Medical and Health Professions and Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering medical scientific studies, healthcare professions, numerical and directional affixes, and medical terminology based on lecture notes.

Audiology

The science concerned with the sense of hearing.

Bacteriology

Scientific study of bacteria.

Biology

Scientific study of living organisms.

Cardiology

Study of the heart and its functions.

Dermatology

Medical specialty concerned with treatment of skin disorders.

Endocrinology

Study of the endocrine system.

Gastroenterology

Study of the stomach and intestines.

Gynecology

Medical specialty dealing with genital tract in women.

Hematology

Study of the morphology of blood and blood-forming tissue.

Neurology

Medical specialty dealing with the nervous system.

Oncology

Medical specialty dealing with tumors.

Ophthalmology

Medical specialty dealing with the eye.

Proctology

Medical specialty dealing with the rectum and anus.

Otorhinolaryngologist

Physician who specializes in ear, nose and throat.

Cardiologist

Physician skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

Pediatrician

Physician who specializes in treating children.

Internist

Physician who specializes in the internal organs and functions of the body.

Practitioner

Physician who practices in 6 general area.

Dentistry

Physician concern with teeth and associated structures.

Endodontist

Dentist who specializes in the tooth pulp, root and periapical tissues.

Oral Surgeon

Dentist who specializes in surgery of the mouth.

Orthodontist

Dentist who specializes in treatment or irregularities of the teeth, malocclusion and associated facial problems.

Pedodontist

Dentist who specializes in treatment o children's teeth.

Periodontist

Dentist who specialized in diseases of the gums.

Prosthodontist

Dentist who constructs artificial appliances.

Dental Hygienist

Nonphysician concerned with maintenance of oral health.

Dental Assistant

Nonphysician who assists the physician at chairside.

Dental Technician

Nonphysician who prepares prosthetics.

Chiropractor

Person trained in the manipulation of the vertebral column.

Registered Dietitian (RD)

Specialist concerned with proper diet to maintain health.

Dietetic Technician (DTR)

Person who works under the direction of the dietitian.

Podiatrist (DMP)

Specialist who deals with the study and care of the foot.

Medical Assistant (MA)

Person who assists the physician with patient care.

Medical Record Administrator

Person who manages information systems.

Accredited Record Technician (ART)

Person who organizes, handles and evaluates patient record.

Medical Technologist (ASCP)

Person who performs test in a laboratory to track disease.

Physician Assistant (PA)

Professional who performs limited duties under physician guidance.

Occupational Therapist (OTR)

Professional who help patients rehab fine motor skills.

Optometrist (OD)

Professional (not ophthalmologist) who examines eyes, prescribes corrective lenses, and treats eye concerns.

Pharmacist (RPH, PHARMD)

One who is licensed to prepare, sell or disperse medications.

Physical Therapist (RPT)

Professional qualified to administer physical treatments.

Psychologist (PHD, MS)

Professional who specializes in the treatment of disturbed mental processes and treats concerns of the mind.

Radiology Technologist (ARRT)

Professional who specializes in the use of X-rays and radioactive isotopes to diagnose and treat disease under the supervision of a radiologist.

Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Professional who assists patients to improve respiratory functions under the physician's direction.

Social Worker

Professional who helps patients handle personal problems related to long-term illness or disability.

Veterinarian (DVM)

Doctor who treats and performs surgery on animals.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Specialist licensed to work directly with patient, administering treatments ordered by the physician.

Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)

Nurse with additional training in specific areas.

Nurse-Midwife (APN)

Nurse with additional training in caring for women during pregnancy, at delivery and postpartum.

Public Health Nurse

RN concerned with prevention and treatment of illness in the community.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed nurse who works under the direction of an RN.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Person trained to help the RN and LPN provide care.

Uni-, mono-

Numerical suffix meaning one.

Bi-, diplo-

Numerical suffix meaning two.

Gemin

Numerical suffix meaning double, pair.

Tri-

Numerical suffix meaning three.

Quad-

Numerical suffix meaning four.

Quint-

Numerical suffix meaning five.

Sect-

Numerical suffix meaning six.

Sept-

Numerical suffix meaning seven.

Octa-

Numerical suffix meaning eight.

Nona-

Numerical suffix meaning nine.

Deca-

Numerical suffix meaning ten.

Multi-

Numerical suffix meaning many.

Primi-

Numerical suffix meaning first.

Semi-

Numerical suffix meaning half.

Hemi-

Numerical suffix meaning half, one sided.

Uni-

Numerical suffix meaning one sided.

Ambi-

Numerical suffix meaning both.

Null-

Numerical suffix meaning none.

Pan-

Numerical suffix meaning all.

Ambidextrous

Able to use both hands equally.

Unilateral

One sided.

Octopus

Eight-legged creature.

Quintuplets

Five babies born at the same time.

Abduction

Movement away from the center of the body.

Adduction

Movement towards the center of the body.

Antecubital

The space in front of the elbow.

Circumcision

Removal of part of the foreskin.

Contralateral

Opposite side.

Ectopic

Pregnancy that occurs in the fallopian tube.

Endocrine

Pertaining to the middle or upper abdomen.

Extrauterine

A pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus.

Infrasternal

Inside the cell.

Irrigate

Wash into.

Metastasis

Transfer of disease from one organ to another.

-ology

Common health professional suffix meaning study of.

-iatry

Common health professional suffix meaning a branch of medicine.

-ian

Common health professional suffix meaning physician who practices a branch of medicine.

-itioner

Common health professional suffix meaning physician who treats a branch of medicine.

Audiologist

Physician who treats hearing issues.

Optometry

The study of eyes.

Psychology

Study of the mind.

Psychiatric

Condition pertaining to the mind.

Pediatric

Pertaining to children.

Cardiac

Pertaining to the heart.