Medical Terminology Lecture Notes

Practice vocabulary flashcards covering medical terminology fundamentals, course policies, word construction rules, primary tissues, and anatomical organization based on the lecture.

Root

The core meaning of a medical word, typically referring to a body part or organ.

Combining Vowel

A vowel (usually "O") used to make medical terms easier to pronounce; it is required if a suffix begins with a consonant, but dropped if the suffix begins with a vowel.

Prefix

A word part added to the beginning of a term to denote location, size, color, or number; it never requires a combining vowel.

Suffix

A word part added to the end of a term to change the meaning to a procedure or condition.

-ary, -ic, -ous, -al

Suffixes that generally mean "pertaining to."

-ia, -osis, -ism

Suffixes that denote abnormal conditions.

-ectomy

A surgical procedure suffix meaning surgical removal.

-otomy

A surgical procedure suffix meaning incision.

-plasty

A surgical procedure suffix meaning surgical repair.

Hierarchy of Structure

The structural organization of the human body, proceeding from atoms to molecules to organelles to cells to tissues to organs.

Primary Tissues

The four main groups of tissues in the body: connective, epithelial, muscle, and nervous.

Muscle Tissue

The only type of primary body tissue that contracts.

Anatomical Position

The standard reference point defined as a body standing erect, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

Superior / Inferior

Directional terms meaning above versus below.

Medial / Lateral

Directional terms meaning toward the midline versus away from the midline.

Proximal / Distal

Directional terms meaning closer to the point of attachment/center versus further away.

Anterior (Ventral) / Posterior (Dorsal)

Directional terms meaning front versus back.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Sagittal Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into left and right sections; the mid-sagittal plane divides it into equal halves.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into superior and inferior sections.

Proctorio

The required software that must be downloaded for all tests and quizzes to monitor for academic dishonesty.

Passing Grade Requirement

A final overall course grade of $75\%$ or higher.