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3: Prefixes

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    150522

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    Learning Objectives

    By the end of this chapter you should be able to

    1. Define the term “prefix” and list common prefixes
    2. List common prefixes related to location
    3. List common prefixes related to diagnostic tests and patient symptoms
    4. List common prefixes related to numbers and size
    5. Identify key medical concepts discussed in this chapter
    6. Define common medical terms related to prefixes discussed in this chapter

    Although prefixes are not present in all medical terms, their use is important in medical terminology because they provide an added layer of detail when discussing aspects of health care. We will explore the use of prefixes in terms that describe patient symptoms, diagnostic procedures, numbers, size, location, and other medical concepts. As has been done in the previous chapters, examples and explanations will be provided throughout. The exercises and review activities are designed to strengthen your knowledge of prefixes and medical terminology as a whole. Extra review of combining forms and suffixes that were introduced earlier in the book will also be provided. A solid foundation of knowledge concerning prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms is needed before we go on to other chapters and more detail about body systems, tests and procedures, and hospital-specific content.

    • 3.1: Prefixes for Location
      This page covers the use of prefixes in medical terminology, emphasizing their significance for understanding anatomical terms and spatial concepts. It details prefixes like "ab-," "ad-," "endo-," "exo-," and "trans-," with examples including hormone glands, ectopic pregnancies, transdermal patches, and the transurethral resection of the prostate. The discussion highlights how familiarity with these prefixes aids in comprehending medical language and procedures.
    • 3.2: Prefixes for Diagnostic Procedures and Symptoms
      This page covers key medical prefixes and their meanings, highlighting their role in diagnostic terms related to various health conditions. It explains prefixes like "a-/an-", "hyper-", and "hypo-", and their oppositional meanings in terms such as bradycardia, tachycardia, and dyspnea. The page also outlines medical terms associated with urinary and respiratory health, emphasizing the significance of understanding these terms for effective diagnosis and treatment in healthcare.
    • 3.3: Prefixes for Number and Size
      This page covers essential prefixes in medical terminology that signify numbers, size, and amounts, such as "nulli-" for none, "uni-" for one, "bi-" for two, and "poly-" for many, with terms like "unilateral," "bilateral," and "polydactyly" as examples. It also introduces size-related prefixes like "macro-" for large and "micro-" for small, illustrated with terms such as "macrophage." The inclusion of exercises aims to reinforce understanding of these concepts.
    • 3.4: Additional Prefixes
      This page presents essential medical prefixes, providing their meanings and examples within medical terminology. Key prefixes covered include "anti-", "dia-", "de-", "eu-", "hemi-", "sym-", "syn-", and "ultra-," with examples like "antibiotic," "diagnosis," and "ultrasonogram." It highlights the importance of these prefixes for effective medical communication and includes review exercises for reinforcement.
    • 3.5: Review Exercises
      This page presents a review exercise centered on prefixes, combining forms, and suffixes in medical terminology, highlighting the significance of mastering the content from Chapter 3. It encourages readers to actively participate in reviewing and studying the chapter to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the concepts.

    Attribution

    Unless otherwise indicated, material on this page has been adapted from the following resource:

    Carter, K. & Rutherford, M. (2020). Building a Medical Terminology Foundation. eCampus Ontario. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/medicalterminology/ licensed under CC BY 4.0

    This page titled 3: Prefixes is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lisa Sturdy and Susanne Erickson via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.