Which medical terminology word part provides the general meaning of the word?
A.
Combining vowel.
B.
Word root.
C.
Suffix.
D.
Prefix.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Word root.
Explanation:
In medical terminology, the word root is the core part of the word that provides its fundamental meaning. It is the central component of a medical term and often relates to a body part, condition, or function. Understanding the word root is crucial for interpreting the overall meaning of a medical term, as it typically carries the primary semantic content.
- Word Root: The word root is the base of the term that holds the main meaning. For example, in the term “cardiology,” the root word is “cardi,” which means heart. When combined with other word parts, the root helps form a term that describes the study or treatment of a specific aspect related to the root. In “dermatitis,” the root “dermat” refers to the skin, while “itis” (a suffix) indicates inflammation. Thus, the term means inflammation of the skin. The root provides the essential meaning, which is then modified by other elements.
- Combining Vowel: The combining vowel (usually “o”) is used to join the root word to suffixes or other roots. It does not provide meaning on its own but facilitates pronunciation and readability of the term. For instance, in “gastroenterology,” the combining vowel “o” links “gastr” (stomach) and “enter” (intestine) to make a term that refers to the study of the digestive system.
- Suffix: A suffix is added to the end of a word root to modify its meaning or to indicate a condition, procedure, or disease. For example, “-itis” denotes inflammation, as seen in “arthritis” (inflammation of the joints). While suffixes change or specify the meaning of the root, they do not provide the base meaning themselves.
- Prefix: A prefix is added to the beginning of a word root to alter its meaning or to indicate location, time, or number. For instance, “hypo-” means below or under, as seen in “hypoglycemia” (low blood sugar). While prefixes modify the meaning of the root, they do not constitute the main meaning of the term.
In summary, the word root is the primary component of a medical term that provides its essential meaning, whereas prefixes, suffixes, and combining vowels modify or supplement that meaning.