Medical Terminology Practice Exam

Question 1 Medical Terminology

What does the prefix "neo-" mean?

The combining form laryngo- refers to the larynx, or voice box. It appears in laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx) and laryngoscopy (visual examination of the larynx). Crushing or breaking. For example, lithotripsy is the crushing of kidney stones using shock waves, and phacotripsy is the breaking up of the lens of the eye. Tissue. For example, histology is the microscopic study of tissues, and histology often examines biopsied samples. New or recent. For example, a neoplasm is a new, abnormal growth (tumor), and neonatal refers to the period of a newborn infant.

Question 2 Medical Terminology

What do the medical abbreviations 'BID', 'TID', and 'QID' mean on a prescription?

NPO stands for nil per os, Latin for "nothing by mouth". It instructs patients not to eat or drink, often before surgery. Bladder or fluid-filled sac (cyst). For example, cystoscopy is visual examination of the bladder, and cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. The suffix -ectomy means surgical removal or excision. Example: appendectomy = surgical removal of the appendix. These abbreviations indicate dosing frequency: BID means twice a day (bis in die), TID means three times a day (ter in die), and QID means four times a day (quater in die).

Question 3 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-phil" or "-philia" indicate?

The suffix -tome refers to an instrument used to cut. Examples include osteotome (instrument for cutting bone), microtome (instrument for cutting thin tissue sections), and dermatome. The combining form gastro- refers to the stomach. Common terms include gastritis (stomach inflammation) and gastroenterology (study of the stomach and intestines). The suffix -phil (or its noun form -philia) indicates attraction to or affinity for. Examples include hemophilia (affinity/loving blood — bleeding disorder), eosinophilia (increase in eosinophils), and necrophilia. The suffix -poiesis means formation or production. Examples include hematopoiesis (formation of blood cells) and erythropoiesis (production of red blood cells).

Question 4 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-emia" indicate?

The prefix circum- means around or surrounding. Examples include circumcision (cutting around) and circumoral (around the mouth). The prefix retro- means backward, behind, or back. Examples include retroperitoneal (behind the peritoneum), retrograde (moving backward), and retroversion (backward tilting of an organ). The suffix -emia indicates a condition of the blood. Examples include anemia (low red blood cells), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and septicemia (blood infection). The combining form myo- refers to muscle. Examples include myalgia (muscle pain), myocardium (heart muscle), and myopathy (muscle disease).

Question 5 Medical Terminology

What does the prefix "hemi-" mean?

The combining form thrombo- refers to a clot or clotting. It appears in thrombosis (formation of a blood clot), thrombocyte (platelet), and thrombocytopenia. The prefix nulli- means none or no. Examples include nullipara (a woman who has had no births) and nullification (making void). Medial means toward the midline of the body, and lateral means away from the midline. Example: the nose is medial to the ears. The prefix hemi- means half. Examples include hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body), hemisphere (half of a sphere, e.g., cerebral hemisphere), and hemiglossectomy (removal of half the tongue).

Question 6 Medical Terminology

What are the three main anatomical planes of the body?

The combining form hepato- refers to the liver, from Greek hepar. Example: hepatitis = inflammation of the liver. The three main anatomical planes are: sagittal (divides the body into left and right halves), coronal/frontal (divides the body into anterior and posterior portions), and transverse/horizontal (divides the body into superior and inferior portions). These planes are used as reference for imaging studies and anatomical descriptions. The suffix -ectomy means surgical removal or excision of a structure. For example, a tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils, and an appendectomy is removal of the appendix. White, especially white blood cells. For example, a leukocyte is a white blood cell, and leukemia is a cancer of white blood cell–forming tissues.

Question 7 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "lipo-" refer to?

-rrhaphy means surgical suturing or stitching. Examples: herniorrhaphy (surgical repair of a hernia by suturing). It is sometimes also written as -rhaphy. The suffix -ectomy means surgical removal or excision. Example: appendectomy = surgical removal of the appendix. The suffix -therapy means treatment. Examples include chemotherapy (drug-based treatment, often for cancer), physiotherapy, radiotherapy, and occupational therapy. The combining form lipo- refers to fat. Examples include lipoma (fatty tumor) and liposuction (surgical removal of fat).

Question 8 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-genesis" mean?

The prefix pan- means all or entire. Examples include pandemic (affecting all people), pancytopenia (deficiency of all blood cell types), and pansinusitis (inflammation of all sinuses). The prefix ad- means toward or near. It appears in adduction (movement toward the midline) and adhesion (sticking together/toward). The suffix -genesis means origin, formation, or production. Examples include carcinogenesis (origin of cancer), spermatogenesis (formation of sperm), and morphogenesis (development of form). An instrument used for measuring. For example, a thermometer measures temperature, and a sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure.

Question 9 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "stomato-" refer to?

Falling or drooping. For example, blepharoptosis is drooping of an eyelid, and nephroptosis is the downward displacement of a kidney. The combining form arterio- refers to arteries, blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. Example: arteriosclerosis = hardening of the arteries. The combining form stomato- refers to the mouth. It is found in stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth lining) and stomatoscope (instrument for examining the mouth). The prefix micro- means small. Examples include microscope (instrument for viewing small objects), microbe (small organism), and microcephaly (abnormally small head).

Question 10 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-gram" mean?

The combining form gastro- refers to the stomach, from Greek gaster. Example: gastritis = inflammation of the stomach. Within. For example, intramuscular (IM) means within a muscle, and intravenous (IV) means within a vein. The suffix -logy means study of or science of. For example, cardiology is the study of the heart, and neurology is the study of the nervous system. A record or image. For example, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a record of the heart's electrical activity, and a mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast.

Question 11 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "angio-" mean?

Against or opposed to. For example, antibiotic is a substance that works against bacteria, and antihypertensive refers to medications that work against high blood pressure. The suffix -emesis means vomiting. Examples include hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hyperemesis (excessive vomiting, as in hyperemesis gravidarum), and antiemetic (drug that prevents vomiting). The combining form angio- refers to vessel (usually blood or lymph), from Greek angeion. Example: angiography = imaging of blood vessels. The suffix -ology means the study of. It is derived from Greek logos meaning word or study. Example: hematology = study of blood.

Question 12 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "cardio-" refer to?

The combining form tropho- refers to nourishment or development. It appears in atrophy (wasting away from lack of nourishment) and hypertrophy (excessive development). A prefix is attached to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning, often indicating location, time, number, or status (e.g., pre- meaning before). The combining form cardio- refers to the heart, derived from the Greek kardia. Example: cardiology = study of the heart. Superior means toward the head (upper), while inferior means toward the feet (lower). Example: the heart is superior to the stomach.

Question 13 Medical Terminology

What does the prefix "retro-" mean?

The prefix retro- means backward, behind, or back. Examples include retroperitoneal (behind the peritoneum), retrograde (moving backward), and retroversion (backward tilting of an organ). The process of recording or producing an image. For example, radiography is the process of producing X-ray images, and angiography is imaging of blood vessels. The prefix contra- means against or opposite. Examples include contraindication (a condition against using a treatment) and contralateral (on the opposite side). The suffix -emia refers to a condition of the blood. Example: anemia = deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Question 14 Medical Terminology

What does the prefix "ultra-" mean?

The prefix ultra- means beyond, excessive, or extreme. Examples include ultrasonic (beyond/above audible sound), ultraviolet (beyond visible violet light), and ultramicroscopic (too small for a standard microscope). The suffix -itis indicates inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. Examples: arthritis (joint inflammation), dermatitis (skin inflammation). The combining form laparo- refers to the abdomen or abdominal wall. It is used in laparoscopy (visual examination of the abdomen) and laparotomy (surgical incision into the abdomen). Many, much, or excessive. For example, polyuria is excessive urination, and polyneuropathy is a disorder affecting many peripheral nerves.

Question 15 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "nephro-" refer to?

The combining form melano- refers to black or melanin (dark pigment). Examples include melanoma (dark-pigmented skin cancer) and melanocyte (pigment-producing cell). The suffix -phil (or its noun form -philia) indicates attraction to or affinity for. Examples include hemophilia (affinity/loving blood — bleeding disorder), eosinophilia (increase in eosinophils), and necrophilia. The combining form nephro- refers to the kidney. It is used in terms like nephritis (kidney inflammation) and nephrectomy (surgical removal of a kidney). Bile or gallbladder. For example, cholecystectomy is surgical removal of the gallbladder, and cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder.

Question 16 Medical Terminology

What does the prefix "para-" mean?

Immediately. It is used to indicate that an order, treatment, or medication should be carried out without delay, as in the phrase "give a STAT dose." Cell. For example, cytology is the study of cells, and a cytoplasm refers to the material inside a cell. The suffix -dynia also means pain, and is often used interchangeably with -algia. Examples include mastodynia (breast pain) and cephalodynia (head pain). Beside, near, or abnormal. For example, parathyroid refers to glands located beside the thyroid, while paresthesia is an abnormal sensation such as tingling.

Question 17 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "histo-" refer to?

The combining forms dermato- and derma- refer to the skin, from Greek derma. Example: dermatology = study of the skin. Tissue. For example, histology is the microscopic study of tissues, and histology often examines biopsied samples. The suffix -ectomy means surgical removal or excision of a structure. For example, a tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils, and an appendectomy is removal of the appendix. The suffix -phobia means fear or irrational aversion. Example: claustrophobia = fear of enclosed spaces.

Question 18 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-iasis" mean?

The prefix micro- means small. Examples include microscope (instrument for viewing small objects), microbe (small organism), and microcephaly (abnormally small head). Cell. For example, cytology is the study of cells, and a cytoplasm refers to the material inside a cell. The suffix -iasis indicates an abnormal condition or formation of. Examples include cholelithiasis (formation of gallstones), psoriasis, and elephantiasis (severe lymphatic swelling). The combining form neuro- refers to the nerves or nervous system, from Greek neuron meaning sinew or nerve. Example: neurology.

Question 19 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "colo-" refer to?

The prefix retro- means backward, behind, or back. Examples include retroperitoneal (behind the peritoneum), retrograde (moving backward), and retroversion (backward tilting of an organ). Colon (large intestine). For example, colostomy is a surgical opening into the colon, and colonoscopy is visual examination of the colon. Within or inside. For example, endoscopy means looking inside a body cavity, and endocrine refers to glands that secrete hormones internally into the bloodstream. The combining form sclero- means hard or hardening. It appears in scleroderma (hardening of the skin) and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Question 20 Medical Terminology

What is the role of a suffix in medical terminology?

The combining form thrombo- refers to a clot or clotting. It appears in thrombosis (formation of a blood clot), thrombocyte (platelet), and thrombocytopenia. A suffix is attached to the end of a root word and usually indicates a procedure, condition, disease, or practice (e.g., -itis meaning inflammation). Crushing or breaking. For example, lithotripsy is the crushing of kidney stones using shock waves, and phacotripsy is the breaking up of the lens of the eye. The prefix ecto- means outside or outer. Examples include ectopic (occurring outside the normal place) and ectoderm (outer skin layer of an embryo).

Question 21 Medical Terminology

What does the prefix "post-" mean?

Bile or gallbladder. For example, cholecystectomy is surgical removal of the gallbladder, and cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. Head. For example, cephalalgia means head pain (headache), and hydrocephalus refers to fluid accumulation within the skull. Upon, above, or over. For example, epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, and epidural refers to the space above the dura mater of the spinal cord. After or behind. For example, postoperative refers to the period after surgery, and posterior refers to the back or behind side.

Question 22 Medical Terminology

What is the difference between "-rraphy" and "-rrhaphy"?

The suffix -ostomy means surgical creation of an opening. Example: colostomy = creation of an opening into the colon. -rrhaphy means surgical suturing or stitching. Examples: herniorrhaphy (surgical repair of a hernia by suturing). It is sometimes also written as -rhaphy. The prefix mal- means bad, abnormal, or poor. Examples include malnutrition (poor nutrition), malabsorption (abnormal absorption), and malignant (bad/cancerous). The suffixes -rrhage and -rrhagia mean excessive flow or bursting forth. Example: hemorrhage = excessive bleeding.

Question 23 Medical Terminology

What does the prefix "mal-" mean?

The suffix -scope means instrument used to view or examine. Example: endoscope = instrument to view inside the body. In the supine position, the patient lies flat on their back (face up); in the prone position, the patient lies flat on their abdomen (face down). Both terms are commonly used during examinations and procedures. The prefix mal- means bad, abnormal, or poor. Examples include malnutrition (poor nutrition), malabsorption (abnormal absorption), and malignant (bad/cancerous). The prefix homo- means same or alike. Examples include homozygous (having identical gene pairs), homologous (corresponding in structure), and homosexual (attraction to the same sex).

Question 24 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-esthesia" mean?

The suffix -ectomy means surgical removal or excision of a structure. For example, a tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils, and an appendectomy is removal of the appendix. The suffix -logy means study of or science of. For example, cardiology is the study of the heart, and neurology is the study of the nervous system. The suffix -itis indicates inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. Examples: arthritis (joint inflammation), dermatitis (skin inflammation). The suffix -esthesia means sensation or feeling. Examples include paresthesia (abnormal tingling sensation), anesthesia (absence of sensation), and hyperesthesia (excessive sensation).

Question 25 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "pharyngo-" refer to?

The combining form pharyngo- refers to the pharynx, or throat. It appears in pharyngitis (sore throat) and pharyngoscope (instrument used to examine the pharynx). The combining form blepharo- refers to the eyelid. It is used in terms such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) and blepharoplasty (surgical repair of the eyelid). The combining form sclero- means hard or hardening. It appears in scleroderma (hardening of the skin) and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Vein. For example, phlebitis is inflammation of a vein, and phlebotomy is the incision into a vein to draw blood.

Question 26 Medical Terminology

What does the prefix "endo-" mean?

Within or inside. For example, endoscopy means looking inside a body cavity, and endocrine refers to glands that secrete hormones internally into the bloodstream. The three main anatomical planes are:
1. Sagittal – divides body into left/right
2. Coronal (frontal) – divides body into front/back
3. Transverse (axial) – divides body into upper/lower The prefix micro- means small. Examples include microscope (instrument for viewing small objects), microbe (small organism), and microcephaly (abnormally small head). Binding, fusion, or surgical fixation. For example, arthrodesis is the surgical fusion of a joint, and pleurodesis is the deliberate bonding of the pleural layers to prevent recurrent effusions.

Question 27 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "uro-" refer to?

In the supine position, the patient lies flat on their back (face up); in the prone position, the patient lies flat on their abdomen (face down). Both terms are commonly used during examinations and procedures. Rectum or anus. For example, proctoscopy is visual examination of the rectum, and proctitis means inflammation of the rectum. Urine or the urinary tract. For example, urology is the study of the urinary system, and polyuria means excessive urination. The combining form thrombo- refers to a clot or clotting. It appears in thrombosis (formation of a blood clot), thrombocyte (platelet), and thrombocytopenia.

Question 28 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "procto-" refer to?

Around or surrounding. For example, pericardium is the membrane surrounding the heart, and perinatal refers to the period around the time of birth. Rectum or anus. For example, proctoscopy is visual examination of the rectum, and proctitis means inflammation of the rectum. The prefix ab- means away from. It appears in terms like abduction (movement away from the midline) and abnormal (away from normal). A prefix is attached to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning, often indicating location, time, number, or status (e.g., pre- meaning before).

Question 29 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "arthro-" refer to?

Spleen. For example, splenectomy is surgical removal of the spleen, and splenomegaly refers to enlargement of the spleen. Joint. For example, arthralgia means joint pain, and arthroscope is an instrument used to look inside a joint. The combining form meningo- refers to the meninges, the three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis refers to inflammation of these membranes. The suffix -poiesis means formation or production. Examples include hematopoiesis (formation of blood cells) and erythropoiesis (production of red blood cells).

Question 30 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-pathy" mean?

The combining form oophoro- refers to the ovary. It appears in oophorectomy (surgical removal of an ovary) and oophoritis (inflammation of an ovary). An instrument used for measuring. For example, a thermometer measures temperature, and a sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure. The prefix macro- means large or long. Examples include macrocephaly (abnormally large head), macronutrients (nutrients needed in large amounts), and macroscope (instrument producing large images). The suffix -pathy means disease or suffering. Examples: neuropathy (nerve disease), cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease).

Question 31 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-schisis" mean?

The combining form entero- refers to the intestine, typically the small intestine. It is found in terms such as enteritis (intestinal inflammation) and gastroenteritis. A prefix is attached to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning, often indicating location, time, number, or status (e.g., pre- meaning before). Head. For example, cephalalgia means head pain (headache), and hydrocephalus refers to fluid accumulation within the skull. The suffix -schisis means splitting or cleft. Examples include cheiloschisis (cleft lip) and palatoschisis (cleft palate), both congenital developmental splits.

Question 32 Medical Terminology

What is the role of a prefix in medical terminology?

The prefix ultra- means beyond, excessive, or extreme. Examples include ultrasonic (beyond/above audible sound), ultraviolet (beyond visible violet light), and ultramicroscopic (too small for a standard microscope). The suffix -phil (or its noun form -philia) indicates attraction to or affinity for. Examples include hemophilia (affinity/loving blood — bleeding disorder), eosinophilia (increase in eosinophils), and necrophilia. Upon, above, or over. For example, epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, and epidural refers to the space above the dura mater of the spinal cord. A prefix is attached to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning, often indicating location, time, number, or status (e.g., pre- meaning before).

Question 33 Medical Terminology

What is the difference between deep and superficial in anatomy?

Superficial means closer to the surface of the body or skin, while deep means farther from the surface (more internal). For example, the ribs are superficial to the lungs, and the heart is deep to the sternum. The combining form blepharo- refers to the eyelid. It is used in terms such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) and blepharoplasty (surgical repair of the eyelid). The prefix ultra- means beyond, excessive, or extreme. Examples include ultrasonic (beyond/above audible sound), ultraviolet (beyond visible violet light), and ultramicroscopic (too small for a standard microscope). The combining form osteo- refers to bone, from Greek osteon. Example: osteoporosis = porous, weakened bones.

Question 34 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-emia" mean?

These abbreviations indicate dosing frequency: BID means twice a day (bis in die), TID means three times a day (ter in die), and QID means four times a day (quater in die). The suffix -emia refers to a condition of the blood. Example: anemia = deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Beside, near, or abnormal. For example, parathyroid refers to glands located beside the thyroid, while paresthesia is an abnormal sensation such as tingling. Rectum or anus. For example, proctoscopy is visual examination of the rectum, and proctitis means inflammation of the rectum.

Question 35 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "blepharo-" refer to?

The combining form blepharo- refers to the eyelid. It is used in terms such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) and blepharoplasty (surgical repair of the eyelid). The combining form lympho- refers to lymph or the lymphatic system. It is used in lymphedema, lymphoma, and lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell found in lymph). The three main anatomical planes are:
1. Sagittal – divides body into left/right
2. Coronal (frontal) – divides body into front/back
3. Transverse (axial) – divides body into upper/lower Thyroid gland. For example, thyroidectomy is surgical removal of the thyroid, and thyrotoxicosis refers to overactivity of the thyroid.

Question 36 Medical Terminology

What does the prefix "sub-" mean?

The suffix -ectomy means surgical removal or excision of a structure. For example, a tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils, and an appendectomy is removal of the appendix. The prefix multi- means many or much. Examples include multipara (a woman who has had many births) and multicellular (many cells). Under or below. For example, subcutaneous means beneath the skin, and sublingual refers to administration of medication under the tongue. The combining form angio- refers to vessel (usually blood or lymph), from Greek angeion. Example: angiography = imaging of blood vessels.

Question 37 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-emesis" mean?

The suffix -emesis means vomiting. Examples include hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hyperemesis (excessive vomiting, as in hyperemesis gravidarum), and antiemetic (drug that prevents vomiting). The suffix -iasis indicates an abnormal condition or formation of. Examples include cholelithiasis (formation of gallstones), psoriasis, and elephantiasis (severe lymphatic swelling). The prefix circum- means around or surrounding. Examples include circumcision (cutting around) and circumoral (around the mouth). The prefix infra- means below or under. Examples include infraspinatus (muscle below the spine of the scapula) and infrared (below the visible red spectrum).

Question 38 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "laryngo-" refer to?

The combining form gastro- refers to the stomach. Common terms include gastritis (stomach inflammation) and gastroenterology (study of the stomach and intestines). The combining form laryngo- refers to the larynx, or voice box. It appears in laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx) and laryngoscopy (visual examination of the larynx). The combining form necro- refers to death or dead tissue. It appears in terms like necrosis (death of tissue) and necropsy (examination of a dead body; autopsy). Anterior (or ventral) refers to the front of the body or a structure, while posterior (or dorsal) refers to the back. For example, the sternum is anterior to the spine, and the scapulae are posterior to the rib cage.

Question 39 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "osteo-" refer to?

The combining form osteo- refers to bone. It appears in words like osteoarthritis (bone and joint degeneration) and osteotomy (surgical cutting of bone). The suffix -cide means killing or destroying. Examples include bactericide (agent that kills bacteria), pesticide (agent that kills pests), and suicide (self-killing, in Latin). The prefix ecto- means outside or outer. Examples include ectopic (occurring outside the normal place) and ectoderm (outer skin layer of an embryo). Head. For example, cephalalgia means head pain (headache), and hydrocephalus refers to fluid accumulation within the skull.

Question 40 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "neuro-" refer to?

The suffix -emia indicates a condition of the blood. Examples include anemia (low red blood cells), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and septicemia (blood infection). The combining form neuro- refers to the nerves or nervous system, from Greek neuron meaning sinew or nerve. Example: neurology. Before or in front of. For example, prenatal refers to the period before birth, and preeclampsia is a hypertensive condition occurring before eclampsia. The suffix -blast refers to an immature or developing cell. Examples include osteoblast (immature bone cell), erythroblast (immature red blood cell), and neuroblast (developing nerve cell).

Question 41 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "myo-" mean?

Joint. For example, arthralgia means joint pain, and arthroscope is an instrument used to look inside a joint. The combining form myo- refers to muscle, from Greek mys. Example: myocarditis = inflammation of the heart muscle. The combining form nephro- refers to the kidney. It is used in terms like nephritis (kidney inflammation) and nephrectomy (surgical removal of a kidney). Bladder or fluid-filled sac (cyst). For example, cystoscopy is visual examination of the bladder, and cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder.

Question 42 Medical Terminology

What does the prefix "micro-" mean?

The suffix -pathy means disease or suffering. Examples: neuropathy (nerve disease), cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease). New or recent. For example, a neoplasm is a new, abnormal growth (tumor), and neonatal refers to the period of a newborn infant. The suffix -stomy means the creation of an artificial opening. Examples include colostomy (opening into the colon) and tracheostomy (opening into the trachea). The prefix micro- means small. Examples include microscope (instrument for viewing small objects), microbe (small organism), and microcephaly (abnormally small head).

Question 43 Medical Terminology

What does the abbreviation "BID" mean on a prescription?

BID stands for bis in die, Latin for "twice a day". Other common abbreviations: TID (three times a day), QID (four times a day). The combining form encephalo- refers to the brain. It appears in terms such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and encephalogram (a record of brain activity). The prefix dys- means difficult, painful, or abnormal. Examples: dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), dyspnea (difficulty breathing). Under or below. For example, subcutaneous means beneath the skin, and sublingual refers to administration of medication under the tongue.

Question 44 Medical Terminology

What is the difference between ipsilateral and contralateral?

The combining form fibro- refers to fiber or fibrous tissue. Examples include fibromyalgia (pain in fibrous tissues/muscles) and fibroid (fiber-like growth). Ipsilateral means on the same side of the body, while contralateral means on the opposite side. For example, the left arm is ipsilateral to the left leg but contralateral to the right arm. Involuntary contraction of a muscle. For example, bronchospasm is sudden constriction of the airway muscles, and vasospasm is sudden constriction of a blood vessel. The suffixes -rrhage and -rrhagia mean excessive flow or bursting forth. Example: hemorrhage = excessive bleeding.

Question 45 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-otomy" mean?

The suffix -otomy means surgical incision or cutting into. Example: tracheotomy = incision into the trachea. The three main anatomical planes are:
1. Sagittal – divides body into left/right
2. Coronal (frontal) – divides body into front/back
3. Transverse (axial) – divides body into upper/lower The prefix ad- means toward or near. It appears in adduction (movement toward the midline) and adhesion (sticking together/toward). Superficial means closer to the surface of the body or skin, while deep means farther from the surface (more internal). For example, the ribs are superficial to the lungs, and the heart is deep to the sternum.

Question 46 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-rrhexis" mean?

Colon (large intestine). For example, colostomy is a surgical opening into the colon, and colonoscopy is visual examination of the colon. The suffix -phobia means fear or irrational aversion. Example: claustrophobia = fear of enclosed spaces. The suffix -rrhexis means rupture or breaking. Examples include amniorrhexis (rupture of the amniotic membrane) and cardiorrhexis (rupture of the heart wall). Tendon. For example, tenosynovitis is inflammation of a tendon sheath, and tenorrhaphy is surgical suturing of a tendon.

Question 47 Medical Terminology

What does the suffix "-tripsy" mean?

Crushing or breaking. For example, lithotripsy is the crushing of kidney stones using shock waves, and phacotripsy is the breaking up of the lens of the eye. Against or opposed to. For example, antibiotic is a substance that works against bacteria, and antihypertensive refers to medications that work against high blood pressure. The combining form lipo- refers to fat. Examples include lipoma (fatty tumor) and liposuction (surgical removal of fat). Chest or thorax. For example, thoracotomy is a surgical incision into the chest cavity, and thoracic describes structures within the chest.

Question 48 Medical Terminology

What does the combining form "arterio-" refer to?

Rectum or anus. For example, proctoscopy is visual examination of the rectum, and proctitis means inflammation of the rectum. The suffix -scopy means the process of viewing or examining. Example: colonoscopy = visual examination of the colon. The combining form hepato- refers to the liver, from Greek hepar. Example: hepatitis = inflammation of the liver. The combining form arterio- refers to arteries, blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. Example: arteriosclerosis = hardening of the arteries.

Question 49 Medical Terminology

What does the medical abbreviation 'NPO' mean?

The prefix ambi- means both or on both sides. Examples include ambidextrous (skilled with both hands) and ambiguous (having two possible meanings). NPO stands for the Latin phrase nil per os, meaning nothing by mouth. It is an order instructing a patient not to consume any food, fluids, or medications orally, often used before surgery. The suffix -blast refers to an immature or developing cell. Examples include osteoblast (immature bone cell), erythroblast (immature red blood cell), and neuroblast (developing nerve cell). Rectum or anus. For example, proctoscopy is visual examination of the rectum, and proctitis means inflammation of the rectum.

Question 50 Medical Terminology

What is the difference between proximal and distal in anatomy?

The combining form meningo- refers to the meninges, the three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis refers to inflammation of these membranes. The combining form tropho- refers to nourishment or development. It appears in atrophy (wasting away from lack of nourishment) and hypertrophy (excessive development). Proximal means closer to the point of attachment or origin (typically the trunk of the body), while distal means farther from the point of attachment. For example, the shoulder is proximal to the hand, and the wrist is distal to the elbow. The suffix -cele means hernia, protrusion, or swelling. Examples include rectocele (protrusion of the rectum into the vagina) and hydrocele (fluid-filled swelling in the scrotum).