5 Terminology of the Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, and Nervous Systems Free Online FlashCards

What is the recommended order for decoding a medical term?

Identify the suffix first, then the prefix, then the root or roots; combine their meanings in context.

When is a combining vowel usually omitted?

A combining vowel, usually “o,” is generally omitted before a suffix that begins with a vowel: neuritis, not neuroitis.

What does oste/o/arthr/itis mean?

It means inflammation involving bone and joint: oste/o means bone, arthr/o means joint, and -itis means inflammation.

What does the suffix -ectomy mean?

-Ectomy means surgical removal.

What structures make up the integumentary system?

It includes the skin and accessory structures such as hair, nails, and glands.

What does the combining form onych/o mean?

Onych/o means nail.

What are key functions of the skeletal system?

It supports and protects the body and works with muscles to enable movement.

Why does myel/o require context to interpret?

Myel/o can mean bone marrow or spinal cord; use the surrounding term and body system to determine which meaning applies.

What do ten/o and tendin/o mean?

Ten/o and tendin/o mean tendon; tendinitis means inflammation of a tendon.

What distinguishes the CNS from the PNS?

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. The PNS includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

What is polyneuropathy?

Polyneuropathy is a disorder affecting multiple nerves: poly- means many, neur/o means nerve, and -pathy means disorder.

What does -oma indicate, and what does it not establish?

-Oma means a mass or tumor, but the suffix alone does not establish whether a growth is cancerous.