1st-group adjectives with the suffix -ic(us)
Adding the suffix -ic(us) yields first-group adjectives (declined like first- and second-declension nouns). This method is frequently used to form terms describing internal organs and bone structures.
A significant portion of such terms is associated with the digestive system:
- Gastric — gastrĭcus (base word gaster).
- Pyloric — pylorĭcus (from pylorus).
- Pancreatic — pancreatĭcus (the stem is derived from pancreas).
- Hepatic — hepatĭcus (from hepar).
- Splenic — splenĭcus (from splen).
Other important anatomical structures also use this suffix:
- Pubic — pubĭcus (from pubes).
- Trochanteric — trochanterĭcus (from trochanter).
- Masseteric — masseterĭcus (from masseter).
- Carotid — carotĭcus (from carotis).
- Ureteral — ureterĭcus (from ureter).
- Diaphragmatic — diaphragmatĭcus (from diaphragma).
- Pelvic — pelvĭcus (from pelvis).
The adjective thoracĭcus (thoracic), derived from thorax, deserves special mention. It denotes pertinence to the chest as a whole, which is important to distinguish from other "thoracic" terms.
1st-group adjectives with the suffix -e(us)
The suffix -e(us) also forms first-group adjectives. In our nomenclature, it is frequently found in terms describing the respiratory tract, musculoskeletal structures, and cartilaginous tissues.
Classic examples:
- Pharyngeal — pharyngēus (derived from pharynx).
- Laryngeal — laryngēus (from larynx).
- Tendinous — tendinēus (base word tendo).
- Cartilaginous — cartilaginēus (from cartilago).
- Metacarpal — metacarpēus (from metacarpus).
- Coccygeal — coccygēus (from coccyx).
Note that the suffix attaches to a stem that sometimes differs from the nominative form (e.g., cartilago gives the stem cartilagin-).
2nd-group adjectives with the suffix -al(is)
The largest category is the formation of second-group adjectives using the suffix -al(is). These terms decline according to the vowel-type rules of the third declension.
Here one can find numerous terms describing the topography of the head and neck:
- Frontal — frontalis (from frons).
- Parietal — parietalis (from paries).
- Occipital — occipitalis (from occiput).
- Temporal — temporalis (from tempus).
- Oral — oralis (important: derived from the stem or-, word os, oris).
- Dental — dentalis (from dens).
- Labial — labialis (from labium).
Organs of the thoracic and abdominal cavities:
- Pulmonary — pulmonalis (from pulmo).
- Renal — renalis (from ren).
- Splenic — lienalis (from lien — an alternative name for the spleen, as opposed to splen).
- Peritoneal — peritonealis (from peritoneum).
- Abdominal — abdominalis (from abdomen).
General anatomical concepts:
- Pectoral — pectoralis (from pectus). Unlike thoracicus, this term refers specifically to the anterior aspect of the chest.
- Apical — apicalis (from apex).
- Marginal — marginalis (from margo).
- Cortical — corticalis (from cortex).
The suffixes -ic- and -e- always yield group I adjectives, whereas the suffix -al- forms group II.
Class and exam questions
What is the difference between thoracicus and pectoralis?
The term thoracicus (from thorax) refers to the chest as a whole, whereas pectoralis (from pectus) describes structures pertaining to its anterior aspect.
To which form of the noun is the suffix added?
The suffix is always attached to the practical stem of the noun, which is determined from the genitive form.
How to form an adjective from the word os (mouth)?
The dictionary form of the word is os, oris. The stem is or-. Adding the suffix -alis yields the adjective oralis.
Are there two different adjectives for the spleen?
Yes. The Greek root splen forms splenicus (group I), while the Latin lien forms lienalis (group II).
What else to study on this topic
- Determining the practical stem of third-declension nouns
- Declension of Group I Adjectives (-icus, -eus suffixes)
- Declension of Group II Adjectives (-alis suffix)
- Difference between synonymous anatomical terms (splenicus/lienalis)
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