medical terminology

Introduction to Medical Terminology

What is Medical Terminology?

  • Medical terminology is the language used by healthcare professionals to communicate medical information clearly and accurately.

  • It is made up of words and phrases used to describe medical conditions, treatments, procedures, and the human body.

Word Structure in Medical Terminology

  1. Root word: The core meaning of the term. For example, "Cardi" refers to the heart.

  2. Prefix: A word element placed at the beginning of a term to modify its meaning. For example, "hypo-" means below or under.

  3. Suffix: A word element placed at the end of a term to modify its meaning. For example, "-itis" means inflammation.

  4. Combining vowels: Vowels, usually "o", are used to link root words to suffixes or other root words. For example, "oste/o" (bone) and "arthr/o" (joint).

Basic Medical Prefixes

Prefix Meaning Example

a- or an-

without, lack of

Anemia (lack of blood)

brady-

slow

Bradycardia (slow heart rate)

tachy-

fast

Tachypnea (rapid breathing)

hyper-

above, excessive

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

hypo-

below, deficient

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

peri-

around

Pericardium (around the heart)

sub-

under, below

Subcutaneous (under the skin)

Basic Medical Suffixes

Suffix Meaning Example

-itis

inflammation

Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)

-ectomy

surgical removal

Appendectomy (removal of the appendix)

-osis

abnormal condition

Cirrhosis (abnormal liver condition)

-algia

pain

Neuralgia (nerve pain)

-plasty

surgical repair or reconstruction

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)

-pathy

disease or disorder

Neuropathy (nerve disease)

-emia

blood condition

Anemia (lack of red blood cells)

Common Root Words

Root Word Meaning Example

cardi/o

heart

Cardiologist (heart specialist)

dermat/o

skin

Dermatology (study of the skin)

hemat/o

blood

Hematology (study of blood)

nephr/o

kidney

Nephrology (study of kidneys)

oste/o

bone

Osteoporosis (bone condition)

pulmon/o

lung

Pulmonary (relating to the lungs)

gastro

stomach

Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines)

Common Abbreviations

Abbreviation Meaning Example

BP

Blood Pressure

BP 120/80 (normal blood pressure)

HR

Heart Rate

HR 72 bpm (beats per minute)

Rx

Prescription

Rx: Amoxicillin 500 mg

PRN

As needed (pro re nata)

Take medication PRN

QID

Four times a day

Take medicine QID (four times a day)

NPO

Nothing by mouth

NPO after midnight (no food or drink after midnight)

ADL

Activities of Daily Living

Helping with ADLs (eating, bathing, dressing)

Building Medical Terms

  • Combine root words, prefixes, and suffixes to form terms.

    • Example 1: "Cardiopathy" = "cardi" (heart) + "pathy" (disease) = Disease of the heart.

    • Example 2: "Gastroenteritis" = "gastro" (stomach) + "enter" (intestine) + "itis" (inflammation) = Inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Common Body System Terms

Circulatory System

  • Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

  • Veins: Carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

  • Capillaries: Small blood vessels where gas exchange occurs.

Respiratory System

  • Trachea: Windpipe; connects the throat to the lungs.

  • Bronchi: The main passageways into the lungs.

  • Alveoli: Small air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Important Medical Terms to Remember

  • Hypertension: High blood pressure.

  • Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar.

  • Anemia: Lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

  • Asthma: Chronic disease involving the airways that carry air to the lungs.

  • Fracture: A break or crack in a bone.

Tips for Studying Medical Terminology

  1. Break down words into prefixes, roots, and suffixes to understand their meanings.

  2. Use flashcards to practice terms and definitions.

  3. Learn terms related to body systems one at a time.

  4. Keep a glossary or medical dictionary handy for reference.

  5. Practice pronunciation to ensure correct usage.