BIOL 103 | BIOL103 Module 3: Medical
Terminology - Portage Learning Updated and
Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. Which of the following terms refers to the layer of tissue located directly beneath the
dermis?
A. Epidermis
B. Subcutaneous
C. Melanin
D. Stratum corneum
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The root ‘cutane/o’ relates to skin while ‘sub-’ indicates a position
below. Subcutaneous tissue is the innermost layer of the integumentary system. It contains
fat and connective tissues that house larger blood vessels and nerves. This layer serves as
an insulator to help the body maintain internal heat. In clinical settings, subcutaneous
injections are delivered into this specific tissue layer.
2. The medical term for the surgical repair or replacement of a joint is:
A. Arthroscopy
B. Arthroplasty
C. Osteotomy
D. Arthralgia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The root ‘arthr/o’ refers to a joint and ‘-plasty’ refers to surgical
repair. Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to restore the function of a joint. This
procedure often involves the replacement of a joint with a prosthetic component. It is
commonly performed on the hip or knee to alleviate chronic pain. Post-operative physical
therapy is typically required for successful patient recovery.
3. Which term describes a malignant tumor of the skin originating from pigmented cells?
A. Lipoma
B. Sarcoma
C. Adenoma
,D. Melanoma
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The term originates from ‘melan/o’ meaning black and ‘-oma’
meaning tumor. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It develops in the
melanocytes which are responsible for skin pigment. Risk factors include excessive
ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sun or tanning beds. Early detection through
regular skin checks is vital for effective treatment.
4. The condition characterized by the softening of bones due to vitamin D deficiency is known
as:
A. Osteochondritis
B. Osteoporosis
C. Osteomyelitis
D. Osteomalacia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The word root ‘oste/o’ means bone and the suffix ‘-malacia’ means
softening. Osteomalacia is a condition characterized by the softening of the bones. This is
often caused by a severe deficiency in vitamin D or calcium. It can result in bone pain and
an increased risk of fractures. Healthcare providers often treat this by recommending
specific nutritional supplements.
5. Which medical term refers to the excessive production of sweat?
A. Hyperhidrosis
B. Xeroderma
C. Anhidrosis
D. Dermatosis
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The prefix ‘hyper-’ means excessive and ‘hidr/o’ refers to sweat.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where a person sweats more than necessary. It can
affect specific areas like the palms or the entire body. This condition often impacts a
person’s quality of life and social interactions. Treatments include prescription
antiperspirants or even surgical interventions in severe cases.
6. Which term is used to describe a chronic condition of muscle weakness?
A. Myalgia
B. Myofibroma
C. Myositis
, D. Myasthenia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The root ‘my/o’ means muscle and ‘-asthenia’ means weakness.
Myasthenia is often associated with Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular
disorder. It involves a breakdown in communication between nerves and muscles. Patients
frequently experience drooping eyelids and difficulty swallowing. Neurologists manage this
condition through medication and immune system therapies.
7. What is the medical term for the softening of cartilage?
A. Chondroplasty
B. Chondromalacia
C. Chondroma
D. Chondrosarcoma
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The root ‘chondr/o’ means cartilage and the suffix ‘-malacia’ means
softening. Chondromalacia typically affects the cartilage under the kneecap. This condition
is common among young athletes and active individuals. It often causes pain when climbing
stairs or sitting for long periods. Physical therapy is the primary treatment used to
strengthen the surrounding muscles.
8. Which of the following is the most superficial layer of the skin?
A. Dermis
B. Hypodermis
C. Epidermis
D. Fascia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The prefix ‘epi-’ means upon or over, and ‘derm/o’ means skin. The
epidermis is the outermost layer that provides a waterproof barrier. It contains no blood
vessels and relies on the dermis for nutrients. This layer is constantly shedding and
regenerating new skin cells. It serves as the body’s first line of defense against
environmental pathogens.
9. An incision into a thin connective tissue covering of a muscle to relieve pressure is a:
A. Fasciotomy
B. Myotomy
C. Tenotomy
Terminology - Portage Learning Updated and
Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. Which of the following terms refers to the layer of tissue located directly beneath the
dermis?
A. Epidermis
B. Subcutaneous
C. Melanin
D. Stratum corneum
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The root ‘cutane/o’ relates to skin while ‘sub-’ indicates a position
below. Subcutaneous tissue is the innermost layer of the integumentary system. It contains
fat and connective tissues that house larger blood vessels and nerves. This layer serves as
an insulator to help the body maintain internal heat. In clinical settings, subcutaneous
injections are delivered into this specific tissue layer.
2. The medical term for the surgical repair or replacement of a joint is:
A. Arthroscopy
B. Arthroplasty
C. Osteotomy
D. Arthralgia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The root ‘arthr/o’ refers to a joint and ‘-plasty’ refers to surgical
repair. Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to restore the function of a joint. This
procedure often involves the replacement of a joint with a prosthetic component. It is
commonly performed on the hip or knee to alleviate chronic pain. Post-operative physical
therapy is typically required for successful patient recovery.
3. Which term describes a malignant tumor of the skin originating from pigmented cells?
A. Lipoma
B. Sarcoma
C. Adenoma
,D. Melanoma
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The term originates from ‘melan/o’ meaning black and ‘-oma’
meaning tumor. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It develops in the
melanocytes which are responsible for skin pigment. Risk factors include excessive
ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sun or tanning beds. Early detection through
regular skin checks is vital for effective treatment.
4. The condition characterized by the softening of bones due to vitamin D deficiency is known
as:
A. Osteochondritis
B. Osteoporosis
C. Osteomyelitis
D. Osteomalacia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The word root ‘oste/o’ means bone and the suffix ‘-malacia’ means
softening. Osteomalacia is a condition characterized by the softening of the bones. This is
often caused by a severe deficiency in vitamin D or calcium. It can result in bone pain and
an increased risk of fractures. Healthcare providers often treat this by recommending
specific nutritional supplements.
5. Which medical term refers to the excessive production of sweat?
A. Hyperhidrosis
B. Xeroderma
C. Anhidrosis
D. Dermatosis
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The prefix ‘hyper-’ means excessive and ‘hidr/o’ refers to sweat.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where a person sweats more than necessary. It can
affect specific areas like the palms or the entire body. This condition often impacts a
person’s quality of life and social interactions. Treatments include prescription
antiperspirants or even surgical interventions in severe cases.
6. Which term is used to describe a chronic condition of muscle weakness?
A. Myalgia
B. Myofibroma
C. Myositis
, D. Myasthenia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The root ‘my/o’ means muscle and ‘-asthenia’ means weakness.
Myasthenia is often associated with Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular
disorder. It involves a breakdown in communication between nerves and muscles. Patients
frequently experience drooping eyelids and difficulty swallowing. Neurologists manage this
condition through medication and immune system therapies.
7. What is the medical term for the softening of cartilage?
A. Chondroplasty
B. Chondromalacia
C. Chondroma
D. Chondrosarcoma
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The root ‘chondr/o’ means cartilage and the suffix ‘-malacia’ means
softening. Chondromalacia typically affects the cartilage under the kneecap. This condition
is common among young athletes and active individuals. It often causes pain when climbing
stairs or sitting for long periods. Physical therapy is the primary treatment used to
strengthen the surrounding muscles.
8. Which of the following is the most superficial layer of the skin?
A. Dermis
B. Hypodermis
C. Epidermis
D. Fascia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The prefix ‘epi-’ means upon or over, and ‘derm/o’ means skin. The
epidermis is the outermost layer that provides a waterproof barrier. It contains no blood
vessels and relies on the dermis for nutrients. This layer is constantly shedding and
regenerating new skin cells. It serves as the body’s first line of defense against
environmental pathogens.
9. An incision into a thin connective tissue covering of a muscle to relieve pressure is a:
A. Fasciotomy
B. Myotomy
C. Tenotomy
