Final answer:
The roots gloss/o and lingu/o both mean "tongue," which is related to communication. These terms are used primarily in medical contexts to describe anatomical structures and conditions pertaining to the tongue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The root words gloss/o and lingu/o both refer to the same concept related to communication. In the context of medical terminology, these roots both mean "tongue."
Medical terms often have Greek or Latin origins, which provide a consistent framework for the naming of anatomical structures and conditions. The prefix gloss- originates from the Greek "γλῶσσα" (glōssa), meaning 'tongue,' while lingu- is derived from the Latin "lingua," which also means 'tongue.'
These roots are foundational in terms such as glossitis, inflammation of the tongue, and lingual nerve, which is a nerve that supplies the tongue. Recognizing these roots can help in deciphering complex medical terminology and can be especially useful in the fields of anatomy and medicine.