Reference no: EM133315830

Prefixes and Suffixes in The Integumentary, Skeletal, and Muscular Systems As you have learned from the modules throughout the past two weeks, the main part of a word (or general meaning of the word) is termed the root. The part at the end of a word is termed the suffix. The beginning part of a word is termed the prefix.

The combinations are endless, and the simple act of interchanging a suffix and/or prefix with a root word has the power to change the entire meaning of the word.

Think about the case of a diabetic patient. Diabetic patients have difficulty maintaining their blood sugar levels appropriately and can often quickly go from too high to too low, each with detrimental consequences. What if the patient is hypoglycemic (has low blood sugar) and, instead, I write in the patient's medical file that they are hyperglycemic (has high blood sugar)? If no one double checks my written statement, the patient might be given insulin (which will mobilize glucose out of the bloodstream and further lower their blood sugar), potentially killing the patient. An easy mistake to possibly make, but one with high consequences. After fully completing the textbook readings and learning modules, Integumentary System, Skeletal System and Muscular System:

1. Think about the addition of a prefix or suffix to a root word in medical terminology.

2. Understanding and utilizing the body structures from this week (integumentary, skeletal, and muscular), as well as knowing the meanings of various prefixes and suffixes, how might the unintentional modification of a prefix and/or suffix to a root word for any of these select body systems have detrimental effects in the medical field and potentially cause harm to a patient? How might we work towards avoiding this very serious confusion?