Medical Terminology: Word Parts and Rules

Overview

• Understanding the structure of medical terms by identifying word parts.
• Learning rules for building and interpreting medical terminology.

Word Parts

Medical terms consist of several parts:

• Prefix: Comes at the beginning of a term and alters its meaning.
• Word Root: The core part of the term, providing its primary meaning.
• Suffix: Added at the end of a term to modify its meaning.
• Combining Form Vowel: Typically an 'o', 'i', or 'e' used to connect word parts and ease pronunciation.

Combining Form

• A word root combined with a combining form vowel.

Identifying Word Parts

Examples

• Osteoarthritis: Inflammation of bone and joint.
  • Oste/o: Combining form for bone.
  • Arthr/o: Combining form for joint.
  • -itis: Suffix for inflammation.
• Intravenous: Pertaining to within a vein.
  • Intra-: Prefix for within.
  • Ven/o: Combining form for vein.
  • -ous: Suffix for pertaining to.

Notes

• Use slashes between word parts.
• Slashes are placed on each side of a combining form vowel.

Language Review

Vowels

• Short Vowels: a, e, i, o, u, y.
• Long Vowels: A, E, I, O, U.

Consonants

• Includes all other letters except the vowels.

Language Rules for Building Medical Terms

1. Combining Forms:
   • Retain the combining form vowel when joining two combining forms.
2. Suffix with Consonant:
   • Retain the combining form vowel when joining a combining form with a consonant-starting suffix.
   • Example: Gastr/o/enter/o/logy: Study of the stomach and intestines.
3. Suffix with Vowel:
   • Drop the combining form vowel when joining a combining form with a vowel-starting suffix.
4. Prefix Placement:
   • Place the prefix at the beginning without a combining form vowel.
   • Example: Intra/ven/ous: Pertaining to within the vein.
5. Defining Medical Words:
   • Start with the suffix, then move left to right.
   • Use filler words as necessary for clarity.
   • Example: Intra/ven/ous: Pertaining to within (a) vein.

Definitions

• Prefix: Alters the meaning of the word root.
• Word Root: The foundational meaning.
• Suffix: Changes the meaning of the word root.
• Combining Form Vowel: Joins word parts and eases pronunciation.
• Combining Form: Word root with a combining form vowel.
• Literal Translation: Word parts translate exactly as constructed.
• Rebels: Exception to language rules.
• Filler Words: Additional words used to complete definitions.

Conclusion

Understanding the rules and parts of medical terminology is essential for accurately interpreting and using medical terms. Over time, familiarity will make translation and application more intuitive.