Ernstmeyer & Christman - Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN)
Here are examples of common medical terms related to the endocrine system that can be easily defined by breaking the terms into their word components.
Hyperglycemia
- Break down the medical term into word components: Hyper/glyc/emia
- Label the word components: Hyper = P; glyc = WR; emia = S
- Define the word components: Hyper = excessive; glyc = sugar; emia = in the blood
- Create a final definition of the medical term: Excessive sugar in the blood
Polydipsia
- Break down the medical term into word components: Poly/dips/ia
- Label the word components: Poly = P; dips = WR; ia = S
- Define the word components: Poly = much; dips = thirst; ia = condition of
- Create a final definition of the medical term: Condition of much thirst
Adrenalectomy
- Break down the medical term into word components: Adrenal/ectomy
- Label the word components: Adrenal = WR; ectomy = S
- Define the word components: Adrenal = adrenal gland; ectomy = removal
- Create a final definition of the medical term: Excision of the adrenal gland(s)
Interactive Learning Activity: Practice defining and pronouncing endocrine system medical terms by breaking them down into word parts.
You can also print these flashcard activities as a Chapter 17 Student Companion Worksheet and check your answers with this Answer Key.