INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 3

LEARNING GOALS
On completion of this chapter, you should be able to:
1. Identify the roles of the four types of word 5. Use the “sounds-like” pronunciation system
parts used in forming medical terms. to correctly pronounce the primary terms
2. Use your knowledge of word parts to introduced in this chapter.
analyze unfamiliar medical terms. 6. Recognize the importance of spelling
3. Describe the steps in locating a term in a medical terms correctly.
medical dictionary. 7. State why caution is important when using
4. Define the commonly used word roots, abbreviations.
combining forms, suffixes, and prefixes 8. Recognize, define, spell, and correctly pro-
introduced in this chapter. nounce the primary terms introduced in this
chapter.

PRIMARY MEDICAL TERMS WORD PARTS ARE THE KEY

In this book, you will be introduced to many medical terms; Learning medical terminology is much easier once you
however, mastering them will be easier than you anticipate understand how word parts work together to form medi-
because this book has many features to make learning easier: cal terms (Figure 1.1). This book includes many aids to
n Primary terms appear in boldface. Learning these help you continue reinforcing your word-building skills.
terms should be your highest priority as only primary n The types of word parts and the rules for their use are
terms are used as correct answers in the Learning explained in this chapter. Learn these rules and follow
Exercises and tests. them.
n Secondary terms appear in orange italics. Some of n When a term is made up of recognizable word parts,
these terms are the “also known as” names for condi- these word parts and their meanings are included with
tions or procedures. Other secondary terms clarify the definition of that term. These word parts appear in
words used in the definitions of primary terms. magenta.

-ology

ia
-os

-alg ab-
is

-itis
leu
rhin

k/o
-

pre-
/o-

neu
r/o-
gastr
/o - b-
su
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hypo-

FIGURE 1.1 Word parts (word roots, combining forms, suffixes, and prefixes) make up most medical terms.

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4 CHAPTER 1

n The Learning Exercises for each chapter include a n You’ll know a word part is a prefix when it is shown
“Challenge Word Building” section to help develop followed by a hyphen (-). For example, hyper- means
your skills in working with word parts. excessive or increased.
n The Word Part Review follows Chapter 2. This section
provides additional word part practice and enables
you to evaluate your progress toward mastering the WORD ROOTS
meaning of these word parts.
Word roots act as the foundation for most medical terms.
They usually, but not always, describe the part of the
The Four Types of Word Parts body that is involved (Figure 1.2). As shown in
Table 1.2, some word roots indicate color.
The four types of word parts used to create medical terms
are: word roots, combining forms, suffixes, and pre-
fixes. Guidelines for their use are shown in Table 1.1.

1. A word root contains the basic meaning of the term.

In medical terminology, this word part usually, but not Play an interactive game labeling word parts
always, indicates the involved body part. For example, on your StudyWARE™.
the word root meaning stomach is gastr.
2. A combining form is a word root with a combining
vowel added at the end. For example, the combining
form meaning stomach is gastr/o. This form is used
when a suffix beginning with a consonant is added.
When a combining form appears alone, it is shown
with a back slash (/) between the word root and the
Spinal cord
combining vowel. (myel/o)
3. A suffix usually, but not always, indicates the proce-
Bone
dure, condition, disorder, or disease. (oste/o)
Muscle
n A suffix always comes at the end of the word. (my/o)
n You’ll know a word part is a suffix when it is shown
with a hyphen (-) preceding it. For example, the suffix
-itis means inflammation.
4. A prefix usually, but not always, indicates location,
time, number, or status.
n A prefix always comes at the beginning of a word.

TABLE 1.1 Nerve (neur/o)

Word Part Guidelines

Joint (arthr/o)
• A word root cannot stand alone. A suffix
must always be added at the end of the
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word to complete the term.

• The rules for creating a combining form by

adding a vowel apply when a suffix begin-
ning with a consonant is added to a word
root.

• When a prefix is added, it is always placed

at the beginning of the word. FIGURE 1.2 Word roots, shown here as combining forms,
usually indicate the involved body part.

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 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 5

TABLE 1.2
Word Roots and Combining Forms Indicating Color
cyan/o means blue Cyanosis (sigh-ah-NOH-sis) is blue discoloration of the skin caused by a
lack of adequate oxygen in the blood (cyan means blue, and -osis means
abnormal condition or disease).

erythr/o means red An erythrocyte (eh-RITH-roh-sight) is a mature red blood cell (erythr/o
means red, and -cyte means cell).

leuk/o means white A leukocyte (LOO-koh-sight) is a white blood cell (leuk/o means white,
and -cyte means cell).

melan/o means black Melanosis (mel-ah-NOH-sis) is any condition of unusual deposits of black
pigment in body tissues or organs (melan means black, and -osis means
abnormal condition or disease).

poli/o means gray Poliomyelitis (poh-lee-oh-my-eh-LYE-tis) is a viral infection of the gray

matter of the spinal cord (poli/o means gray, myel means spinal cord, and
-itis means inflammation).

Combining Forms Vowels with the suffix -plasty (surgical repair) or -rrhaphy (surgi-
cal suturing), the combining vowel “o” is used because
A combining form includes the vowel that has been
-plasty and -rrhaphy both begin with a consonant.
added to the end of a word root. For example, gastr/o is
the combining form of the word root for stomach. The n Neuroplasty (NEW-roh-plas-tee) is the surgical repair
letter “o” is the most commonly used combining vowel, of a nerve.
and under certain conditions, this is added to make the n Neurorrhaphy (new-ROR-ah-fee) is suturing together
resulting medical term easier to pronounce. The rules for the ends of a severed nerve.
the use of a combining vowel are:
A combining vowel is not used when the suffix begins
n When two word roots are joined, a combining vowel is with a consonant. For example, the word root tonsill
always added to the first word root. A combining vowel means tonsils. The suffix that is added to complete the
is used with the second word root only if the suffix term tells what is happening to the tonsils (Figure 1.3).
begins with a consonant.
n Tonsillitis (ton-sih-LYE-tis) is an inflammation of the
n For example, the term gastroenteritis combines two tonsils (tonsill means tonsils, and -itis means
word roots with a suffix: when gastr/o (stomach) is inflammation).
joined with enter/o (small intestine), the combining
n A tonsillectomy (ton-sih-LECK-toh-mee) is the surgical
vowel is used with gastr/o.
removal of the tonsils (tonsill means tonsils, and -ectomy
n The word root enter is joined to –itis without a means surgical removal).
combining vowel because this suffix begins with a
vowel. Gastroenteritis (gas-troh-en-ter-EYE-tis) is an
inflammation of the stomach and small intestine.
Suffixes as Noun Endings
A noun is a word that is the name of a person, place, or
SUFFIXES thing. In medical terminology, some suffixes change the
word root into a noun. For example, the cranium (KRAY-
A suffix is always added at the end of a word to complete that nee-um) is the portion of the skull that encloses the brain
term. In medical terminology, suffixes usually, but not always, (crani means skull, and -um is a noun ending). Other
indicate a procedure, condition, disorder, or disease. suffixes complete the term by changing the word root
A combining vowel is used when the suffix begins with into a noun. Suffixes that are commonly used as noun
a consonant. For example, when neur/o (nerve) is joined endings are shown in Table 1.3.

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6 CHAPTER 1

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TONSILL + -ITIS = TONSILLITIS
(tonsil, tonsils) (inflammation) (inflammation of the tonsils)

FIGURE 1.3 The term tonsillitis is created by adding the suffix -itis to the word root tonsill.

TABLE 1.3 (gastr means stomach, and -osis means abnormal

Suffixes as Noun Endings condition or disease). Commonly used suffixes meaning
“abnormal condition or disease” are shown in Table 1.5.
-a -um -y

-e -us TABLE 1.5

Suffixes Meaning “Abnormal Condition”
-ago -iasis -osis
Suffixes Meaning “Pertaining To”
-esis -ion
An adjective is a word that defines or describes a thing. In
medical terminology, many suffixes meaning “pertaining -ia -ism
to” are used to change the meaning of the word root into
an adjective. For example, the term cardiac (KAR-dee-ack)
is an adjective that means pertaining to the heart (cardi Suffixes Related to Pathology
means heart, and -ac means pertaining to). Commonly
Pathology (pah-THOL-oh-jee) is the study of all aspects
used suffixes meaning “pertaining to” are shown in
of diseases (path means disease, and -ology means study
Table 1.4.
of). Suffixes related to pathology describe specific disease
conditions.
TABLE 1.4 n -algia means pain and suffering. Gastralgia (gas-TRAL-
Suffixes Meaning “Pertaining To” jee-ah), also known as a stomachache, means pain
in the stomach (gastr means stomach, and -algia
-ac -eal -ior
means pain).
-al -ical -ory n -dynia also means pain. Gastrodynia (gas-troh-DIN-
ee-ah) also means pain in the stomach (gastr/o means
-an -ial -ous
stomach, and -dynia means pain). Although -dynia
-ar -ic -tic has the same meaning as -algia, it is not used as
commonly. (Figure 1.4.)
-ary -ine
n -itis means inflammation. Gastritis (gas-TRY-tis) is an
inflammation of the stomach (gastr means stomach,
and -itis means inflammation).
Suffixes Meaning “Abnormal n -megaly means enlargement. Hepatomegaly (hep-ah-
Condition” toh-MEG-ah-lee) is abnormal enlargement of the liver
In medical terminology, many suffixes, such as -osis, mean (hepat/o means liver, and -megaly means enlargement).
“abnormal condition or disease.” For example, gastrosis n -malacia means abnormal softening. Arteriomalacia
(gas-TROH-sis) means any disease of the stomach (ar-tee-ree-oh-mah-LAY-shee-ah) is the abnormal

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 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 7

n -centesis is a surgical puncture to remove fluid for

diagnostic purposes or to remove excess fluid. Abdo-
minocentesis (ab-dom-ih-noh-sen-TEE-sis) is the
surgical puncture of the abdominal cavity to remove
fluid (abdomin/o means abdomen, and -centesis
means a surgical puncture to remove fluid).
n -graphy means the process of producing a picture or
record. Angiography (an-jee-OG-rah-fee) is the pro-
cess of producing a radiographic (x-ray) study of blood
vessels after the injection of a contrast medium to
make these blood vessels visible (angi/o means blood
vessel, and -graphy means the process of recording).
n -gram means a picture or record. An angiogram
(AN-jee-oh-gram) is the resulting film that is produced
by angiography (angi/o means blood vessel, and
-gram means a picture or record).
n -plasty means surgical repair. Myoplasty (MY-oh-
plas-tee) is the surgical repair of a muscle (my/o
means muscle, and -plasty means surgical repair).
iStockphoto/Catalin Petolea

n -scopy means visual examination. Arthroscopy

(ar-THROS-koh-pee) is the visual examination of the
internal structure of a joint (arthr/o means joint, and
-scopy means visual examination).

FIGURE 1.4 Gastrodynia and gastralgia are both terms

meaning stomach pain. The “Double R” Suffixes
Suffixes beginning with two rs, often referred to as the
softening of the walls of an artery or arteries (arteri/o
“double Rs,” can be particularly confusing. They are
means artery, and -malacia means abnormal soften-
grouped together here to help you understand the word
ing). Notice that -malacia is the opposite of -sclerosis.
parts and to remember the differences.
n -necrosis means tissue death. Arterionecrosis (ar-tee-
n -rrhage and -rrhagia mean bleeding; however, they
ree-oh-neh-KROH-sis) is the tissue death of an artery
are most often used to describe sudden, severe bleed-
or arteries (arteri/o means artery, and -necrosis
ing. A hemorrhage (HEM-or-idj) is the loss of a large
means tissue death).
amount of blood in a short time (hem/o means blood,
n -sclerosis means abnormal hardening. Arteriosclero- and -rrhage means abnormal excessive fluid
sis (ar-tee-ree-oh-skleh-ROH-sis) is the abnormal discharge). This term also means to bleed.
hardening of the walls of an artery or arteries (arteri/o
n -rrhaphy means surgical suturing to close a wound
means artery, and -sclerosis means abnormal hard-
and includes the use of sutures, staples, or surgical
ening). Notice that -sclerosis is the opposite of
glue. Myorrhaphy (my-OR-ah-fee) is the surgical
-malacia.
suturing of a muscle wound (my/o means muscle, and
n -stenosis means abnormal narrowing. Arteriostenosis -rrhaphy means surgical suturing).
(ar-tee-ree-oh-steh-NOH-sis) is the abnormal narrow-
n -rrhea means flow or discharge and refers to the flow
ing of an artery or arteries (arteri/o means artery, and
of most body fluids. Diarrhea (dye-ah-REE-ah) is the
-stenosis means abnormal narrowing).
frequent flow of loose or watery stools (dia- means
through, and -rrhea means flow or discharge).
Suffixes Related to Procedures n -rrhexis means rupture. Myorrhexis (my-oh-RECK-
Some suffixes identify the procedure that is performed on sis) is the rupture of a muscle (my/o means muscle,
the body part identified by the word root. and -rrhexis means rupture).

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8 CHAPTER 1

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PRE NAT AL PRENATAL
+ (birth) (pertaining =
(before) (the time and events before birth)
to)

FIGURE 1.5 The term prenatal is created by joining the suffix -al to the word root nat and then adding the prefix pre-.

PREFIXES
A prefix is added to the beginning of a word to influence
the meaning of that term. Prefixes usually, but not always,
indicate location, time, or number. See Table 1.6 for a list
of prefixes describing direction, quantity, size, and
amount. The term natal (NAY-tal) means pertaining to
birth (nat means birth, and -al means pertaining to).

iStockphoto/Chris Downie
The following examples show how prefixes change the
meaning of this term (Figures 1.5–1.8).
n Prenatal (pre-NAY-tal) means the time and events
before birth (pre- means before, nat means birth, and
-al means pertaining to). FIGURE 1.6 The prenatal development of a fetus
(baby).
n Perinatal (pehr-ih-NAY-tal) refers to the time and
events surrounding birth (peri- means surrounding,
nat means birth, and -al means pertaining to). This is
the time just before, during, and just after birth.

Jozsef Szasz-Fabian/[Link]
n Postnatal (pohst-NAY-tal) refers to the time and
events after birth (post- means after, nat means birth,
and -al means pertaining to).

TABLE 1.6
Prefixes Describing Direction, Quantity,
Size, and Amount
FIGURE 1.7 A perinatal event of the umbilical cord being
ab- away from, nega- ad- toward, to, in cut immediately after the baby is born.
tive, absent the direction of

dextr/o right side sinistr/o left side

ex- out of, outside, in- in, into, not,

© Delmar, Cengage Learning (2013)

away from without

macro- large, abnormal micr/o, micro-

size, or long small

mega-, megal/o large, olig/o scanty, few

great

pre- before post- after, behind FIGURE 1.8 A joyful postnatal moment as the parents
bond with their new baby.

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 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 9

TABLE 1.7
Contrasting Prefixes
ab- means away from. ad- means toward or in the direction of.
Abnormal means not normal or away from normal. Addiction means drawn toward or a strong
dependence on a drug or substance.

dys- means bad, difficult, or painful. eu- means good, normal, well, or easy.
Dysfunctional means an organ or body part that is not Eupnea means easy or normal breathing.
working properly.

hyper- means excessive or increased. hypo- means deficient or decreased.

Hypertension is higher-than-normal blood pressure. Hypotension is lower-than-normal blood
pressure.

inter- means between or among. intra- means within or inside.

Interstitial means between, but not within, the parts Intramuscular means within the muscle.
of a tissue.

sub- means under, less, or below. super-, supra- mean above or excessive.
Subcostal means below a rib or ribs. Supracostal means above or outside the ribs.

Contrasting and Confusing Prefixes n As you separate the word parts, identify the meaning
of each. Identifying the meaning of each part should
Some prefixes are confusing because they are similar in
give you a definition of the term.
spelling, but opposite in meaning. The more common
prefixes of this type are summarized in Table 1.7. n Because some word parts have more than one
meaning, it also is necessary to determine the context
in which the term is being used. As used here,
context means to determine which body system this
term is referring to.
Watch an animation on How Word Parts
Work Together in the StudyWARE™. n If you have any doubt, use your medical dictionary to
double-check your definition.
n Be aware that not all medical terms are made up of
word parts.
DETERMINING MEANINGS ON
An Example to Take Apart
THE BASIS OF WORD PARTS
Look at the term otorhinolaryngology (oh-toh-rye-noh-
Knowing the meaning of the word parts often makes it lar-in-GOL-oh-jee) as shown in Figure 1.9. It is made up
possible to figure out the definition of an unfamiliar med- of two combining forms, a word root, and a suffix. This is
ical term. how it looks when the word parts have been separated by
working from the end to the beginning.
n The suffix -ology means the study of.
Taking Terms Apart n The word root laryng means larynx or throat. The
To determine a word’s meaning by looking at the com- combining vowel is not used here, because the word
ponent pieces, you must first separate it into word root is joining a suffix that begins with a vowel.
parts. n The combining form rhin/o means nose. The com-
n Always start at the end of the word, with the suffix, and bining vowel is used here because the word root rhin
work toward the beginning. is joining another word root.

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10 CHAPTER 1

© Delmar, Cengage Learning (2013)

OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY
OT/O RHIN/O LARYNG -OLOGY
(study of the ears, = + + +
(ear) (nose) (throat) (study of)
nose, and throat)

FIGURE 1.9 To determine the meaning of a medical term, the word parts are separated working from the end of the word
toward the beginning.

n The combining form ot/o means ear. The combining preferred position for lithotomy surgery. This term is
vowel is used here because the word root ot is joining discussed further in Chapter 15.
another word root. n This type of possible confusion is one of the many
n Together they form otorhinolaryngology, which is the reasons why a medical dictionary is an important
study of the ears, nose, and throat (ot/o means ear, medical terminology tool.
rhin/o means nose, laryng means throat, and -ology
means study of). Note: Laryng/o also means larynx
and is discussed in Chapter 7. MEDICAL DICTIONARY USE
n Because this is such a long term, this specialty is
Learning to use a medical dictionary and other resources
frequently referred to as ENT (ears, nose, and throat).
to find the definition of a term is an important part of
n A shortened version of this term is otolaryngology mastering the correct use of medical terms. The following
(oh-toh-lar-in-GOL-oh-jee), which is the study of the tips for dictionary use apply whether you are working
ears and larynx or throat (ot/o means ears, laryng with a traditional book-form dictionary or with electronic
means larynx, and -ology means study of). dictionary software, websites, or applications on your
computer or handheld device.

If You Know How to Spell the Word

Watch the Combining Word Roots animation
When starting to work with an unfamiliar print dictionary,
in the StudyWARE™.
spend a few minutes reviewing its user guide, table of
contents, and appendices. The time you spend reviewing
now will be saved later when you are looking up unfamil-
iar terms.
Guessing at Meanings n On the basis of the first letter of the word, start in the
When you are able to guess at the meaning of a term on appropriate section of the dictionary. Look at the top
the basis of its word parts, you must always double-check of the page for clues. The top left word is the first term
for accuracy because some terms have more than one on the page. The top right word is the last term on that
meaning. For example, look at the term lithotomy (lih- page.
THOT-oh-mee): n Next, look alphabetically for words that start with the
n On the basis of word parts, a lithotomy is a surgical first and second letters of the word you are research-
incision for the removal of a stone (lith means stone, ing. Continue looking through each letter until you
and -otomy means a surgical incision). This meaning find the term you are looking for.
is discussed further in Chapter 9. n When you think you have found it, check the spelling
n However, lithotomy is also the name of an very carefully, letter by letter, working from left to
examination position in which the patient is lying right. Terms with similar spellings have very different
on her back with her feet and legs raised and sup- meanings.
ported in stirrups. The term is used to describe this n When you find the term, carefully check all of the
position because in the early days, this was the definitions.

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 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 11

If You Do Not Know How to n For example, congestive heart failure is sometimes
Spell the Word listed under heart failure, congestive. This term is dis-
cussed in Chapter 5.
Listen carefully to the term, and write it down. If you can-
not find the word on the basis of your spelling, start look-
Searching for Definitions on the
ing for alternative spellings based on the beginning sound
as shown in Table 1.8. Note: All of these examples are in
Internet
this textbook. However, you could practice looking them Internet search engines are valuable resources in finding
up in the dictionary! definitions and details about medical conditions and
terms; however, it is important that you rely on a site,
Look Under Categories such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website
([Link] which is known to be a reputable
Most print dictionaries use categories such as Diseases
information source.
and Syndromes to group disorders with these terms in
their titles. For example: n For better results, an Internet search should include
visits to at least two reputable sites. If there is a major
n Venereal disease would be found under Disease, venereal.
difference in the definitions, go on to a third site.
n Fetal alcohol syndrome would be found under Syn- Sometimes a search engine will recommend a site that is
drome, fetal alcohol. not appropriate but appears because it paid to be listed.
n When you come across such a term and cannot find it n Beware of suggested search terms. If you do not spell a
listed by the first word, the next step is to look under term correctly, a website may guess what you were
the appropriate category. searching for. Make sure to double-check that the term
you are defining is the intended term.
Multiple-Word Terms The same caution applies to medical dictionary
When you are looking for a term that includes more applications on handheld devices. Make sure that the
than one word, begin your search with the last term. application comes from a reputable source, and always
If you do not find it there, move forward to the next double-check that this definition is for the term that you
word. intended to look up.

TABLE 1.8
Guidelines to Looking Up the Spelling of Unfamiliar Terms
If it sounds like It may begin with Example

F F flatus (FLAY-tus) [see Chapter 8]

PH phlegm (FLEM) [see Chapter 7]

J G gingivitis (jin-jih-VYE-tis) [see Chapter 8]

J jaundice (JAWN-dis) [see Chapter 8]

K C crepitus (KREP-ih-tus) [see Chapter 3]

CH cholera (KOL-er-ah) [see Chapter 8]
K kyphosis (kye-FOH-sis) [see Chapter 3]
QU quadriplegia (kwad-rih-PLEE-jee-ah) [see Chapter 4]

S C cytology (sigh-TOL-oh-jee) [see Chapter 2]

PS psychologist (sigh-KOL-oh-jist) [see Chapter 10]
S serum (SEER-um) [see Chapter 5]

Z X xeroderma (zee-roh-DER-mah) [see Chapter 12]

Z zygote (ZYE-goht) [see Chapter 14]

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12 CHAPTER 1

n The spelling shown in this text is commonly

PRONUNCIATION
accepted in the U.S. You may encounter alternative
A medical term is easier to understand and remember spellings used in England, Australia, and Canada.
when you know how to pronounce it properly. To help
you master the pronunciation of new terms, a commonly
accepted pronunciation of that word appears in parenthe- SINGULAR AND PLURAL ENDINGS
ses next to the term. Audio for the terms on the vocabu-
Many medical terms have Greek or Latin origins. As a
lary list is available in the student StudyWARETM.
result of these different origins, there are unusual rules
The sounds-like pronunciation system is used in
for changing a singular word into a plural form. In addi-
this textbook. Here the word is respelled using normal
tion, English endings have been adopted for some com-
English letters to create sounds that are familiar. To pro-
monly used terms.
nounce a new word, just say it as it is spelled in the
parentheses. n Table 1.9 provides guidelines to help you better
understand how these plurals are formed.
n The part of the word that receives the primary (most)
emphasis when you say it is shown in uppercase n Also, throughout the text, when a term with an
boldface letters. For example, edema (eh-DEE-mah) is unusual singular or plural form is introduced, both
swelling caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid forms are included. For example, the phalanges
in cells, tissues, or cavities of the body. (fah-LAN-jeez) are the bones of the fingers and toes
(singular, phalanx) (Figure 1.10).
n A part of the word that receives secondary (less) emphasis
when you say it is shown in boldface lowercase letters. For
example, appendicitis (ah-pen-dih-SIGH-tis) means an BASIC MEDICAL TERMS TO
inflammation of the appendix (appendic means appen-
dix, and -itis means inflammation).
DESCRIBE DISEASES
Some of the medical terms that are used to describe dis-
A Word of Caution eases and disease conditions can easily be confusing.
Some of the more common terms of this type are
Frequently, there is more than one correct way to pro-
described in Table 1.10. You will find that studying the
nounce a medical term.
groups of three as they are shown in the table makes it
n The pronunciation of many medical terms is based on easier to master these terms.
their Greek, Latin, or other foreign origin. However,
there is a trend toward pronouncing terms as they
would sound in English. LOOK-ALIKE, SOUND-ALIKE
n The result is more than one “correct” pronunciation
TERMS AND WORD PARTS
for a term. The text shows the most commonly
accepted pronunciation. This section highlights some frequently used terms and
n If your instructor prefers an alternative pronunciation, word parts that are confusing because they look and
follow the instructions you are given. sound alike. However, their meanings are very different.
It is important that you pay close attention to these terms
and word parts as you encounter them in the text.
SPELLING IS ALWAYS IMPORTANT
Accuracy in spelling medical terms is extremely important! arteri/o, ather/o, and arthr/o
n Changing just one or two letters can completely change n arteri/o means artery. Endarterial (end-ar-TEE-
the meaning of a word—and this difference literally ree-al) means pertaining to the interior or lining of an
could be a matter of life or death for the patient. artery (end- means within, arteri means artery, and
n The section “Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Terms and Word -al means pertaining to).
Parts” later in this chapter will help you become aware of n ather/o means plaque or fatty substance. An ather-
some terms and word parts that are frequently confused. oma (ath-er-OH-mah) is a fatty deposit within the wall

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 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 13

TABLE 1.9
Guidelines to Unusual Plural Forms
Guideline Singular Plural

If the singular term ends in the suffix -a, the plural is usually formed by bursa bursae
changing the ending to -ae. vertebra vertebrae

If the singular term ends in the suffix -ex or -ix, the plural is usually appendix appendices
formed by changing these endings to -ices. index indices

If the singular term ends in the suffix -is, the plural is usually formed by diagnosis diagnoses
changing the ending to -es. metastasis metastases

If the singular term ends in the suffix -itis, the plural is usually formed by arthritis arthritides
changing the -is ending to -ides. meningitis meningitides

If the singular term ends in the suffix -nx, the plural is usually formed by phalanx phalanges
the -x ending to -ges. meninx meninges

If the singular term ends in the suffix -on, the plural is usually formed by criterion criteria
changing the ending to -a. ganglion ganglia

If the singular term ends in the suffix -um, the plural usually is formed by diverticulum diverticula
changing the ending to -a. ovum ova

If the singular term ends in the suffix -us, the plural is usually formed by alveolus alveoli
changing the ending to -i. malleolus malleoli

Phalanges of an artery (ather means fatty substance, and -oma

(plural) means tumor).
n arthr/o means joint. Arthralgia (ar-THRAL-jee-ah)
Phalanx means pain in a joint or joints (arthr means joint, and
(singular) -algia means pain).

-ectomy, -ostomy, and -otomy

n -ectomy means surgical removal. An appendectomy
(ap-en-DECK-toh-mee) is the surgical removal of the
appendix (append means appendix, and -ectomy
means surgical removal).
© Delmar, Cengage Learning (2013)

n -ostomy means the surgical creation of an artificial

opening to the body surface. A colostomy (koh-LAHS-
toh-mee) is the surgical creation of an artificial excre-
tory opening between the colon and the body surface
(col means colon, and -ostomy means the surgical
creation of an artificial opening).
n -otomy means cutting or a surgical incision. A colotomy
FIGURE 1.10 Singular and plural endings. A phalanx is
one finger or toe bone. Phalanges are more than one (koh-LOT-oh-mee) is a surgical incision into the colon
finger or toe bones. (col means colon, and -otomy means a surgical incision).

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14 CHAPTER 1

TABLE 1.10
Basic Medical Terms to Describe Disease Conditions
A sign is objective evidence A symptom (SIMP-tum) is sub- A syndrome (SIN-drohm) is a set
of disease such as a fever. jective evidence of a disease, of the signs and symptoms that
Objective means the sign such as pain or a headache. occur together as part of a specific
can be evaluated or mea- Subjective means that it can be disease process.
sured by the patient or evaluated or measured only by
others. the patient.

A diagnosis (dye-ag-NOH-sis) A differential diagnosis (D/DX), A prognosis (prog-NOH-sis) is a

(DX) is the identification of a also known as a rule out (R/O) is prediction of the probable course
disease (plural, diagnoses). an attempt to determine which and outcome of a disorder (plural,
To diagnose is the process one of several diseases can be prognoses).
of reaching a diagnosis. causing the signs and symptoms
that are present.

An acute condition has a A chronic condition is of long A remission is the temporary, par-
rapid onset, a severe course, duration. Although such dis- tial, or complete disappearance of
and a relatively short eases can be controlled, they are the symptoms of a disease without
duration. rarely cured. having achieved a cure.

A disease is a condition in An eponym (EP-oh-nim) is a dis- An acronym (ACK-roh-nim) is a

which one or more body ease, structure, operation, or word formed from the initial letter
parts are not functioning procedure named for the person of the major parts of a compound
normally. Some diseases are who discovered or described it term. For example, the acronym
named for their signs and first. For example, Alzheimer’s laser stands for light amplification
symptoms. For example, disease is named for German by stimulated emission of radia-
chronic fatigue syndrome neurologist Alois Alzheimer (see tion (see Chapter 12).
(CFS) is a persistent over- Chapter 10).
whelming fatigue of unknown
origin (see Chapter 4).

Fissure and Fistula Infection and Inflammation

n A fissure (FISH-ur) is a groove or crack-like sore of the n Although the suffix -itis means inflammation, it also is
skin (see Chapter 12). This term also describes normal commonly used to indicate infection.
folds in the contours of the brain. n An infection (in-FECK-shun) is the invasion of the
n A fistula (FIS-tyou-lah) is an abnormal passage, usu- body by a pathogenic (disease-producing) organism.
ally between two internal organs or leading from an The infection can remain localized (near the point of
organ to the surface of the body. A fistula may be due entry) or can be systemic (affecting the entire body).
to surgery, injury, or the draining of an abscess. Signs and symptoms of infection include malaise,
chills and fever, redness, heat and swelling, or exudate
Ileum and Ilium from a wound.
n The ileum (ILL-ee-um) is the last and longest portion n Malaise (mah-LAYZ) is a feeling of general discomfort
of the small intestine. Memory aid: ileum is spelled or uneasiness that is often the first indication of an
with an e as in intestine. infection or other disease.
n The ilium (ILL-ee-um) is part of the hip bone. Memory n An exudate (ECKS-you-dayt) is fluid, such as pus, that
aid: ilium is spelled with an i as in hip. (Figure 1.11) leaks out of an infected wound.

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 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 15

Ilium
a part of the
hip bone

© Delmar, Cengage Learning (2013)

Ileum
a portion of the
small intestine

FIGURE 1.11 There is only one letter difference between ileum and ilium, but they are very different parts of the body.

n Inflammation (in-flah-MAY-shun) is a localized n myel/o means bone marrow or spinal cord. The term
response to an injury or to the destruction of tissues. myelopathy (my-eh-LOP-ah-thee) describes any path-
The key indicators of inflammation are (1) erythema ologic change or disease in the spinal cord (myel/o
(redness), (2) hyperthermia (heat), (3) edema means spinal cord or bone marrow, and -pathy means
(swelling), and (4) pain. These are caused by extra disease).
blood flowing into the area as part of the healing n my/o means muscle. The term myopathy (my-OP-
process. ah-thee) describes any pathologic change or disease of
muscle tissue (my/o means muscle, and -pathy means
Laceration and Lesion disease).

n A laceration (lass-er-AY-shun) is a torn or jagged

wound or an accidental cut wound. -ologist and -ology
n A lesion (LEE-zhun) is a pathologic change of the n -ologist means specialist. A dermatologist (der-mah-
tissues due to disease or injury. TOL-oh-jist) is a physician who specializes in diag-
nosing and treating disorders of the skin (dermat
means skin, and -ologist means specialist).
Mucous and Mucus n -ology means the study of. Neonatology (nee-oh-nay-
n The adjective mucous (MYOU-kus) describes the TOL-oh-jee) is the study of disorders of the newborn
specialized membranes that line the body (neo- means new, nat means birth, and -ology means
cavities. study of).
n The noun mucus (MYOU-kus) is the name of the fluid
secreted by these mucous membranes.
Palpation and Palpitation
n Palpation (pal-PAY-shun) is an examination tech-
myc/o, myel/o, and my/o nique in which the examiner’s hands are used to feel
n myc/o means fungus. Mycosis (my-KOH-sis) the texture, size, consistency, and location of certain
describes any abnormal condition or disease caused body parts.
by a fungus (myc means fungus, and -osis means n Palpitation (pal-pih-TAY-shun) is a pounding or
abnormal condition or disease). racing heart.

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16 CHAPTER 1

Monkey Business Images/[Link]

FIGURE 1.12 Triage describes the process through which emergency personnel arriving on an accident scene identify
which of the injured require care first and where they can be treated most effectively.

pyel/o, py/o, and pyr/o Triage and Trauma

n pyel/o means renal pelvis, which is part of the kidney. n Triage (tree-AHZH) is the medical screening of
Pyelitis (pye-eh-LYE-tis) is an inflammation of the patients to determine their relative priority of need and
renal pelvis (pyel means renal pelvis, and -itis means the proper place of treatment. (Figure 1.12)
inflammation). n Trauma (TRAW-mah) means wound or injury. These
n py/o means pus. Pyoderma (pye-oh-DER-mah) is any are the types of injuries that might occur in an acci-
acute, inflammatory, pus-forming bacterial skin infec- dent, shooting, natural disaster, or fire.
tion such as impetigo (py/o means pus, and
-derma means skin).
n pyr/o means fever or fire. Pyrosis (pye-ROH-sis), also
Viral and Virile
known as heartburn, is discomfort due to the regur- n Viral (VYE-ral) means pertaining to a virus (vir means
gitation of stomach acid upward into the esophagus virus or poison, and -al means pertaining to).
(pyr means fever or fire, and -osis means abnormal n Virile (VIR-ill) means having the nature, properties, or
condition or disease). qualities of an adult male.

Supination and Suppuration

USING ABBREVIATIONS
n Supination (soo-pih-NAY-shun) is the act of rotating
the arm so that the palm of the hand is forward or Abbreviations are frequently used as a shorthand way to
upward. record long and complex medical terms; Appendix B con-
n Suppuration (sup-you-RAY-shun) is the formation or tains an alphabetized list of many of the more commonly
discharge of pus. used medical abbreviations.

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 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 17

n Abbreviations can also lead to confusion and Some abbreviations should never be used (as
errors! Therefore, it is important that you be decided by the Joint Commission, an organization
very careful when using or interpreting an founded in 1910 to standardize medical practices). See
abbreviation. Table 1.11 for examples. The Joint Commission’s latest
n For example, the abbreviation BE means both “below standards are available at [Link]
elbow” (as in amputation) and “barium enema.” Just org. Many medical facilities have their own suggested
imagine what a difference a mix-up here would make “do not use” abbreviation list.
for the patient!
n Most clinical agencies have policies for accepted
abbreviations. It is important to follow this list for the
facility where you are working. For more practice and to test your mastery of
n If there is any question in your mind about which this material, go to the StudyWARE™ to play
abbreviation to use, always follow this rule: When in interactive games and complete the quiz for
doubt, spell it out. this chapter.

TABLE 1.11
Examples of Abbreviations Not to Be Used Workbook Practice

Abbreviation Potential Problem Go to your workbook, and complete the exercises

for this chapter.
MS can mean either morphine
sulfate or magnesium
sulfate

QD and QOD mean daily and every oth-

er day, sometimes mistak- Downloadable audio is available
en for each other for selected medical terms in this
chapter to enhance your learning
U means unit, sometimes of medical terminology.
mistaken for 0 or 4

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