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Test Your Knowledge of Latin & Greek Roots: Arthro and Beyond

Think you know the root word arthro? Dive in and ace this roots trivia!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Latin and Greek roots quiz with root word arthro on dark blue background

This quiz helps you master the root word arthro and spot it in words about joints, like arthritis and arthroscope. Work through quick questions, learn what each part means, and see patterns you can use on any root. Use the arthro practice and finish with a full roots review to build your vocabulary.

What does the Greek root "arthr(o)" mean?
Skin
Joint
Bone
Muscle
The Greek root "arthr(o)-" comes from "arthron," meaning "joint." It forms the basis of terms related to joint structure and function. Recognizing this root helps in understanding words like arthritis and arthroscope.
Which term refers to inflammation of a joint?
Arthroscopy
Arthritis
Arthropod
Arthroplasty
The suffix "-itis" denotes inflammation, so "arthritis" literally means inflammation of a joint. It's commonly used to describe conditions causing joint pain and swelling.
An arthropod is an invertebrate with what characteristic?
No legs
Soft body
Backbone
Jointed limbs
Arthropoda is a phylum of invertebrates characterized by jointed limbs (arthro- meaning joint and -pod meaning foot). This group includes insects, crustaceans, and arachnids.
An arthroscope is an instrument used to:
Look inside a joint
Treat muscle injuries
Repair ligaments
Measure bone density
An arthroscope combines art?hr(o)- (joint) and -scope (instrument for viewing). It allows surgeons to inspect the interior of a joint via a small camera.
Which of the following terms means surgical repair of a joint?
Arthrotomy
Arthroplasty
Arthrography
Arthrodesis
The suffix "-plasty" means surgical repair or reconstruction, so arthroplasty means surgical repair or replacement of a joint.
What does the term "arthrodesis" refer to?
Fusion of bones in a joint
Inflammation of a joint
Reshaping a joint
Viewing a joint
"Arthrodesis" combines arthro- (joint) with -desis (binding or fixation), meaning surgical immobilization of a joint by fusion of the bones.
The suffix "-itis" means:
Binding
Surgical removal
Inflammation
Study of
"-itis" is a Greek suffix meaning inflammation and is used across medical terminology for inflammatory conditions (e.g., dermatitis, bronchitis).
If a surgeon performs an "arthrotomy," they are doing what?
Viewing inside a joint
Measuring joint pressure
Making an incision into a joint
Fusing joint bones
Arthrotomy combines arthro- (joint) and -tomy (cutting or incision), indicating a surgical cut into a joint.
Which prefix means "bone"?
Osteo-
Chrono-
Derm-
Cardio-
The prefix osteo- derives from Greek osteon meaning "bone," used in terms like osteopathy and osteoporosis.
What does the prefix "derm(a)-" mean?
Blood
Skin
Kidney
Bone
The prefix derm(a)- comes from Greek derma meaning "skin," seen in terms such as dermatitis and dermatology.
Which term refers to the study of joints?
Myology
Neurology
Osteology
Arthrology
Arthrology comes from arthro- (joint) and -logy (study of), meaning the study of joints.
What is an "arthrogram"?
Inflammation of a joint
Fusion of a joint
Surgical repair of a joint
An image of a joint
An arthrogram combines arthro- (joint) and -gram (record or image), referring to imaging of a joint, usually with injected contrast.
The Greek root "cardio-" refers to:
Kidneys
Heart
Liver
Lungs
Cardio- comes from Greek kardia meaning "heart," and is used in words like cardiology and myocardial.
The term "dermatology" is the study of:
Skin
Muscles
Bones
Heart
Dermatology merges dermato- (skin) and -logy (study), meaning the study of skin and its diseases.
"Chronology" refers to the study of:
Stars
Time
History
Earth
Chrono- means "time" in Greek, and -logy means "study of," so chronology is the study of time sequence.
The prefix "geo-" refers to:
Earth
Fire
Air
Water
Geo- derives from Greek g? meaning "earth," used in words like geography and geology.
Which term describes disease of the joints?
Arthropathy
Osteopathy
Arthroscopy
Myopathy
Arthropathy combines arthro- (joint) and -pathy (disease), referring specifically to any joint disorder.
What instrument is used to measure joint angles?
Sphygmomanometer
Dynamometer
Arthrometer
Goniometer
A goniometer measures angles and range of motion around joints, essential in physical therapy and orthopedics.
Arthrokinematics deals with:
Joint imaging
Joint inflammation
Joint fusion
Movement mechanics within joints
Arthrokinematics refers to the small motions inside a joint, like roll, glide, and spin, critical for full joint function.
Which term means pain in a joint?
Myalgia
Neuralgia
Cardialgia
Arthralgia
Arthralgia combines arthro- (joint) and -algia (pain), indicating joint pain without implying inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects which type of joints?
Fibrous joints
Bony joints
Synovial joints
Cartilaginous joints
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease targeting synovial membranes of synovial joints, causing inflammation and damage.
Which medical imaging technique uses sound waves to visualize joints?
Ultrasound
MRI
CT scan
X-ray
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of soft tissues and joints in real time, useful for guiding injections.
Arthroplasty can involve which procedure?
Joint immobilization
Joint replacement
Joint imaging
Joint puncture
Arthroplasty often refers to total joint replacement, such as hip or knee replacement surgery.
An arthrogram usually involves injection of contrast dye into:
A bone
A muscle
A joint
A tendon
An arthrogram introduces contrast medium into a joint cavity to enhance imaging of cartilage, ligaments, and other structures.
In arthroscopy, what gas is often used to distend the joint?
Nitrogen
Helium
Carbon dioxide
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide is commonly used to expand the joint space during arthroscopy, improving visibility without significant risk.
Which term refers to an abnormal increase in joint mobility?
Hypermobility
Arthrolithiasis
Ankylosis
Hypomobility
Hypermobility means excessive movement of a joint, often due to lax ligaments, and can lead to instability.
What does "ankylosis" refer to in joint pathology?
Dislocation of a joint
Inflammation of a joint
Stiffening or fusion of a joint
Laxity of ligaments
Ankylosis refers to abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones.
The combining form "arthro-" in "arthroscopy" indicates:
Relation to muscle
Relation to bone
Relation to a joint
Relation to skin
In arthroscopy, arthro- specifies that the procedure involves a joint, while -scopy indicates viewing with a scope.
In zoological classification, arthropods belong to which phylum?
Annelida
Mollusca
Arthropoda
Chordata
Arthropoda is the phylum that includes invertebrates with jointed limbs and exoskeletons, such as insects and crustaceans.
Which class of arthropods includes spiders?
Myriapoda
Crustacea
Arachnida
Insecta
Arachnida is the class of arthropods that includes spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites, characterized by eight legs.
Which class of arthropods includes crabs and lobsters?
Crustacea
Chilopoda
Insecta
Arachnida
Crustacea is the subphylum (sometimes class) encompassing crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles, known for two-parted limbs.
The exoskeleton of arthropods is primarily made of what?
Collagen
Keratin
Chitin
Cellulose
Chitin is a polysaccharide forming the hard, protective exoskeleton of arthropods.
What does "arthrogryposis" refer to?
Bone malformation
Congenital joint contractures
Joint inflammation
Muscle weakness
Arthrogryposis combines arthro- (joint) and gryposis (curvature), referring to congenital joint contractures seen at birth.
Which term describes calcium deposits in joints?
Calcaneus
Osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis
Arthrocalcinosis
Arthrocalcinosis combines arthro- (joint) and calcinosis (calcium deposition), indicating calcium crystal accumulation in joint spaces.
What is "arthrocentesis"?
Surgical fusion of a joint
Removal of fluid from a joint
Image of a joint
Inflammation of a joint
Arthrocentesis combines arthro- (joint) and -centesis (puncture), meaning puncture of a joint to remove fluid or inject medication.
The "arthrokinetic reflex" refers to:
Inflammation from joint injury
Pain sensation in a joint
Muscular response to joint motion
Imaging of joint mechanics
The arthrokinetic reflex is a neuromuscular response where movement in a joint elicits muscle activity. This concept is important in rehabilitation and biomechanics.
In arthrodesis procedures, which graft type is often used to promote bone fusion?
Allograft
Xenograft
Synthetic adhesive
Autograft
Autografts, tissue taken from the patient's own body, are commonly used in arthrodesis to enhance bone healing and fusion.
Which suffix indicates surgical fixation or binding?
-plasty
-otomy
-desis
-graphy
The suffix -desis (from Greek desis, binding) denotes surgical fixation or binding, as in arthrodesis (joint fusion).
What does "arthroereisis" mean?
Fusing a joint
Limiting joint movement
Viewing a joint
Replacing a joint
Arthroereisis combines arthro- (joint) and ereisis (stopping), meaning a procedure to limit joint motion, commonly in flatfoot correction.
Which joint type has a fluid-filled cavity that allows free movement?
Gomphosis
Synarthrosis
Amphiarthrosis
Diarthrosis
Diarthrosis, or synovial joint, features a fluid-filled cavity permitting a wide range of motion.
The elbow is an example of which type of synovial joint?
Hinge joint
Pivot joint
Ball-and-socket joint
Saddle joint
The elbow functions as a hinge joint, permitting flexion and extension movements similar to a door hinge.
In aquatic arthropods, which structure is used for respiration?
Tracheae
Book lungs
Gills
Spiracles
Many aquatic arthropods, like crustaceans, respire through gills - feathery structures that exchange gases in water.
Which unique structure do centipedes (class Chilopoda) possess?
Book lungs
Spinnerets
Poison claws
Chelipeds
Centipedes in class Chilopoda have modified front limbs called poison claws (forcipules) used to inject venom into prey.
In the word "osteoporosis," which root means "porous"?
Arthro-
Poro-
Osteo-
-osis
In osteoporosis, poro- (Greek poros meaning pore) refers to porous bone, while -osis indicates a pathological condition.
What does "chondroarthropathy" refer to?
Inflammation of muscles
Disease of both cartilage and joints
Tumor of bone
Degeneration of tendons
Chondro- means cartilage and arthropathy means joint disease, so chondroarthropathy refers to disorders affecting cartilage and adjacent joints.
Which classification describes an immovable joint?
Amphiarthrosis
Synarthrosis
Symphysis
Diarthrosis
Synarthrosis describes joints that permit no movement, such as skull sutures.
What term describes a joint that moves only slightly?
Hinge joint
Synarthrosis
Amphiarthrosis
Diarthrosis
Amphiarthrosis indicates a joint with limited mobility, like the vertebral discs between spinal vertebrae.
What does "arthrosis" refer to?
Immobilization of a joint
Degenerative joint disease
Inflammation of a joint
Surgical repair of a joint
Arthrosis describes degenerative changes in joint cartilage, often synonymous with osteoarthritis.
In the term "arthrography," what does the suffix "-graphy" mean?
Inflammation
Cutting
Binding
Writing or recording
The suffix -graphy means "writing or recording," so arthrography is the imaging record of a joint, typically via contrast injection.
The prefix "amphi-" in "amphiarthrosis" means:
Both sides or around
Above
Below
Half
"Amphi-" means "both sides or around," so amphiarthrosis refers to joints with slight movement, such as vertebral articulations.
Phylum Arthropoda derives its name from arthro- (joint) and poda (feet). What is the literal translation?
Multiple legs
Hard shells
Segmented bodies
Jointed feet
Arthropoda literally means "jointed feet," highlighting the characteristic jointed appendages of this phylum.
In "polydactyly," what does the root "dactyl" refer to?
Muscle
Skin
Bone
Finger or toe
Dactyl comes from Greek daktylos meaning "finger or toe," so polydactyly means having many fingers or toes.
The word "articular" stems from Latin "articulus." What does "articulus" mean?
Childhood
Small joint
Bone
Movement
"Articulus" in Latin means "small joint" or "division," giving rise to articular, meaning pertaining to a joint.
In "spondyloarthropathy," what does the prefix "spondylo-" refer to?
Marrow
Ligament
Joint
Vertebra
Spondylo- derives from Greek spondylos, meaning "vertebra," so spondyloarthropathy refers to diseases affecting the vertebral joints.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify the meaning of the root word arthro -

    Learn the original Greek definition of arthro and its literal translation, laying the groundwork for decoding related terms.

  2. Analyze medical and scientific terms -

    Break down complex vocabulary by pinpointing arthro and other roots to reveal how they shape word meaning in fields like biology and medicine.

  3. Apply root knowledge in quiz format -

    Use targeted questions from our Greek root quiz and Latin root word quiz to reinforce your understanding through practice.

  4. Interpret terminology with confidence -

    Develop strategies to infer the meanings of unfamiliar medical root words by leveraging your grasp of arthro and similar elements.

  5. Distinguish between Greek and Latin roots -

    Compare and contrast common word elements to recognize whether a term originates from Greek or Latin sources.

  6. Enhance vocabulary retention -

    Engage with interactive word roots trivia that solidifies your knowledge and boosts recall of arthro and other essential roots.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Etymology of Arthro -

    The Greek root word arthro- originates from the Ancient Greek arthron, meaning "joint" (Online Etymology Dictionary). Recognizing this origin can help decode terms like arthritis and arthrology by linking them to joint-related meanings. Consulting resources such as the American Heritage Dictionary and university medical glossaries reinforces this foundational concept.

  2. Key Medical Terms Using Arthro -

    Terms like arthritis (joint inflammation) and arthroscopy (minimally invasive joint inspection) build directly on arthro-. According to the Mayo Clinic and NIH, understanding each suffix - such as -itis or -scopy - clarifies how roots shape precise medical definitions. Reviewing these medical root words supports stronger vocabulary for health sciences.

  3. Quiz Yourself with Greek and Latin Roots -

    Incorporate a roots trivia strategy by grouping terms in a greek root quiz or latin root word quiz, as recommended by the University of Oxford Language Centre. For example, list arthro-, osteo- (bone), and myo- (muscle) terms to compare anatomical contexts. This method enhances recall and makes word roots trivia feel like a game.

  4. Rules for Combining Forms -

    When attaching arthro- to suffixes, the combining vowel "o" eases pronunciation between the root and endings, following conventions outlined in Gray's Anatomy. For instance, arthro + plasty becomes arthroplasty (joint repair). Mastering this rule is key for accurate term construction in medical terminology.

  5. Mnemonic Tricks for Word Roots -

    Create a memorable phrase like "Articulated Joints Tell Real Hopeful Outcomes" to anchor the meaning of arthro- as "joint." This mnemonic approach is supported by education research from Vanderbilt University. Coupling vivid imagery with root meanings significantly boosts retention.

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