How do prefixes alter the meaning of a medical term, and why must their meanings be memorized separately?

Prefixes modify root words by specifying location, time, number, or status, but since they are independent word parts, their meanings aren’t always obvious from the root word and must be learned individually.

What is the combining form of “nephr-” and in what types of terms is it commonly used?

The combining form is "nephr/o," relating to the kidney, and is commonly used in terms describing kidney function or diseases, such as nephrology or nephritis.

Why is the combining vowel usually omitted when a suffix begins with a vowel? Give an example.

To avoid awkward or redundant vowel sounds. For example, in “arthritis” (arthritis), the combining vowel “o” is omitted because the suffix “-itis” starts with a vowel.

Define “medical terminology” in your own words, incorporating the importance of word parts.

Medical terminology is a specialized language made up of roots, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms that allows healthcare professionals to accurately describe conditions, procedures, anatomy, and physiology.

Explain how knowledge of word parts can help decode the term “hypoglycemia.”

“Hypo-” means low, “glyc-” refers to sugar, and “-emia” means blood condition, so hypoglycemia means low blood sugar.

What is the function of the suffix “-scope” and give an example of its use in a medical term.

It means an instrument for viewing. Example: “endoscope” is an instrument used to look inside the body.

When combining two root words to form a compound medical term, how is the combining vowel used? Provide an example.

The combining vowel is used even if the second root starts with a vowel to facilitate pronunciation. Example: “oste/o/arthr/itis” (inflammation of bone and joint).

Provide the meaning of the prefix “brady-” and illustrate how it changes the meaning of the root word “cardia.”

“Brady-” means slow. Combined with “cardia” (heart), “bradycardia” means a slower than normal heart rate.

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Explain the difference between a medical root word and a combining form.

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Describe the role and importance of suffixes in changing the meaning of medical terms, providing two examples.

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Chapter 2

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Question	Answer
Explain the difference between a medical root word and a combining form.	A root word is the core meaning of the term, while a combining form is the root plus a combining vowel (usually "o") to ease pronunciation when connecting to suffixes or other roots.
Describe the role and importance of suffixes in changing the meaning of medical terms, providing two examples.	Suffixes modify the root word to indicate a procedure, condition, disease, or part of speech. For example, "-ectomy" means surgical removal, and "-algia" means pain.
How do prefixes alter the meaning of a medical term, and why must their meanings be memorized separately?	Prefixes modify root words by specifying location, time, number, or status, but since they are independent word parts, their meanings aren’t always obvious from the root word and must be learned individually.
What is the combining form of “nephr-” and in what types of terms is it commonly used?	The combining form is "nephr/o," relating to the kidney, and is commonly used in terms describing kidney function or diseases, such as nephrology or nephritis.
Why is the combining vowel usually omitted when a suffix begins with a vowel? Give an example.	To avoid awkward or redundant vowel sounds. For example, in “arthritis” (arthritis), the combining vowel “o” is omitted because the suffix “-itis” starts with a vowel.
Define “medical terminology” in your own words, incorporating the importance of word parts.	Medical terminology is a specialized language made up of roots, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms that allows healthcare professionals to accurately describe conditions, procedures, anatomy, and physiology.
Explain how knowledge of word parts can help decode the term “hypoglycemia.”	“Hypo-” means low, “glyc-” refers to sugar, and “-emia” means blood condition, so hypoglycemia means low blood sugar.
What is the function of the suffix “-scope” and give an example of its use in a medical term.	It means an instrument for viewing. Example: “endoscope” is an instrument used to look inside the body.
When combining two root words to form a compound medical term, how is the combining vowel used? Provide an example.	The combining vowel is used even if the second root starts with a vowel to facilitate pronunciation. Example: “oste/o/arthr/itis” (inflammation of bone and joint).
Provide the meaning of the prefix “brady-” and illustrate how it changes the meaning of the root word “cardia.”	“Brady-” means slow. Combined with “cardia” (heart), “bradycardia” means a slower than normal heart rate.

Created by: jenlynn8605

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