Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

Which component of medical terminology provides the general meaning of the term?

1. Word Root

2. Suffix

3. Prefix

4. Combining form

The correct answer is: Word Root

The component of medical terminology that provides the general meaning of the term is the word root. Word roots are the foundational part of a term that typically conveys its primary significance, often relating to a specific body part or a key concept in the medical field. Understanding the word root helps in identifying the main subject of the medical term, which serves as the core around which other components, such as prefixes or suffixes, are added to modify or specify its meaning further. For example, in the term "cardiology," the word root "cardi-" refers to the heart. This establishes the basic meaning of the term as related to heart function or heart disease. Other components like prefixes or suffixes can alter the context or specify details but do not change the fundamental meaning that the word root provides. Using prefixes and suffixes enhances the complexity and specificity of medical terms, such as indicating a condition, procedure, or abnormality, but they do not serve as the central core of meaning in the same way the word root does. A combining form can also convey meaning combined with a vowel for ease of pronunciation, yet it is still fundamentally built around the word root. Therefore, identifying the word root as the primary source of meaning is crucial for understanding medical terminology