Medical Terms

Medical Terminology

used to accurately describe the human body and related components, conditions, processes, and procedures

Root Words

foundation of a medical term, usually indicating the body part involved; give meaning to a word

Combining Forms

incomplete words containing a root word, prefix or suffix with a combining vowel

Compound Words

contain two or more roots

Prefixes

come before the root word

Suffixes

come after the root word

Anatomical Terms

describe the location or structures in relation to other structures or locations in the body

Anatomical Planes

relates to the section of body structures

Sagittal or Medial Plane

divides the body into equal right and left halves

Transverse or Horizontal Plane

divides the body into superior (above the midline) and inferior (below the midline)

Coronal or Frontal Plane

divides the body into dorsal (back part of the body) and ventral (front part of the body)

Extension

when the joint angle increases

Flexion

when the joint angle decreases

Abduction

when the joint moves away from the body

Adduction

when the joint moves towards the body

Supination

when the hand or foot rolls outward

Pronation

when the hand or foot rolls inward

Medial

rotation so the hands or feet point toward the midline

Lateral

rotation so the hands or feet point away from the midline

Supine

patient is lying face up

Prone

patient is lying face down

Lateral Recumbent

patient is laying on their side

Abbreviations and Symbols

shortened or contracted forms of words or phrases