Medical Terminolgy 3/13/25

Course Structure for Medical Terminology

  • Overview of Assessments

    • 12 lesson exercises (homework assignments from the book)

    • 11 quizzes

    • 1 discussion board activity (due today)

    • 1 midterm exam

    • 1 final exam

Importance of Studying Medical Terminology

  • Personal Experience: Instructor shares their experience of not taking the course seriously and the consequences.

  • Recommendation: Continuous studying throughout the course rather than cramming before exams.

Interactive Learning Tools

  • Kahoots: An online interactive quiz game will be used as a study tool to reinforce learning and keep students engaged.

Course Logistics

  • Blackboard Navigation: Students are to check announcements, course content, and keep up with assignments via the Blackboard site.

  • Discussion Board Instructions:

    • Initial post due by tonight at midnight.

    • Students need to respond to at least two classmates' posts.

Medical Terminology Introduction

  • Definition and Importance:

    • Medical terminology acts as a specialized vocabulary among healthcare professionals.

    • Using specific terms minimizes miscommunication.

  • Origins of Medical Terms:

    • Primarily derived from Greek and Latin.

    • Includes eponyms (e.g., Parkinson's disease) and acronyms (e.g., CABG).

Categories of Medical Terms

  • Built from Word Parts: Understandable through their components.

  • Not Built from Word Parts: Require memorization.

Word Parts and Their Meanings

  • Four Main Components:

    1. Word Root: Core meaning of the term (e.g., 'onc' for cancer).

    2. Combining Vowel: Typically 'o'; aids pronunciation and can connect word roots.

    3. Suffix: Added at the end, modifies the meaning (e.g., 'ologist' for one who studies).

    4. Prefix: Added at the beginning, provides additional info (e.g., 'hypo-' for low).

Examples of Word Construction

  • Intravenous:

    • Intra (within) + Ven (vein) + -ous (pertaining to) = Pertaining to within a vein.

  • Neuroma:

    • Neuro (nerve) + -oma (tumor) = Tumor of nerve tissue.

  • Carcinoid:

    • Carcin (cancer) + -oid (resembling) = Resembling cancer.

Body Structure and Organization

  • Cells: Basic unit of all living things.

  • Tissues: Group of similar cells performing specific functions (e.g., cardiac tissue).

  • Organs: Combination of two or more tissue types achieving complex functions (e.g., heart).

  • Organ Systems: Groups of organs working together for overall body functions (e.g., endocrine system).

Cancer Terminology

  • Oncology: Study of tumors, emphasizing the growth of cells that can lead to cancer.

  • Tumor Classifications:

    • Malignant: Cancerous, can spread.

    • Benign: Non-cancerous, but may require removal if affecting organ function.

Clinical Practices

  • Lab Tests: Essential tools for gathering patient information (e.g., CBC tests, kidney and liver function tests).

Pronunciation Skills

  • Importance of accurate pronunciation of medical terms in clinical settings.

  • Resources for practicing pronunciation, including online videos.

Common Medical Terms

  • Benign: Non-cancerous.

  • Malignant: Cancerous.

  • Gloss for basic medical language provided by the textbook recommended for continuous study.

Homework Assignments

  • Due tonight:

    • Initial discussion board post for medical terminology.

    • Lesson one exercises (A and B) due next week before class.

  • Future Classes: Next session will be asynchronous; details will be provided.