Medical terminology is composed of a prefix, root word, and suffix: Prefix: A prefix is placed at the beginning of a word to modify or change its meaning. Pre means "before." Prefixes may also indicate a location, number, or time. Root: central part of a word. Suffix: The ending part of a word that modifies the meaning of the word. Additional resources: [Intro to med terms] [Med terms rules] [Med term reference] [Word building reference] [Practice Exams]
Medical terminology is used to precisely describe the human body components, processes, illnesses, medical procedures, and pharmacology. Medical terms are used in the field of medicine, and clinical settings. This section deals with all med terms beginning with the letter L, and features medical roots, prefixes and suffixes. Introduction to Medical Terminology.
Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: labi/o 1st Root Definition: lip 2nd Root Word: dent/i 2nd Root Word Definition: tooth Suffix: -al Suffix Definition: pertaining to Definition: pertaining to a sound made with the lips and teeth
lactase
Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: lact/o 1st Root Definition: milk 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -ase Suffix Definition: enzyme Definition: enzyme that breaks down milk sugar lactose into glucose
lactation
Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: lact/o 1st Root Definition: milk 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -ion Suffix Definition: process Definition: process of secreting milk by the mammary glands
laparotomy
Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: lapar/o 1st Root Definition: abdominal wall; abdomen 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -tomy Suffix Definition: process of cutting Definition: surgical incision into the abdominal cavity
leukemia
Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: leuk/o 1st Root Definition: white 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -emia Suffix Definition: blood condition Definition: the body forming too many white blood cells; type of cancer
leukocyte
Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: leuk/o 1st Root Definition: white 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -cyte Suffix Definition: cell Definition: white blood cells
leukopenia
Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: leuk/o 1st Root Definition: white 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -penia Suffix Definition: deficiency Definition: deficiency of white cells in the blood
Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: lip/o 1st Root Definition: fat; lipid 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -suction Suffix Definition: removal Definition: procedure to remove excess fat by suctioning under the skin
lithotomy
Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: lith/o 1st Root Definition: stone; calculus 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -tomy Suffix Definition: process of cutting Definition: surgical procedure to remove a stone
lithotripsy
Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: lith/o 1st Root Definition: stone; calculus 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -tripsy Suffix Definition: to cut Definition: process of breaking stones into small particles that can pass
in urine
lumbar
Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: lumb/o 1st Root Definition: lower back; loin 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -ar Suffix Definition: pertaining to Definition: pertaining to the lower back; loin
lymphedema
Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: lymph/o 1st Root Definition: lymph 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -edema Suffix Definition: swelling Definition: accumulation of fluid causing swelling in an area of the body
Quick Introduction- provides an overview and introduction to medical terminology. Medical Terms- rules governing singular versus plural versions of medical terms are described. Medical Terminology Exams- twenty new exams were created to test your knowledge of medical terminology.
Word Building Reference- This resource strengthens your understanding of medical terminology. See how common medical terms are created using the various prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
Medical Terminology Intuitive SectionThis section was developed for 'speed learning' of medical terminology. Start by reviewing the meanings for a block of medical terms, and then go back and choose a previous term randomly and try to recall the meaning of that particular medical term before hovering over the term to determine the answer. These frequent mini-tests will accelerate the learning process and in a relatively short period of time, you will be able to quickly recall the meaning of all of the listed medical terms. This method of learning is superior to flash cards because of the frequent exposure and testing of your recall.