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Nov 28, 2025
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Understanding Medical Terminology: Basics and Key Concepts
vivian garcia (follow4follow)
@viviangarcia_pcfl
1 / 5
Medical Terminology Basics
When medical professionals document patient information, they use specific formats like SOAP notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) and record them in an EMR (Electronic Medical Record). Understanding these systems helps you see how medical information is organized.
Medical terms follow patterns with prefixes, roots, and suffixes that give clues to their meanings. For example, the prefix "a-" means "without," as in apoxia (without oxygen), while suffixes like "-al" and "-ic" mean "pertaining to," as seen in pulmonary (pertaining to the lungs). These patterns make learning medical terms easier than memorizing each word individually.
Root words tell you what body part or system is involved. Derm- relates to skin (as in dermatologist), audi/o relates to hearing, and physio refers to natural or physical functions. The suffix -ology means "the study of," which is why gynecology is the study of women's reproductive health.
Pro Tip: When you encounter a new medical term, try breaking it into parts. The prefix comes first, the root is in the middle, and the suffix comes last. This strategy will help you decode thousands of medical terms!
Body Systems and Conditions
Medical terminology helps us describe both normal body functions and what happens when things go wrong. For instance, gastr/o refers to the stomach, while enter/o points to the intestines. When combined with other word parts, they create terms like gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines).
Prefixes can indicate quantity or size. Pan- means "all" (as in pancytopenia, low levels of all blood cells), while micro- means "small" (as in microcephaly, abnormally small head). Hemi- indicates "one half," which explains why hemiparesis means weakness on one side of the body.
Blood-related terms often use the roots hema-, hemat/o, or hem/o. For example, hemophilia is a disorder where blood doesn't clot properly. Similarly, hepat/o relates to the liver, as in hepatitis B (a liver infection).
Remember This: Directional prefixes are super important! Retro- means "backward," while re- means "again." These small word parts can completely change a term's meaning, so pay close attention to them on tests.
Structures and Formations
Medical word endings often indicate what kind of structure you're talking about. Suffixes like -ium, -tic, and -ous refer to structures, tissues, or regions of the body. For example, delirium is a confused mental state affecting brain function.
Problem indicators are important to recognize. The suffix -cele means a swelling, hernia, or tumor, as in bronchocele . Cell-related terms often include -cyte , while quantity prefixes like mono- (one) and poly- (many) help describe numbers.
Body part roots help locate conditions. Acoust/o relates to hearing, somato- refers to the body, and neur/o refers to nerves. Procedure suffixes tell you what's being done: -plasty means surgical reshaping , and -pexy means surgical fixation .
Make This Connection: Many medical terms follow this pattern: quantity + body part + problem. For example, "polycystic" breaks down into poly (many) + cyst + ic (pertaining to). This pattern works for hundreds of medical terms!
Diagnostic Procedures and Conditions
Diagnostic procedures often end with -gram (the record) or -graphy (the process of recording). An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart, while electrocardiography is the process of measuring electrical activity in the heart.
Disease-related suffixes help identify specific conditions. The suffix -algia indicates pain , while -itis signals inflammation . When you see -iasis, it typically indicates a condition characterized by or produced by something, as in psoriasis.
Medical specialties often end with -iatric, meaning "healing." Geriatrics focuses on healthcare for elderly patients. Other important suffixes include -lysis (breaking down), as in hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), and -scope (instrument for observation), like the stethoscope doctors use to listen to your heart and lungs.
Test Tip: For your medical terminology test, focus on the prefixes and suffixes that change a word's meaning the most dramatically. Terms with -itis (inflammation), -ectomy (surgical removal), and -rrhea (flow) are particularly common in healthcare settings.
Surgical Procedures and Conditions
Surgical procedures often contain suffixes that tell you exactly what's being done. -Tomy means cutting or incision, which is why an appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. Similarly, -rrhaphy refers to suturing, as in herniorrhaphy (surgical repair of a hernia).
When looking at discharge-related terms, -rrhea indicates flow or discharge (as in amenorrhea, absence of menstrual periods), while -rrhexis means rupture (as in amniorrhexis, rupture of the amniotic sac). The root py/o relates to pus, so pyogenic means pus-producing.
Structure-related roots give clues about physical characteristics. Scler/o means hard , sten/o refers to narrowing, and semi- indicates half .
Clinical Connection: Healthcare workers use these terms daily to communicate precisely about patient conditions. When a doctor orders an "appendectomy," everyone on the medical team instantly knows exactly what procedure is needed—no lengthy explanations required!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Medical Terminology: Basics and Key Concepts
vivian garcia (follow4follow)
@viviangarcia_pcfl
Medical terminology can seem like a secret language at first, but it's actually a system of logical parts that combine to create medical words. Learning these word parts—prefixes, roots, and suffixes—will help you decode unfamiliar terms and understand what doctors,... Show more
Medical Terminology Basics
When medical professionals document patient information, they use specific formats like SOAP notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) and record them in an EMR (Electronic Medical Record). Understanding these systems helps you see how medical information is organized.
Medical terms follow patterns with prefixes, roots, and suffixes that give clues to their meanings. For example, the prefix "a-" means "without," as in apoxia (without oxygen), while suffixes like "-al" and "-ic" mean "pertaining to," as seen in pulmonary (pertaining to the lungs). These patterns make learning medical terms easier than memorizing each word individually.
Root words tell you what body part or system is involved. Derm- relates to skin (as in dermatologist), audi/o relates to hearing, and physio refers to natural or physical functions. The suffix -ology means "the study of," which is why gynecology is the study of women's reproductive health.
Pro Tip: When you encounter a new medical term, try breaking it into parts. The prefix comes first, the root is in the middle, and the suffix comes last. This strategy will help you decode thousands of medical terms!
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Body Systems and Conditions
Medical terminology helps us describe both normal body functions and what happens when things go wrong. For instance, gastr/o refers to the stomach, while enter/o points to the intestines. When combined with other word parts, they create terms like gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines).
Prefixes can indicate quantity or size. Pan- means "all" (as in pancytopenia, low levels of all blood cells), while micro- means "small" (as in microcephaly, abnormally small head). Hemi- indicates "one half," which explains why hemiparesis means weakness on one side of the body.
Blood-related terms often use the roots hema-, hemat/o, or hem/o. For example, hemophilia is a disorder where blood doesn't clot properly. Similarly, hepat/o relates to the liver, as in hepatitis B (a liver infection).
Remember This: Directional prefixes are super important! Retro- means "backward," while re- means "again." These small word parts can completely change a term's meaning, so pay close attention to them on tests.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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Structures and Formations
Medical word endings often indicate what kind of structure you're talking about. Suffixes like -ium, -tic, and -ous refer to structures, tissues, or regions of the body. For example, delirium is a confused mental state affecting brain function.
Problem indicators are important to recognize. The suffix -cele means a swelling, hernia, or tumor, as in bronchocele . Cell-related terms often include -cyte , while quantity prefixes like mono- (one) and poly- (many) help describe numbers.
Body part roots help locate conditions. Acoust/o relates to hearing, somato- refers to the body, and neur/o refers to nerves. Procedure suffixes tell you what's being done: -plasty means surgical reshaping , and -pexy means surgical fixation .
Make This Connection: Many medical terms follow this pattern: quantity + body part + problem. For example, "polycystic" breaks down into poly (many) + cyst + ic (pertaining to). This pattern works for hundreds of medical terms!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Diagnostic Procedures and Conditions
Diagnostic procedures often end with -gram (the record) or -graphy (the process of recording). An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart, while electrocardiography is the process of measuring electrical activity in the heart.
Disease-related suffixes help identify specific conditions. The suffix -algia indicates pain , while -itis signals inflammation . When you see -iasis, it typically indicates a condition characterized by or produced by something, as in psoriasis.
Medical specialties often end with -iatric, meaning "healing." Geriatrics focuses on healthcare for elderly patients. Other important suffixes include -lysis (breaking down), as in hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), and -scope (instrument for observation), like the stethoscope doctors use to listen to your heart and lungs.
Test Tip: For your medical terminology test, focus on the prefixes and suffixes that change a word's meaning the most dramatically. Terms with -itis (inflammation), -ectomy (surgical removal), and -rrhea (flow) are particularly common in healthcare settings.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Surgical Procedures and Conditions
Surgical procedures often contain suffixes that tell you exactly what's being done. -Tomy means cutting or incision, which is why an appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. Similarly, -rrhaphy refers to suturing, as in herniorrhaphy (surgical repair of a hernia).
When looking at discharge-related terms, -rrhea indicates flow or discharge (as in amenorrhea, absence of menstrual periods), while -rrhexis means rupture (as in amniorrhexis, rupture of the amniotic sac). The root py/o relates to pus, so pyogenic means pus-producing.
Structure-related roots give clues about physical characteristics. Scler/o means hard , sten/o refers to narrowing, and semi- indicates half .
Clinical Connection: Healthcare workers use these terms daily to communicate precisely about patient conditions. When a doctor orders an "appendectomy," everyone on the medical team instantly knows exactly what procedure is needed—no lengthy explanations required!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user