Medical Terminology: Prefixes and Suffixes
Overview
This lecture covers the meanings of various prefixes and suffixes commonly used in medical terminology, providing examples of words containing these elements. Understanding these can help in deciphering the meanings of complex medical terms.
"Cyto" and "-cyte"
- Meaning: Both refer to "cell" or "cellular."
- Examples:
- Cytoplasm: The fluid within a cell.
- Osteocyte: A bone cell.
- Erythrocyte: A red blood cell.
"Entero" and "-enteric"
- Meaning: Both refer to "intestines."
- Examples:
- Enteroptosis: Sagging of the intestines.
- Dysenteric: Inflammation in the intestines.
- Enteropathy: Intestinal disease.
"Sclero" and "-sclerosis"
- Meaning: Related to "hardening," "stiffening," or "thickening" of tissues.
- Examples:
- Arteriosclerosis: Hardening of the arteries due to aging.
- Atherosclerosis: Thickening of the arteries due to plaque buildup.
- Scleroderma: Hardening of the skin.
- Craniosclerosis: Thickening of the skull.
- Sclerotin: The hard substance found on bugs.
"Apo" and "-ptosis"
- Meaning: "Apo" means "away from" or "detached," while "-ptosis" (where 'p' is silent) means "fall."
- Example:
- Apoptosis: Detachment and falling away of cells, commonly known as natural cell death.
"Phago" and "-phagy"
- Meaning: Both refer to "engulfing" or "devouring."
- Examples:
- Autophagy: Self-devouring of damaged cells.
- Phagocyte: A cell that engulfs debris, foreign matter, or microbes.
Conclusion
- The lecture highlighted the importance of understanding medical prefixes and suffixes.
- Encouraged viewers to explore additional videos for further learning.
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