Medical Terminology Flashcards

What is the medical term for inflammation of the liver?

Answer: Hepatitis

The medical term 'hepatitis' is derived from 'hepato-', meaning liver, and '-itis', meaning inflammation. Therefore, hepatitis specifically refers to the inflammation of the liver. This term is crucial for accurate diagnosis and communication among healthcare professionals regarding liver conditions.

What does the medical prefix 'tachy-' mean?

Answer: Fast

The medical prefix 'tachy-' consistently means 'fast' or 'rapid' in medical terminology. For example, 'tachycardia' refers to a fast heart rate, and 'tachypnea' refers to rapid breathing. Understanding this prefix is essential for deciphering and comprehending many medical terms related to speed or rate.

What is the medical term for high blood pressure?

Answer: Hypertension

The medical term for high blood pressure is 'hypertension.' This term combines the prefix 'hyper-', meaning high or excessive, with 'tension,' referring to pressure. Conversely, 'hypotension' refers to low blood pressure, highlighting the importance of prefixes in medical terminology.

Which of the following terms refers to a deficiency of red blood cells?

Answer: Anemia

Anemia is the medical term for a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. This deficiency leads to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, causing symptoms like fatigue and weakness. Understanding this term is fundamental for diagnosing and discussing blood disorders.

What is the medical term for a surgical incision into the abdomen?

Answer: Laparotomy

Laparotomy is the correct medical term for a surgical incision into the abdomen. The prefix 'laparo-' refers to the abdomen or flank, and the suffix '-otomy' denotes a surgical incision. This term is used to describe an open surgical procedure to access organs within the abdominal cavity.

What is the medical term for a decrease in bone density?

Answer: Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the medical term for a condition characterized by a decrease in bone density, making bones brittle and susceptible to fractures. The term combines 'osteo-', meaning bone, with 'porosis,' referring to porous or weakened structure. This condition is a significant public health concern, especially among older adults.

What does the medical suffix '-itis' typically refer to?

Answer: Inflammation

The medical suffix '-itis' universally refers to inflammation. This suffix is commonly used across various medical terms to indicate inflammation of a specific organ or tissue, such as 'appendicitis' (inflammation of the appendix) or 'arthritis' (inflammation of a joint). Recognizing this suffix is key to understanding many diagnostic terms.

Which of the following terms refers to the surgical removal of the gallbladder?

Answer: Cholecystectomy

Cholecystectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of the gallbladder. This term is derived from 'cholecyst-', referring to the gallbladder, and '-ectomy,' meaning surgical removal. It is a common procedure performed to treat conditions like gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.

What is the medical term for the surgical removal of the appendix?

Answer: Appendectomy

Appendectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of the appendix. The term combines 'append-', referring to the appendix, with '-ectomy,' meaning surgical removal. This procedure is most commonly performed to treat appendicitis, which is inflammation of the appendix.