Medical Terminology (Podcast)

Unit 1: Overview of Medical Terminology

• Importance of Medical Terminology: Medical terminology serves as a language code that healthcare professionals use to communicate precisely.

• Building Blocks of Medical Terms: Understanding prefixes, suffixes, and root words is fundamental in deciphering complex terms.

  • Rule of Interpretation: Interpret the suffix first, then the prefix, and finally the root.

  • Example: "Ectomy" means removal, and "ology" means study of.

Unit 2: The Human Body in Health and Disease

Body Planes

• Definition: Imaginary flat surfaces dividing the body into sections.

• Types of Body Planes:

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

  • Mid-Sagittal Plane: An exact division down the middle.

  • Coronal (Frontal) Plane: Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

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

Body Cavities

• Definition: Spaces within the body that contain and protect internal organs.

• Main Cavities:

  • Dorsal Cavity: Includes the cranial cavity (brain) and spinal cavity (spinal cord).

  • Ventral Cavity: Larger, subdivided into thoracic cavity (heart and lungs) and abdominopelvic cavity (digestive organs, bladder, reproductive organs).

Directional Terms

• Essential for precise communication about the body's location of structures.

  • Anterior: Toward the front.

  • Posterior: Toward the back.

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

  • Inferior: Toward the feet.

  • Medial: Toward the midline of the body; the nose is medial to the ears.

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

  • Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment; the elbow is proximal to the wrist.

  • Distal: Farther from the point of attachment; the fingers are distal to the elbow.

Unit 3: The Skeletal System

Bone Overview

• Total Number of Bones: An adult human typically has 206 bones, categorized as follows:

  • Axial Skeleton: Central axis; includes the skull, vertebral column (spine), rib cage.

  • Appendicular Skeleton: Limbs and girdles (shoulder and pelvic girdles).

Joints

• Definition: Connections between two or more bones.

• Types of Joints:

  • Fibrous Joints: Immovable, as in the skull.

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

  • Synovial Joints: Most common, allow a wide range of motion; examples include the knee and shoulder.

Common Conditions

• Fractures: Broken bones.

• Arthritis: Joint inflammation causing pain and stiffness.

• Osteoporosis: Weakening of bones making them brittle.

Key Root Words

• Osteo: Bone (e.g., osteoporosis).

• Arthro: Joint (e.g., arthritis).

• Chondro: Cartilage (e.g., chondromalacia, softening of cartilage).

Unit 4: The Muscular System

Muscle Types

• Skeletal Muscles: Voluntary movement, attached to bones.

• Cardiac Muscle: Involuntary, found only in the heart.

• Smooth Muscles: Involuntary, found in organs like the stomach and blood vessels.

Muscle Actions

• Flexion: Bending a limb or joint; reducing the angle between bones (e.g., bending the elbow).

• Extension: Straightening a limb or joint; increasing the angle.

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

• Adduction: Moving toward the midline (e.g., lowering an arm).

Common Pathologies

• Strains: Injury to a muscle or tendon, stretched or torn muscle.

• Muscular Dystrophy: Group of genetic diseases causing muscle weakness.

• Myalgia: Muscle pain.

Key Root Words

• Myo: Muscle (e.g., myopathy).

• Fascio: Fascia (connective tissue around muscles).

• Tendo: Tendon (connecting muscle to bone).

Unit 5: The Cardiovascular System

Heart Structure

• Components:

  • Atria: Upper chambers receiving blood (deoxygenated from the body, oxygenated from the lungs).

  • Ventricles: Lower chambers pumping blood out (to body and lungs).

Circulation Types

• Pulmonary Circulation: Carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

• Systemic Circulation: Pumps oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

Blood Vessels

• Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

• Veins: Carry deoxygenated blood toward the heart.

• Capillaries: Tiny vessels where gas and nutrient exchange occurs.

Common Cardiovascular Conditions

• Hypertension: High blood pressure.

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

• Arrhythmia: Irregular heartbeat.

Key Root Words

• Cardio: Heart (e.g., cardiology).

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

• Hemo/Haemato: Blood (e.g., hemorrhage).

Unit 6: Lymphatic and Immune Systems

Key Organs

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

• Spleen: Filters blood and stores blood cells.

• Thymus: Essential for T lymphocyte development.

• Tonsils: Protect the throat as immune tissue.

Functions of the Lymphatic System

1. Maintaining fluid balance.

2. Supporting immunity (producing/housing immune cells).

3. Facilitating fat absorption from the digestive system.

Common Pathologies

• Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymphatic system.

• Lymphedema: Swelling due to lymph system blockage.

• HIV/AIDS: Viral infection damaging the immune system.

Key Root Words

• Lympho: Lymphatic system.

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

• Spleno: Spleen (e.g., splenectomy).

Unit 7: The Respiratory System

Main Structures

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

• Larynx: Voice box for sound production.

• Trachea: Windpipe to the lungs.

• Bronchi: Tubes leading to lungs.

• Lungs: Site for gas exchange.

Differentiating Terms

• Ventilation: Air movement in/out of lungs (breathing).

• Respiration: Gas exchange occurring in lungs and body cells.

Common Respiratory Issues

• Asthma: Chronic inflammation of airways.

• Pneumonia: Infection causing lung inflammation.

• COPD: Obstruction of airflow in lungs.

Key Root Words

• Pneum: Lung or air (e.g., pneumonia).

• Pulmono: Relating to lungs (e.g., pulmonary).

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

Unit 8: Digestive System

Main Organs

• Mouth: Initial digestion occurs.

• Esophagus: Transports food to the stomach.

• Stomach: Chemical and mechanical digestion.

• Intestines: Small and large intestines absorb nutrients/water.

• Rectum: Excretes undigested waste.

Accessory Organs

• Liver: Produces bile for fat digestion.

• Gallbladder: Stores bile.

• Pancreas: Produces digestive enzymes and hormones (e.g., insulin).

Common Pathologies

• Ulcers: Sores on the digestive tract lining.

• Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver.

• GERD: Acid reflux disease causing irritation.

Key Root Words

• Gastro: Stomach (e.g., gastritis).

• Entero: Small intestine (e.g., enteritis).

• Hepato: Liver (e.g., hepatitis).

Unit 9: Urinary System

Main Organs

• Kidneys: Filter blood and produce urine.

• Ureters: Carry urine from kidneys to bladder.

• Bladder: Stores urine.

• Urethra: Exits urine from the body.

Functions

• Filtering Waste: Regulates fluid and electrolyte balance.

• Hormone Production: Stimulates red blood cell production.

Common Issues

• UTIs: Infections of the urinary system.

• Kidney Stones: Painful mineral deposits.

• Nephritis: Inflammation of kidneys.

Key Root Words

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

• Cysto: Bladder (e.g., cystitis).

Unit 10: Nervous System

Structure

• CNS (Central Nervous System): Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

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

Neurons

• Components:

  • Dendrites: Receive input signals.

  • Axon: Transmits output signals.

Levels of Consciousness

• Ranges from:

  • Alert and Oriented: Fully awake and aware.

  • Lethargy: Decreased alertness.

  • Coma: Profound unconsciousness.

Common Pathologies

• Epilepsy: Sudden seizures due to abnormal brain activity.

• Stroke: Blood flow interruption causing oxygen deprivation to the brain.

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Chronic disease affecting the CNS leading to symptoms across the body.

Key Root Words

• Neuro: Nerve (e.g., neurology).

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

Unit 11: Special Senses (Eyes and Ears)

Eye Structures

• Cornea: Transparent front part focusing light.

• Lens: Focuses light onto the retina.

• Retina: Converts light into electrical signals.

• Optic Nerve: Sends signals from the retina to the brain.

Ear Structures

• Outer Ear: Collects sound waves.

• Middle Ear: Contains ossicles, bones transmitting vibrations.

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

Common Conditions

• Cataracts: Clouding of the lens affecting vision.

• Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve often due to high pressure.

• Otitis: Inflammation of the ear, often due to infection.

Key Root Words

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

• Oto: Ear (e.g., otology).

Unit 12: Integumentary System

Components

• Layers:

  • Epidermis: Outermost layer.

  • Dermis: Contains connective tissue and structures.

  • Hypodermis: Fat layer providing insulation.

Functions

• Barriers against pathogens, temperature regulation, sensation via nerve endings.

Common Pathologies

• Burns: Skin damage from heat or chemicals.

• Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin.

• Melanoma: Skin cancer developing from melanin-producing cells.

Key Root Words

• Derm: Skin (e.g., dermatology).

• Cutaneous: Pertaining to skin (e.g., subcutaneous).

Unit 13: Endocrine System

Overview

• Hormones: Chemical messengers regulating various body functions.

• Major Glands:

  • Pituitary: Master gland controlling other glands.

  • Thyroid: Regulates metabolism.

  • Adrenal: Produces stress hormones.

  • Pancreas: Regulates blood sugar levels (insulin).

Common Conditions

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

• Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid causing weight loss and rapid heartbeat.

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

Key Root Words

• Endocrino: Endocrine system.

• Adeno: Gland (e.g., adenoma).

Unit 14: Reproductive System

Male Reproductive System

• Functions: Produces and delivers sperm from the testes.

Female Reproductive System

• Functions: Produces eggs and hormones, supports fetus during pregnancy.

Common Pathologies

• Infertility: Inability to conceive.

• STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases.

• Prostate Cancer: Affects male prostate gland.

• Endometriosis: Tissue growing outside the uterus causing pain and infertility.

Key Root Words

• Andro: Male (e.g., androgen).

• Gyneco: Female (e.g., gynecology).

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

Unit 15: Pregnancy and Childbirth

Key Terms

• Conception: Process of becoming pregnant.

• Embryo: Developing human from fertilization through eight weeks.

• Fetus: Developing human from the ninth week until birth.

• Trimesters: Divided periods of pregnancy, each lasting about three months.

Complications

• Ectopic Pregnancy: Fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

• Preeclampsia: High blood pressure condition during pregnancy.

• Miscarriage: Loss of pregnancy before the twentieth week.

Common Procedures

• C-Section: Cesarean delivery through incisions.

• Episiotomy: Surgical cut to assist childbirth, opinions have shifted on routine use.

Key Root Words

• Nato: Birth (e.g., neonatal).

• Gravida: Pregnancy (e.g., primigravida for first pregnancy).

Unit 16: Diagnostic Procedures

Physical Exams

• Techniques:

  • Palpation: Feeling for abnormalities.

  • Auscultation: Listening to sounds with a stethoscope.

  • Percussion: Tapping to assess underlying structures.

Laboratory Tests

• Biopsy: Tissue removal for examination.

• Blood Tests: Analyzing blood components.

• Urinalysis: Examining urine.

Imaging Techniques

• X-rays: Visual representation of bones/tissues.

• CT Scans: Cross-sectional imaging using X-rays.

• MRIs: Detailed images using magnetic fields.

• Ultrasound: Using sound waves for imaging.

Key Root Words

• Radio: Radiation (e.g., radiology).

• Scapo: Viewing (e.g., endoscopy).

Unit 17: Pharmacology and Abbreviations

Overview

• Pharmacology: Study of drugs and their classifications based on action (e.g., analgesics for pain relief, antibiotics for infections).

• Routes of Administration: Oral, intravenous, intramuscular, topical, inhaled.

Common Abbreviations

• PO: Per os (by mouth).

• BID: Two times daily.

• PRN: As needed.

Key Root Words

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

• Toxo: Poisonous (e.g., toxicology).

Unit 18: Healthcare Professionals and Alternative Medicine

Healthcare Roles

• Types:

  • Physicians, Nurses, PAs, Lab Technicians, Radiology Technicians: Each role plays a distinct part in patient care.

Alternative Medicine

• Definition: Therapies outside of conventional medicine, e.g., acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine, energy therapies.

Unit 19: Pathological Terms

Disease Classifications

• Inherited vs. Acquired Diseases:

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

  • Acquired: Environmental factors or infections (e.g., heart disease).

Pathology Roots

• Carcin: Cancer (e.g., carcinoma).

• Ato: Gland (e.g., glandular cancers).

Infectious Diseases

• Types: Bacterial (e.g., strep throat), Viral (e.g., influenza), Fungal (e.g., athlete's foot), Parasitic (e.g., malaria).

Unit 20: Psychiatry

Overview

• Definition: Medical specialty for diagnosing and treating mental disorders.

• Distinction: Psychiatrists can prescribe medication; psychologists focus on therapy.

Major Disorders

• Anxiety Disorders: Excessive worry.

• Mood Disorders: Such as depression.

• Phobias: Irrational fears.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder: Developmental disorders.

• Substance Abuse: Inclusion of addiction.

Key Root Words

• Psych: Mind (e.g., psychology).

• Neuro: Nerve (for mental health connections).

• Phobo: Fear (e.g., claustrophobia).

Conclusion

The session on "Body Language Deciphering Medical Mysteries" offers an extensive overview of human body systems and medical terminology. Each unit provides clarity on the structures, functions, common conditions, and critical vocabularies necessary for understanding medical discussions effectively. This understanding empowers better communication within the healthcare field and promotes health literacy among individuals.