Medical and Nursing Terminology MADE EASY: Prefixes [Flashcard Tables]

Summary

In this video, we simplify medical terminology by breaking down common prefixes used in the field. We explore the structure of medical terms—prefixes, roots, and suffixes—and how understanding these elements helps in deciphering complex terms. Focusing on prefixes, we cover various categories, including those for quantity, size, color, time, and location. By breaking words down into their components, we make it easier for viewers to grasp medical terms and enhance memory retention. Perfect for beginners, this video provides an engaging and educational approach to mastering medical language.

Takeaways

• 😀 Medical terminology is the language used to describe anatomy, conditions, diagnoses, procedures, treatments, and more.
• 😀 Breaking down medical words into their parts (prefix, root, and suffix) helps make the meanings easier to understand.
• 😀 The prefix typically describes the characteristic of the term, such as location, direction, or quantity.
• 😀 The root is the core of the word and usually refers to a body part or system.
• 😀 The suffix defines the condition, procedure, or test associated with the term.
• 😀 Example: 'Hyperthyroidism' is made up of the prefix 'hyper' (excess), root 'thyroid' (gland), and suffix 'ism' (condition).
• 😀 Prefixes related to quantity include 'Mono' (one), 'Bi' (two), 'Tri' (three), and 'Multi' (many).
• 😀 Common prefixes for size include 'Micro' (small), 'Macro' (large), and 'Megalo' (very large).
• 😀 Color-related prefixes include 'Chromo' (color), 'Erythro' (red), 'Leuko' (white), and 'Melano' (black).
• 😀 Time-related prefixes include 'Pre' (before), 'Post' (after), and 'Re' (again).
• 😀 Prefixes for position and location include 'Epi' (above), 'Sub' (below), 'Intra' (inside), and 'Exo' (outside).

Q & A

What is medical terminology?

Medical terminology is the language used to describe medical concepts, such as anatomy, conditions, procedures, treatments, and more. It is essential for effective communication in the healthcare field.

How can breaking down medical words help in understanding them?

Breaking down medical words into their components—prefix, root, and suffix—helps clarify their meanings. Understanding these elements makes it easier to comprehend complex medical terms.

What is the role of a prefix in medical terminology?

The prefix in a medical term often describes characteristics such as location, direction, number, quantity, size, or color. It typically appears at the beginning of the word.

Can you explain the role of the root in a medical term?

The root is the core of a medical term, typically describing the main subject of the term, such as a body part or system. If there is no prefix, the root forms the beginning of the word.

What does a suffix do in medical terminology?

A suffix gives additional meaning to a medical term, often indicating a condition, disease, process, procedure, or test. It typically appears at the end of the word.

What does the prefix 'hyper-' mean?

'Hyper-' refers to something being above normal, excessive, or in excess. For example, 'hyperthyroidism' means an overactive thyroid producing too much hormone.

What is the difference between 'hypo-' and 'hyper-'?

'Hypo-' means below normal, deficient, or low (e.g., 'hypoglycemia' - low blood sugar), while 'hyper-' refers to above normal, excessive, or high (e.g., 'hyperglycemia' - high blood sugar).

What does the prefix 'chromo-' refer to?

'Chromo-' refers to color. It comes from 'chromosome,' which means 'colored body.' For example, 'chromosome' refers to a structure containing genetic material.

What is the significance of the prefixes 'ante-' and 'post-'?

'Ante-' means before (e.g., 'antepartum' - before childbirth), and 'post-' means after (e.g., 'postoperative' - after surgery). Both are used to indicate timing in relation to an event.

How does the prefix 'para-' relate to position?

'Para-' means beside, near, or alongside. It is used to describe things that are near or adjacent, such as in 'paracellular,' meaning located beside cells.