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 Y, and features medical roots, prefixes and suffixes. Introduction to Medical Terminology.
Word Building and Medical Terms beginning with the letter Y
-ydor
Prefix denoting Hydor which means water in Greek.
Hydrolysis (hydor = water + lyein = to dissolve or to unbind). A chemical reaction in which water is used to split a molecule into two parts.
-yne
Suffix used to denote unsaturated compounds containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. Alkynes, for example.
yocto-
Prefix denoting yoctosecond. Yoctosecond is the smallest SI prefix defined as 1024 seconds or a septillionth of a second.
-yl
Suffix denoting a monovalent hydrocarbon radical. Alkyl group in organic chemistry. Alkyl group is a functional group formed from an alkane (a hydrocarbon with single carbon-carbon bonds) by losing a hydrogen atom; methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl, for example.
-ylene
Suffix denoting a bivalent hydrocarbon radical. Ethylene, methylene, and propylene, for example.
-yper
Denoting hyper - above, more
Hyperalbuminemia - Abnormally elevated blood albumin levels.
Hyperbilirubinemia - An elevated level of serum or plasma bilirubin concentrations (above 1 mg/dL)
Hypercalcemia - Higher than normal blood calcium levels (above 10.5 and 12 mg/dL)
Hypercapnia - Elevated blood and tissue concentrations of CO2 with the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) above 45 mm Hg.
Hyperglycemia - Elevated blood glucose levels (more than 130 mg/dL)
Hypergonadism - Hyper-functioning of the gonads. In this condition, testis and ovaries secrete high levels of testosterone and estrogen.
Hyperinsulinism - Hyperfunctioning of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in high insulin secretion.
Hyperlipidemia - Abnormally high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the circulation.
Hypotension - Abnormally low arterial pressure, less than 90/60mm Hg.
Hypothyroidism - Underactive thyroid gland producing too little thyroid hormone
Hypoxemia - Low Blood oxygen levels; Mild hypoxemia: Partial pressure of Oxygen (PaO2) = 60 to 79 mmHg; Moderate hypoxemia: Partial pressure of Oxygen (PaO2) = 40 to 59 mmHg
ystera
Greek term denoting uterus
Uterus, or womb, a hollow, inverted pear-shaped female secondary sex organ, located in the lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum. It functions to house and nourish the fetus until delivery.
-y
Suffix denoting a noun ending
Myopathy
Disorder of the skeletal muscle is characterized by weakness, inflammation, tetany, or paralysis. Myopathies have varying etiologies, the most common being inherited, idiopathic, infectious, or inflammatory. Certain drugs and metabolic conditions also induce myopathy.
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.
