Overview of Body Language Deciphering Medical Mysteries

Unit 1: Medical Terminology Basics

• Importance of understanding prefixes, suffixes, and root words for deciphering medical terms.

  • Suffix first, then prefix, and then root.

  • Example:

  • Ectomy = removal

  • Ology = study of

  • Provides a roadmap for understanding complex terms.

Unit 2: The Human Body in Health and Disease

Anatomical Orientation

• Body Planes: Imaginary flat surfaces that divide the body.

  • Sagittal Plane: Divides body into left and right portions.

  • Mid-sagittal Plane: Exactly down the middle.

  • Coronal Plane: Also called frontal plane; divides body into anterior (front) and posterior (back).

  • Think of slicing from side to side.

  • Transverse Plane: Divides body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions.

  • Cuts across the waist or any horizontal slice.

Body Cavities

• Spaces within the body that protect internal organs.

  • Dorsal Cavity:

    • Cranial cavity (houses the brain).

    • Spinal cavity (encases spinal cord).

  • Ventral Cavity: Much larger; divided into sub-cavities:

  • Thoracic Cavity: Contains heart and lungs.

  • Abdominopelvic Cavity: Encompasses abdominal (digestive organs) and pelvic (bladder, reproductive organs, rectum) cavities.

Directional Terms

• Vital for precise descriptions:

  • Anterior: Toward the front of the body; e.g., sternum is anterior to spine.

  • Posterior: Toward the back of the body.

  • Superior: Toward the head; e.g., head is superior to chest.

  • Inferior: Toward the feet.

  • Medial: Toward the midline; e.g., nose is medial to ears.

  • Lateral: Away from the midline; e.g., arms are lateral to torso.

  • Proximal: Closer to point of attachment or trunk; e.g., elbow is proximal to wrist.

  • Distal: Farther from point of attachment; e.g., fingers are distal to elbow.

Unit 3: The Skeletal System

Overview of Bones

• Adult human typically has 206 bones.

• Divided into:

  • Axial Skeleton: Core of the body; includes skull, vertebral column (spine), rib cage. Protects vital organs and supports head and trunk.

  • Appendicular Skeleton: Includes bones of limbs and girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton (shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle).

Joints

• Connections where two or more bones meet, classified by movement:

  • Fibrous Joints: Immovable (e.g., skull).

  • Cartilaginous Joints: Allow limited movement (e.g., between vertebrae).

  • Synovial Joints: Allow wide range of motion (e.g., knee, shoulder).

Pathology and Terminology

• Common conditions include:

  • Fractures: Broken bones.

  • Arthritis: Inflammation of joints causing pain and stiffness.

  • Osteoporosis: Weak, brittle bones prone to fractures.

• Key roots:

  • Osteo: Bone (e.g., osteoporosis).

  • Arthro: Joint (e.g., arthritis).

  • Chondro: Cartilage (e.g., chondromalacia).

Unit 4: The Muscular System

Types of Muscles

• Three types of muscles:

  • Skeletal Muscles: Attached to bones, responsible for voluntary movement.

  • Cardiac Muscle: Only found in the heart, involuntary control.

  • Smooth Muscles: Found in internal organs, also involuntary.

Muscle Movements

• Key actions:

  • Flexion: Bending a joint; decreases angle between bones.

  • Extension: Straightening a joint; increases angle.

  • Abduction: Moving limb away from midline (e.g., raising arm).

  • Adduction: Moving limb toward midline (e.g., bringing arm back down).

Pathology and Terminology

• Common muscular conditions:

  • Strains: Injuries to muscle or tendon.

  • Muscular Dystrophy: Genetic diseases causing muscle weakness.

  • Myalgia: Muscle pain.

• Key roots:

  • Myo: Muscle (e.g., myopathy).

  • Fasio: Connective tissue (e.g., fascia).

  • Tendo: Tendon (e.g., tendonitis).

Unit 5: The Cardiovascular System

Overview

• The cardiovascular system (circulatory system) centers around the heart:

  • Heart Structure: Four chambers - atria (upper) receive blood and ventricles (lower) pump blood.

Circulation Types

• Pulmonary Circulation: Deoxygenated blood from heart to lungs, oxygenated blood returns to heart.

• Systemic Circulation: Oxygenated blood from heart to body, deoxygenated blood returns to heart.

Blood Vessels

• Three types:

  • Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from heart; thick and muscular walls.

  • Veins: Carry deoxygenated blood towards heart; thinner walls with valves.

  • Capillaries: Tiny vessels for gas and nutrient exchange between blood and cells.

Pathology and Terminology

• Common cardiovascular conditions:

  • Hypertension: High blood pressure.

  • Myocardial Infarction: Heart attack due to blocked blood flow.

  • Arrhythmia: Irregular heartbeat.

• Key roots:

  • Cardio: Heart (e.g., cardiology).

  • Angio: Blood vessel (e.g., angiography).

  • Hemo: Blood (e.g., hemorrhage).

Unit 6: Lymphatic and Immune Systems

Key Organs and Functions

• Key organs include:

  • Lymph Nodes: Filter lymph fluid; house immune cells.

  • Spleen: Filters blood, stores blood cells.

  • Thymus: Develops T lymphocytes (white blood cells).

  • Tonsils: Immune tissue in the throat.

• Core functions:

  • Maintain fluid balance.

  • Support immunity.

  • Facilitate fat absorption from the digestive system.

Pathologies and Terminology

• Common conditions:

  • Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymphatic system.

  • Lymphedema: Swelling due to lymph blockage.

  • HIV/AIDS: Virus damaging the immune system.

• Key roots:

  • Lympho: Lymphatic system (e.g., lymphadenopathy).

  • Immuno: Immunity (e.g., immunology).

  • Spleno: Spleen (e.g., splenectomy).

Unit 7: Respiratory System

Main Structures and Functions

• Structures include:

  • Nose and Pharynx: Warm, humidify, and filter air.

  • Larynx: Voice box; produces sound.

  • Trachea: Windpipe; the main airway to lungs.

  • Bronchi: Tubes leading into lungs.

  • Lungs: Gas exchange occurs here.

Ventilation vs. Respiration

• Ventilation: Movement of air in and out of lungs (breathing).

• Respiration: Exchange of gases between air in lungs and blood, and blood and body cells.

Pathology and Terminology

• Common respiratory problems:

  • Asthma: Narrowing of airways causing wheezing.

  • Pneumonia: Infection inflaming air sacs in lungs.

  • COPD: Lung diseases causing breathing difficulties.

• Key roots:

  • Pneu or Pulmono: Pertaining to lungs (e.g., pneumonia).

  • Broncho: Bronchus (e.g., bronchitis).

Unit 8: Digestive System

Main Organs and Functions

• Continuous tube organs includes:

  • Mouth: Initial digestion; chewing.

  • Esophagus: Transports food to stomach.

  • Stomach: Chemical and mechanical digestion.

  • Small Intestine: Nutrient absorption.

  • Large Intestine: Water absorption; waste exits via rectum and anus.

• Accessory Organs:

  • Liver: Produces bile for fat digestion.

  • Gallbladder: Stores bile.

  • Pancreas: Produces enzymes and hormones (like insulin).

Pathology and Terminology

• Common conditions:

  • Ulcers: Sores on stomach lining.

  • Hepatitis: Liver inflammation.

  • GERD: Acid reflux disease.

• Key roots:

  • Gastro: Stomach (e.g., gastritis).

  • Hepato: Liver (e.g., hepatitis).

  • Entero: Intestines (e.g., enteritis).

Unit 9: Urinary System

Overview of Organs and Functions

• Main organs:

  • Kidneys: Filter blood; produce urine.

  • Ureters: Transport urine from kidneys to bladder.

  • Bladder: Stores urine.

  • Urethra: Exits urine from the body.

Functions and Regulation

• Main functions:

  • Filter waste from blood to produce urine.

  • Regulate fluid and electrolyte balance.

  • Produce hormones that stimulate red blood cell production.

Pathology and Terminology

• Common issues:

  • UTIs: Infections in urinary system.

  • Kidney Stones: Painful deposits in kidneys.

  • Nephritis: Kidney inflammation.

• Key roots:

  • Nephro: Kidney (e.g., nephrology).

  • Renal: Pertaining to kidneys (e.g., renal pathology).

Unit 10: Nervous System

Overview and Parts

• Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord.

• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves branching out from spinal cord.

Key Cells and Structures

• Neurons: Fundamental nerve cells; parts include:

  • Dendrites: Receive signals.

  • Axon: Transmits signals away from cell body.

Pathology and Terminology

• Common issues:

  • Epilepsy: Neurological disorder with recurrent episodes.

  • Stroke: Blood flow interruption in brain.

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Disease affecting CNS.

• Key roots:

  • Neuro: Nerve (e.g., neurology).

  • Encephalo: Brain (e.g., encephalitis).

Unit 11: Special Senses (Eyes and Ears)

Overview of Eye and Ear Structures

• Eye Structures:

  • Cornea: Clear layer, focuses light.

  • Lens: Behind iris; focuses light on retina.

  • Retina: Converts light to electrical signals.

  • Optic Nerve: Transmits signals to brain.

• Ear Structures:

  • Outer Ear: Collects sound.

  • Middle Ear: Transmits sound vibrations.

  • Inner Ear: Contains cochlea (hearing) and semicircular canals (balance).

Pathology and Terminology

• Common eye conditions:

  • Cataracts: Clouding of lens.

  • Glaucoma: Damage to optic nerve from high pressure.

• Common ear conditions:

  • Otitis: Inflammation or infection of the ear.

  • Deafness: Hearing loss.

• Key roots:

  • Ophthalm: Eye (e.g., ophthalmology).

  • Oto: Ear (e.g., otology).

Unit 12: Integumentary System

Overview and Functions

• Components: Skin, hair, nails.

• Layers:

  • Epidermis: Outermost protective layer.

  • Dermis: Contains connective tissue, hair follicles, glands.

  • Hypodermis: Beneath skin, contains fat and connective tissue.

Key Functions

• Acts as a barrier against pathogens.

• Regulates body temperature.

• Provides sensation through nerve endings.

Pathology and Terminology

• Common conditions:

  • Burns: Injury from heat, chemicals, etc.

  • Dermatitis: Inflammation of skin.

  • Melanoma: Serious skin cancer.

• Key roots:

  • Dermat: Skin (e.g., dermatology).

  • Cutaneous: Beneath skin (e.g., subcutaneous).

Unit 13: Endocrine System

Overview of Hormones and Glands

• Function: Hormonal regulation of various body functions (metabolism, growth, mood, etc.).

• Key glands include:

  • Pituitary Gland: Master gland affecting others.

  • Thyroid Gland: Regulates metabolism.

  • Adrenal Glands: Produce stress hormones.

  • Pancreas: Controls blood sugar levels.

Pathology and Terminology

• Common issues:

  • Diabetes Mellitus: High blood sugar due to insulin issues.

  • Hyperthyroidism: Overproduction of thyroid hormone.

  • Addison's Disease: Insufficient hormone production by adrenal glands.

• Key roots:

  • Endocrino: Endocrine system (e.g., endocrinology).

  • Adeno: Gland (e.g., adenoma).

Unit 14: Reproductive System

Overview of Male and Female Systems

• Male Reproductive System: Produces and delivers sperm.

  • Key components include testes and ducts.

• Female Reproductive System: Produces eggs and hormones; site for fertilization and fetal development.

  • Key components include ovaries and uterus.

Pathology and Terminology

• Common issues:

  • Infertility: Inability to conceive.

  • STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases.

  • Prostate Cancer: Cancer of the prostate gland.

  • Endometriosis: Painful condition affecting the uterus.

• Key roots:

  • Andro: Male (e.g., androgen).

  • Gyneco: Female (e.g., gynecology).

  • Hystero: Uterus (e.g., hysterectomy).

Unit 15: Pregnancy and Childbirth

Key Terms and Complications

• Key terms include:

  • Conception: Becoming pregnant.

  • Embryo: Developing human until eighth week.

  • Fetus: Developing human from ninth week until birth.

• Trimesters: Pregnancy divided into three periods (about three months each).

Complications during Pregnancy

• Ectopic Pregnancy: Fertilized egg implants outside uterus.

• Preeclampsia: High blood pressure during pregnancy.

• Miscarriage: Loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks.

Common Procedures

• C-Section (Cesarean Section): Surgical delivery through abdominal incision.

• Episiotomy: Surgical cut to prevent tearing during delivery.

Terminology Roots

• NotO: Birth (e.g., neonatal).

• Gravida: Pregnancy (e.g., primigravida).

Unit 16: Diagnostic Procedures

Essential Examination Techniques

• Physical Exams:

  • Palpation: Feeling for abnormalities.

  • Auscultation: Listening to body sounds.

  • Percussion: Tapping to assess underlying structures.

Lab Tests and Imaging Techniques

• Laboratory Tests:

  • Biopsy: Tissue removal for examination.

  • Blood Tests: Analyzing components.

  • Urinalysis: Examination of urine.

• Imaging Techniques:

  • X-rays: Imaging of bones/dense tissues.

  • CT scans: Detailed cross-sectional images.

  • MRI: Detailed images of soft tissues without radiation.

  • Ultrasound: Images via sound waves.

Terminology Roots

• Radio: Radiation (e.g., radiology).

• Scapo: Viewing (e.g., endoscopy).

Unit 17: Pharmacology and Abbreviations

Overview of Drugs

• Pharmacology: Study of drugs; classifications include:

  • Analgesics: Pain relief.

  • Antibiotics: Fight bacterial infections.

  • Antihypertensives: Lower blood pressure.

Routes of Administration

• Varies based on how the drug is given:

  • Oral: By mouth.

  • Intravenous: Into a vein.

  • Intramuscular: Into a muscle.

  • Topical: On the skin.

  • Inhaled: Breathed in.

Common Abbreviations

• Critical for understanding prescriptions:

  • PO: Per os (by mouth).

  • BID: Bis in die (twice daily).

  • PRN: Pro re nata (as needed).

Roots

• Pharmaco: Drug (e.g., pharmacology).

• Toxo: Poisonous (e.g., toxicology).

Unit 18: Healthcare Professionals and Alternative Medicine

Key Roles in Healthcare

• Key professions include:

  • Physicians: Doctors, medical doctors (MDs).

  • Nurses: Registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

  • Physician Assistants (PAs): Provide care under supervision.

  • Lab Technicians: Analyze samples.

Overview of Alternative Medicine

• Alternative medicine involves non-standard therapies:

  • Acupuncture: Inserting needles into points.

  • Chiropractic: Spinal manipulation.

  • Herbal Medicine: Using plant-based compounds.

  • Energy Therapies: Various energy-based techniques.

Unit 19: Pathological Terms

Disease Classification

• Inherited Diseases: Genetic (e.g., cystic fibrosis).

• Acquired Diseases: Develop due to environmental factors (e.g., heart disease).

• Infectious Diseases: Categorized by cause:

  • Bacterial: e.g., strep throat.

  • Viral: e.g., influenza, HIV.

  • Fungal: e.g., athlete's foot.

  • Parasitic: e.g., malaria.

Unit 20: Psychiatry

Overview of Mental Health

• Psychiatry: Medical specialty for mental disorders.

• Difference between psychiatrist (MD, can prescribe) and psychologist (PhD/PsyD, focuses on therapy).

Common Disorders

• Includes:

  • Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety, panic disorder.

  • Depression: Persistent sadness and loss of interest.

  • Phobias: Intense fears.

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder: Range of developmental conditions.

  • Substance Abuse: Addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

Key Roots

• Psych: Mind (e.g., psychology).

• Neuro: Related to the nervous system.

• Phobo: Fear conditions (e.g., claustrophobia).