Title: Medical Terminology — LearnCoachAssist

Q: What is the definition of a medical root word?
A: 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).

Q: What is the role of a prefix in medical terminology?
A: 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).

Q: What is the role of a suffix in medical terminology?
A: 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).

Q: What does the combining form "cardio-" refer to?
A: The combining form cardio- refers to the heart, derived from the Greek kardia. Example: cardiology = study of the heart.

Q: What does the suffix "-ology" mean?
A: The suffix -ology means the study of. It is derived from Greek logos meaning word or study. Example: hematology = study of blood.

Q: What does the suffix "-itis" indicate?
A: The suffix -itis indicates inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. Examples: arthritis (joint inflammation), dermatitis (skin inflammation).

Q: What does the prefix "hyper-" mean?
A: The prefix hyper- means excessive, above, or beyond. Example: hypertension = abnormally high blood pressure.

Q: What does the prefix "hypo-" mean?
A: The prefix hypo- means deficient, below, or under. Example: hypoglycemia = abnormally low blood sugar.

Q: What does the suffix "-ectomy" mean?
A: The suffix -ectomy means surgical removal or excision. Example: appendectomy = surgical removal of the appendix.

Q: What does the suffix "-ostomy" mean?
A: The suffix -ostomy means surgical creation of an opening. Example: colostomy = creation of an opening into the colon.

Q: What does the suffix "-otomy" mean?
A: The suffix -otomy means surgical incision or cutting into. Example: tracheotomy = incision into the trachea.

Q: What does the suffix "-emia" mean?
A: The suffix -emia refers to a condition of the blood. Example: anemia = deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Q: What does the suffix "-algia" mean?
A: The suffix -algia means pain. Example: neuralgia = pain along a nerve pathway.

Q: What does the combining form "neuro-" refer to?
A: The combining form neuro- refers to the nerves or nervous system, from Greek neuron meaning sinew or nerve. Example: neurology.

Q: What does the combining form "hemato-" or "hemo-" mean?
A: The combining forms hemato- or hemo- refer to blood, from Greek haima. Example: hemorrhage = excessive bleeding.

Q: What is the anatomical term for the front of the body?
A: The anterior (or ventral) side refers to the front of the body. For example, the sternum is anterior to the heart.

Q: What is the anatomical term for the back of the body?
A: The posterior (or dorsal) side refers to the back of the body. For example, the spine is posterior to the sternum.

Q: What is the difference between superior and inferior in anatomical terms?
A: Superior means toward the head (upper), while inferior means toward the feet (lower). Example: the heart is superior to the stomach.

Q: What do medial and lateral mean in anatomy?
A: Medial means toward the midline of the body, and lateral means away from the midline. Example: the nose is medial to the ears.

Q: What are the three main anatomical planes?
A: 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

Q: What does the term "proximal" mean?
A: Proximal means closer to the point of attachment or trunk of the body. Example: the elbow is proximal to the wrist.

Q: What does the term "distal" mean?
A: Distal means farther from the point of attachment or trunk of the body. Example: the fingers are distal to the wrist.

Q: What does the abbreviation "PRN" mean?
A: PRN stands for pro re nata, a Latin phrase meaning "as needed". It is commonly used in prescription instructions.

Q: What does the abbreviation "BID" mean on a prescription?
A: BID stands for bis in die, Latin for "twice a day". Other common abbreviations: TID (three times a day), QID (four times a day).

Q: What does the combining form "osteo-" mean?
A: The combining form osteo- refers to bone, from Greek osteon. Example: osteoporosis = porous, weakened bones.

Q: What does the combining form "dermato-" or "derma-" mean?
A: The combining forms dermato- and derma- refer to the skin, from Greek derma. Example: dermatology = study of the skin.

Q: What does the combining form "gastro-" mean?
A: The combining form gastro- refers to the stomach, from Greek gaster. Example: gastritis = inflammation of the stomach.

Q: What does the combining form "hepato-" mean?
A: The combining form hepato- refers to the liver, from Greek hepar. Example: hepatitis = inflammation of the liver.

Q: What does the combining form "reno-" or "nephro-" mean?
A: Both reno- (Latin) and nephro- (Greek) refer to the kidney. Examples: renal artery, nephrology = study of the kidneys.

Q: What does the combining form "pulmono-" mean?
A: The combining form pulmono- refers to the lungs, from Latin pulmo. Example: pulmonology = study/treatment of lung diseases.

Q: What does the prefix "a-" or "an-" mean?
A: The prefixes a- and an- mean without or not. Examples: apnea (without breathing), anemia (without blood/normal blood count).

Q: What does the prefix "dys-" mean?
A: The prefix dys- means difficult, painful, or abnormal. Examples: dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), dyspnea (difficulty breathing).

Q: What does the prefix "tachy-" mean?
A: The prefix tachy- means fast or rapid. Example: tachycardia = abnormally rapid heart rate (over 100 bpm).

Q: What does the prefix "brady-" mean?
A: The prefix brady- means slow. Example: bradycardia = abnormally slow heart rate (below 60 bpm).

Q: What does the suffix "-pathy" mean?
A: The suffix -pathy means disease or suffering. Examples: neuropathy (nerve disease), cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease).

Q: What does the suffix "-plasty" mean?
A: The suffix -plasty means surgical repair or reconstruction. Example: rhinoplasty = surgical reconstruction of the nose.

Q: What does the suffix "-scope" mean?
A: The suffix -scope means instrument used to view or examine. Example: endoscope = instrument to view inside the body.

Q: What does the suffix "-scopy" mean?
A: The suffix -scopy means the process of viewing or examining. Example: colonoscopy = visual examination of the colon.

Q: What does the combining form "onco-" mean?
A: The combining form onco- refers to tumor or mass, from Greek onkos meaning bulk or mass. Example: oncology = study of tumors/cancer.

Q: What does the combining form "malacia" mean?
A: The combining form -malacia means abnormal softening. Example: osteomalacia = softening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency.

Q: What does the suffix "-rrhea" mean?
A: The suffix -rrhea means flow or discharge. Examples: diarrhea (excessive discharge), amenorrhea (absence of menstrual flow).

Q: What does the suffix "-rrhage" or "-rrhagia" mean?
A: The suffixes -rrhage and -rrhagia mean excessive flow or bursting forth. Example: hemorrhage = excessive bleeding.

Q: What does the suffix "-penia" mean?
A: The suffix -penia means deficiency or decrease. Example: leukopenia = abnormally low white blood cell count.

Q: What does the suffix "-megaly" mean?
A: The suffix -megaly means enlargement. Example: hepatomegaly = enlargement of the liver, cardiomegaly = enlarged heart.

Q: What does the suffix "-phobia" mean?
A: The suffix -phobia means fear or irrational aversion. Example: claustrophobia = fear of enclosed spaces.

Q: What does the combining form "myo-" mean?
A: The combining form myo- refers to muscle, from Greek mys. Example: myocarditis = inflammation of the heart muscle.

Q: What does the combining form "angio-" mean?
A: The combining form angio- refers to vessel (usually blood or lymph), from Greek angeion. Example: angiography = imaging of blood vessels.

Q: What does the combining form "arterio-" refer to?
A: The combining form arterio- refers to arteries, blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. Example: arteriosclerosis = hardening of the arteries.

Q: What is the difference between "-rraphy" and "-rrhaphy"?
A: -rrhaphy means surgical suturing or stitching. Examples: herniorrhaphy (surgical repair of a hernia by suturing). It is sometimes also written as -rhaphy.

Q: What does the abbreviation "NPO" mean?
A: NPO stands for nil per os, Latin for "nothing by mouth". It instructs patients not to eat or drink, often before surgery.

Q: What is the medical term for difficulty swallowing?
A: Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing, derived from dys- (difficult) + phag- (to eat/swallow). It can indicate neurological or structural problems.

Q: What does the combining form "cyto-" mean?
A: Cell. For example, cytology is the study of cells, and a cytoplasm refers to the material inside a cell.

Q: What does the combining form "histo-" refer to?
A: Tissue. For example, histology is the microscopic study of tissues, and histology often examines biopsied samples.

Q: What does the combining form "arthro-" refer to?
A: Joint. For example, arthralgia means joint pain, and arthroscope is an instrument used to look inside a joint.

Q: What does the combining form "thoraco-" refer to?
A: Chest or thorax. For example, thoracotomy is a surgical incision into the chest cavity, and thoracic describes structures within the chest.

Q: What does the combining form "cephalo-" refer to?
A: Head. For example, cephalalgia means head pain (headache), and hydrocephalus refers to fluid accumulation within the skull.

Q: What does the combining form "rhino-" refer to?
A: Nose. For example, rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa, and rhinoplasty is surgical repair of the nose.

Q: What does the combining form "myelo-" refer to?
A: Spinal cord or bone marrow. For example, myelogram is an X-ray image of the spinal cord, while myeloma is a tumor of the bone marrow.

Q: What does the combining form "teno-" refer to?
A: Tendon. For example, tenosynovitis is inflammation of a tendon sheath, and tenorrhaphy is surgical suturing of a tendon.

Q: What does the combining form "spleno-" refer to?
A: Spleen. For example, splenectomy is surgical removal of the spleen, and splenomegaly refers to enlargement of the spleen.

Q: What does the combining form "adeno-" mean?
A: Gland. For example, adenoma is a benign tumor of glandular tissue, and adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor arising from glands.

Q: What does the combining form "thyro-" refer to?
A: Thyroid gland. For example, thyroidectomy is surgical removal of the thyroid, and thyrotoxicosis refers to overactivity of the thyroid.

Q: What does the combining form "uro-" refer to?
A: Urine or the urinary tract. For example, urology is the study of the urinary system, and polyuria means excessive urination.

Q: What does the combining form "cysto-" refer to?
A: Bladder or fluid-filled sac (cyst). For example, cystoscopy is visual examination of the bladder, and cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder.

Q: What does the combining form "colo-" refer to?
A: Colon (large intestine). For example, colostomy is a surgical opening into the colon, and colonoscopy is visual examination of the colon.

Q: What does the combining form "procto-" refer to?
A: Rectum or anus. For example, proctoscopy is visual examination of the rectum, and proctitis means inflammation of the rectum.

Q: What does the combining form "chole-" refer to?
A: Bile or gallbladder. For example, cholecystectomy is surgical removal of the gallbladder, and cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder.

Q: What does the combining form "litho-" refer to?
A: Stone or calculus. For example, lithotripsy is the crushing of a stone (such as a kidney stone), and cholangiolithiasis refers to stones in a bile duct.

Q: What does the combining form "phlebo-" refer to?
A: Vein. For example, phlebitis is inflammation of a vein, and phlebotomy is the incision into a vein to draw blood.

Q: What does the combining form "erythro-" refer to?
A: Red, especially red blood cells. For example, an erythrocyte is a red blood cell, and erythrocytosis refers to an abnormal increase in red blood cells.

Q: What does the combining form "leuko-" refer to?
A: 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.

Q: What does the prefix "endo-" mean?
A: Within or inside. For example, endoscopy means looking inside a body cavity, and endocrine refers to glands that secrete hormones internally into the bloodstream.

Q: What does the prefix "peri-" mean?
A: Around or surrounding. For example, pericardium is the membrane surrounding the heart, and perinatal refers to the period around the time of birth.

Q: What does the prefix "trans-" mean?
A: Across, through, or beyond. For example, transfusion is the transfer of blood across vessels, and transdermal means passing through the skin.

Q: What does the prefix "poly-" mean?
A: Many, much, or excessive. For example, polyuria is excessive urination, and polyneuropathy is a disorder affecting many peripheral nerves.

Q: What does the prefix "anti-" mean?
A: 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.

Q: What does the prefix "epi-" mean?
A: 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.

Q: What does the prefix "sub-" mean?
A: Under or below. For example, subcutaneous means beneath the skin, and sublingual refers to administration of medication under the tongue.

Q: What does the prefix "intra-" mean?
A: Within. For example, intramuscular (IM) means within a muscle, and intravenous (IV) means within a vein.

Q: What does the prefix "inter-" mean?
A: Between. For example, intercostal means between the ribs, and interstitial refers to spaces between cells or tissues.

Q: What does the prefix "para-" mean?
A: Beside, near, or abnormal. For example, parathyroid refers to glands located beside the thyroid, while paresthesia is an abnormal sensation such as tingling.

Q: What does the prefix "post-" mean?
A: After or behind. For example, postoperative refers to the period after surgery, and posterior refers to the back or behind side.

Q: What does the prefix "pre-" mean?
A: Before or in front of. For example, prenatal refers to the period before birth, and preeclampsia is a hypertensive condition occurring before eclampsia.

Q: What does the prefix "mono-" mean?
A: One or single. For example, a monocyte is a single-nucleus white blood cell, and monoplegia is paralysis of a single limb.

Q: What does the prefix "neo-" mean?
A: New or recent. For example, a neoplasm is a new, abnormal growth (tumor), and neonatal refers to the period of a newborn infant.

Q: What does the suffix "-oma" generally indicate?
A: Tumor or mass. For example, carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor, and a hematoma is a localized collection of blood (a "mass" of blood).

Q: What does the suffix "-uria" indicate?
A: A condition involving urine. For example, hematuria means blood in the urine, and dysuria means painful or difficult urination.

Q: What does the suffix "-stasis" mean?
A: Stopping, controlling, or standing still. For example, hemostasis is the stopping of blood flow, and homeostasis refers to the maintenance of stable internal conditions.

Q: What does the suffix "-pexy" mean?
A: Surgical fixation or suspension of a structure. For example, nephropexy is the surgical fixation of a kidney, and orchiopexy is the fixation of an undescended testis.

Q: What does the suffix "-centesis" mean?
A: Surgical puncture or aspiration of a fluid. For example, amniocentesis is aspiration of amniotic fluid, and thoracentesis is removal of fluid from the chest.

Q: What does the suffix "-lysis" mean?
A: Destruction, breakdown, or separation. For example, hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells, and dialysis refers to the separation of solutes from a solution.

Q: What does the suffix "-ptosis" mean?
A: Falling or drooping. For example, blepharoptosis is drooping of an eyelid, and nephroptosis is the downward displacement of a kidney.

Q: What does the suffix "-plegia" mean?
A: Paralysis. For example, hemiplegia is paralysis of one side of the body, and quadriplegia is paralysis of all four limbs.

Q: What does the suffix "-spasm" mean?
A: Involuntary contraction of a muscle. For example, bronchospasm is sudden constriction of the airway muscles, and vasospasm is sudden constriction of a blood vessel.

Q: What does the suffix "-graphy" mean?
A: 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.

Q: What does the suffix "-gram" mean?
A: 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.

Q: What does the suffix "-meter" mean?
A: An instrument used for measuring. For example, a thermometer measures temperature, and a sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure.

Q: What does the suffix "-phasia" mean?
A: Speech or the ability to speak. For example, aphasia is loss of the ability to speak or understand speech, and dysphasia is impaired speech.

Q: What does the suffix "-tripsy" mean?
A: 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.

Q: What does the suffix "-desis" mean?
A: 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.

Q: What does the medical abbreviation "STAT" mean?
A: 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."

Q: What does the combining form "blepharo-" refer to?
A: 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).

Q: What does the combining form "broncho-" refer to?
A: The combining form broncho- refers to the bronchus, one of the two main airways branching from the trachea into the lungs. Example terms include bronchitis and bronchoscopy.

Q: What does the combining form "encephalo-" refer to?
A: 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).

Q: What does the combining form "entero-" refer to?
A: The combining form entero- refers to the intestine, typically the small intestine. It is found in terms such as enteritis (intestinal inflammation) and gastroenteritis.

Q: What does the combining form "laryngo-" refer to?
A: 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).

Q: What does the combining form "lympho-" refer to?
A: 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).

Q: What does the combining form "meningo-" refer to?
A: 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.

Q: What does the combining form "oophoro-" refer to?
A: The combining form oophoro- refers to the ovary. It appears in oophorectomy (surgical removal of an ovary) and oophoritis (inflammation of an ovary).

Q: What does the combining form "ophthalmo-" refer to?
A: The combining form ophthalmo- refers to the eye. It is used in ophthalmology (study of the eye) and ophthalmoscope (instrument to examine the eye).

Q: What does the combining form "orchio-" or "orchido-" refer to?
A: The combining form orchio- (also written orchid-) refers to the testicle. It appears in terms such as orchitis (inflammation of a testicle) and orchiectomy (surgical removal of a testicle).

Q: What does the combining form "oto-" refer to?
A: The combining form oto- refers to the ear. It is found in otitis (ear inflammation), otoscope (instrument for examining the ear), and otology (study of the ear).

Q: What does the combining form "pancreato-" refer to?
A: The combining form pancreato- refers to the pancreas. It appears in pancreatitis (pancreatic inflammation) and pancreatectomy (surgical removal of the pancreas).

Q: What does the combining form "pharyngo-" refer to?
A: The combining form pharyngo- refers to the pharynx, or throat. It appears in pharyngitis (sore throat) and pharyngoscope (instrument used to examine the pharynx).

Q: What does the combining form "pneumo-" refer to?
A: The combining form pneumo- can refer to the lungs, air, or gas. It appears in pneumonia (lung infection), pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), and pneumonitis.

Q: What does the combining form "sclero-" refer to?
A: The combining form sclero- means hard or hardening. It appears in scleroderma (hardening of the skin) and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Q: What does the combining form "somato-" refer to?
A: The combining form somato- refers to the body. It is used in psychosomatic (relating mind and body), somatotype (body type), and somatic nervous system (controlling voluntary body movements).

Q: What does the combining form "stomato-" refer to?
A: 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).

Q: What does the combining form "thrombo-" refer to?
A: The combining form thrombo- refers to a clot or clotting. It appears in thrombosis (formation of a blood clot), thrombocyte (platelet), and thrombocytopenia.

Q: What does the combining form "tropho-" refer to?
A: The combining form tropho- refers to nourishment or development. It appears in atrophy (wasting away from lack of nourishment) and hypertrophy (excessive development).

Q: What does the combining form "vaso-" refer to?
A: The combining form vaso- refers to a vessel, especially a blood vessel. It is used in vasoconstriction (narrowing of vessels), vasodilation (widening of vessels), and vasectomy.

Q: What does the combining form "vesico-" refer to?
A: The combining form vesico- refers to the bladder, typically the urinary bladder. It appears in vesicostomy (surgical opening into the bladder) and vesicoureteral (relating to bladder and ureter).

Q: What does the suffix "-cele" mean?
A: 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).

Q: What does the suffix "-rrhexis" mean?
A: The suffix -rrhexis means rupture or breaking. Examples include amniorrhexis (rupture of the amniotic membrane) and cardiorrhexis (rupture of the heart wall).

Q: What does the suffix "-schisis" mean?
A: The suffix -schisis means splitting or cleft. Examples include cheiloschisis (cleft lip) and palatoschisis (cleft palate), both congenital developmental splits.

Q: What does the suffix "-sclerosis" mean?
A: The suffix -sclerosis means abnormal hardening of tissue. Examples include arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and multiple sclerosis (hardening of nerve tissue in multiple sites).

Q: What does the suffix "-poiesis" mean?
A: The suffix -poiesis means formation or production. Examples include hematopoiesis (formation of blood cells) and erythropoiesis (production of red blood cells).

Q: What does the suffix "-tome" mean?
A: 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.

Q: What does the suffix "-pnea" mean?
A: The suffix -pnea refers to breathing or respiration. Examples include dyspnea (difficult breathing), apnea (absence of breathing), and tachypnea (rapid breathing).

Q: What does the suffix "-phil" or "-philia" indicate?
A: 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.

Q: What does the suffix "-therapy" mean?
A: The suffix -therapy means treatment. Examples include chemotherapy (drug-based treatment, often for cancer), physiotherapy, radiotherapy, and occupational therapy.

Q: What does the suffix "-genesis" mean?
A: The suffix -genesis means origin, formation, or production. Examples include carcinogenesis (origin of cancer), spermatogenesis (formation of sperm), and morphogenesis (development of form).

Q: What does the suffix "-iasis" mean?
A: The suffix -iasis indicates an abnormal condition or formation of. Examples include cholelithiasis (formation of gallstones), psoriasis, and elephantiasis (severe lymphatic swelling).

Q: What does the suffix "-blast" mean in medical terms?
A: 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).

Q: What does the suffix "-cide" mean?
A: 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).

Q: What does the suffix "-emesis" mean?
A: The suffix -emesis means vomiting. Examples include hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hyperemesis (excessive vomiting, as in hyperemesis gravidarum), and antiemetic (drug that prevents vomiting).

Q: What does the suffix "-esthesia" mean?
A: The suffix -esthesia means sensation or feeling. Examples include paresthesia (abnormal tingling sensation), anesthesia (absence of sensation), and hyperesthesia (excessive sensation).

Q: What does the prefix "auto-" mean?
A: The prefix auto- means self. Examples include autoimmune (immune system attacking itself), autograph (self-writing), autopsy (seeing for oneself), and autonomic (self-regulating).

Q: What does the prefix "brachy-" mean?
A: The prefix brachy- means short. It appears in brachycephaly (having a short, broad head) and brachydactyly (abnormally short fingers or toes).

Q: What does the prefix "hemi-" mean?
A: 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).

Q: What does the prefix "hetero-" mean?
A: The prefix hetero- means different or other. Examples include heterosexual (attraction to the opposite sex), heterogeneous (composed of different parts), and heterograft (graft from a different species).

Q: What does the prefix "homo-" mean?
A: 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).

Q: What does the prefix "macro-" mean?
A: 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).

Q: What does the prefix "micro-" mean?
A: The prefix micro- means small. Examples include microscope (instrument for viewing small objects), microbe (small organism), and microcephaly (abnormally small head).

Q: What does the prefix "pseudo-" mean?
A: The prefix pseudo- means false or fake. Examples include pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy), pseudomembrane (false membrane), and pseudoparalysis (apparent but not true paralysis).

Q: What does the prefix "retro-" mean?
A: The prefix retro- means backward, behind, or back. Examples include retroperitoneal (behind the peritoneum), retrograde (moving backward), and retroversion (backward tilting of an organ).

Q: What does the prefix "ultra-" mean?
A: 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).

Q: What is the difference between ipsilateral and contralateral?
A: 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.

Q: What is the difference between supine and prone positions?
A: 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.

Q: What is the difference between deep and superficial in anatomy?
A: 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.

Q: What is the difference between a sign and a symptom?
A: A sign is an objective finding that can be measured or observed by the clinician (e.g., rash, fever, high blood pressure). A symptom is a subjective experience reported by the patient (e.g., pain, nausea, dizziness).

Q: What does the combining form "dermato-" or "dermo-" refer to?
A: The combining form dermato-/dermo- refers to the skin. Examples include dermatitis (skin inflammation) and dermatology (study of the skin).

Q: What does the combining form "gastro-" refer to?
A: The combining form gastro- refers to the stomach. Common terms include gastritis (stomach inflammation) and gastroenterology (study of the stomach and intestines).

Q: What does the combining form "hepato-" refer to?
A: The combining form hepato- refers to the liver. Examples include hepatitis (liver inflammation) and hepatomegaly (enlarged liver).

Q: What does the combining form "nephro-" refer to?
A: The combining form nephro- refers to the kidney. It is used in terms like nephritis (kidney inflammation) and nephrectomy (surgical removal of a kidney).

Q: What does the combining form "osteo-" refer to?
A: The combining form osteo- refers to bone. It appears in words like osteoarthritis (bone and joint degeneration) and osteotomy (surgical cutting of bone).

Q: What does the combining form "myo-" refer to?
A: The combining form myo- refers to muscle. Examples include myalgia (muscle pain), myocardium (heart muscle), and myopathy (muscle disease).

Q: What does the combining form "angio-" refer to?
A: The combining form angio- refers to a vessel (usually a blood or lymph vessel). Examples include angiography (imaging of blood vessels) and angioplasty (surgical repair of a vessel).

Q: What does the combining form "hemato-" or "hemo-" refer to?
A: The combining form hemato-/hemo- refers to blood. It appears in terms like hematology (study of blood), hemoglobin (blood protein), and hemorrhage (excessive bleeding).

Q: What does the combining form "chondro-" refer to?
A: The combining form chondro- refers to cartilage. Examples include chondritis (cartilage inflammation) and chondromalacia (softening of cartilage).

Q: What does the combining form "fibro-" refer to?
A: The combining form fibro- refers to fiber or fibrous tissue. Examples include fibromyalgia (pain in fibrous tissues/muscles) and fibroid (fiber-like growth).

Q: What does the combining form "lipo-" refer to?
A: The combining form lipo- refers to fat. Examples include lipoma (fatty tumor) and liposuction (surgical removal of fat).

Q: What does the combining form "pyo-" refer to?
A: The combining form pyo- refers to pus. It appears in terms like pyorrhea (discharge of pus) and pyogenic (producing pus).

Q: What does the combining form "melano-" refer to?
A: The combining form melano- refers to black or melanin (dark pigment). Examples include melanoma (dark-pigmented skin cancer) and melanocyte (pigment-producing cell).

Q: What does the combining form "necro-" refer to?
A: 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).

Q: What does the combining form "glyco-" refer to?
A: The combining form glyco- refers to sugar. Examples include glucose (blood sugar), glycogen (stored sugar), and glycolysis (breakdown of sugar).

Q: What does the combining form "hydro-" refer to?
A: The combining form hydro- refers to water. Examples include hydrocephalus (water/fluid on the brain) and dehydration (loss of body water).

Q: What does the combining form "laparo-" refer to?
A: 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).

Q: What does the combining form "karyo-" refer to?
A: The combining form karyo- refers to the nucleus of a cell. It appears in karyotype (visualized arrangement of cell chromosomes) and prokaryote (cell without a nucleus).

Q: What does the prefix "ab-" mean?
A: The prefix ab- means away from. It appears in terms like abduction (movement away from the midline) and abnormal (away from normal).

Q: What does the prefix "ad-" mean?
A: The prefix ad- means toward or near. It appears in adduction (movement toward the midline) and adhesion (sticking together/toward).

Q: What does the prefix "ambi-" mean?
A: The prefix ambi- means both or on both sides. Examples include ambidextrous (skilled with both hands) and ambiguous (having two possible meanings).

Q: What does the prefix "bi-" mean?
A: The prefix bi- means two or double. It appears in bilateral (two sides), biceps (two-headed muscle), and bicuspid (two cusps).

Q: What does the prefix "circum-" mean?
A: The prefix circum- means around or surrounding. Examples include circumcision (cutting around) and circumoral (around the mouth).

Q: What does the prefix "contra-" mean?
A: The prefix contra- means against or opposite. Examples include contraindication (a condition against using a treatment) and contralateral (on the opposite side).

Q: What does the prefix "ecto-" mean?
A: The prefix ecto- means outside or outer. Examples include ectopic (occurring outside the normal place) and ectoderm (outer skin layer of an embryo).

Q: What does the prefix "infra-" mean?
A: The prefix infra- means below or under. Examples include infraspinatus (muscle below the spine of the scapula) and infrared (below the visible red spectrum).

Q: What does the prefix "mal-" mean?
A: The prefix mal- means bad, abnormal, or poor. Examples include malnutrition (poor nutrition), malabsorption (abnormal absorption), and malignant (bad/cancerous).

Q: What does the prefix "multi-" mean?
A: The prefix multi- means many or much. Examples include multipara (a woman who has had many births) and multicellular (many cells).

Q: What does the prefix "nulli-" mean?
A: The prefix nulli- means none or no. Examples include nullipara (a woman who has had no births) and nullification (making void).

Q: What does the prefix "pan-" mean?
A: 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).

Q: What does the suffix "-dynia" mean?
A: The suffix -dynia also means pain, and is often used interchangeably with -algia. Examples include mastodynia (breast pain) and cephalodynia (head pain).

Q: What does the suffix "-emia" indicate?
A: The suffix -emia indicates a condition of the blood. Examples include anemia (low red blood cells), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and septicemia (blood infection).

Q: What does the suffix "-itis" mean?
A: The suffix -itis means inflammation. Examples include tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix), and arthritis (joint inflammation).

Q: What does the suffix "-rrhagia" mean?
A: The suffix -rrhagia means bursting forth or excessive flow (usually of blood). Examples include hemorrhage (bursting forth of blood) and menorrhagia (excessive menstrual flow).

Q: What does the suffix "-stomy" mean?
A: The suffix -stomy means the creation of an artificial opening. Examples include colostomy (opening into the colon) and tracheostomy (opening into the trachea).

Q: What does the suffix "-tomy" mean?
A: The suffix -tomy means a cutting or surgical incision. Examples include appendectomy is wrong here — actually appendectomy uses -ectomy; -tomy appears in phlebotomy (cutting into a vein) and craniotomy (cutting into the skull).

Q: What does the suffix '-logy' mean?
A: 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.

Q: What does the medical abbreviation 'NPO' mean?
A: 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.

Q: What does the medical abbreviation 'PRN' mean?
A: PRN stands for the Latin phrase pro re nata, meaning as needed or as the situation arises. It indicates that a medication should only be administered when circumstances require it, rather than on a fixed schedule.

Q: What is the difference between superior and inferior in anatomy?
A: Superior means toward the head or above, while inferior means toward the feet or below. For example, the chest is superior to the abdomen, and the chin is inferior to the nose.

Q: What is the difference between proximal and distal in anatomy?
A: 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.

Q: What does the suffix '-ectomy' mean in medical terminology?
A: 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.

Q: What is the difference between anterior and posterior in anatomy?
A: 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.

Q: What are the three main anatomical planes of the body?
A: 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.

Q: What do the medical abbreviations 'BID', 'TID', and 'QID' mean on a prescription?
A: 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).