Understanding Medical Terms: An Introduction to Greek and Latin Word Parts - Prof. David G, Study notes of Medical Sciences

Download Understanding Medical Terms: An Introduction to Greek and Latin Word Parts - Prof. David G and more Study notes Medical Sciences in PDF only on Docsity! Chapter 1 Introduction to Word Parts Origins of Medical Language Built from Greek and Latin word parts, eponyms, acronyms, and modern language Majority of medical terms today composed of Greek and Latin word parts Eponyms – from name of person Acronyms – from first letters of words in a phrase Four Word Parts Word root Word part that is the core of the word Contains fundamental meaning of the word Every medical term contains one or more Suffix Attached to the end of the word root Modifies meaning Frequently indicate Procedures Conditions Diseases Prefix Attached to the beginning of the word root Modifies meaning Often indicate Number Position Direction Time Negation Many medical terms do not have one Combining vowel Word part, usually o, used to ease pronunciation Connects two word roots or word root and suffix Guidelines Connecting word root and suffix – used if suffix does not begin with vowel Connecting word root and suffix – usually not used if suffix does begin with vowel Connecting 2 word roots – usually used even with vowels at junction Connecting prefix and word root – not used Combining Form Word root with combining vowel, separated by slash E.g. arthr/o, oste/o Techniques for Learning Medical Terms Built from Word Parts Analyzing medical terms Divide into word parts, label Defining medical terms Apply meaning of each word part Begin with suffix, then move to beginning