Latin: Medical & Scientific Terminology

What does the Latin root 'aqua' mean in scientific terms?

Water. It is the basis for terms like 'aqueous' (water-based) or 'aquifer'.

Define the Latin roots 'bene' and 'mal' as used in medical terms like 'benign' and 'malignant'.

'Bene' means good or well (not harmful); 'mal' means bad, evil, or poorly (harmful).

What is the meaning of the root 'cardio-' in the term cardiovascular?

Heart. It refers to the central organ of the circulatory system.

The Latin root 'dent-' (as in dentist or dental) refers to which part of the body?

Tooth. It is used in terms like 'dentition' (the arrangement of teeth).

In anatomy, what do the terms 'dorso' and 'ventro' refer to?

'Dorso' refers to the back (posterior), and 'ventro' refers to the belly or front (anterior).

What is the 'femur' (pronounced FEE-mur) in human anatomy?

The thigh bone, which is the longest and strongest bone in the human body.

Translate the binomial nomenclature 'Homo sapiens' into English.

Wise man (Homo = man/human, sapiens = wise/knowing).

What does the Latin root 'manus' mean, as seen in the word 'manipulate'?

Hand. In medical contexts, it refers to the structures of the hand.

The Latin root 'ped-' (pronounced 'ped') in a medical context refers to what?

Foot. It is the root for 'pedal' and 'pedicure'. Note: In Greek, a similar root refers to children.

Distinguish between 'prior' and 'posterior' in a temporal or spatial sequence.

'Prior' means earlier or in front; 'posterior' means later in time or situated behind.