Introduction to Medical Terminology in Physiotherapy

Introduction to Medical Terminology in Physiotherapy

• This course focuses on understanding medical terminology used in physiotherapy
• It helps students break down complex terms into their component parts, making them easier to understand
• The course aims to help students construct and decode medical terminology used in physiotherapy

Basic Components of Medical Terms

• Medical terms are constructed from three essential components:
  • Prefix
  • Root
  • Suffix

Forming Medical Terms

• Medical terms are formed by combining prefixes, roots, and suffixes
• The root is the core of the word and provides the main meaning
• The prefix precedes the root and modifies its meaning
• The suffix follows the root and often indicates a procedure or condition

Root Examples

• cardi (heart):
  • Cardiovascular: related to the heart and blood vessels
  • Cardiology: study of the heart
• muscul (muscle):
  • Muscular: related to muscles
  • Musculoskeletal: relating to muscles and the skeleton
• oste (bone):
  • Osteoporosis: condition that causes brittle bones
  • Osteopathy: type of medical practice focusing on the skeleton and muscle systems

Prefix Examples

• hyper- (over or excessive):
  • Hypertension: high blood pressure
  • Hyperglycemia: high blood sugar
• hypo- (under or below):
  • Hypothermia: low body temperature
  • Hypotension: low blood pressure

Suffix Examples

• -itis (inflammation):
  • Arthritis: inflammation of the joints
  • Bronchitis: inflammation of the bronchial tubes
• -pathy (disease):
  • Neuropathy: disease of the nerves
  • Cardiomyopathy: disease of the heart muscle
• -logy (the study of):
  • Biology: study of life
  • Neurology: study of the nervous system

Medical Term Analysis

• Epigastric:

  • Prefix: epi- (above or upon)
  • Root: gastr (stomach)
  • Suffix: -ic (pertaining to)
  • Definition: Located above or upon the stomach, commonly used for the area above the stomach in the upper abdomen

• Pericarditis:

  • Prefix: peri- (around)
  • Root: card (heart)
  • Suffix: -itis (inflammation)
  • Definition: Inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart

• Neuropathy:

  • Prefix: None
  • Root: neuro (nerve)
  • Suffix: -pathy (disease)
  • Definition: A disease of one or more peripheral nerves

• Oliguria:

  • Prefix: oligo- (few or scanty)
  • Root: ur (urine)
  • Suffix: -ia (condition of)
  • Definition: Condition characterized by scanty or reduced urine production

• Dysphagia:

  • Prefix: dys- (difficulty or abnormal)
  • Root: phag (eating or swallowing)
  • Suffix: -ia (condition of)
  • Definition: Condition characterized by difficulty swallowing

This quiz explores the foundational concepts of medical terminology specifically within the field of physiotherapy. Students will learn to break down complex medical terms into their basic components, including prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Understand how these elements combine to form meaningful medical language relevant to physiotherapy practice.