BIOL 103 | BIOL103 Module 6: Medical
Terminology - Portage Learning Updated and
Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. Which gland is commonly referred to as the ‘master gland’ because it regulates the
functions of other endocrine glands?
A. Thyroid gland
B. Pancreas
C. Adrenal gland
D. Pituitary gland
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The pituitary gland is known as the master gland because it secretes
hormones that control other glands. It is located at the base of the brain within the sella
turcica. This gland is also medically referred to as the hypophysis. It plays a central role in
maintaining homeostasis throughout the body. Other options like the thyroid focus on
more specific metabolic functions.
2. A patient undergoing a surgical fixation of an undescended testicle is having which
procedure?
A. Orchidectomy
B. Prostatectomy
C. Vasectomy
D. Orchidopexy
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Orchidopexy is the surgical procedure used to move an undescended
testicle into the scrotum. The word root ‘orchid/o’ refers to the testes and ‘-pexy’ means
surgical fixation. This procedure is often performed in pediatric patients to prevent future
fertility issues. It differs from orchidectomy which involves the complete removal of the
testicle. Correct terminology usage is vital for identifying specific surgical goals.
3. What is the medical term for the inner lining of the uterus?
A. Endometrium
B. Perimetrium
C. Myometrium
,D. Epimetrium
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The endometrium is the innermost mucosal layer that lines the
uterine cavity. This layer thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle in response to
hormones. The prefix ‘endo-’ specifically denotes the interior or inner position. In contrast,
the myometrium refers to the middle muscular layer of the uterus. Understanding these
layers is essential for diagnosing conditions like endometriosis.
4. The combining form ‘aden/o’ refers to which anatomical structure?
A. Adrenal gland
B. Fat
C. Vessel
D. Gland
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The word root ‘aden/o’ is the standard medical term for a gland. It is
used in various terms such as adenoma, which is a benign glandular tumor. This root can
apply to both endocrine and exocrine glands depending on the context. It should not be
confused with ‘adren/o’, which specifically refers to the adrenal glands. Identifying word
roots is the foundation of medical terminology mastery.
5. A patient presents with excessive thirst. Which medical term should be used to document
this symptom?
A. Polyphagia
B. Polydipsia
C. Polyuria
D. Polyneuropathy
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Polydipsia is the clinical term used to describe excessive or abnormal
thirst. This symptom is frequently associated with endocrine disorders like diabetes
mellitus. The suffix ‘-dipsia’ refers to thirst, while the prefix ‘poly-’ means many or much.
Polyuria refers to excessive urination, which often occurs alongside polydipsia. Accurate
documentation of these symptoms assists in early clinical diagnosis.
6. Which procedure involves a surgical incision into the perineum to enlarge the vaginal
opening during childbirth?
A. Hysterectomy
B. Colposcopy
, C. Episiotomy
D. Salpingectomy
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: An episiotomy is an intentional surgical incision made in the
perineum during the second stage of labor. The purpose of this procedure is to facilitate a
difficult delivery or prevent tearing. The term is derived from ‘episi/o’, meaning vulva or
pubic region, and ‘-tomy’, meaning incision. It is a common obstetric procedure although its
routine use has decreased recently. Distinguishing between an incision and an excision is a
key terminology skill.
7. Which hormone is responsible for lowering blood glucose levels?
A. Glucagon
B. Insulin
C. Cortisol
D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas to reduce blood
sugar. It facilitates the uptake of glucose into the body’s cells for energy production.
Without adequate insulin, a patient will develop hyperglycemia as seen in diabetes.
Glucagon performs the opposite function by raising blood glucose levels. Hormonal balance
is critical for maintaining stable metabolic states.
8. What is the medical term for inflammation of the prostate gland?
A. Prostatalgia
B. Prostatomegaly
C. Prostatitis
D. Prostatorrhea
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Prostatitis is the medical term for inflammation of the prostate gland.
The suffix ‘-itis’ is universally used in medical terminology to denote inflammation. This
condition can be caused by bacterial infection or other non-infectious factors. Patients
often experience symptoms like painful urination or pelvic discomfort. Recognizing the
suffix allows for the easy identification of inflammatory conditions.
9. A patient with hyperthyroidism displays protruding or bulging eyes. What is the medical
term for this condition?
A. Myxedema
Terminology - Portage Learning Updated and
Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. Which gland is commonly referred to as the ‘master gland’ because it regulates the
functions of other endocrine glands?
A. Thyroid gland
B. Pancreas
C. Adrenal gland
D. Pituitary gland
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The pituitary gland is known as the master gland because it secretes
hormones that control other glands. It is located at the base of the brain within the sella
turcica. This gland is also medically referred to as the hypophysis. It plays a central role in
maintaining homeostasis throughout the body. Other options like the thyroid focus on
more specific metabolic functions.
2. A patient undergoing a surgical fixation of an undescended testicle is having which
procedure?
A. Orchidectomy
B. Prostatectomy
C. Vasectomy
D. Orchidopexy
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Orchidopexy is the surgical procedure used to move an undescended
testicle into the scrotum. The word root ‘orchid/o’ refers to the testes and ‘-pexy’ means
surgical fixation. This procedure is often performed in pediatric patients to prevent future
fertility issues. It differs from orchidectomy which involves the complete removal of the
testicle. Correct terminology usage is vital for identifying specific surgical goals.
3. What is the medical term for the inner lining of the uterus?
A. Endometrium
B. Perimetrium
C. Myometrium
,D. Epimetrium
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The endometrium is the innermost mucosal layer that lines the
uterine cavity. This layer thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle in response to
hormones. The prefix ‘endo-’ specifically denotes the interior or inner position. In contrast,
the myometrium refers to the middle muscular layer of the uterus. Understanding these
layers is essential for diagnosing conditions like endometriosis.
4. The combining form ‘aden/o’ refers to which anatomical structure?
A. Adrenal gland
B. Fat
C. Vessel
D. Gland
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The word root ‘aden/o’ is the standard medical term for a gland. It is
used in various terms such as adenoma, which is a benign glandular tumor. This root can
apply to both endocrine and exocrine glands depending on the context. It should not be
confused with ‘adren/o’, which specifically refers to the adrenal glands. Identifying word
roots is the foundation of medical terminology mastery.
5. A patient presents with excessive thirst. Which medical term should be used to document
this symptom?
A. Polyphagia
B. Polydipsia
C. Polyuria
D. Polyneuropathy
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Polydipsia is the clinical term used to describe excessive or abnormal
thirst. This symptom is frequently associated with endocrine disorders like diabetes
mellitus. The suffix ‘-dipsia’ refers to thirst, while the prefix ‘poly-’ means many or much.
Polyuria refers to excessive urination, which often occurs alongside polydipsia. Accurate
documentation of these symptoms assists in early clinical diagnosis.
6. Which procedure involves a surgical incision into the perineum to enlarge the vaginal
opening during childbirth?
A. Hysterectomy
B. Colposcopy
, C. Episiotomy
D. Salpingectomy
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: An episiotomy is an intentional surgical incision made in the
perineum during the second stage of labor. The purpose of this procedure is to facilitate a
difficult delivery or prevent tearing. The term is derived from ‘episi/o’, meaning vulva or
pubic region, and ‘-tomy’, meaning incision. It is a common obstetric procedure although its
routine use has decreased recently. Distinguishing between an incision and an excision is a
key terminology skill.
7. Which hormone is responsible for lowering blood glucose levels?
A. Glucagon
B. Insulin
C. Cortisol
D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas to reduce blood
sugar. It facilitates the uptake of glucose into the body’s cells for energy production.
Without adequate insulin, a patient will develop hyperglycemia as seen in diabetes.
Glucagon performs the opposite function by raising blood glucose levels. Hormonal balance
is critical for maintaining stable metabolic states.
8. What is the medical term for inflammation of the prostate gland?
A. Prostatalgia
B. Prostatomegaly
C. Prostatitis
D. Prostatorrhea
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Prostatitis is the medical term for inflammation of the prostate gland.
The suffix ‘-itis’ is universally used in medical terminology to denote inflammation. This
condition can be caused by bacterial infection or other non-infectious factors. Patients
often experience symptoms like painful urination or pelvic discomfort. Recognizing the
suffix allows for the easy identification of inflammatory conditions.
9. A patient with hyperthyroidism displays protruding or bulging eyes. What is the medical
term for this condition?
A. Myxedema
