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Think of a few examples or do some research into

examples where the prefix or suffix of a root word
changes the meaning from one term to another. Why
is it critical for medical professionals to understand
and use prefixes and suffixes carefully?

1 Answer

7 votes

Final answer:

Anatomical terms in biology are made up of roots, prefixes, and suffixes which can change the meaning of a term. Medical professionals need to understand and use prefixes and suffixes carefully to accurately describe medical conditions and communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anatomical terms in biology are made up of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. The prefix or suffix of a root word can change the meaning of a term. For example, in the medical term 'hypertension,' the prefix 'hyper-' means 'high' or 'over,' and the root word 'tension' refers to pressure. So, 'hypertension' refers to abnormally high blood pressure.

It is critical for medical professionals to understand and use prefixes and suffixes carefully because it allows them to accurately describe and communicate medical conditions and procedures. By knowing the meaning of various prefixes and suffixes, medical professionals can decipher complex medical terms, understand the underlying conditions or characteristics of a patient, and effectively communicate with other healthcare professionals.

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