3-1 med term

homeostasis

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things

atom

The smallest unit of any of these pure substances (elements)

molecule

Two or more atoms combine

cell

the smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism

tissue

a group of many similar cells (though sometimes composed of a few related types) that work together to perform a specific function.

organ

anatomically distinct structure of the body composed of two or more tissue types. Each organ performs one or more specific physiological functions.

organ system

a group of organs that work together to perform major functions or meet the physiological needs of the body.

organism

An organism is a living being that has a cellular structure and that can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life

anatomical position

hat of the body standing upright, with the feet at shoulder width and parallel, toes forward. The upper limbs are held out to each side, and the palms of the hands face forward

prone

A face-down orientation

supine

A face-up orientation

Anterior (or ventral)

describes the front or direction toward the front of the body. The toes are anterior to the foot.

Posterior (or dorsal)

describes the back or direction toward the back of the body. The popliteus is posterior to the patella.

Superior (or cranial)

describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper. The orbits are superior to the oris.

Inferior (or caudal)

describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column). The pelvis is inferior to the abdomen.

Lateral

describes the side or direction toward the side of the body. The thumb (pollex) is lateral to the digits.

Medial

describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body. The hallux is the medial toe.

Proximal

describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The brachium is proximal to the antebrachium.

Distal

describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The crus is distal to the femur.

Superficial

describes a position closer to the surface of the body. The skin is superficial to the bones.

Deep

describes a position farther from the surface of the body. The brain is deep to the skull.

sagittal plane

divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides

frontal plane

divides the body or an organ into an anterior (front) portion and a posterior (rear) portion

transverse plane

divides the body or organ horizontally into upper and lower portions

tissue membrane

a thin layer or sheet of cells that covers the outside of the body (for example, skin), the organs (for example, pericardium), internal passageways that lead to the exterior of the body (for example, abdominal mesenteries), and the lining of the movable joint cavities.

mucous membrane

line the digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive tracts; covered in mucous glands

serous membranes

line the body cavities; peritoneal, pleural, paricrtrual cavities

cutaneous

skin that covers the body surface

synovial membranes

line joint cavities and produce fluid withing the joint.

epithelial membrane

epithelium attached to a layer of connective tissue.

epithelial membrane

epithelium attached to a layer of connective tissue.

Parietal layers

line the walls of the body cavity.

Visceral layer

covers the organs (the viscera).

Pleura

surrounds the lungs in the pleural cavity and reduces friction between the lungs and the body wall.

Pericardium

surrounds the heart in the pericardial cavity and reduces friction between the heart and the wall of the pericardium.

Peritoneum

surrounds several organs in the abdominopelvic cavity. The peritoneal cavity reduces friction between the abdominal and pelvic organs and the body wall.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

colorless fluid produced by the brain that cushions the brain and spinal cord within the posterior (dorsal) cavity

coelomic

cavities that do not open to the outside

connective tissue

type of tissue that serves to hold in place, connect, and integrate the body’s organs and systems

serous space

the very thin, fluid-filled space between the parietal and visceral layers

Combining Two Combining Forms

When two combining forms are joined, the vowel between them is kept

Combining Form + Suffix(Consonant Start)

If the suffix begins with a consonant, the combining vowel is kept

Combining Form + Suffix(Vowel Start)

If the suffix begins with a vowel, the combining vowel is dropped

Prefix + Root Word

A prefix goes at the beginning and doesn't use a combining vowel

Defining Medical Terms

Start with the suffix, then read left to right, adding filler words if needed

Sx

Symptoms

HA

headache

Tx

therapy or treatment

Dx

diagnosis

PO

Orally, by mouth

SQ

the administration of a medication or injection under the skin

IV

intravenous

Intra-

within

Infra-

below or under

Inter-

between

-graphy

writing or recording

-graph

instrument for recording

-gram

a record or image

colectomy

a surgical procedure that involves removing all or part of the colon

colotomy

the surgical creation of an opening or incision in the colon

colostomy

colostomy

erythr/o

red

leuk/o

white

melan/o

Black

osteoarthritis

Inflammation of bone and joint.

intravenous

Pertaining to within a vein.

gastroenterology

The study of the stomach and the intestines

SOB

Shortness of Breath

hemolysis

destruction or breakdown of blood (cells)

otodynia

pain in the ear

apnea

ack of breathing or without breath

pathology

study of diseases

oste-

bone