1.4 Combining Forms

Combining forms are the combination of the root and the combining vowel. The root gives the essential meaning of the medical term. The combining vowel is usually an o but occasionally an i.

The following tables go through some of the most common combining forms, their meaning, and an example of a medical term that uses the combining form. Illustrations, key concept textboxes, and review questions are included to help you better understand the combining forms. It is very important that you become familiar with all of them. Making flashcards and reviewing them daily is very important when learning a new language.

Table 1.1. Combining Forms

COMBINING FORM MEANING EXAMPLE OF USE IN MEDICAL TERMS
abdomin/o abdomen abdominal
aden/o gland adenoma
amni/o amnion sac amniocentesis
an/o anus anal
append/o appendix appendectomy
angi/o vessel angiogram
arteri/o artery arteriosclerosis
ather/o plaque atherosclerosis
arthr/o joint arthritis
axill/o armpit axillary
bi/o life biology
bronch/o bronchial tube bronchitis
bronchi/o bronchial tube bronchiectasis
carcin/o cancer carcinoma
cardi/o heart cardiology
carp/o wrist carpals
cephal/o head cephalic
cerebr/o cerebrum cerebrovascular accident

normal knee and knee with osteoarthritis

Fig. 1.1 is an image of a normal knee and a knee that has osteoarthritis. If you break this term apart, it means “inflammation” (-itis) of the “bone” (oste/o) and “joint” (arthr/o). Note that the combining vowel is dropped because the suffix starts with a vowel.

picture of the lobes of the cerebrum

Fig. 1.2 identifies the lobes of the cerebrum. If you break down this term, it means a “structure” (-um) surrounding the “cerebrum” (cerebr/o). Note that you drop the combining vowel because the suffix begins with a vowel.