FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Directions: After reading the question, stop and write your answer. Then click on the slide for the answer. See if you are correct!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Question: How can you use word components to relate medical terms to the structure and function of the human body?

Answer: Once you know the meaning of the root components, it will be easier to remember medical terms explained in their proper context. For example, when you encounter the term hepatitis, you will know the term means inflammation of the liver if you know that hepat- means liver and -itis means inflammation. You do not need previous knowledge of biology, anatomy, or physiology to be able to understand medical terms.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Question: Why is it important to be able to break down medical terms into component parts? Why not just memorize each term?

Answer: The goal of understanding the components of medical terms is to make understanding complex terminology easier. Because you are able to separate both complicated and simple terms into understandable word elements, you will be able to decipher virtually all medical terms. As you become familiar with the word parts and learn what each one means, you will be able to recognize those word parts in totally new combinations in other terms.