Free NHA Medical Terminology Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the prefix "brady-" mean in medical terminology?
- Fast
- Slow (Correct answer)
- Normal
- Irregular
Correct answer: Slow
The prefix "brady-" means "slow." It is commonly used in terms like "bradycardia," which refers to a slower-than-normal heart rate.
Question 2: The suffix "-ectomy" refers to what type of medical procedure?
- Incision
- Examination
- Repair
- Removal (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Removal
The suffix "-ectomy" in medical terminology always denotes the surgical removal of an organ or part of the body. Common examples include "appendectomy" (removal of the appendix) and "tonsillectomy" (removal of the tonsils). This suffix is a key component for understanding various surgical procedures.
Question 3: What does the root word "hepat/o" refer to in medical terminology?
- Heart
- Kidney
- Lungs
- Liver (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Liver
The root word "hepat/o" is derived from the Greek word for liver. Therefore, any medical term containing "hepat/o" directly relates to the liver, such as "hepatitis" (inflammation of the liver) or "hepatomegaly" (enlargement of the liver). Recognizing this root is fundamental for understanding liver-related conditions.
Question 4: What is the meaning of the medical term "hypertension"?
- Low blood pressure
- High blood pressure (Correct answer)
- Normal blood pressure
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
Correct answer: High blood pressure
The medical term "hypertension" literally translates to high tension, specifically referring to high blood pressure. The prefix "hyper-" means excessive or above normal, and "tension" relates to pressure. It is a common chronic condition that requires management to prevent serious health complications.
Question 5: The term "neuropathy" refers to a disorder involving which part of the body?
- Bones
- Skin
- Muscles
- Nerves (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Nerves
The term "neuropathy" combines the root "neur/o," meaning nerve, with the suffix "-pathy," meaning disease or suffering. Therefore, neuropathy refers to any disorder or damage affecting the nerves, often causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, and pain. It highlights the importance of nerve health in the body's overall function.
What does the prefix "brady-" mean in medical terminology?