Plural Endings: Videos & Practice Problems

Understanding plural endings in medical terminology, especially Greek and Latin roots, is essential for accurate communication. Singular terms ending in -y change to -ies (artery to arteries), -is to -es (diagnosis to diagnoses), -us to -i (nucleus to nuclei), -a to -ae (vertebra to vertebrae), -um or -on to -a (ovum to ova), -en to -ina (foramen to foramina), -nx to -nges (phalanx to phalanges), and -ax, -ex, or -ix to -ces (thorax to thoraces). These rules aid in mastering terms related to anatomy, pathology, and procedures like biopsy and abdominocentesis, enhancing comprehension of the abdominal cavity and related systems.

Formation of Plural Ending Concept 1

Understanding the formation of plural endings in medical and scientific terminology often involves recognizing patterns derived from Greek and Latin roots. While some plural forms follow straightforward English rules, many require specific changes based on their original language.

For words ending in y, the plural is formed by replacing the y with ies, such as artery becoming arteries and biopsy becoming biopsies. Similarly, words ending in is change to es in the plural, for example, diagnosis becomes diagnoses. These two rules are English-based and do not require complex memory aids.

When dealing with Latin or Greek origins, the pluralization rules become more specialized. Words ending in us change to i in the plural form, such as nucleus to nuclei and fungus to fungi. A helpful mnemonic is to think of a group where "us" leaves and becomes just "i," simplifying the transition.

For singular nouns ending in a, the plural is formed by adding an e, turning vertebra into vertebrae. This can be remembered by associating vowels: a pairs with e, while other vowels like i, o, u follow different rules.

Nouns ending in um or on form their plurals by replacing these endings with a. For example, ovum becomes ova and ganglion becomes ganglia. A mnemonic to recall this is "umpires on base arguing," linking um and on endings to the plural a.

Less commonly, nouns ending in en change to ina in the plural, such as foramen becoming foramina. This can be remembered by the phrase "entertaining at the marina," associating en with ina.

Words ending in nx form plurals by replacing nx with nges. For instance, phalanx becomes phalanges. Since phalanges are digits in the fingers, one can recall this by thinking of counting digits and gestures.

Finally, nouns ending in ax, ex, or ix form plurals by replacing these endings with ces. Examples include thorax becoming thoraces and appendix becoming appendices. A useful mnemonic is "x out bad habits," symbolizing the removal of x and replacement with ces.

These pluralization rules highlight the importance of understanding the linguistic roots of terms, especially in medical and scientific contexts. Recognizing these patterns not only aids in correct usage but also enhances vocabulary retention and comprehension.

Formation of Plural Ending Example 1

The plural form of the medical term metastasis is metastases. This follows a common pattern in medical terminology where words ending in -is change to -es in their plural form. For example, the singular ending -is is replaced by -es to form the plural, as seen in metastasis becoming metastases. Understanding these pluralization rules is essential for accurate communication in medical and scientific contexts.

Provide the plural form of the word flagellum.

• A. flagellons
• B. flagellis
• C. flagellae
• D. flgaellina
• E. flagella

Answer: (E)

Provide the plural form of the word cortex.

• A. corteces
• B. corteice
• C. cortias
• D. cortexes
• E. cortices

Answer: (A)

Fill in the correct form for each of the blank spaces given.

• A. sera, thrombus, bacterium, larynges, crisis, bronchi
• B. serums, thrombus, bacterium, larynges, crisis, bronchuses
• C. sera, thrombs, bacterias, larynxes, crises, bronchi
• D. serum, thrombi, bacterium, larynges, crises, bronchus

Answer: (A)

Provide the plural form and the meaning for the following term: paracentesis.

• A. paracenteses, puncture of a body cavity for fluid removal.
• B. paracentesises, surgical removal of tissue
• C. paracenteses, incision into a cavity to visualize internal structures
• D. paracentesis, inflammation of the peritoneum

Answer: (A)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are the common plural endings for medical terms derived from Latin and Greek?

In medical terminology, many plural endings come from Latin and Greek roots. Common plural forms include changing singular terms ending in -y to -ies (e.g., artery to arteries), -is to -es (diagnosis to diagnoses), and -us to -i (nucleus to nuclei). Terms ending in -a change to -ae (vertebra to vertebrae), while those ending in -um or -on change to -a (ovum to ova). Less common endings include -en changing to -ina (foramen to foramina), -nx to -nges (phalanx to phalanges), and -ax, -ex, or -ix changing to -ces (thorax to thoraces). Understanding these patterns is essential for accurate communication in medical fields.

How do you form the plural of medical terms ending in -us?

Medical terms ending in -us typically form their plural by replacing -us with -i. For example, nucleus becomes nuclei, and fungus becomes fungi. A helpful memory tool is to think of a group where "us" represents the singular, and when one leaves, it becomes "i" representing the plural. This rule is common in Latin-based medical terms and is important to remember for proper usage in anatomy and pathology.

What is the plural form of medical terms ending in -is, and can you provide examples?

Medical terms ending in -is form their plural by replacing -is with -es. For example, diagnosis becomes diagnoses, and metastasis becomes metastases. This change follows Greek-based pluralization rules. Recognizing this pattern helps students correctly interpret and use medical terminology, especially in clinical and academic settings.

How do you remember the plural endings for medical terms ending in -ax, -ex, or -ix?

Medical terms ending in -ax, -ex, or -ix form their plural by replacing these endings with -ces. For example, thorax becomes thoraces, and appendix becomes appendices. A useful memory tool is to think of "x out bad habits," meaning the x is removed and replaced with ces. This helps students recall the correct plural forms, which is important for precise communication in medical contexts.

What are the plural endings for medical terms ending in -um or -on?

Medical terms ending in -um or -on form their plural by replacing these endings with -a. For example, ovum becomes ova, and ganglion becomes ganglia. A helpful memory tool is to think of "umpires on base arguing," where um or on endings change to a. This rule is common in Latin and Greek medical terms and is essential for understanding anatomical and pathological terminology.