Core Roots
The word root that refers to the largest part of the brain, responsible for high-level thinking.
What is cerebr/o
The common suffix that indicates inflammation of a nervous system structure (e.g., meningitis).
What is itis?
The suffix that refers to the actual physical printout, record, or image produced by a diagnostic test.
-gram
The structural word root referring to the protective layers or membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
mening/o
The functional root phas/o dictates this ability, which is lost or impaired during a stroke (aphasia).
What is speech?
The word root meaning "little brain," located at the back of the skull and responsible for balance.
What is Cerebell/o
This prefix means "four" and is used to describe paralysis affecting all four limbs.
what is quadri
The suffix meaning "surgical removal," such as removing a damaged nerve.
-ectomy
he word root that means "glue," referring to cells that support and protect neurons rather than carry electrical impulses.
gli/o
The functional root esthesi/o describes this phenomenon, which is blocked when a patient receives local or general drugs before surgery.
What is sensation or feeling?
This word root can mean either the spinal cord or bone marrow, depending on the medical context.
What is myel/o
This suffix means "weakness" or "partial paralysis," as seen in hemiparesis.
-paresis
The suffix meaning "to cut into" or make an incision into a nerve or structure.
-tomy
The structural root meaning "nerve root," often affected in conditions involving compressed nerves in the spine.
radicul/o
This medical term translates directly to "disease of the brain," used when the specific cause is not yet known
What is encephalopathy?
The word root meaning "entire brain" or used generally to describe structures within the skull.
encephal/o
This suffix means "total paralysis" or the complete loss of motor function
What is -plegia
The suffix that describes the process or act of recording or imaging an electrical or structural system.
-graphy
he division of the autonomic nervous system that triggers the body's energetic "fight or flight" response.
What is the sympathetic nervous system
A patient diagnosed with "polyneuritis" is suffering from inflammation of how many nerves?
What is multiple or many?
The baseline word root representing an individual nerve or nerve tissue.
neur/o
his prefix means "half" and refers to paralysis or weakness affecting only one side of the body.
-hemi
A diagnostic test that creates a physical record of the electrical activity inside the brain.
Electroencepholgraph
The division of the nervous system consisting only of the brain and the spinal cord.
What is the Central Nervous System?
Translate this clinical finding: "The patient presents with an inability to speak and paralysis on one side of the body."
What is aphasia and hemiplegia