Lecture Notes: Common Medical Root Words

Introduction

• Focus on simplifying medical terminology.
• Captions recommended for improved learning.
• Previous videos covered common medical abbreviations, prefixes, and root words.

Structure of Medical Terms

• Prefix: Descriptive start of a term (location, direction, number, etc.).
• Root: Middle of the term, often indicates a body part or system.
• Suffix: End of the term, indicates condition, procedure, etc.

Root Words

• Roots often relate to a body part or system.
• Combined with prefixes or suffixes to form terms.
• Combining vowel (usually "O") connects roots to other components.

First Set of Root Words

• Axillo: Armpit (e.g., axillary vein).
• Reno: Kidney (e.g., renogram).
• Rhino: Nose (e.g., rhinorrhea).
• Sigmoido: Sigmoid colon (e.g., sigmoidoscopy).
• Sinus: Sinuses (e.g., sinusitis).
• Tracheo: Trachea (e.g., tracheostomy).
• Tympano: Eardrum (e.g., tympanosclerosis).
• Umbilico: Umbilicus or belly button (e.g., umbilical cord).
• Vascular: Blood vessels (e.g., perivascular).
• Vesico: Bladder or blister (e.g., colovesical fistula).

Second Set of Root Words

• Adeno: Gland (e.g., adenocarcinoma).
• Chondro: Cartilage (e.g., chondroblast).
• Blepharo: Eyelid (e.g., blepharospasm).
• Bucco: Cheek (e.g., buccinator).
• Carpo: Wrist (e.g., carpal bones).
• Cholecysto: Gallbladder (e.g., cholecystitis).
• Costo: Rib (e.g., costochondritis).
• Cutaneo: Skin (e.g., transcutaneous pacing).
• Gingivo: Gums (e.g., supragingival).
• Labio: Lips (e.g., labiodental sounds).

Third Set of Root Words

• Lingua/Linguo: Tongue (e.g., linguo gingival).
• Myelo: Bone marrow or spinal cord (e.g., myeloma).
• Odonto: Teeth (e.g., periodontitis).
• Oro: Mouth (e.g., oropharynx).
• Pelvo: Pelvis (e.g., pelvic binder).
• Spleno: Spleen (e.g., splenectomy).
• Spondylo: Vertebrae or spine (e.g., spondylosis).
• Aorta: Aorta (e.g., aorta stenosis).
• Angio: Blood vessel (e.g., angiography).
• Stetho: Chest (e.g., stethoscope).

Conclusion

• Understanding root words helps in breaking down and comprehending medical terminology.
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