Medical terminology worksheet featuring ten multiple-choice questions on word roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

Let's go through each question on the Medical Terminology Worksheet and solve them one by one with explanations.

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1. An example of a diagnostic suffix is:

a. -gram
b. -desis
c. -scopy
d. -itis

✔ Correct answer: c. -scopy

Explanation:
- -scopy means "to view" or "examination using an instrument." For example, *endoscopy* (viewing inside the body).
- Diagnostic suffixes are used to describe procedures that diagnose conditions.
- -gram (e.g., *electrocardiogram*) refers to a record or picture — also diagnostic, but less commonly categorized as purely diagnostic in this context.
- However, -scopy is more directly associated with diagnostic procedures involving visual inspection.
- -desis = surgical fixation (surgical), -itis = inflammation (condition).

> So, -scopy is the best choice for a diagnostic suffix.

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2. An example of a prefix meaning position is:

a. ab-
b. uni-
c. post-
d. brady-

✔ Correct answer: c. post-

Explanation:
- post- means "after" or "behind" → indicates position (e.g., *posterior*, *postoperative*).
- ab- = away from (direction)
- uni- = one (number)
- brady- = slow (speed)

So, post- is related to position, making it correct.

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3. An example of a prefix meaning direction or location is:

a. para-
b. sub-
c. hemi-
d. poly-

✔ Correct answer: b. sub-

Explanation:
- sub- = under, below → indicates location/direction (e.g., *subcutaneous* = under the skin).
- para- = beside, near (also directional/location)
- But sub- is more universally recognized for direction/location.
- hemi- = half, poly- = many → both relate to quantity.

While para- could be considered, sub- is a clearer and more common example of a directional/location prefix.

✔ So, b. sub- is the best answer.

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4. An example of a surgical suffix is:

a. -desis
b. -crit
c. -oma
d. -ac

✔ Correct answer: a. -desis

Explanation:
- -desis = surgical fixation or binding (e.g., *arthrodesis* = joining of joints).
- -crit = to cut (e.g., *tracheotomy* – not a suffix alone; actually, *-tomy* is cutting).
- -oma = tumor (pathological condition, not surgery)
- -ac = pertaining to (adjective)

So, -desis is a surgical suffix.

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5. An example of a noun suffix is:

a. -algia
b. -tomy
c. -ist
d. -philia

✔ Correct answer: c. -ist

Explanation:
- -ist = person who specializes in (e.g., *cardiologist* = person who studies heart) → forms a noun (person).
- -algia = pain (e.g., *neuralgia*) → noun, but often part of disease names
- -tomy = cutting (e.g., *laparotomy*) → surgical procedure (noun), but usually describes actions
- -philia = love/attraction (e.g., *hemophilia*) → condition

But -ist specifically creates nouns referring to people — so it’s a clear noun suffix.

✔ Best answer: c. -ist

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6. All of the following are adjectival suffixes EXCEPT:

a. -ary
b. -ior
c. -ac
d. -ole

✔ Correct answer: d. -ole

Explanation:
- -ary = relating to (e.g., *cardiac* → cardiac artery)
- -ior = smaller (e.g., *superior* = above, but also comparative), often used in anatomical terms like *anterior*
- -ac = pertaining to (e.g., *gastric*)
- -ole = small (e.g., *capillary*, *arteriole*) → this is not an adjectival suffix; it’s a diminutive (size), and makes nouns.

So, -ole does not form adjectives; it modifies nouns.

✔ Therefore, d. -ole is the exception.

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7. Epigastric means:

a. Below the stomach
b. Above the stomach
c. Inside the stomach
d. Stomach

✔ Correct answer: b. Above the stomach

Explanation:
- epi- = above
- gastr- = stomach
- So, epigastric = above the stomach (e.g., epigastric pain is pain in the upper abdomen).

✔ Answer: b

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8. This element can identify color.

a. Suffix
b. Prefix
c. Root
d. Combining form

✔ Correct answer: c. Root

Explanation:
- Roots often carry core meanings, including color.
- Example: cyan/o = blue (e.g., *cyanosis* = bluish discoloration)
- erythr/o = red (e.g., *erythema* = redness)
- leuk/o = white (e.g., *leukemia* = white blood cells)
- Prefixes don’t typically denote color.
- Suffixes are endings and rarely define color.
- Combining forms are roots + vowels, but the root itself carries the color meaning.

✔ So, Root is correct.

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9. This element can only appear at the end of the term.

a. Prefix
b. Suffix
c. Root
d. Combining form

✔ Correct answer: b. Suffix

Explanation:
- Suffix always appears at the end of a medical term.
- Prefix appears at the beginning.
- Root is the core word, usually in the middle.
- Combining form connects parts, usually in the middle.

✔ So, suffix is the only element that must be at the end.

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10. This element does not require a combining vowel.

a. Suffix
b. Prefix
c. Root
d. Combining form

✔ Correct answer: b. Prefix

Explanation:
- Prefixes are added at the beginning and do not need a combining vowel.
- Roots may need a combining vowel when joined to another root or suffix.
- Combining forms include a vowel (like *-o-*), so they already have one.
- Suffixes do not require a combining vowel either, but the key point is:
- Prefixes never use a combining vowel.
- Roots often do, especially when combined with other roots.

So, prefix is the element that does not require a combining vowel.

✔ Answer: b. Prefix

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## ✔ Final Answers:

| Question | Answer |
|--------|--------|
| 1 | c. -scopy |
| 2 | c. post- |
| 3 | b. sub- |
| 4 | a. -desis |
| 5 | c. -ist |
| 6 | d. -ole |
| 7 | b. Above the stomach |
| 8 | c. Root |
| 9 | b. Suffix |
| 10 | b. Prefix |

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