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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Medical Terminology Quiz: Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes

Quick, free medical prefixes and suffixes quiz with instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Ajay SomanUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art illustration of quiz with homeo prefix and liver combining form text and medical icons on sky blue background

This medical terminology quiz helps you practice prefixes, roots, and suffixes so you can decode terms with confidence. You will review common forms and meanings, then see instant feedback. For more practice, explore the medical prefixes quiz and the medical word parts quiz, or check your progress with a medical terminology test.

What does the combining form 'arthr/o' mean?
Joint
Muscle
Cartilage
Bone
The combining form 'arthr/o' is derived from Greek and refers to a joint in medical terminology. It appears in many terms related to joint conditions and procedures. Correct identification of 'arthr/o' is fundamental to understanding joint-related medical terms.
What does the prefix 'homeo-' mean?
Same
Different
Half
Excessive
The prefix 'homeo-' means 'same' or 'similar.' It is used in words like 'homeostasis' to indicate a stable, balanced state. Recognizing this prefix helps in interpreting terms related to equilibrium.
The combining form 'hepat/o' refers to which organ?
Spleen
Kidney
Pancreas
Liver
The combining form 'hepat/o' denotes the liver in medical terminology. It appears in words like 'hepatitis' and 'hepatomegaly.' Identifying 'hepat/o' is essential for understanding liver-related conditions.
In medical terminology, '-itis' is a suffix meaning what?
Surgical removal
Inflammation
Study of
Pain
The suffix '-itis' indicates inflammation of an organ or tissue, as seen in terms like 'arthritis' (joint inflammation). Understanding common suffixes like '-itis' is critical for interpreting many medical terms.
What does the suffix '-logy' mean?
Inflammation
Study of
Breakdown
Enlargement
The suffix '-logy' means 'the study of' and appears in words like 'cardiology' (study of the heart). Recognizing '-logy' helps identify the field of study referenced by a term.
In the term 'arthritis', the suffix '-itis' indicates what?
Pain
Inflammation
Fluid
Condition
In 'arthritis', the suffix '-itis' specifies inflammation of the joint. This is consistent with the standard medical usage of '-itis.' Knowing these patterns helps decode many medical conditions.
What is the meaning of 'homeostasis'?
Cell division
Disease of blood
Water balance only
Maintenance of stable internal conditions
Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. It involves numerous organ systems working together. Recognizing this term is vital for understanding physiological processes.
In 'hepatomegaly', what does '-megaly' mean?
Inflammation
Disease
Repair
Enlargement
The suffix '-megaly' denotes enlargement of an organ, as seen in 'hepatomegaly' (enlarged liver). Recognizing '-megaly' helps identify conditions involving organ size.
What does 'arthrocentesis' refer to?
Surgical repair of a joint
Visual examination of a joint
Puncture of a joint to remove fluid
Study of joints
Arthrocentesis is the procedure of puncturing a joint to withdraw synovial fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It combines 'arthr/o' (joint) and '-centesis' (puncture). This procedure is common in joint disease evaluation.
What does the term 'arthrodesis' mean?
Surgical fusion of a joint
Visual exam of a joint
Pain in a joint
Removal of a joint
Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure to fuse the bones of a joint, eliminating movement to relieve pain. The term combines 'arthr/o' (joint) and '-desis' (binding). It is used for severe arthritic conditions.
What does the suffix '-algia' denote?
Enlargement
Pain
Inflammation
Removal
The suffix '-algia' indicates pain in a part of the body, as in 'neuralgia' (nerve pain). Recognizing '-algia' helps in identifying conditions characterized by pain.
Which combining form means bone?
oste/o
arthr/o
hepat/o
my/o
The combining form 'oste/o' refers to bone, appearing in terms like 'osteopathy' and 'osteoporosis.' Differentiating 'oste/o' from other roots is key to understanding skeletal terminology.
What does 'hepatalgia' mean?
Disease of the liver
Pain in the liver
Surgical removal of the liver
Enlargement of the liver
Hepatalgia combines 'hepat/o' (liver) and '-algia' (pain) to mean pain in the liver. Such constructions are common in medical terminology.
Homeopathy is based on the principle of treating disease with substances that produce symptoms in healthy people similar to those in sick people. This principle is called what?
Moderate dosing
Opposite cures opposite
Like cures like
Rapid relief
Homeopathy is founded on the principle 'like cures like,' meaning substances that cause symptoms in healthy individuals can, in diluted form, treat similar symptoms in the ill. This notion underpins homeopathic therapy.
What does the suffix '-scopy' refer to?
Study of
Surgical removal
Visual examination
Pain
The suffix '-scopy' means visual examination of a body structure with a scope, as in 'arthroscopy.' Understanding suffixes like '-scopy' is vital for interpreting diagnostic procedure names.
What is 'arthroscopy'?
Visual examination of a joint
Study of joints
Fusion of a joint
Removing fluid from a joint
Arthroscopy combines 'arthr/o' (joint) and '-scopy' (visual examination) to describe using a scope to view the inside of a joint. It is commonly used for diagnosis and treatment.
What does 'hepatectomy' mean?
Disease of the liver
Surgical removal of the liver
Study of the liver
Inflammation of the liver
Hepatectomy combines 'hepat/o' (liver) and '-ectomy' (removal) to denote surgical removal of all or part of the liver. It is used in treating liver tumors.
What is the term for surgical fusion of a joint?
Arthroscopy
Arthrocentesis
Arthroplasty
Arthrodesis
Arthrodesis uses 'arthr/o' (joint) and '-desis' (binding) to describe the surgical fusion of bones in a joint. This procedure provides stability and reduces pain.
In 'hepatopathy', what does the suffix '-pathy' mean?
Treatment
Inflammation
Study of
Disease
The suffix '-pathy' indicates disease or disorder, as in 'hepatopathy' meaning liver disease. Recognizing '-pathy' is important for identifying pathological conditions.
What is indicated by the term 'homeothermic'?
High blood pressure
Constant body temperature
Low blood sugar
Rapid heartbeat
Homeothermic organisms maintain a constant internal body temperature regardless of external conditions. The term combines 'homeo-' (same) and 'thermic' (heat).
What does 'hepatotoxic' mean?
Toxic to the liver
Study of the liver
Enlargement of the liver
Inflammation of the liver
Hepatotoxic substances cause damage to the liver. The term combines 'hepat/o' (liver) and 'toxic' (poisonous). It is important in pharmacology and toxicology.
What does 'arthroplasty' refer to?
Fixation of a joint
Examination of a joint
Surgical repair or replacement of a joint
Removal of a joint
Arthroplasty combines 'arthr/o' (joint) and '-plasty' (surgical repair) to denote reconstruction or replacement of a joint. It is commonly used in hip and knee replacements.
In 'polyarthritis', what does 'poly-' mean?
Few
Partial
Many
Single
The prefix 'poly-' means 'many,' so 'polyarthritis' indicates inflammation of many joints. Recognizing 'poly-' helps in interpreting terms involving multiplicity.
What does 'hepatomalacia' mean?
Pain in the liver
Enlargement of the liver
Removal of the liver
Abnormal softening of the liver
The suffix '-malacia' means softening, so 'hepatomalacia' indicates abnormal softening of liver tissue. This term is used in pathological descriptions.
What does 'intrahepatic' indicate?
Before the liver
Within the liver
After the liver
Around the liver
The prefix 'intra-' means 'within,' so 'intrahepatic' refers to structures or processes occurring inside the liver. This term is common in imaging and pathology.
In 'arthrocentesis', what does '-centesis' indicate?
Study
Puncture to withdraw fluid
Repair
Fusion
The suffix '-centesis' denotes a puncture procedure to remove fluid, as in 'arthrocentesis' for joint fluid aspiration. Understanding these procedural suffixes aids clinical terminology.
What medical professional specializes in joint diseases?
Hepatologist
Neurologist
Rheumatologist
Cardiologist
A rheumatologist specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions, including arthritis. The term comes from 'rheumat/o' meaning discharge and '-logist' meaning specialist.
Which term refers to inflammation surrounding a joint?
Periarthritis
Synovitis
Arthropathy
Arthritis
The prefix 'peri-' means 'around,' so 'periarthritis' is inflammation of tissues around a joint. This distinguishes it from arthritis, which is inflammation of the joint itself.
What does 'hemarthrosis' mean?
Bleeding into a joint
Surgical removal of joint fluid
Inflammation of a joint
Disease of the joint
Hemarthrosis combines 'hemat-' (blood) and 'arthr/o' (joint) with '-osis' (condition) to describe bleeding into a joint space. It often follows trauma or bleeding disorders.
What is the primary function of homeostatic mechanisms in the human body?
To promote external change
To maintain a stable internal environment
To initiate muscle contraction
To degrade proteins
Homeostatic mechanisms regulate variables such as temperature, pH, and electrolyte balance to keep internal conditions stable. This balance is essential for cellular function and survival.
Which combining form is used to denote cartilage, often used alongside 'arthr/o' in terms like 'chondroarthritis'?
hepat/o
chondr/o
oste/o
my/o
The combining form 'chondr/o' refers to cartilage, as seen in 'chondroarthritis' (inflammation of cartilage and joint). Knowledge of 'chondr/o' is important for skeletal terminology.
The word part 'arthr/o' is derived from which language?
Latin
Sanskrit
Greek
Arabic
'Arthr/o' originates from the Greek word 'arthron' meaning joint. Many medical combining forms have Greek or Latin roots. Recognizing the origin can help decode unfamiliar terms.
What does 'hepatoarthropathy' describe?
Disease affecting both liver and joints
Inflammation of liver only
Pain in joints only
Enlargement of liver only
'Hepatoarthropathy' combines 'hepat/o' (liver), 'arthr/o' (joint), and '-pathy' (disease) to indicate a pathological condition involving both the liver and joints. Complex terms often combine multiple roots.
Which term refers to a radiographic image of a joint?
Angiogram
Mammogram
Arthrogram
Sonogram
An arthrogram uses contrast material and imaging to visualize the structures within a joint. The term combines 'arthr/o' (joint) with '-gram' (record or image).
What does the suffix '-lysis' indicate in a term like 'arthrolysis'?
Study of
Visual examination
Loosening or freeing
Removal
The suffix '-lysis' means loosening, destruction, or dissolution, as in 'arthrolysis' (surgical freeing of a joint). It is used in various medical contexts to indicate breakdown or release.
What is an 'arthroscope'?
Instrument used to visually examine a joint
Device to remove joint fluid
Machine for bone imaging
Tool for joint fusion
An arthroscope is a specialized endoscope used to inspect the interior of joints. It combines 'arthr/o' (joint) with '-scope' (instrument for viewing).
The term 'hepatic' best serves as which part of speech?
Adverb
Verb
Noun
Adjective
'Hepatic' is the adjective form of 'hepar' (Greek for liver), used to describe things related to the liver. For example, 'hepatic artery' refers to the artery supplying the liver.
Which condition is best described by 'hemarthrosis'?
Accumulation of blood in a joint
Fluid in the liver
Pus in a joint
Inflammation of bone
Hemarthrosis is bleeding into the joint cavity, combining 'hem/o' (blood), 'arthr/o' (joint), and '-osis' (condition). It is often a complication of trauma or hemophilia.
'Hepatoblastoma' refers to what?
Infection of the liver
A malignant tumor arising from liver precursor cells
Benign tumor of bone
Cancer of joints
Hepatoblastoma is a rare malignant liver tumor derived from embryonic liver cells, combining 'hepat/o' (liver) and 'blastoma' (immature cell tumor). It primarily affects young children.
How does 'homeokinesis' differ from 'homeostasis'?
It means disease regulation
It is identical in meaning
It emphasizes dynamic equilibrium through constant change
It refers to external balance only
Homeokinesis describes a dynamic form of equilibrium where physiological variables fluctuate within limits. In contrast, homeostasis refers to maintaining constant conditions. The distinction is important in advanced physiology.
Which term denotes a surgical repair of a joint via reconstruction?
Arthrodesis
Arthroscopy
Arthroplasty
Tenorrhaphy
Arthroplasty combines 'arthr/o' (joint) and '-plasty' (molding or surgical repair) to describe joint reconstruction or replacement. It is frequently performed in hip and knee surgeries.
The term 'hepatomegaly' is best categorized as which type of word part combination?
Combining form + suffix
Suffix + prefix
Prefix + prefix
Root + root
'Hepatomegaly' is formed by the combining form 'hepat/o' (liver) and the suffix '-megaly' (enlargement). Recognizing combining form + suffix structures aids in term analysis.
What is 'synovitis'?
Inflammation of synovial membrane of a joint
Visual exam of bone
Inflammation of the liver
Removal of joint fluid
Synovitis combines 'synov/o' (synovial membrane) and '-itis' (inflammation) to describe inflammation of the joint lining. It is a feature in various arthritic conditions.
Which term refers to inflammation of multiple joints?
Rheumatoid arthritis
Bursitis
Osteoarthritis
Polyarthritis
Polyarthritis combines 'poly-' (many) and 'arthritis' (joint inflammation) to denote inflammation of multiple joints. It differs from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in scope.
In the context of medical terminology, what does the prefix 'peri-' mean in 'periarthritis'?
Under
Above
Within
Around or surrounding
The prefix 'peri-' means 'around' or 'surrounding,' so 'periarthritis' refers to inflammation around a joint. Distinguishing prefixes is crucial for accurate term interpretation.
Arthrodesis is indicated in cases of severe joint degeneration. What does this procedure entail?
Surgical fusion of the joint to eliminate motion
Injection of medication into the joint
Visual examination of the joint interior
Removal of synovial fluid
Arthrodesis fuses the bones of a joint to remove motion and alleviate pain in severe arthritic or degenerative conditions. It combines 'arthr/o' (joint) and '-desis' (binding). This procedure is chosen when joint replacement is not viable.
In homeostatic regulation of body temperature, which mechanism is an example of negative feedback?
Shivering to reduce heat
Sweating to reduce body heat
Increasing metabolic rate to raise temperature
Vasoconstriction to increase heat loss
Sweating cools the body by evaporative heat loss when temperature rises above the set point, exemplifying negative feedback. Negative feedback mechanisms counteract deviations to restore homeostasis.
A patient presents with hemarthrosis following knee injury. Which procedure is most appropriate to remove the accumulated blood?
Arthrodesis
Arthroplasty
Arthrocentesis
Arthroscopy
Arthrocentesis is the procedure of aspirating fluid or blood from a joint using a needle. It is indicated for hemarthrosis management.
In the term 'hepatic encephalopathy', which combining forms are present?
encephal/o and nephr/o
hepat/o and encephal/o
arthr/o and hepat/o
hepat/o and arthr/o
'Hepatic encephalopathy' combines 'hepat/o' (liver) and 'encephal/o' (brain) with '-pathy' (disease), describing brain dysfunction due to liver failure. Identifying correct combining forms is crucial in complex terms.
The word 'arthroplasty' can be broken down into 'arthr/o' + 'plast' + '-y'. What does 'plast' signify in this context?
Joint
Molded or formed
Movement
Pain
In 'arthroplasty,' 'plast' refers to molding, shaping, or surgical repair, so the term means joint reconstruction or replacement. Recognizing this root helps interpret surgical procedure names.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Combining Forms -

    Understand how to recognize and define combining forms like arthr/o for joints and hepat/o for the liver in medical terminology.

  2. Explain Prefix Usage -

    Explain the meaning and application of prefixes such as homeo- in various medical contexts to build accurate medical vocabulary.

  3. Differentiate Regional Terminology -

    Differentiate terms like subhepatic related to anatomical locations to improve comprehension of region-specific medical language.

  4. Apply Suffix Analysis -

    Apply knowledge of suffixes used in procedures such as arthroscopy to interpret and form medical terminology correctly.

  5. Enhance Terminology Mastery -

    Demonstrate improved mastery of key medical roots, prefixes, and suffixes through quiz-based recall and application.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Identifying Arthr/O as a Combining Form -

    Arthr o is an example of a combining form that denotes joints, appearing in terms like arthrocentesis and arthroplasty. The "o" links the root "arthr" to suffixes or other combining forms, ensuring clarity in medical communication (American Medical Association, 2021). Use the mnemonic "arthr = joint, o = connector" to recall its structure easily.

  2. Mastering the Prefix Homeo- -

    The prefix homeo- means "same" or "similar," a cornerstone of prefix homeo medical terminology in words such as homeostasis and homeopathy (National Institutes of Health). A simple memory trick is "homeo = homo = same"; envision a stable state to lock in the meaning. Recognizing this prefix helps decode terms like homeothermic (warm-blooded) and homeograft in transplant science.

  3. Combining Form of Liver: Hepat/O -

    Hepat/o identifies the liver in words such as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and hepatoma (liver tumor), based on terminology standards from medical school curricula. Pairing hepat with suffixes like -itis or -megaly describes conditions precisely, e.g., hepatomegaly (enlarged liver). Linking "hepato = liver" to clinical examples enhances recall during exams.

  4. Deconstructing Subhepatic Medical Terminology -

    "Sub-" means "under" so subhepatic refers to an anatomical space beneath the liver, crucial in imaging and surgery notes (Gray's Anatomy, 2020). Breaking down sub + hepat/o + -ic yields "under-liver-pertaining to," a reliable parsing method. Visualizing anatomical layers cements this term when interpreting scans or procedural docs.

  5. Breaking Down Arthroscopy Prefix and Suffix -

    Arthroscopy combines the prefix/combining form arthr/o ("joint") with the suffix - scopy ("to view"), defining a minimally invasive joint inspection (British Medical Journal). Think "Scope = see" to store that - scopy means "visual exam." Contrasting arthroscopy with arthroplasty solidifies understanding of procedure-specific suffixes.

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