Medical Terminology Chapter 1

Chapter Objectives

• Objective 1.01: Identify the roles of the four types of word parts used in forming medical terms.
• Objective 1.02: Use knowledge of word parts to analyze unfamiliar medical terms.
• Objective 1.03: Describe the steps in locating a term in a medical dictionary or online resource.
• Objective 1.04: Define commonly used word roots, combining forms, suffixes, and prefixes.
• Objective 1.05: Use the "sounds-like" pronunciation system to pronounce primary terms introduced in this chapter.
• Objective 1.06: Recognize the importance of spelling medical terms correctly.
• Objective 1.07: State why caution is important when using abbreviations.
• Objective 1.08: Recognize, define, spell, and pronounce primary terms.

Importance of Word Parts

• Medical terminology primarily consists of Latin and Greek word parts.
• Four types of word parts:
  • Word root: Contains the basic meaning.
  • Combining form: A word root plus a combining vowel, usually 'o.'
  • Suffix: Indicates procedure, condition, disorder, or disease.
  • Prefix: Indicates location, time, number, or status.

Word Roots

• Function: Foundations for most medical terms, often indicating body parts.
• Examples of color-related word roots:
  • cyan/o: blue
  • erythr/o: red
  • leuk/o: white
  • melan/o: black
  • poli/o: gray

Combining Forms and Vowels

• Combining forms include a vowel (usually 'o') for easier pronunciation.
• When two word roots are combined, a vowel is always added to the first root.
• A combining vowel is used before a suffix only if the suffix starts with a consonant.

Suffixes

• Definition: Added to the end of a word to complete its meaning.
• Types and meanings:
  • Noun endings: Change word roots to nouns (e.g., -um).
  • Pertaining to: Suffixes like -ac (cardiac).
  • Abnormal condition: Suffixes like -osis (e.g., gastrosis).
  • Pathological terms: E.g., -algia (pain), -itis (inflammation).
  • Procedural terms: E.g., -centesis (surgical puncture).
  • Double R suffixes: E.g., -rrhage/-rrhagia (bleeding).

Prefixes

• Definition: Added to the beginning of a word, often indicating location, time, or number.
• Examples:
  • Prenatal (before birth)
  • Postnatal (after birth)
  • Perinatal (surrounding birth)
• Opposing prefixes: E.g., ab- (away) vs. ad- (toward).

Determining Meanings

• Steps:
  1. Separate words into parts, starting from the end.
  2. Identify meanings for each part.
  3. Check definitions in medical dictionaries or resources.
• Example: Otorhinolaryngology - breaking into parts reveals meanings derived from its components.

Medical Dictionary Use

• If known: Look alphabetically at the first and second letters.
• If unknown: Record the pronunciation to help with spelling.
• Online resources: Use reputable medical sites; verify definitions across several sources.

Pronunciation

• System: Uses common English letters to sound out terms.
• Emphasis indicated at the primary syllable in uppercase (e.g., edema: eh-DEE-mah).

Importance of Spelling

• Accurate spelling is crucial; minor changes can alter meanings significantly.
• Spellings can vary internationally.

Singular and Plural Endings

• Different rules for plural forms based on language origin (e.g., phalanx vs. phalanges).

Commonly Confused Terms

• Differentiate similar-sounding or looking terms:
  • Arterio, athero, arthro (artery, plaque, joint respectively).
  • Ileum (intestine) vs ilium (hip bone).

Caution with Abbreviations

• Abbreviations streamline documentation but can lead to errors; familiarize with facility policies.
• “Do Not Use” abbreviations: e.g., MS, QD, U - to avoid misinterpretations.