1. Roots:
* Definition: The core meaning of a medical term. They usually indicate the body part or organ involved.
* Example:
* cardi - heart
* gastr - stomach
* nephr - kidney
2. Suffixes:
* Definition: Added to the end of a root word to modify its meaning. They often describe a condition, procedure, or function.
* Example:
* -itis - inflammation
* -ectomy - surgical removal
* -ology - study of
3. Prefixes:
* Definition: Added to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning. They often describe location, number, or direction.
* Example:
* endo- - within
* bi- - two
* peri- - around
How they work together:
Medical terms are often constructed by combining these elements. Here's a breakdown of how they fit together:
* Prefix + Root + Suffix: This is the most common structure. For example:
* Endocarditis: endo- (within) + cardi (heart) + -itis (inflammation) - inflammation within the heart.
Key Points to Remember:
* Roots are essential: They form the foundation of the medical term and convey the main focus.
* Suffixes add detail: They provide information about what is happening to the body part or organ.
* Prefixes provide context: They further specify the location, quantity, or direction.
By understanding how roots, suffixes, and prefixes work together, you can decipher the meaning of many medical terms and improve your comprehension of medical literature.