1. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Directions: After reading the question, stop and write your answer. Then click on the
slide for the answer. See if you are correct!

2. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
 Question: How can you use word components to relate medical terms to the
structure and function of the human body?
 Answer: Once you know the meaning of the root components, it will be easier to
remember medical terms explained in their proper context. For example, when
you encounter the term hepatitis, you will know the term means inflammation of
the liver if you know that hepat- means liver and -itis means inflammation. You do
not need previous knowledge of biology, anatomy, or physiology to be able to
understand medical terms.

3. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
 Question: Why is it important to be able to break down medical terms into
component parts? Why not just memorize each term?
 Answer: The goal of understanding the components of medical terms is to make
understanding complex terminology easier. Because you are able to separate
both complicated and simple terms into understandable word elements, you will
be able to decipher virtually all medical terms. As you become familiar with the
word parts and learn what each one means, you will be able to recognize those
word parts in totally new combinations in other terms.