11 Rules for Changing Singular Terms to Plural Terms
The first article in the medical terminology series discussed the word root, suffixes, prefixes and combining vowel. This article covers 11 rules for changing singular terms to plural terms. While building a medical vocabulary and combining and working with word parts, it is important to understand the rules for pluralization.
In the English language, a plural is formed by simply adding an -s to the singular term. However, there are some exceptions to this rule when a noun ends in -s, -sh, -ch, and some nouns that end in -o. These words are changed to plural by adding an -es. There are some additional rules for English terms but this article will focus on medical terms.
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Because medical terms are derived from Latin and Greek terms, they do not always follow the normal rules for pluralization as English terms. These rules hold true in some instances but not all instances. There are always exceptions to these rules. Below are a few rules to remember when changing the singular form of medical terms to the plural form of medical terms.
Medical Terminology Rule #1: Words Ending in -a.
When the singular form of the word ends with -a, keep the -a and add an -e.
Axilla A pyramid-shaped space forming the underside of the shoulder.Axillae
Pleura A delicate serous membrane enclosing the lung.Pleurae
Conjunctiva A mucous membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelid and anterior part of the sclera.Conjunctivae
Vertebra One of the bones of the spinal column.Vertebrae
Scapula One of the pairs of large flat triangular bones that forms the dorsal part of the shoulder.Scapulae
Petechia Numerous tiny purple or red spots appearing on the skin as a result of tiny hemorrhages.Petechiae
Medical Terminology Rule #2: Words Ending in -ax.
When the singular form of the word ends with -ax, drop the -x and add -ces.
Thorax The upper part of the trunk that contains the rib cage, lungs some of the abdominal organs.Thoraces
Pneumothorax Air in the pleural space which causes the lung to collapse.Pneumothoraces
Medical Terminology Rule #3: Words Ending in -ex.
When the singular form of the word ends with -ex, drop the -ex and add -ices.
Vortex A whirlpool effect caused by a spinning mass of fluid.Vortices
Apex The top of the summit.Apices
Cortex The outer layer of an organ.Cortices
Medical Terminology Rule #4: Words ending in -is.
When the singular form of the word ends with -is, drop the -is and add -es
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Metastasis When a tumor cell moves from the primary location and establishes a remote location.Metastases
Diagnosis Identification of a disease or a conditionDiagnoses
Anastomosis The connection between two vesselsAnastomoses
Prosthesis An artificial device used to replace a missing body part.Prostheses
Medical Terminology Rule #5: Word Ending in -ix.
When the singular form of the word ends with -ix, drop the -x and add -ces.
Cervix The part of the uterus that protrudes into the vagina.Cervices
Appendix An accessory part. The vermiform appendix is a process extending from the cecum.Appendices
Medical Terminology Rule #6: Words ending in -ma.
When the singular form of the word ends with -ma, keep the -ma and add -ta.
Sarcoma A malignant neoplasm of the soft tissue.Sarcomata
Fibroma Benign neoplasm made of connective tissue.Fibromata
Medical Terminology Rule #7: Words ending with -on.
When a singular form of the word ends with -on, drop the -on and add -a.
Ganglion A knotlike mass of nervous tissue.Ganglia
Spermatozoon A mature male germ cell.Spermatozoa
Medical Terminology Rule #8: Words ending with -us.
When a singular form of the word ends with -us, drop the -us and add -i
Thrombus An aggregation of platelets, fibrin and clotting factors. Is also known as a blood clot,Thrombi
Bronchus A air passage in the lung.Bronchi
Alveolus Tiny air sacs of the lung formed in clusters.Alveoli
Embolus A piece of a thrombus that travels in the bloodstream until it becomes lodged in a vessel.Emboli
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Calculus An abnormal stone formed in the body usually found in the urinary tract.Calculi
Bacillus A rod-shaped bacteria.Bacilli
Medical Terminology Rule #9: Word ending with -um.
When a singular form of the word ends with -um, drop the -um and add -a
Bacterium A unicellular micro-organism.Bacteria
Diverticulum A pouchlike herniation through the muscular wall of an organ like the small intestine.Diverticula
Atrium A chamber or cavity such as on the right and left side of the heart.Atria
Ovum An egg.Ova
Medical Terminology Rule #10: Words ending with -y.
When a singular form of the word ends with -y, drop the -y and add -ies.
Therapy The treatment of a disease or condition.Therapies
Biopsy The removal of a small piece of living tissue for a microscopic examination to confirm or establish a diagnosis.Biopsies
Medical Terminology Rules #11: Words ending with -x.
When a singular form of the word ends with -x, drop the -x and add -ges.
Larynx The organ of voice.Larynges
Meninx The three membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord.Meninges
Phanlnx Bones of the fingers and toes.Phalanges
Hopefully, this article will give you some additional basic concepts of medical terms to assist you in building a medical vocabulary. As you acquire more basic skills you will increase your understanding of medical terminology.
For additional information on Medical Terminology read the article Medical Terminology Basics!
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