There are 4 main components that make up medical terminology: 1) Word root - the foundational part of the term that indicates its meaning 2) Prefix - added to the beginning and provides location or other descriptive information 3) Suffix - added to the end and indicates a condition, procedure, or other descriptor 4) Combining vowel - links the root to the suffix to aid pronunciation Medical terminology is used primarily in healthcare settings to allow efficient communication between professionals regardless of location or specialty. Confidentiality of patient information is also crucial in medical settings.

1. Fundamentals to Medical Terminology By Ryan Lewis