Word Parts and Rules
The word part you should read first to determine meaning.
Suffix
The body system containing the thyroid gland and pancreas.
Endocrine system
This prefix means deficient, under, or less than normal.
Hypo
The suffix -itis (e.g., in hepatitis) refers to this.
Inflammation
This abbreviation stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
GERD
The components that make up a combining form.
Root plus combining vowel
The double-folded membrane surrounding each lung.
Pleura
The term used to describe the posterior side of the body.
Dorsal
The meaning of the suffix -algia (e.g., in arthralgia).
Pain
This anatomical movement means moving a limb away from the midline.
Abduction
Every single medical term must contain this specific word part.
Root word
The body cavity that contains the liver.
Abdominal cavity
This prefix means excessive, above, or more than normal.
Hyper
The term for a malignant tumor of the cartilage.
Chondrosarcoma
This movement involves pointing the toes downward toward the ground.
Plantarflexion
The correct plural form of the term thrombus.
Thrombi
The muscle that separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities.
Diaphragm
Pertaining to the opposite side (e.g., left arm vs. right leg).
Contralateral
The term for the destruction/breakdown of red blood cells.
Hemolysis
This abbreviation refers to a Computerized Axial Tomography scan.
CAT scan
The combining form iatr/o refers to this (often seen in iatrogenic).
Physician or treatment
The process of building up proteins in a cell.
Anabolism
This prefix means beyond, after, or change.
Meta
A suffix meaning prolapse or sagging (e.g., nephroptosis).
-ptosis
This movement involves turning the palm upward
Supination