Foot
Cavitus Cavity Inspiratio Inspiration Paries Wall
Cervix Neck Levator Levator Pulvis Dust
Cicatrix Scar Liquor Liquid Pulmo Lung
Corpus Body Laesio Lesion / Cut Pus Pus
Crus Shin Lux Light Rigor Stiffness
Caput Head Latus Side Rubor Redness
Dolor Pain Lactis Milk Ren Kidney
Dislocatio Dislocation Mortalitas Death Rate Ratio Reason
Extensor Extensor Mater Mother Reactio Reaction
 3rd Declension Vocabulary (Imparisyllabic) M F N

Regionis Region / Area

Respiratio Repiration Additional A Type Adjectives
Restitutio Complete Cure Benignus Benign Malignus Malignant
Radix Root Patholigicus Pathological Durus Hard
Sudor Sweat Vitreus Vitreous Luteus Yellowish
Sanguis Blood Amarus Bitter Acidus Acid
Suspicio Suspicion Salsus salty Plenus Full
Solutio Solution Cavus Hollow/Empty Compactus Compact
Sanatio Therapy Cavernous Cavernous Adiposus Fat
Sterilitas In fertility Accessorius Accessory Subcutaneus Subcutaneous
Semen Seed Intravenosus Intravenous Extra uterinus Extra uterine
Quaestio Question Intra uterinus Intra uterine
Pectus Breast
Cartilagio Cartilage Luxatio Dislocation of joint
Tumor Tumor Lien (is) spleen
Tempus Time
Tuber Protuberation
Ulcus Ulcer
Vulnus Wound Trauma
Virgo Virgin
Venter Belly
3rd Declension - Exercises (I)
1. Fill in correct forms correctly:
Genitive Singular Nominative Plural
Cavitas Cavitatis Cavitates
Apex Apicis Apices
Laesio Laesionis Laesiones
Ulcus Ulceris Ulcera
Latus Lateris Latera
Contusio Contusionis Contusiones
Distorsio Distorsionis Distorsiones
Abdomen Abdominis Abdomna
Pulmo Pulmonis Pulmona
Paries Parietis Parietes
Crus Cruris Crura
Ren Renis Renes
Caput Capitis Capita
Pes Pedis Pedes

2. Put together
Ex (cavitas) abdomen Ex cavitate abdominis
Infra (apex) pulmo Infra apicem pulmonis
Propter (laesio) paries Propter laesionem parietis
Sanatio (ulcus) crus Sanatio ulceris cruris
Ad (latus) ren Ad latem renis
3rd Declension - Exercises (I)
Cum (contusio) caput Cum contusione capitis
Post (distorsio) pes Post distorsionem pedis

3. Put Together
Signum + reactio allergica Signum reactionis allergicae
Signum + graviditas extrauterina Signum graviditatis extra uterinae
Signum + ulcera cruris Signum ulceris cruris
Signum + dislocatio ossis sacri Signum dilocationis ossis sarcri
Signum + rigor mortis Signum rigoris mortis
Praeventia ante + sterilitas pathologica Praeventia ante sterilitatem pathologicam
Praeventia ante + functio laesa lienis Praeventia ante functionem Laesam lienis
Praeventia ante + ruptura [Link] Praeventia ante rupturam musclus abdoctoris
Praeventia ante + tumor malignus renis Praeventia ante tumorem malignum renis
Praeventia ante + cavitates tuberculosae Praeventia ante cavitates tuberculosas

4. Put Together
cum – sterilitas – acquisitus – suspectus Cum sterilitate acquisitae suspecta
Fractura – os(pl) – extremitas – dexter Fractura ossium extremitatis dextrae
Inter – caput – et – corpus – femur Inter capitem et corporem femoris
Apud – corpus – os – sacer Apud corporem ossis sacri
Sanatio – laesio(pl) – paries(pl) – pulmo – dexter Sanatio laesionum parietum pulmonis dextrae
Propter – tumor – malignus – in - cervix – uterus Propter tumorem malignum in cervice uterii
Post – operatio – luxatio – coxa – latus – dexter – cum – complcatio(pl) Post operationem luxationis coxae lateris dextri cum complcationibus
3rd Declension - Exercises (I)
3. Put Together
Status post + excisio tumoris benigni Status post excisionem tumoris benigni
Status post + amputatio extremitatis sinistrae Status post amputationem extremitatis sinistrae
Status post + sanatio pedis lateris dextri Status post sanationem pedis lateris dextri
Status post + restitutio ad integrum Status post restitutionem ad integrum
3rd Declension – Diagnostic Procedures and Surgical Interventions

Inspectio Inspection Aspection Visual examination

Auscultatio Auscultation (Stethoscope) Palpatio Palpation – feeling
Percussio Examination of the chest Biopsia Microscopic examination
Endoscopia Endoscopy Gastroscopia Gastroscope
Coloscopia Colonoscopy Rectoscopia Rectoscopy
Laparoscopia Laparoscopy Punctio Puncture
Iniectio Injection Infusio Infusion
Destillatio Distillation Desinfectio Disinfection
Exsiccatio Exsiccation Transfusio Transfusion
Operatio Operation Incisio Incision
Sectio anatomica Dissection Sectio pathologica Post mortem examination
Ablatio Surgical removal (breast) Amputatio Amputation
Extracio Extraction (teeth) Interruptio Interruption
Sutura Suture Immobilistio Immobilisation
Trans plantatio Transplant Stomia Artificial opening
Colostomia Artificial opening of colon Gastrostomia Stomach
Tracheostomia Trachea
3rd Declension – Diagnostic Procedures and Surgical Interventions - Exercises
1. Create Meaningful Sentences:
Periculum – colonostomia – propter – cancer – colon Periculum colonostomiae propter cancrum coli
Tracheotomia – propter – corpus – alienus – in – trachea Tracheotimia propter corpem alienum in trachea
Sine – punctio – thoracicus – post – pneumonia – acutus Sine punctione thoracica post pneumoniam acutam
Laparoscopia – sine – complicationes Laparoscopia sine complicationibus
Post – biopsia – musculus – glutaeus – maximus – latus – dexter Post biopsiam musculi glutaei maximi lateris dextri
Propter – detoxicatio – ex – intoxicatio – aliementarius Propter detoxicationem ex intoxicatione aliementaria
Valvuloplastica – latus – dexter Valvuloplastica lateris dextri
Per – ausculatio Per ausculationem
Periculum – ablatio- mamma Periculum ablationis mammae

4. Translate:
Thoracic puncture Punctio thoracica
After a probatory puncture Post punctionem probatoriam
Removal of toxic elements from the organism Detoxicatio
Examination by feeling with the fingers and hands by tapping Percussio et palpatio
Without detoxification Sine detoxicationa
Immobilisation of the limbs Immobilatico membrorum
 3rd Declension – Parisyllaba (i-stems)

Nom Sg. Gen. Sg Gender

1 -is / -es -is M/F
2 -rs / -ns -rtis / -ntis M/F
3 -ar / -e / -al -aris / -is / -alis N
The above table indicates how to identify –i-stems. Once identified the genitive plural is -ium

3rd Declension Vocabulary (Parisyllabic) M F N

Dens (Dentis) Tooth Febris (im) Fever Rete (retis) Net

[Link] Bicuspid Tooth Tussis (im) Cough Cochlear (aris) Spoon
D. Caninus Canine Tooth Sitis (im) Thirst Animal (is) Animal
D. Incisivus Incisor Tooth Pars (partis) Portion
D. Lacteus Milk Teeth Mens (mentis) Mind
Unguis Nail Frons (frontis) Forehead
Testis Testicle Auris Ear
Canalis Canal Cutis Skin
Finis End Pelvis Pelvis
Pubes Pubic Region
Pertussis Whooping cough
Febris flava Yellow fever
Lues (luis) Syphillis
Mors (mortis) Death
3rd Declension - Exercises (II)
1. Create phrases
Extractio – dens – caninus Extractio dentis canini
Extractio (pl) – dens (pl) – lacteus Extrationes dentium lacteorum
Sanatio – febris – rheumaticus Sanatio febris rheumaticae
Per – canalis – carpus – latus – dexter Per canalem carpi lateris dextri
Inter – auris –medius – et – internus Inter aurem mediam et internam
Fracturae – ossa – index / indices – latus – dexter Fractura ossis indicis lateris dextri
Sub (position) cutis Sub cute
Diameter – pelvis – femininus Diameter pelvis femininae

2. Translate
Bones of the inner ear Ossa auris internae
Extraction of the root of canine Extratio radicis dentis canini
Extractions of the roots of canine teeth Extrationes radicum dentium caninorum
Diameter of the masculine pelvis Diameter pelvis masculinae
With black cough Cum pertussi
Experiments on live animals Experimentae cum animalibus vivus
 B – Type Adjectives
Adjectives which do not end in us/er, a. um are classed as B Type adjectives – they belong to the 3rd declension and follow
its case table. Like any adjective they characterise the substantive to which they are attached and correspond to gender-
number-case.

 They are compatible with nouns of all declensions

 They copy 3rd declension –i-stems (parasyllabic) – meaning genitive plural becomes –ium
 Masculine and feminine generally have the same endings however there are a few exceptions in which there is 3
termination endings.

M F N
(-er) (-is) (-e)

M/F N
-is -e

M/F/N
-r / -x / -s

The two ending case (second box) are often derived from nouns or verbs by means of suffixes and express relation to:

Mandibul – aris, e  mandibular (mandibula from 1st declension now becomes mandibular – related to mandibula)
 B – Type Adjectives

Acer Sharp / acute Celer Fast / quick Saluber Wholesome

3

Puter Rotten Biventer 2 bellies

Brevis Short Gravis Heavy Levis Light

Mollis Soft Omnis All Iuvenis Young
Fragilis Fragile Sterilis Sterile Facilis Easy
Difficilis Difficult
Relating to:
2

Capitalis To head Dorsalis Dorsally Inoperabilis Inoperable

Frontalis Frontal Ventralis Ventrally mandibularis Mandibular
Occipitalis Occipital Vertebralis vertebral
Abdominalis abdominal

Degener Degenerate Par Unequal Simplex Simple

Duplex Double Triplex Triple Multiplex Multiple
Capax (icis) Capable Senex Old Frequens (tis) Frequent
1

Recens Fresh/recent Latens Latent Permanens Permanent

Penetrans Penetrating Perforans Perforating Communicans Communicating
Deformans deformity
3rd Declension – B TYPE Adjective Exercises
1. Create phrases
In – regio – dorsalis In regione dorsali
Ad – tuberositas – tibia Ad tuberositatem tibiae
Ex – spatia – intercostalis Ex spatiis intercostalibus
Contra – dolores – acer Contra dolores acres
Intra – cavitas – pectoralis Intra cavitatem pectoralem
Doses – sufficiens Doses sufficentes
Fracturae – costae – fluctuans Fracturae costarum fluctiantium

2. Translate
Roots of all molars
Caries (pl) of permanent teeth
Beneath the 3rd cervical vertebrae
Insertion of the pear shaped muscle
Through the efferent ducts
Head of the [Link] of the arm
Superficial wounds in the pubic region
Rupture of the communicant artery
Brusies of the soft parts of the body
Signs of multiple sclerosis
In state after severe bilateral inflamation of the lungs
Because of inoperable tumour
Failure of vital functions
Greek Declensions
Where Latin is concerned with anatomical desciptions, Greek is concerned with pathological and clinical conditions (they
are either pure Greek of Greek Latin Hybrids). Greek has three declensions which are closely related to their Latin
Equavalents (1st 2nd and 3rd Declensions). A number of Greek letters are Latinised
Greek Latin
 There are 3 declensions only and each has been modified to correspond to its Latin counterpart
-ai  -ae in a specific way.
-oi  -oe  When declining the Greek terms imitate the Latin terms (as always there are some exceptions)
-ei  -I
 The Greek genitive singular often differs from the nominative singular and thus it is required to
memorise both.
-k  -c
-f  -ph
Greek 3rd Declension
This is very similar to the 3rd Latin Declension in that all 3 genders are present, there is great variety in nominative singular
and different genitive singular.

There are two groups of interest

1. Those which copy the Latin 3rd models M, N ,F1 imitating the imparisyllabic and F2 following the parisyllabic
2. A crowd of simple terms – part of which has been completely Latinised

Genitive singular is regularly terminated with –os (similar to Latin –is) and rarely with –us

M (-er, eris) N (-ma, -matis) F1 (-is, idis) F2 (-sis)

Nominative Masseter Trauma Iris Basis
Genitive Masseteris Traumatis Iridis Basis
Accusative Masseterem Trauma Iridem Basim
Ablative massetere traumate iride Basi

Nominative Masseteres Traumata Irides Bases

Genitive Masseterum Traumatum Iridum Basium
Accusative Masseteres Traumata Irides Bases
Ablative masseteribus traumatibus iridibus Basibus

 Remember all nouns ending in –ma are not Greek III N(L 1st Mamma – Breast)
 Most, but not all Greek ending in –oma mean tumour
 Most, but not all nouns ending in –osis denote diseases
 Adjectives (Latin) attached to greek nouns follow the same rules gender-number-case e.g. trauma profundum – in ablative
becomes – traumate profundo
 Greek 3rd Declension
Masculine (Follows L 3RD Imparisyllabic)
Ureter (eris) Ureter [Link] (eris) Masticator M. Sphincter (eris) Sphincter
Catheter Catheter

Neuter (Follows L 3RD Imparisyllabic)

Trauma Trauma Coma Coma Glaucoma Green Eye
Symptoma Symptom Syndroma Syndrome Systema System
Schema Scheme Aneurysma Dilation Platysma Flat Area
Chiasma Crossing Pragma Deed/Act Diaphragma Diphragm

Feminine 1 (Follows L 3RD Imparisyllabic)

Iris Iris Carotis Carotid Parotis Parotid
Syphillis Syphylis Adenitis (itidis) Gland Inflammation Ostitis (ostitidis) Bone Inflammation
Arthritis (itidis) Joint Inflammation Myositis (itidis) Muscle inflammation Gastritis (itidis) Stomach Inflamm.
Encephalitis (itidis) Brain inflammation Apendicitis (itidis) Inflamed Appendix Dermatitis (itidis) Dermatitis
Hepatitis (itidis) Inflamed Liver Otitis (itidis) Phlebitis (itidis) Vein Inflammation

Feminine 2 (Follows L 3RD Parisyllabic)

Basis Basis / base Crisis Critical state / crisis Dosis Dose
Emesis Vomiting Anamnesis Patients History Diagnosis Info on patient cond
Prognosis Prognosis Dialysis Seperation Analysis Analysis
Synthesis Creation Diaphysis Shaft of long bone Epiphysis End of long bone
Symphysis Joint (immovable) Tuberculosis Disease Spondylosis Vertebrae Decay
Osteoporosis Rarefaction of bones Cirrhosis Hardening of liver Stenosis Narrowing
Necrosis Tissue death Urolithiasis Kidney stones Cholelithiasis Bile Stones
Prophylasis prevention
Greek 3rd Declension