Medical Terminology

A root word is the core component of a medical term that carries its primary meaning. It typically refers to an organ, tissue, or condition (e.g., card- meaning heart).

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).

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).

The combining form cardio- refers to the heart, derived from the Greek kardia. Example: cardiology = study of the heart.

The suffix -ology means the study of. It is derived from Greek logos meaning word or study. Example: hematology = study of blood.

The suffix -itis indicates inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. Examples: arthritis (joint inflammation), dermatitis (skin inflammation).

The prefix hyper- means excessive, above, or beyond. Example: hypertension = abnormally high blood pressure.

The prefix hypo- means deficient, below, or under. Example: hypoglycemia = abnormally low blood sugar.

The suffix -ectomy means surgical removal or excision. Example: appendectomy = surgical removal of the appendix.

The suffix -ostomy means surgical creation of an opening. Example: colostomy = creation of an opening into the colon.

The suffix -otomy means surgical incision or cutting into. Example: tracheotomy = incision into the trachea.

The suffix -emia refers to a condition of the blood. Example: anemia = deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.