Medical terminology uses prefixes, suffixes, and root words to build concise terms to describe medical concepts. Root words usually refer to body parts and convey essential meaning. Prefixes provide additional location or other information, and suffixes indicate conditions or processes. Understanding the meaning of each component helps define terms from their structural breakdown. Mastering common prefixes, suffixes, and root words is important for proper use of medical terminology in patient care.

1. GD Goenka Healthcare
INTRODUCTION TO
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

2. Introduction
• Medical terminology is the language of
health care.
• Medical terminology is much more concise
than normal English for describing things
of a medical nature.
• By understanding terms, components,
even complex words, can be broken down.

3. Structure of Medical Terms
• Three basic components
– Combining form
– Suffix
– Prefix

4. How to Define Medical Terms
• Terms can easily be defined by determining
the meaning of their parts.
• Read left to right, but define by interpreting
the suffix, then the prefix, then the
combining form.
prefix combining form suffix
hyper- glyc/o -emia
(above or excessive) (sugar) (blood condition)

5. The Root
• The main part or stem of a word is called a root word. A root word
conveys the essential meaning of the word and frequently
indicates a body part. With a combining form, the root word and a
combining vowel such as i, e, o, or a may be combined with
another root word, a prefix, or a suffix to describe a particular
structure or condition.. The word root is a term derived from a
source language such as Greek or Latin and usually describes a
body part.
• Example: Cysto: (Bladder). A frequently used term in EMS is CPR, which
stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. When we break it down, cardio
is a root word meaning “heart,” and pulmonary is a root word meaning
“lungs.” By performing CPR, we introduce air into the lungs and circulate
blood by compressing the heart to resuscitate the patient. Some root
words may also be used as prefixes or suffixes; those already appear in
the earlier tables. table 3 lists common root words.

6. The Prefix
• The prefix can be added in front of the term to modify the word
root by giving additional information about the location of an
organ, the number of parts, or time involved. as well as in medical
and scientific terminology. When a medical word (ventilation)
contains a prefix (hyper), the meaning of the word is altered
(hyperventilation). Not all medical terms have prefixes. By
learning to recognize a few of the more commonly used medical
prefixes, you can figure out the meanings of terms that may not
be immediately familiar to you. table 1 lists common prefixes.

7. The suffix
• Suffixes are attached to the end of a word root to add
meaning or to change the original meaning, such as
condition, disease process, or procedure. A commonly used
suffix is -itis, which means “inflammation.” When this suffix
is paired with the prefix arthro-, meaning joint, the
resulting word is arthritis, an inflammation of the joints.
Sometimes it is necessary to change the last letter or
letters of the root word or prefix when a suffix is added to
make pronunciation easier. table 2 lists common suffixes.

8. Common Prefixes in Medical Terms

9. Common Suffixes in Medical Terms

10. Medical Symbols
> greater than ‘ foot, minute
< less than “ inch, second
↑ higher, elevate, up ° degree
↓ lower, down F female
# pound or number M male

11. Summary
• The proper use of medical terminology will help
ensure clarity in the sharing of information
regarding the patient.
• The Advanced EMT should keep abreast of
medical terms and abbreviations as they pertain
to the practice.
• The proper use of medical terminology is an
expectation of the Advanced EMT.