Key Word Parts
They usually, but not always, indicate the involved body part.
What is the root word?
Cyan/o
What is blue?
A combining vowel is not used.
What is when the suffix begins with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u.)
-osis
What is an abnormal condition or disease?
natal-
What is pertaining to birth?
They usually, but not always, indicate the procedure, condition, disorder, or disease.
What are the suffixes?
Erythr/o
What is red?
The suffix begins with a vowel.
What is when a combing vowels is not used?
-sclerosis
What is abnormal hardening?
ab
What is away from?
They are usually, but not always, indicate location, time, number, or status.
What are prefixes?
It means white.
What is leuk/o?
Does not require a combing vowel.
What is a prefix?
-scopy
What is a visual exam?
dys-
What is bad, difficult, or painful?
This word part comes at the middle/center of a word.
What are word roots?
It means black.
What is melan/o?
A combining vowel is always used.
What is when two or or roots are used?
-rrhea
What is an abnormal flow or discharge of most bodily fluids?
hyper-
What is excessive or increased?
This word part comes at the end of a word.
What is are suffixes?
It means gray.
What is poli/o?
A combining vowel nay be needed between the word root and suffix.
What is to make the medical term easier to pronounce?
-itis
What is inflammation?
inter-
What is between or among?
Intercostals: Muscles between the ribs.
Interstitial fluid: tissue fluid
Intercellular fkuid