EMT Chapter 5: Medical Terminology

Compound word

A word formed from two or more whole words.

Root

The foundation of a word that cannot stand on its own.

Combining form

A word root with an added vowel used to join with other word parts.

Prefix

A word part added to the beginning of a root to modify its meaning.

Suffix

A word part added to the end of a root to complete its meaning.

Anatomy

The study of body structure.

Physiology

The study of body function.

Anatomic position

Standard reference position: standing erect, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward.

Plane

A flat surface formed when slicing through a solid object.

Midline

An imaginary line dividing the body vertically into right and left halves.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

To the side, away from the midline of the body.

Bilateral

On both sides of the body or structure.

Unilateral

Limited to one side of the body or structure.

Midaxillary line

A vertical line drawn from the middle of the armpit to the ankle.

Anterior

The front of the body or body part.

Posterior

The back of the body or body part.

Ventral

Referring to the front of the body; synonym for anterior.

Dorsal

Referring to the back of the body; synonym for posterior.

Superior

Toward the head; above.

Inferior

Away from the head; below.

Torso

The trunk of the body, excluding the head and extremities.

Proximal

Closer to the torso.

Distal

Farther away from the torso.

Palmar

Referring to the palm of the hand.

Plantar

Referring to the sole of the foot.

Midclavicular line

A vertical line running through the center of each collarbone.

Abdominal quadrants

Four divisions of the abdomen used to pinpoint pain or injury.

Supine

Lying flat on the back.

Prone

Lying facedown on the abdomen.

Recovery position

Lying on the side; also called lateral recumbent position.

Fowler position

A sitting or semi-sitting position.