medical terminology an illustrated guide

User’s Guide ix
Part 1
Introduction to
Medical Terminology 3
1 Concepts of Medical Terminology 4
Word Parts 5
Combining Forms 6
Word Derivations 7
Pronunciation 7
Symbols 9
Abbreviations 9
Words Ending Ijn x 10
Suffixes Beginning With rh 10
Chapter Review 11
Case Study 12
Answer Section 14
2 Suffixes 15
Noun Suffixes 16
Adjective Suffixes 19
Forming Plurals 21
Chapter Review 23
Case Study 25
Answer Section 26
3 Prefixes 28
Common Prefixes 29
Chapter Review 38
Case Studies 40
Answer Section 42
4 Cells, Tissues, and Organs 44
The Cell 45
Tissues 47

Organs and Organ Systems 48
Word Parts Pertaining to Cells, Tissues,
and Organs 50
Labeling Exercise 56
Chapter Review 57
Case Studies 59
Answer Section 61
5 Body Structure 63
Directional Terms 64
Body Cavities 66
Body Regions 67
Positions 68
Word Parts Pertaining
to Body Structure 72
Labeling Exercises 77
Chapter Review 81
Case Study 82
Answer Section 85
Part 2
Disease and Treatment 88
6 Disease 90
Infectious Diseases 92
Responses to Disease 93
Neoplasia 95
Word Parts Pertaining to Disease 98
Chapter Review 106
Case Studies 108
Answer Section 111
7 Diagnosis and Treatment; Surgery 113
Diagnosis 114

Treatment 116
Alternative and Complementary
Medicine 119
Cancer 119
Expanded Contents
xxi
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:25 Page xxi
xxii EXPANDED CONTENTS
Word Parts Pertaining to Diagnosis
and Treatment 124
Chapter Review 131
Case Studies 134
Answer Section 138
8 Drugs 140
Adverse Drug Effects 141
Drug Names 141
Drug Information 141
Herbal Medicines 142
Chapter Review 156
Case Studies 158
Answer Section 162
Part 3
Body Systems 164
9 Circulation: The Cardiovascular
and Lymphatic Systems 166
The Heart 167
Blood Pressure 169
The Vascular System 169
The Lymphatic System 170
Roots Pertaining to the Cardiovascular

and Lymphatic Systems 178
Clinical Aspects of the Circulatory
System 181
Labeling Exercises 200
Chapter Review 202
Case Studies 206
Crossword Puzzle 209
Answer Section 210
10 Blood and Immunity 213
Blood Plasma 214
Blood Cells 214
Blood Types 217
The Immune System 217
Word Parts Pertaining to Blood
and Immunity 221
Clinical Aspects: Blood 224
Clinical Aspects: Immunity 228
Labeling Exercise 236
Chapter Review 237
Case Studies 239
Crossword Puzzle 244
Answer Section 245
11 Respiration 248
Upper Respiratory Passageways 249
Lower Respiratory Passageways
and Lungs 249
Breathing 251
Gas Transport 252
Word Parts Pertaining to Respiration 254
Clinical Aspects of Respiration 257

Labeling Exercise 271
Chapter Review 272
Case Studies 275
Crossword Puzzle 278
Answer Section 279
12 Digestion 282
The Mouth to the Small Intestine 284
The Accessory Organs 285
The Large Intestine 285
Roots Pertaining to Digestion 288
Clinical Aspects of Digestion 292
Labeling Exercises 307
Chapter Review 309
Case Studies 312
Crossword Puzzle 316
Answer Section 317
13 The Urinary System 320
The Kidneys 322
The Nephrons 322
Blood Supply to the Kidney 323
Urine Formation 324
Removal of Urine 324
Roots Pertaining to the Urinary
System 327
Clinical Aspects of the Urinary
System 330
Labeling Exercises 342
Chapter Review 345
Case Studies 348
Crossword Puzzle 351

Answer Section 352
14 The Male Reproductive System 355
The Testes 356
Transport of Spermatozoa 357
Formation of Semen 358
Roots Pertaining to Male
Reproduction 360
Clinical Aspects of the Male
Reproductive System 362
Labeling Exercise 369
Chapter Review 370
Case Studies 372
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:25 Page xxii
EXPANDED CONTENTS xxiii
Crossword Puzzle 375
Answer Section 376
15 The Female Reproductive System;
Pregnancy and Birth 378
The Female Reproductive System 379
The Mammary Glands 381
The Menstrual Cycle 381
Menopause 382
Contraception 382
Pregnancy and Birth 383
Lactation 387
Roots Pertaining to the Female
Reproductive System 390
Clinical Aspects of Female
Reproduction 394
Clinical Aspects of Pregnancy

and Birth 397
Congenital Disorders 399
Labeling Exercises 411
Chapter Review 413
Case Studies 417
Crossword Puzzle 420
Answer Section 421
16 The Endocrine System 425
Hormones 426
The Endocrine Glands 426
Other Endocrine Tissues 430
Roots Pertaining to the Endocrine
System 432
Clinical Aspects of the Endocrine
System 433
Labeling Exercise 442
Chapter Review 443
Case Studies 445
Crossword Puzzle 449
Answer Section 450
17 The Nervous System
and Behavioral Disorders 452
The Neuron 453
Nerves 453
The Brain 453
The Spinal Cord 457
The Autonomic Nervous System 457
Word Parts Pertaining to the Nervous
System 463
Clinical Aspects of the Nervous

System 467
Behavioral Disorders 471
Labeling Exercises 482
Chapter Review 487
Case Studies 491
Crossword Puzzle 495
Answer Section 496
18 The Senses 500
The Senses 501
The Ear 502
Clinical Aspects of Hearing 506
The Eye and Vision 511
Word Parts Pertaining to the Eye
and Vision 514
Clinical Aspects of Vision 518
Labeling Exercises 525
Chapter Review 527
Case Studies 531
Crossword Puzzle 535
Answer Section 536
19 The Skeleton 540
Divisions of the Skeleton 541
Bone Formation 542
Structure of a Long Bone 543
Joints 545
Roots Pertaining to the Skeleton, Bones,
and Joints 547
Clinical Aspects of the Skeleton 549
Labeling Exercises 564
Chapter Review 569

Case Studies 573
Crossword Puzzle 577
Answer Section 578
20 The Muscular System 582
Types of Muscle 583
Muscle Contraction 583
Muscle Action 583
Naming of Muscles 583
Muscle Structure 585
Roots Pertaining to Muscles 589
Clinical Aspects of the Muscular
System 591
Multiple System Disorders Involving
Muscles 591
Labeling Exercises 596
Chapter Review 599
Case Studies 601
Crossword Puzzle 606
Answer Section 607
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:25 Page xxiii
xxiv EXPANDED CONTENTS
21 The Skin 610
Anatomy of the Skin 611
Associated Skin Structures 612
Roots Pertaining to the Skin 613
Clinical Aspects of the Skin 614
Labeling Exercise 627
Chapter Review 628
Case Studies 631
Crossword Puzzle 635

Answer Section 636
Appendix 1: Commonly
Used Symbols 639
Appendix 2: Abbreviations
and Their Meanings 640
Appendix 3: Word Parts
and Their Meanings 653
Appendix 4: Meanings and Their
Corresponding Word Parts 664
Appendix 5: Metric Measurements 676
Suggested Readings 677
Index 679
Flashcards
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:25 Page xxiv
E
very career in health care begins with learning the vast and challenging language of medical termi-
nology. Without adequate learning and teaching resources, it can be an overwhelming challenge for
students and faculty. This new edition of Medical Terminology: An Illustrated Guide meets that chal-
lenge with a clear organizational scheme, full-color illustrations with a strong clinical focus, a wide array of
effective pedagogical features, a variety of activities, and useful ancillaries to make teaching and learning more
effective. Because the content is so accessible and logically organized, the text can be used as part of class-
room instruction, for independent study, or for distance learning.
Organization and Approach
Medical Terminology: An Illustrated Guide takes a stepwise approach to learning the language of medical ter-
minology. Part 1 describes how medical terms are built, and Part 2 introduces body structure, disease, and
treatment. These chapters should be studied before proceeding to Part 3, which describes each of the body
systems. Individual chapters also build on knowledge in stages, with Key Terms sections listing those terms
most commonly used and specialized terms included in a later section entitled Supplementary Terms. The
latter terms may be studied according to time available and student needs.
Each chapter opens with a chapter outline and a list of student objectives—goals to be accomplished by

the completion of the chapter. In Part 3, the chapters begin with an overview of the normal structure and
function of the system under study, followed by a list of key terms with definitions (the roots used in the ac-
companying chapter exercises are included in these definitions). Word parts related to each topic are then
presented and illustrated, along with exercises on the new material. Next, there is an overview of clinical in-
formation pertaining to the system, also followed by a list of key terms with definitions. Many chapters con-
tain displays that unify and simplify material on specific topics.
New to this edition is information on complementary and alternative medicine and special interest boxes
with information on word derivations and usage.
Preface
v
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:22 Page v
Pam Besser, PhD
Professor
Business Division
Jefferson Community College
Louisville, KY
Dr. Joyce B. Harvey, RHIA, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Allied Health
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA
Les Chatelain
University of Utah
Department of Health Promotion and Education
Salt Lake City, UT
Mary Allbright, RN
Medical Instructor
Department of Business Technology and Paramedic
Program
Arkansas Valley Technical College

Van Buren, AR
Kimberly Shannon, RN
Surgical Technology Program Coordinator
Moore Norman Technology Center
Norman, OK
Juanita R. Bryant, CMA-A/C
BE, Masters Equivalent
Professor of Medical Terminology
Cabrillo College/Sierra College
Aptos/Rocklin, CA
Margaret Bellak, MN
Professor of Nursing
Nursing and Allied Health Department
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA
Sharon A. Kerber
Instructor
Department of Education
Missouri College
St. Louis, MO
Cynthia Booth Lord, MHS, PA-C
Assistant Professor and Physician Assistant
Program Director
Department of Biomedical Science
Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT
Pamela Van Bevern, PA-C, MPAS
Assistant Professor
Physician Assistant Program
Saint Louis University

St. Louis, MO
Jill E. Winland-Brown, EdD, MSN, ARNP
Professor and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate
Studies
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
Reviewers
xvii
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:25 Page xvii
xviii REVIEWERS
Sandra A. Jentzen, RN, BSN, MA
Faculty Member
Department of Human, Health, and Public Service
Careers
Lansing Community College
Flushing, MI
Faculty Member
Division of Health Sciences
Mott Community College
Flint, MI
Bennita W. Vaughans, RN, MSN
Instructor
Medical Assisting Technology
H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College
Montgomery, AL
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:25 Page xviii
This User’s Guide shows you how to put the features of Medical Terminology: An Illustrated Guide, 4th Edition
to work for you.
TERMINOLOGY

Terminology is presented in a consistent and logical manner. Phonetic pronunciations are included with
all new terms.
Abbreviations for common terms.
Key Clinical Terms list medical terms pertinent
to the body system under discussion.
Key Terms
NORMAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Cardiovascular System
aorta
a
_
-OR-ta
aortic
valve
a
_
-OR-tik
apex
A
_
-peks
artery
arteriole
ar-T
E
_
-r
E
-r
E

e
_
-o
_
l
atrioventricular
(AV)
node
a
_
-tr
e
_
-o
_
-ven-TRIK-
u
_
-lar
AV
bundle
atriu
m
A
_
-tr
A
-tr
A
e

_
-um
The
largest
artery.
It
receives
blood
from

the
left
ventricle
and
branches
to
all
parts
of
the
body
(root
aort/o
).
The
sem
ilunar
valve
at
the

entrance
to
the
aorta
The
point
of
a
cone-shaped
structure
(adjective,
apical).
The
apex
of
the
heart
is
form
ed
by
the
left
ventricle.
It
is
inferior
and
pointed
to

-
ward
the
left
(see
Fig.
9-2).
A
vessel
t
hat
carries
blood
away
f
rom

f
rom
f
t
he
heart.
A
ll
except
t
he
pulm
o

-
nary
and
um
bilical
a
rteries
carry
oxygenated
blood
(
root
arter,
arteri/o
).
A
sm
all
artery
(root
arteriol/o
)
A
sm
all
m
ass
in
the
lower

septum

of
the
right
atrium

that
passes
im
-
pulses
from

the
sinoatrial
(SA)
node
toward
the
ventricles
A
band
of
fi
bers
that
transm
its
im

pulses
from

the
atrioventricular
(AV)
node
to
the
top
of
the
interventricular
septum
.
It
divides
into
the
right
and
left
bundle
branches,
which
descend
along
the
tw
o

sides
of
the
septum
;
the
bundle
of
His.
An
entrance
cham
ber,
one
of
the
two
upper
receiving
cham
bers
of
the
heart
(root
atri/o
)
A
B
B

R
E
V
IA
TIO
N
S
ACh Acetylcholine
AD Alzheimer disease
ADHD Attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder
ALS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
ANS Autonomic nervous system
BAEP Brainstem auditory evoked potentials
CBF Cerebral blood flow
CJD Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
CNS Central nervous system
CP Cerebral palsy
CSF Cerebrospinal fluid
CVA Cerebrovascular accident
CVD Cerebrovascular disease
DSM Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders
DTR Deep tendon reflexes
EEG Electroencephalogram; electro-
encephalograph
GAD Generalized anxiety disorder
ICP Intracranial pressure
LMN Lower motor neuron
LOC Level of consciousness
LP Lumbar puncture

MID Multi-infarct dementia
MS Multiple sclerosis
NICU Neurological intensive care unit
NPH Normal-pressure hydrocephalus
NREM Non–rapid eye movement (sleep)
OCD Obsessive-compulsive disorder
PNS Peripheral nervous system
RAS Reticular activating system
REM Rapid eye movement (sleep)
SSEP Somatosensory evoked potentials
SSRI Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
TIA Transient ischemic attack
UMN Upper motor neuron
VEP Visual evoked potentials
Supplementary Terms
aorta
a\-O
R
-ta
SEP-tum
NORMAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
bolus
BO
_
-lus
cardia
KAR-de
_
-a
chyme

ki
_
m
defecation
def-e-KA
_
-shun
deglutition
deg-lu
_
-TISH-un
duodenal bulb
duodenal papilla
greater omentum
o
_
-MEN-tum
A mass, such as the rounded mass of food that is swallowed
The part of the stomach near the esophagus, named for its closeness
to the heart
The semiliquid partially digested food that moves from the stomach
into the small intestine
The evacuation of feces from the rectum
Swallowing
The part of the duodenum near the pylorus; the first bend (flexure)
of the duodenum
The raised area where the common bile duct and pancreatic duct
enter the duodenum (see Fig. 12-10); papilla of Vater (FA-ter)
A fold of the peritoneum that extends from the stomach over the
abdominal organs

Key Clinical Terms
DISORDERS
AIDS
allergen
AL-er-jen
allergy
AL-er-je
_
anaphylactic reaction
an-a-f i-LAK-tik
anemia
a-NE
_
-me
_
-a
angioedema
an-je
_
-o
_
-e-DE
_
-ma
Failure of the immune system caused by infection with HIV (human
immunodeficiency virus). The virus infects certain T cells and thus
interferes with immunity.
A substance that causes an allergic response
Hypersensitivity
An exaggerated allergic reaction to a foreign substance (root phylaxis

means “protection”). It may lead to death caused by circulatory col-
lapse, and respiratory distress if untreated. Also called anaphylaxis.
A deficiency in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood; may result
from blood loss, malnutrition, a hereditary defect, environmental fac-
tors, and other causes
A localized edema with large hives (wheals) similar to urticaria but
involving deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
User’s Guide
ix
Key Terms include the most
commonly used words.
Supplementary Terms
list more specialized words.
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:23 Page ix
SPECIAL INTEREST BOXES
Special interest boxes appear throughout the book and contain information on word derivations
and usage.
DISPLAYS
Displays organize information on specific topics and serve as references and reviews.
Some of our most beautiful (and difficult to
spell and pronounce) words come from Greek.
Esthesi/o means sensation. It appears in the
word anesthesia, a state in which there is lack of
sensation, particularly pain. It is found in the
word esthetics (also spelled aesthetics), which
pertains to beauty, artistry, and appearance.
The prefix presby, in the terms presbyacusis and
presbyopia, means “old,” and these conditions
appear with aging. The root cyclo, pertaining to
the ringlike ciliary body of the eye, is from the

Greek word for circle or wheel. The same root
appears in the words bicycle and tricycle. Also
pertaining to the eye, the term iris means “rain-
bow” in Greek, and the iris is the colored part
of the eye.
The root -sthen/o means “strength,” and oc-
curs in the words asthenia, meaning lack of
strength or weakness, and neurasthenia, an old
term for vague “nervous exhaustion,” now ap-
plied to conditions involving chronic symptoms
of generalized fatigue, anxiety, and pain. The
root also appears in the word calisthenics in
combination with the root cali-, meaning
“beauty.” So the rhythmic strengthening and
conditioning exercises that are done in calis-
thenics literally give us beauty through strength.
The Greek root steth/o means “chest,”
although a stethoscope is used to listen to
sounds in other parts of the body as well as the
chest. Asphyxia is from a Greek word meaning
“stoppage of the pulse,” which is exactly what
happens when one suffocates.
A sphygmomanometer, used to measure
blood pressure, also contains the Greek root for
pulse. One look at the word and one attempt to
pronounce it make clear why most people call
the apparatus a blood pressure cuff.
BOX 18-1
The Greek Influence
A

beginning
student
in
medical
science
may
be
surprised
by
the
vast
number
of
names
and
terms
that
he
or
she
is
required
to
learn.
This
responsi
-
bility
is
lightened

somewhat
by
the
fact
that
we
are
bilaterally
symmetrical.
That
is,
aside
from
some
internal
organs
such
as
the
liver,
spleen,
stomach,
pancreas,
and
intestine,
nearly
every
-
thing
on

the
right
side
can
be
found
on
the
left
as
well.
The
skeleton
can
be
fi
guratively
split
down
the
center,
giving
equal
structures
on
both
sides
of
the
midline.

Many
blood
vessels
and
nerves
are
paired.
This
cuts
the
learning
in
half.
In
addition, many of the blood vessels an
d
n
d
n
nerves in a region have the same name. The
radial
artery,
radial
vein, and radial nerve are
parallel, and all are located along the radius of
the
forearm.
Vessels are commonly named fo
r
the organ they supply: the hepatic artery and

vein
of
the liver, the pulmonary artery and vei
n
i
n
i
of
the lungs, the renal artery and vein of th
e
h
e
h
kidney.
No
one
could say that the learning of
medical
terminology
is
a
snap,
but
it
could
be
harder!
BOX 5-1
Cutting the Job in Half
DISPLAY 7-1

Imaging Techniques
M
E
T
H
O
D
cin
erad
io
g
rap
h
y
(sin
-e-r
a
_
-de
_
-O
G
-ra-
fe
_
)
co
m
p
u

ted

to
m
o
g
rap
h
y

(C
T
,
C
T
scan
)
(to
_
-M
O
G
-ra-
fe
_
)
flu
o
ro
sco

p
y
(flu
_
-R
O
S-ko
_
-pe
_
)
m
ag
n
e
tic
reso
n
an
ce
im
ag
in
g

(M
R
I
)
p

o
sitro
n

em
issio
n

to
m
o
g
rap
h
y
(PE
T)
rad
io
g
rap
h
y
(ra
_
-de
_
-O
G
-ra-

fe
_
)
scin
tig
rap
h
y
(sin
-
TIG
-ra-
fe
_
)
sin
g
le
p
h
o
to
n

em
issio
n

co
m

p
u
ted

to
m
o
g
ra
p
h
y
(S
PE
C
T
)
u
ltraso
n
o
g
ra
p
h
y
(u
l-tra
-so
n

-O
G
-ra
-f
e
_
)
D
E
S
C
R
IP
T
IO
N
m
ak
in
g

o
f
a m
o
tio
n

p
ictu

re
o
f
su
ccessive
im
ag
es
ap
p
earin
g

o
n

a flu
o
ro
sco
p
ic
screen
u
se
o
f
a co
m
p

u
te
r
to

g
en
e
ra
te
an

im
ag
e
fro
m

a larg
e
n
u
m
b
er
o
f
x-rays p
asse
d

at d
iffer
-
en
t
an
g
les
thro
u
g
h

th
e
b
o
d
y;
a th
re
e-d
im
e
n
sio
n
al
p
ictu

re

o
f
a
cro
ss-sectio
n

o
f
the

b
o
d
y
is o
b
ta
in
ed
;
revea
ls
m
o
re
ab
o

u
t
so
ft
tissu
e
s
th
a
n
d
o
es
sim
p
le
ra
d
io
g
rap
h
y
(Fig
.
7
-7
)
u
se

o
f
x-rays to

exam
in
e
d
eep

stru
ctu
res;
th
e
sh
ad
o
w
s
cast b
y
x-rays p
assed

th
ro
u
g
h

th
e

b
o
d
y
are

o
b
served

o
n

a flu
o
rescen
t
screen
;
th
e
d
e
vice
u
se
d

is called

a flu
o
ro
sco
p
e
p
ro
d
u
ctio
n

o
f
im
a
g
es
th
ro
u
g
h

th
e

u
se
o
f
a m
ag
n
etic
fie
ld

an
d

ra
d
io

w
aves;
th
e
ch
aracteristics
o
f
so
ft
tissu
e

are revea
led

b
y
d
iffere
n
ces
in

m
o
lecu
lar
p
ro
p
ertie
s;
e
lim
in
ates
th
e

n
eed

fo
r
x-rays an
d

co
n
trast
m
ed
i
a
p
ro
d
u
ctio
n

o
f
sectio
n
al
b
o
d
y
im
ag

es
b
y
a
d
m
in
istratio
n

o
f
a n
atu
ral
su
bstan
ce,
su
ch
as g
lu
co
se,
lab
e
led

w
ith

a p
o
sitro
n
-em
ittin
g

iso
top
e;
th
e
rays su
b
seq
u
en
tly
em
itted
are in
terp
reted

b
y
co
m

p
u
ter
to

sh
o
w

th
e
in
tern
a
l
d
istrib
u
tio
n

o
f
th
e
su
b
stan
ce
ad-

m
in
istered
;
P
ET h
a
s
b
e
en

u
sed

to

fo
llo
w

b
lo
o
d

flo
w

th

ro
u
g
h

an

o
rg
an

an
d

to

m
ea
-
su
re
m
e
tab
o
lic
activity w
ith
in

an

o
rg
an
,
su
ch

a
s
th
e
b
rain
,
u
n
d
er
d
iffe
ren
t
co
n
d
itio
n
s

u
se

o
f
x-rays p
a
ssed

th
ro
u
g
h

th
e
b
o
d
y
to

m
ake

a visu
a
l
reco

rd

(rad
io
g
ra
p
h
)
o
f
in
ter
-
n
al
stru
ctu
res
o
n

sp
ecially
sen
sitized

film
p
ro

d
u
ctio
n

o
f
an

im
ag
e
o
f
th
e

d
istrib
u
tio
n

o
f
rad
io
activity
in

tissu
es
after in
tern
a
l
a
d
-
m
in
istratio
n

o
f
a ra
d
io
active
su
b
stan
ce
(rad
io
n
u
clid
e

);
th
e
im
ag
es
are o
b
ta
in
ed

w
ith

a
scin
tillatio
n

cam
e
ra;
th
e
reco
rd

p
ro

d
u
ced

is a scin
tiscan

(SIN
-ti-skan
) a
n
d

u
su
a
lly
sp
e
ci-
fies th
e
p
art
exam
in
e
d

o

r
th
e
iso
to
p
e
u
sed

fo
r
th
e
te
st,
as in

b
o
n
e
scan
,
g
a
lliu
m

scan

scin
tig
ra
p
h
ic
tech
n
iq
u
e
th
at
p
erm
its
visu
aliza
tio
n
o
f
th
e
cro
ss-se
ctio
n
al
d

istrib
u
tio
n
o
f
a ra
d
io
iso
to
p
e
g
en
eratio
n

o
f
a visu
a
l
im
a
g
e
fro
m

th
e

e
ch
o
es
o
f
h
ig
h
-fre
q
u
e
n
cy
so
u
n
d

w
a
ve
s
travel-
in
g

b
ack

fro
m

d
iffe
ren
t
tissu
es;
also

called

so
n
o
g
ra
p
h
y
(so
-N
O
G
-ra

-f
e
_
) an
d

ech
o
g
ra
-
p
h
y
(ek
-O
G
-ra-f
e
_
) (Fig
.
7
-8
)
DISPLAY 8-1 Common Drugs and Their Actions
CA
TEG
O
RY

adrenergics
ad-ren-ER-jiks
(sym
pathom
im
etics
[sim
-pa-th
o
_
-m
i-M
ET-iks]
)
analgesics
an-al-JE
_
-siks
narcotic
nar-KO
-tik
nonnarcotic
non-nar-KO
-tik
anesthetics
an-es-THET-iks
A
CTIO
N
S;

A
PPLICA
TIO
N
S
m
im
ic
the action of the
sym
pathetic
nervous sys-
tem
,
w
hich
responds to
stress
alleviate pain
decrease pain sensation in
central nervous system
;
chronic use m
ay
lead to
physical dependence
act peripherally to inhibit
prostaglandins (local hor-
m
ones);

they m
ay
also be
anti-inflam
m
atory
and
antipyretic (reduce fever)
reduce or elim
inate
sensation
G
EN
ERIC
N
A
M
E
epinephrine
phenylephrine
pseudoephedrine
dopam
ine
m
eperidine
m
orphine
aspirin (acetyl-
salicylic acid; A
SA

)
acetam
inophen
(APAP)
ibuprofen
celecoxib
local
lidocaine
procaine
general
nitrous oxide
m
idazolam
TRA
D
E
N
A
M
E
Bronkaid
N
eo-Synephrine
Sudafed
Intropin
D
em
erol
D
uram

orph
Tylenol
M
otrin,
A
dvi
l
C
elebrex,
Vioxx
Xylocaine
Novocain
Versed
EXA
M
PLES
DISPLAY 10-2
Common Blood Tests
TEST ABBREVIATION DESCRIPTION
red blood cell count
white blood cell count
differential count
hematocrit (Fig. 10-6)
packed cell volume
hemoglobin
mean corpuscular volume
mean corpuscular hemoglobin
mean corpuscular hemoglobin
concentration
erythrocyte sedimentation rate

complete blood count
RBC
WBC
Diff
Ht, Hct, crit
PCV
Hb, Hgb
MCV
MCH
MCHC
ESR
CBC
number of red blood cells per µL (cubic millimeter)
of blood
number of white blood cells per cubic millimeter
of blood
relative percentage of the different types of
leukocytes
relative percentage of packed red cells in a given
volume of blood
hematocrit
amount of hemoglobin in g/dL (100 mL) of blood
volume of an average red cell
average weight of hemoglobin in red cells
average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood
cells
rate of settling of erythrocytes per unit of time;
used to detect infection or inflammation
series of tests including cell counts, hematocrit,
hemoglobin, and cell volume measurements

x USER’S GUIDE
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:23 Page x
510
PART 3 • BO
DY
SYSTEMS
FIGURE 18-3. The Rinne test assesses both air
and bone conduction of sound. (Reprinted with
permission from Smeltzer SC, Bare BG. Brunner &
Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing.
9th Ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins, 2000.)
FULL-COLOR ARTWORK AND PHOTOS
Beautiful full-color art throughout the book brings the content to life and illustrates
the most important information.
Illustrations bring complex
information to life.
Full-color photos add a clinical context.
168
PART
3
•
BODY
SYSTEM
S
called
a
septum
.
The

interventricular
septum
separates
the
two
ventricles;
the
interatrial
septum
divides
the
two
atria.
There
is
also
a
septum
between
the
atrium
and
ventricle
on
each
side.
The
heart
pumps
blood

through
two
circuits.
The
right
side
pumps
blood
to
the
lungs
to
be
oxygenated
through
the
pulmonary
circuit.
The
left
side
pumps
to
the
remainder
of
the
body
through
the

systemic
circuit.
Blood
Flow
Through
the
Heart
The
pathway
of
blood
through
the
heart
is
shown
by
the
arrows
in
Figure
9-2.
The
right
atrium
receives
blood
low
in
oxygen

from
all
body
tissues
through
the
superior
vena
cava
and
the
inferior
vena
cava.
The
blood
then
enters
the
right
ventricle
and
is
pumped
to
the
lungs
through
the
pulmonary

artery.
Blood
returns
fro
m
B
rachiocepha
lic ar
ter
y
Left com
m
o
n carotid a
r
ter
y
Left subcla
vian ar
ter
y
R
ight pulm
onar
y
ar
ter
y
(branches)
A

scending
aor
ta
S
uper
ior v
ena ca
va
R
ight
pulm
onar
y
v
eins
R
ight
atr
ium
Tr
icuspid
v
alv
e
Inf
er
ior
ve
na ca
va

R
ight v
entr
icle
Aor
tic arch
P
ulm
onar
y ar
ter
y
Left pulm
onar
y
ar
ter
y (branches)
Pulm
onic v
alv
e
eft
ulm
onar
y
in
s
eft atr
ium

or
tic v
alv
e
itral
icuspid)
lv
e
E
ndocardium
Left
ve
ntr
icle
M
y
ocardium
B
lood high in o
xygen
B
lood lo
w
in o
xygen
E
picardium
A
pe
x

Inter
v
entr
icular
septum
FIGURE
9-2.
The
heart
and
great
vessels.
(Reprinted
with
permission
from
Cohen
BJ,
Wood
DL.
Memmler
’
s
The
Human
Body
in
Health
and
Disease.

9th
Ed.
Philadelphia:
Lippincott
Williams
&
Wilkins,
2000.)
CHAPTER
18
•
THE SENSES
503
The cochlea, shaped like the shell of a snail, has the specialized organ of Corti concerned with hearing. Cells
in this receptor organ respond to sound waves traveling through the fluid-filled ducts of the cochlea. Sound
waves enter the cochlea from the base of the stapes through an opening called the oval window and leave
through another opening called the round window.
The sense of equilibrium is localized in the vestibular apparatus. This structure consists of the chamber-
like vestibule and three projecting semicircular canals. Special cells within the vestibular apparatus respond
to movement. (The senses of vision and proprioception are also important in maintaining balance.)
Nerve impulses are transmitted from the ear to the brain by way of the vestibulocochlear nerve, the eighth
cranial nerve, also called the acoustic or auditory nerve. The cochlear branch of this nerve transmits impulses
for hearing from the cochlea; the vestibular branch transmits impulses concerned with equilibrium from the
vestibular apparatus.
al bone
Semicircular canals
tib
ulocochlear
ve
hia

n
y)
auditor
y canal
(meatus)
Pinna
F
IG
U
R
E

1
8
-1
.
T
h
e

e
a
r,
sh
o
w
in
g

th

e

o
u
te
r,
m
id
d
le
,
a
n
d

in
n
e
r
su
b
d
ivisio
n
s.
(R
e
p
rin
te

d

w
ith

p
e
rm
issio
n

fro
m

C
o
h
e
n

B
J,
W
o
o
d

D
L
.

M
e
m
m
le
r
’s T
h
e

H
u
m
a
n

B
o
d
y

in

H
e
a
lth

a
n

d

D
ise
a
se
.
9
th

E
d
.
P
h
ila
d
e
lp
h
ia
:
L
ip
p
in
co
tt
W
illia

m
s
&
W
ilk
in
s,
2
0
0
0
.)
USER’S GUIDE xi
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:24 Page xi
CASE STUDIES
Case studies illustrate terminology in the context of a medical report.
These are followed by questions about terms used in the cases.
Case Studies, continued
discharged 8 days later to a long-term care facility with orders for an alternating pressure mattress,
position change every 2 hours, supplemental nutrition, and meticulous wound care.
C
ASE
STU
D
Y
Q
U
ESTIO
N
S

Multiple choice: Select the best answer and write the letter of your choice to the left of each number.
_____ 1. K.B.’s basal cell carcinoma may have been caused by chronic exposure to the sun and
ultraviolet tanning bed use. The scientific explanation for this is the:
a. autoimmune response
b. actinic effect
c. allergic reaction
d. sun block tanning lotion theory
e. dermatophytosis
_____ 2. The characteristic pimples of adolescent acne are whiteheads and blackheads. The medical
terms for these lesions are:
a. vesicles and lymphotomes
b. pustules and blisters
c. pustules and comedones
d. vitiligo and macules
e. furuncle and sebaceous cyst
_____ 3. Which skin cancer is an overgrowth of pigment-producing epidermal cells:
a. basal cell carcinoma
b. Kaposi sarcoma
c. cutaneous lymphoma
d. melanoma
e. erythema nodosum
_____ 4. Basal cell carcinoma involves:
a. subcutaneous tissue
b. hair follicles
c. connective tissue
d. adipose tissue
e. epithelial cells
_____ 5. Hydradenitis is inflammation of a:
a. sweat gland
b. salivary gland

c. sebaceous gland
d. ceruminous gland
e. meibomian gland
_____ 6. Leukoplakia is:
a. baldness
b. ulceration
c. formation of white patches in the mouth
Case Studies, continued
d. formation of yellow patches on the skin
e. formation of scales on the skin
_____ 7. Hydrocortisone is a(n):
a. vitamin
b. steroid
c. analgesic
d. lubricant
e. diuretic
_____ 8. An example of a topical drug is a:
a. systemic chemotherapeutic agent
b. drug derived from rain forest plants
c. subdermal allergy test antigens
d. skin ointment
e. Benadryl capsule 25 mg
_____ 9. Stomatitis, a common side effect of systemic chemotherapy, is an inflammatory condition
of the:
a. mouth
b. colostomy
c. stomach
d. teeth and hair
e. nails
_____ 10. Skin turgor is an indicator of:

a. elasticity
b. hydration
c. aging
d. nutrition
e. all of the above
_____ 11. Another name for a pressure ulcer is a:
a. shearing force
b. bedsore
c.
decubitus ulcer
d. a and b
e.
b and c
_____
12. A FTSG is usually harvested (taken) from another body area with a scalpel, whereas a STSG
is harvested with an instrument called a(n) ________________________, which can cut a
thinner graft.
a.
tissue slicer
b. Keralyt
c.
erythroderm
d.
dermatome
e. débridement
Case Studies, continued
W
rite
a term

from

th
e
case stud
ies
w
ith

each

of th
e
follow
ing
m
ean
in
gs:
13. sk
in

san
d
in
g
proced
ure
__________________________________
14

.
a solid raised lesion

larger th
an

a papu
le
__________________________________
1
5.
p
hysician

w
h
o
cares for p
atien
ts
w
ith

skin

d
iseases
__________________________________
16. co
n

n
ective
tissu
e
an
d

fat layer ben
eath

th
e
d
erm
is
__________________________________
17. d
iffu
se
redn
ess
of th
e
sk
in
__________________________________
18
.
in
creased

p
rod
u
ction

of k
eratin

in

th
e
sk
in
__________________________________
19. rem
oval
of d
ead
or d
am
aged

sk
in
__________________________________
20. redu
ced
bloo

d
flow

to th
e
tissu
e
__________________________________
A
b
breviation
s.
D
e
fin
e
th
e
follow
in
g
ab
b
reviation
s:
21. F
T
SG
__________________________________
22. ST

SG
__________________________________
23. SP
F
__________________________________
24. h
s
______________________
_______
_____
25. b
id ______
________________
_____
__
_____
xii USER’S GUIDE
Case Studies
Case Study 21-1: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BSC)
K.B., a 32-year-old fitness instructor, had noticed a “tiny hard lump” at the base of her left nostril while
cleansing her face. The lesion had been present for about 2 months when she consulted a dermatolo-
gist. She had recently moved north from Florida, where she had worked as a lifeguard. She thought the
lump might have been triggered by the regular tanning salon sessions she had used to retain her tan be-
cause it did not resemble the acne pustules, blackheads, or resulting scars of her adolescent years.
Although dermabrasion had removed the obvious acne scars and left several areas of dense skin, this
lump was brown-pigmented and different. K.B. was afraid it might be a malignant melanoma. On ex-
amination, the dermatologist noted a small pearly-white nodule at the lower portion of the left ala (outer
flared portion of the nostril). There were no other lesions on her face or neck.
A plastic surgeon excised the lesion and was able to re-approximate the wound edges without a full-
thickness skin graft. The pathology report identified the lesion as a basal cell carcinoma with clean mar-

gins of normal skin and subcutaneous tissue and stated that the entire lesion had been excised. K.B. was
advised to wear SPF 30 sun protection on her face at all times and to avoid excessive sun exposure and
tanning salons.
Case Study 21-2: Cutaneous Lymphoma
L.C., a 52-year-old female research chemist, has had a history of T-cell lymphoma for 8 years. She was
initially treated with systemic chemotherapy with methotrexate until she contracted stomatitis. Con-
tinued therapy with topical chemotherapeutic agents brought some measurable improvement. She also
had a history of hidradenitis.
A recent physical examination showed diffuse erythroderma with scaling and hyperkeratosis, plus
alopecia. She had painful leukoplakia and ulcerations of the mouth and tongue. L.C. was hospitalized
and given two courses of topical chemotherapy. She was referred to Dental Medicine for treatment of
the oral lesions and discharged in stable condition with an appointment for follow-up in 4 weeks. Her
discharge medications included hydrocortisone ointment 2% to affected lesions q hs, Keralyt gel bid
for the hyperkeratosis, and Dyclone and Benadryl for her mouth ulcers prn.
Case Study 21-3: Pressure Ulcer
L.N., an elderly woman in failing health, had recently moved in with her daughter after her hospital-
ization for a stroke. The daughter reported to the home care nurse that her mother had minimal ap-
petite, was confused and disoriented, and had developed a blister on her lower back since she had been
confined to bed. The nurse noted that L.N. had lost weight since her last visit and that her skin was dry
with poor skin turgor. She was wearing an “adult diaper,” which was wet. After examining L.N.’s
sacrum, the nurse noted a nickel-sized open area, 2 cm in diameter and 1 cm in depth (stage II pres-
sure ulcer), with a 0.5-cm reddened surrounding area with no drainage. L.N. moaned when the nurse
palpated the lesion. The nurse also noted reddened areas on L.N.’s elbows and heels.
The nurse provided L.N.’s daughter with instructions for proper skin care, incontinence manage-
ment, enhanced nutrition, and frequent repositioning to prevent pressure ischemia to the prominent
body areas. However, 6 months later L.N.’s pressure ulcer had deteriorated to a class III. She was hos-
pitalized under the care of a plastic surgeon and wound-ostomy care nurse. Surgery was scheduled to
débride the sacral wound and close it with a full-thickness skin graft taken from her thigh. L.N. was
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:24 Page xii
PRACTICE EXERCISES

Exercises are included throughout the book to help you understand the content,
assess your progress, and review and prepare for quizzes and tests.
A Chapter Review concludes each chapter.
Use the root ren/o to write a word that has the same meaning as each of the following definitions:
1. near (para-) the kidney pararenal
2. above (supra-) the kidney __________________________________
3. between the kidneys __________________________________
4. around the kidneys __________________________________
5. behind (post-) the kidney __________________________________
Use the root nephr/o to write a word that has the same meaning as each of the following definitions:
6. inflammation of the kidney __________________________________
7.
any disease of the kidney __________________________________
8.
softening of the kidney __________________________________
9. surgical removal of the kidney __________________________________
10. study of the kidney __________________________________
Use the appropriate root to write a word that has the same meaning for each of the following definitions:
11.
inflammation of a glomerulus __________________________________
12.
excision of a renal calyx __________________________________
13.
radiograph of the renal pelvis __________________________________
14.
dilatation of the renal pelvis __________________________________
Exercise 13-1
Chapter Review 18-1
Match the following terms and write the appropriate letter to the left of each number:
_____ 1. myesthesia a. night blindness

_____ 2. parosmia b. abnormal increase in the sense of taste
_____ 3. nyctalopia c. muscular sensation
_____ 4. hypergeusia d. abnormal smell perception
_____ 5. hemianopia e. blindness in half the visual field
_____ 6. proprioception a. sense of smell
_____ 7. tactile b. sense of taste
_____ 8. vitreous body c. pertaining to touch
_____ 9. olfaction d. awareness of body position
_____ 10. gustation e. material that fills the eyeball
_____ 11. lens a. membrane that lines the eyelid
_____ 12. sclera b. structure that changes shape for near and far vision
_____ 13. conjunctiva c. passage that connects the middle ear and pharynx
_____ 14. vestibular apparatus d. part of the ear that contains the receptors for equilibrium
_____ 15. eustachian tube e. outermost layer of the eye
_____ 16. fovea a. inner ear
_____ 17. labyrinth b. point of sharpest vision
_____ 18. rods and cones c. small bones of the middle ear
_____ 19. ossicles d. receptors for vision
_____ 20. iris e. muscular ring that regulates light entering the eye
_____ 21. anacusis a. complete color blindness
_____ 22. tinnitus b. opacity of the lens
_____ 23. achromatopsia c. nearsightedness
_____ 24. cataract d. sensation of noises in the ear
_____ 25. myopia e. total loss of hearing
USER’S GUIDE xiii
Chapter 16 Crossword
Endocrine System
A
CRO
SS

2. An islet is a sm
all
_______.
5. M
easurem
ent
used to diagnose diabetes:
abbreviation
7. Tem
perature:
root
8. Sudden degeneration of the pituitary is pituitary
__________.
10. Diabetes affects the m
etabolism

of __________.
11. A form

of hyperthyroidism

is nam
ed
for him
.
13. Pituitary horm
one
that acts on the thyroid:
abbreviation
15. Test for m

easuring horm
ones
in the blood:
abbreviation
16. Alternate nam
e
for the pituitary
17. Any disease of the adrenal gland
D
O
W
N
1. Pituitary horm
one
that controls water loss:
abbreviation
3. Alternate nam
e
for growth horm
one
4. Disorder caused by excess growth horm
one
in
adults
5. A form

of thyroid horm
ones
in the blood
6. Excess sugar in the urine

7. The cells or tissues a horm
one
acts on
9. True, norm
al:
prefix
12. Against: prefix
14. Over, abnorm
ally
high: prefix
*1*23 4 ***
******56
7* ***
***8
*9*****
10 ****
*** *11 12
13 14 * 15 * * *
*******
16 *
** * ******
17
Accessory
Organs
of
Digestion
Write the name of each numbered part on the corresponding line of the answer sheet.
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
1
3
5
7
10
9
2
4
Labeling Exercise 12-2
Common bile duct
Common hepatic duct
Cystic duct
Diaphragm
Duodenum
Gallbladder
Liver
Pancreas
Pancreatic duct
Spleen
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:25 Page xiii
xiv USER’S GUIDE
FLASHCARDS
A set of flashcards is included to help you maximize your study time.

Expand your vocabulary by making additional flashcards as you work through the text.
CD-ROM
The free CD-ROM includes practice tests, additional exercises to test your knowledge and assess your
progress, and a pronunciation glossary. Have fun while you learn!
• The practice tests offer an opportunity for you to prepare for assessment.
• Interactive labeling exercises help you reinforce your understanding of anatomy.
• The pronunciation glossary allows you to hear accurate
pronunciations of over 2,500 terms, drawn directly
from Stedman’s Medical Dictionary.
word part
-emia, -hemia, hem/o,
hemat/o
meaning
condition of blood, blood
against, opposite
word part
anti-, contra-, counter-
w
ord part
dys-
m
ean
ing
abnorm
al, painful,
difficult
1267-00 FM 07/07/03 14:25 Page xiv
Chapters 1 through 5, Part 1, present
the basics of medical terminology and
body structure. Chapters 6 through 8,

Part 2, deal with disease and treatment.
These beginning chapters form the
basis for the chapters on the individual
body systems, Part 3.
1
PART
Introduction
to Medical
Terminology
1267-01 CH01 07/07/03 14:27 Page 3
Chapter Contents
Word Parts
Combining Forms
Word Derivations
Pronunciation
Symbols
Abbreviations
Words Ending In x
Suffixes Beginning With rh
Chapter Review
Case Study
Answer Section
Objectives
After study of this chapter you should be able to:
1. Explain the purpose of medical terminology.
2. Define the terms root, suffix, and prefix.
3. Explain what combining forms are and why they are used.
4. Name the languages from which most medical word parts are derived.
5. Pronounce words according to the pronunciation guide used in this text.
6. Analyze a case study with regard to some concepts of medical terminology.

Concepts of Medical Terminology
CHAPTER
1
4
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CHAPTER 1 • CONCEPTS OF MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 5
M
edical terminology is a special vocabulary used by health care professionals for effective and accu-
rate communication. Because it is based mainly on Greek and Latin words, medical terminology is
consistent and uniform throughout the world. It is also efficient; although some of the terms are
long, they often reduce an entire phrase to a single word. The one word gastroduodenostomy, for example,
stands for “a communication between the stomach and the first part of the small intestine” (Fig. 1-1).
The medical vocabulary is vast, and learning it may seem like learning the entire vocabulary of a foreign
language. Moreover, like the jargon that arises in all changing fields, it is always expanding. Think of the
terms that have been added to our vocabulary with the development of computers, such as software, megabyte,
search engine, e-mail, chat room. The task seems overwhelming, but there are methods that can aid in learn-
ing and remembering words and can even help in making informed guesses regarding the meanings of unfa-
miliar words. Most medical terms can be divided into component parts—roots, prefixes, and suffixes—that
maintain the same meaning whenever they appear. By learning these meanings, you can analyze and re-
member many words.
Word Parts
The fundamental unit of each medical word is the root. This establishes the basic meaning of the word and
is the part to which modifying prefixes and suffixes are added.
A suffix is a short word part or series of parts added at the end of a root to modify its meaning. In this book
suffixes are indicated by a dash before the suffix, such as -itis.
A prefix is a short word part added before a root to modify its meaning. In this book prefixes are indicated
by a dash after the prefix, such as pre Shown diagrammatically:
Prefix Root
Word
Suffix

Prefix Root Suffix
Words are formed from roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
Duodenum
Stomach
Duodenal
anastomosis
FIGURE 1-1. Gastroduodenostomy
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6 PART 1 • INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
The simple word learn can be used as a root to illustrate. If we add the suffix -er to form learner, we have “one
who learns.” If we add the prefix re- to form relearn, we have “to learn again.”
Not all roots are complete words. In fact, most medical roots are derived from other languages and are
meant to be used in combinations. The Greek word kardia, for example, meaning “heart,” gives us the root
cardi. The Latin word pulmo, meaning “lung,” gives us the root pulm. In a few instances, both the Greek and
Latin roots are used. We find both the Greek root nephr and the Latin root ren used in words pertaining to
the kidney (Fig. 1-2).
Note that the same root may have different meanings in different fields of study. The root myel means
“marrow” and may apply to either the bone marrow or the spinal cord. The root scler means “hard” but may
also apply to the white of the eye. Cyst means “a filled sac or pouch” but also refers specifically to the urinary
bladder. You will sometimes have to consider the context of a word before assigning its meaning.
Compound words contain more than one root. The words eyeball, bedpan, frostbite, and wheelchair are ex-
amples. Some compound medical words are cardiovascular (pertaining to the heart and blood vessels), uro-
genital (pertaining to the urinary and reproductive systems), and lymphocyte (a white blood cell found in the
lymphatic system).
Combining Forms
When a suffix beginning with a consonant is added to a root, a vowel (usually an o) is inserted between the
root and the suffix to aid in pronunciation.
Kidney
Ureter
Bladder

Urethra
FIGURE 1-2. The Greek root nephr and the Latin root ren are
used to refer to the kidney, an organ of the urinary system.
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CHAPTER 1 • CONCEPTS OF MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 7
Thus, when the suffix -logy, meaning “study of,” is added to the root neur, meaning “nerve or nervous sys-
tem,” a combining vowel is added:
neur + o + logy = neurology (study of the nervous system)
Roots shown with a combining vowel are called combining forms.
Root O
Word
Suffix
Root O Suffix
A combining vowel may be added between a root and a suffix.
Root
Combining form
O
Root O
A root with a combining vowel is often called a combining form.
In this text, roots are given with their most common combining vowels added after a slash and are referred
to simply as roots, as in neur/o. A combining vowel usually is not used if the ending begins with a vowel.
The root neur is combined with the suffix -itis, meaning “inflammation of,” in this way:
neur + itis = neuritis (inflammation of a nerve)
There are some exceptions to this rule, particularly when pronunciation or meaning is affected, but you
will observe these as you work.
Word Derivations
As mentioned, most medical word parts come from Greek (G) and Latin (L). The original words and their
meanings are included in this text only occasionally. They are interesting, however, and may aid in learning.
For example, muscle comes from a Latin word that means “mouse” because the movement of a muscle under
the skin was thought to resemble the scampering of a mouse.

The coccyx, the tail end of the spine, is named for the cuckoo because it was thought to resemble
the cuckoo’s bill (Fig. 1-3). For those interested in the derivations of medical words, a good medical dictionary
will provide this information. Several such books are listed in the bibliography at the end of this text.
Pronunciation
Phonetic pronunciations are provided in the text at every opportunity, even in the answer keys. Take ad-
vantage of these aids. Repeat the word aloud as you learn to recognize it in print. Be aware that word parts
may change in pronunciation when they are combined in different ways. The following pronunciation guide-
lines apply throughout the text.
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8 PART 1 • INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
A vowel (a, e, i, o, u) gets a short pronunciation if it has no pronunciation mark over it, such as:
a as in hat
e as in met
i as in bin
o as in some
u as in run
A short line over the vowel gives it a long pronunciation:
a
_
as in say
e
_
as in tea
i
_
as in lie
o
_
as in hose
u

_
as in sue
The accented syllable in each word is shown with capital letters.
Note that pronunciations may vary from place to place. Only one pronunciation for each word is given
here, but be prepared for differences.
Atlas
(1st cervical)
Axis
(2nd cervical)
Transverse
process
Intervertebral
disk
Spinous
process
Body
(centrum)
of vertebra
Foramen for
spinal nerve
Sacrum
Coccyx
FIGURE 1-3. The coccyx of the spine looks like the bill of a cuckoo. (Reprinted
with permission from Cohen BJ, Wood DL. Memmler’s The Human Body in
Health and Disease. 9th Ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000.)
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CHAPTER 1 • CONCEPTS OF MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 9
Soft and Hard c and g
A soft c, as in racer, will be written as s (RA
_

-ser). A hard c, as in candy, will be written as k (KAN-d e
_
). A soft
g, as in page, will be written as j (pa
_
j). A hard g, as in grow, will be written as g (gro
_
).
Silent Letters and Unusual Pronunciations
A silent letter or unusual pronunciation can be a problem, especially if it appears at the start of a word that
you are trying to look up in the dictionary. See Table 1-1 for some examples.
The combinations in Table 1-1 may be pronounced differently when they appear within a word, as in apnea
(AP-ne
_
-a), meaning cessation of breathing; nephroptosis (nef-rop-TO
_
-sis), meaning dropping of the kidney;
prognosis (prog-NO
_
-sis), meaning prediction of the outcome of disease.
Symbols
Symbols are commonly used in case histories as a form of shorthand. Some examples are L and R for
left and right; ↑ and ↓ for increase and decrease. A list of common symbols appears in Chapter 7 and in
Appendix 1.
Abbreviations
Like symbols, abbreviations can save time, but they can also cause confusion if they are not universally un-
derstood. Usage varies in different institutions, and the same abbreviation may have different meanings in
different fields. An acronym is an abbreviation formed from the first letter of each word in a phrase. Some
When pronunciations are included in a text, it is
sometimes difficult to know which pronuncia-

tion of a term to use. Pronunciations may vary
from country to country, even in different regions
of the same country. Think how easy it is to dis-
tinguish a southern accent and one from the
midwest or northeastern United States. The gen-
eral rule is to include the most common pro-
nunciation.
The word gynecology is usually pronounced
with a hard g in the United States, but in many
areas a soft g is used, as in jin-e-KOL-o
–
-je
–
.
Words pertaining to the cerebrum (largest part
of the brain) may have an accent on different
syllables. The adjective is usually pronounced
with the accent on the second syllable (se-RE-
bral), but in cerebrum (SER-e-brum) and cere-
brospinal (ser-e-bro
–
-SPI
–
-nal), the accented
syllable differs.
The name for the first part of the small in-
testine (duodenum) is often pronounced
du
–
-o

–
-DE
–
-num, although the pronunciation
du
–
-O-de-num is also acceptable. When ex-
treme, some alternate pronunciations can
sound like a foreign language. The word we
pronounce as SKEL-e-tal is pronounced in
some other English-speaking countries as
ske-LE-tal.
BOX 1-1
Pronunciations
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10 PART 1 • INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
everyday acronyms are ASAP (as soon as possible) and ATM (automated teller machine). In computerese,
RAM stands for “random access memory.” Acronyms have become popular for saving time and space in nam-
ing objects, organizations, and procedures. Only the most commonly used abbreviations are given. These are
listed at the end of each chapter, but a complete alphabetical list appears in Appendix 2. An abbreviation dic-
tionary also is helpful.
Words Ending In x
When a word ending in x has a suffix added, the x is changed to a g or a c. For example, pharynx (throat) be-
comes pharyngeal (fa-RIN-je
_
-al), to mean “pertaining to the throat”; coccyx (terminal portion of the verte-
bral column) becomes coccygeal (kok-SIJ-e
_
-al), to mean “pertaining to the coccyx”; thorax (chest) becomes
thoracotomy (thor-a-KOT-o

_
-me
_
) to mean “an incision into the chest.”
Suffixes Beginning With rh
When a suffix beginning with rh is added to a root, the r is doubled:
hem/o (blood) + -rhage (bursting forth) = hemorrhage (a bursting forth of blood)
men/o (menses) + -rhea (flow, discharge) = menorrhea (menstrual flow)
TABLE 1-1 Silent Letters and Unusual Pronunciations
LETTER(S) PRONUNCIATION EXAMPLE DEFINITION OF EXAMPLE
ch k
dys dis
eu u
gn n
ph f
pn n
ps s
pt t
rh r
xz
chemical pertaining to chemistry
KEM-i-kl
dystrophy poor nourishment of tissue
DIS-tro
_
-f e
_
euphoria exaggerated feeling of well-being
u
_

-FOR-e
_
-a
gnathic pertaining to the jaw
NATH-ik
pharmacy a drug dispensary
FAR-ma-se
_
pneumonia inflammation of the lungs
nu
–
-MO
–
-ne
–
-a
pseudo- false
SU
_
-do
_
ptosis dropping
TO
_
-sis
rheumatic pertaining to rheumatism, a disorder of
ru
_
-MAT-ik muscles and joints
xiphoid pertaining to cartilage attached to the

ZIF-oyd sternum
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CHAPTER 1 • CONCEPTS OF MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 11
Key Terms
acronym
AK-ro
_
-nim
combining form
prefix
PRE-fix
root
suffix
SU-fix
An abbreviation formed from the first letter of each word in a phrase
A word root in combination with a vowel used to link the root with a
suffix. Combining forms are shown with a slash between the root and the
vowel, as in neur/o.
A word part added before a root to modify its meaning
The fundamental unit of a word
A word part added to the end of a root to modify its meaning
Chapter Review 1-1
Fill in the blanks:
1. A root with a vowel added to aid in pronunciation is called a(n) .
2. A word part that comes before a root is a(n) .
3. Combine the word parts dia-, meaning “through,” and -rhea, meaning “flow,” to form a word meaning
“passage of fluid stool.”
4. Combine the root psych, meaning “mind,” with the suffix -logy, meaning “study of,” to form a word
meaning “study of the mind.”
Multiple choice: Select the best answer and write the letter of your choice to the left of each number.

_____ 5. Which of the following is a compound word?
a. urinary
b. skeletal
c. gastrointestinal
d. coronary
e. artery
_____ 6. The adjective for thorax is
a. thoraxic
b. thoracic
c. thoral
d. thorial
e. thoraxial
_____ 7. An acronym is formed from
a. a proper name
b. Latin or Greek
c. a compound word
d. the first letter of each word in a phrase
e. two or more roots
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12 PART 1 • INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
Pronounce the following words:
8. dysfunction
9. rheumatoid
10. chronologic
11. pharynx
Pronounce the following phonetic forms:
12. nar-KOT-ik
13. NI
_
-tro

_
-jen
14. SUR-fas
15. VAS-ku
_
-lar
16. tho
_
-RAS-ik
Case Study
Case Study 1-1: Multiple Health Problems
Secondary to Injury
D.S., a 28-year-old woman, was treated for injuries sustained in a train derailment accident. During the
course of her treatment, she was seen by several specialists. For pain in her knee and hip joints, she was
referred to an orthopedist. For migraine headaches and blurry vision, she consulted a neurologist. For
pain on urination and occasional bloody urine, she saw a urologist. Later, for a persistent dry cough
and problems resulting from a fractured nose, she was referred to an otorhinolaryngologist. During her
initial course of treatment, she had a CT scan of her abdomen and brain and an MRI of her hip and
knee. Both imaging studies required her to lie motionless on her back for 45 minutes.
Several months after the accident, D.S. was still experiencing some discomfort, and she decided to in-
vestigate alternative therapies. She made an appointment with a naturist practitioner who specialized in
homeopathy and herbal medicine. Before her appointment, she browsed in the Nutra-Medica Shop, which
carried nutritional supplements, vitamin and mineral products, homeopathic remedies, and herbal for-
mulas. She planned to ask the therapist about some of the products that she saw there, which included
remedies with the trade names Pneumogen, Arthogesia-Plus, Renovite, Nephrostat, and Hematone.
CASE STUDY QUESTIONS
Multiple choice: Select the best answer and write the letter of your choice to the left of each number.
_____ 1. The -ist in the word neurologist is a:
a. prefix
b. root

c. suffix
d. combining form
e. conjunction
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CHAPTER 1 • CONCEPTS OF MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 13
Case Study, continued
_____ 2. Endo- in endoscopic is a:
a. root
b. suffix
c. combining form
d. prefix
e. derivation
_____ 3. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. This term represents a(n):
a. combining form
b. acronym
c. prefix
d. suffix
e. abbreviation
_____ 4. D.S. needed plastic surgery on her nose to repair the postfracture deformity. This procedure
is called a(n):
a. septoscope
b. rhinoplasty
c. neurectomy
d. cardioplasty
e. rhinitis
_____ 5. Several of the radiological imaging studies required D.S. to lie on her back for 45 minutes.
This position is referred to as:
a. supine
b. prone
c. lateral recumbent

d. lithotomy
e. Trendelenburg
_____ 6. The products Renovite and Nephrostat are named for their action on the:
a. lung
b. nerves
c. liver
d. heart
e. kidney
____ 7. The pn in Pneumogen is pronounced as:
a. p
b. pa
c. n
d. up
e. f
Fill in the blanks.
8. Use Appendix 4 to find roots that mean blood. __________________________________
9. Use the index to find the chapter that contains information on imaging techniques.
__________________________________
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14 PART 1 • INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
Case Study, continued
10. Use the flash cards at the back of this book to find the meaning of the word part endo
__________________________________
11. Another word part with the same meaning as endo- is __________________________________.
12. Use Appendix 3 to look up the meaning of the roots in otorhinolaryngology.
ot/o __________________________________
rhino __________________________________
laryng/o __________________________________
13. Use Appendix 3 to find the meaning of the word part homeo-
__________________________________.

14. When the word larynx has a suffix added, the x is changed to a
__________________________________.
15. Appendix 2 tells you that the abbreviation CT in CT scan means
__________________________________.
CHAPTER 1 Answer Section
Answers to Chapter Exercises
1. combining form
2. prefix
3. diarrhea
4. psychology
5. c
6. b
7. d
8. dis-FUNK-shun
9. RU
_
-ma-toyd
10. kron-o
_
-LOJ-ik
11. FAR-inks
12. narcotic
13. nitrogen
14. surface
15. vascular
16. thoracic
Answers to Case Study Questions
1. c
2. d
3. b

4. b
5. a
6. e
7. c
8. hem/o, hemat/o
9. chapter 7
10. in; within
11. intra-
12. ear; nose; larynx
13. same, unchanging
14. g
15. computed tomography
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