Each definition is followed by two terms. Check the term that has been defined.
1 Pertaining to under the tongue
a. esophageal
b. sublingual
2 The combining form for digestion
a. gastro
b. peps/o
3 The spelling of the word for the third portion of the small intestine, which connects with the large intestine
a. ilium
b. ileum
4 Inflammation of the roof of the mouth
a. palatitis
b. pancreatitis
5 The combining form for bile duct
a. cholangio
b. sholle
6 Difficulty in swallowing
a. dysphasia
b. dysphagia
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Correct Answers:
- b. sublingual
- “Sublingual” means pertaining to under the tongue. The prefix “sub-” means “under,” and “lingual” refers to the tongue.
- b. peps/o
- The combining form “peps/o” relates to digestion. “Gastro” refers to the stomach, not digestion itself.
- b. ileum
- “Ileum” is the correct spelling for the third portion of the small intestine. “Ilium” refers to a part of the hip bone.
- a. palatitis
- “Palatitis” refers to inflammation of the roof of the mouth (palate). “Pancreatitis” refers to inflammation of the pancreas.
- a. cholangio
- The combining form “cholangio” refers to the bile duct. “Sholle” is not a valid medical term.
- b. dysphagia
- “Dysphagia” means difficulty in swallowing. “Dysphasia” refers to difficulty in speech.
Explanation:
Medical terminology is built on word roots, prefixes, and suffixes derived from Greek and Latin. Each component carries specific meanings, making the terms precise and descriptive. Understanding the definition of a medical term requires analyzing its components:
- Sublingual: The prefix “sub-” means “under,” and “lingual” pertains to the tongue, making it the term for “under the tongue.”
- Peps/o: This combining form relates to digestion processes. “Gastro,” while associated with the stomach, is not specific to digestion.
- Ileum: This term refers to the third segment of the small intestine, distinct from the “ilium,” which is part of the pelvis.
- Palatitis: The term correctly describes inflammation (“-itis”) of the palate, contrasting with “pancreatitis,” which involves the pancreas.
- Cholangio: This root combines “chol-” (bile) and “-angio” (vessel/duct), specifically denoting the bile duct.
- Dysphagia: “Dys-” implies difficulty, and “-phagia” pertains to swallowing, while “-phasia” relates to speech.
Mastering medical terminology aids in effective communication within healthcare, ensuring accuracy in diagnosis, treatment, and documentation. By dissecting terms into their roots and affixes, healthcare professionals can identify their meanings systematically.