Medical Terminology Flashcards

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts of medical terminology including word components, directional terms, and common medical terms used in emergency care.

Medical Terminology

A system of terms used in the healthcare field, which requires understanding of key terms, symbols, and abbreviations for effective communication.

Word Root

The main part or stem of a medical term that conveys its essential meaning, frequently indicating a body part.

Prefix

A component that appears at the beginning of a medical term, usually describing location or intensity.

Suffix

A component that appears at the end of a medical term, usually indicating a procedure, condition, disease, or part of speech.

Combining Vowel

A vowel that connects the word root to a suffix or another word root, commonly an 'o', 'i', or 'e'.

Dysphasia

Difficulty speaking.

Dysphagia

Difficulty eating or swallowing.

Superior

A directional term indicating a structure that is nearer to the head than another structure.

Inferior

A directional term indicating a structure that is nearer to the feet than another structure.

Medial

A term used to identify a body part that is closer to the midline when compared to another.

Lateral

A term describing body parts that lie farther from the midline.

Proximal

Describes a body part that is closer to the trunk.

Distal

Describes a body part that is farther from the trunk.

Palmar Surface

The front region of the hand, known as the palm.

Plantar Surface

The bottom of the foot.

Flexion

The bending of a joint.

Extension

The straightening of a joint.

Adduction

Movement of a structure toward the midline.

Abduction

Movement of a structure away from the midline.

Anatomic Position

The standard position of the body used as a reference point in anatomy.

Semi-Fowler Position

A position where the patient sits at a 45-degree angle.

Ventral

Refers to the belly side or anterior surface of the body.

Dorsal

Refers to the back or posterior side of the body.

Nephropathy

A disease of the kidney.

Dysuria

Painful urination.

Hyperemesis

Excessive vomiting.

Analgesic

Pertaining to the absence of pain.

Plurality Rule for 'us'

The plural form of a word ending in 'us' changes to 'i'.