Understanding Medical Terms

Posted on | Tuesday, October 21, 2014 | No Comments

Most medical term derived from Greek or Latin, although some are derived from modern languages​​, particularly German, French, and English. In general, the terms related to the diagnosis and surgery has Greek origin, while the anatomical term comes from Latin. An understanding of the structure of medical terms and the ability to break down medical terms into sections can help you maximize the benefits from the use of medical dictionary and make it easier to understand medical terminology.

Most medical terms have the structure of root words, prefixes, suffixes, and combined vocal / form as follows:

     The root of the word: it can be combined with a prefix or suffix.
     Prefix: placed before the root word to modify its meaning.
     Suffix: placed after the root word to modify and give significance to the root of the word; form a noun, verb, or adjective.
     Liaison: vocals which serves to connect the two root words (eg on kardi o / o).

To understand the medical terminology, you should first look at the meaning of the suffix, then the meaning of the root word and prefix.

Example: hiperlipoproteinemia

     hyper- (prefix) = excessive
     lip (root) = fat
     o (vocals used to create a combined form, liposomal)
     protein (root) = protein
     -emia (suffix) = blood condition

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