In medical terminology, combining vowels are used to connect two word parts, typically combining forms, and make the pronunciation of the term smoother. The combining vowel is usually an "o," but it can be an "i" in some cases.When adding two combining forms, the combining vowel helps ease the transition between the word parts and enhances the overall flow of the term. The use of the combining vowel is particularly common when the second combining form begins with a consonant. The combining vowel is added regardless of the vowels present at the junction of the two word parts.
Here are some examples:
1. Gastr/o + enter/o
Combining vowel: "o"
Combined term: Gastroentero
2.Cardi/o + logy
Combining vowel: "o"
Combined term: Cardiology
3.Hemat/o + logy
Combining vowel: "o"
Combined term: HematologyIn
these examples, the combining vowel is added to create a smooth connection between the combining forms, making the terms easier to pronounce.