Medical Terminology Basics

Understanding Medical Terminology

Medical terminology is a system of words and phrases used by healthcare professionals to describe the human body, its parts, and various medical procedures.

Word Structure

Medical terms are composed of:

• Root words: Core words that convey the main meaning
• Prefixes: Letters or words added to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning
• Suffixes: Letters or words added to the end of a root word to modify its meaning
• Combining forms: Modified root words used to create new words

Common Prefixes and Suffixes

Prefixes:

• Anti-: Against or opposite
• Hemi-: Half
• Hyper-: Excessive or above normal
• Hypo-: Below normal or deficient
• Re-: Again or anew

Suffixes:

• -algia: Pain
• -itis: Inflammation
• -oma: Tumor or swelling
• -osis: Condition or disease
• -ectomy: Surgical removal

Medical Word Categories

Anatomical Terms:

• Describe body parts and structures
• Examples: Cardiac (heart), Neuro (nervous system), Osteo (bone)

Diagnostic Terms:

• Describe medical tests and procedures
• Examples: Radiology (X-ray), Sonography (ultrasound), Endoscopy (internal examination)

Therapeutic Terms:

• Describe medical treatments and interventions
• Examples: Chemotherapy (cancer treatment), Physical therapy (rehabilitation), Vaccination (immunization)

Pathological Terms:

• Describe diseases and conditions
• Examples: Hypertension (high blood pressure), Diabetes (high blood sugar), Cancer (malignant tumor)

Tips for Learning Medical Terminology

• Learn word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode unfamiliar terms
• Break down complex words into their component parts
• Practice using flashcards or online resources to reinforce learning
• Focus on common terms and concepts used in your field of study or profession

Understanding Medical Terminology

• Medical terminology is a system of words and phrases used by healthcare professionals to describe the human body, its parts, and various medical procedures.

Word Structure

• Medical terms are composed of four main elements: root words, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms.
• Root words convey the main meaning of a medical term.
• Prefixes are letters or words added to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning.
• Suffixes are letters or words added to the end of a root word to modify its meaning.
• Combining forms are modified root words used to create new words.

Common Prefixes and Suffixes

• Anti- means against or opposite.
• Hemi- means half.
• Hyper- means excessive or above normal.
• Hypo- means below normal or deficient.
• Re- means again or anew.
• -algia means pain.
• -itis means inflammation.
• -oma means tumor or swelling.
• -osis means condition or disease.
• -ectomy means surgical removal.

Medical Word Categories

Anatomical Terms

• Describe body parts and structures.
• Examples: Cardiac (heart), Neuro (nervous system), Osteo (bone).

Diagnostic Terms

• Describe medical tests and procedures.
• Examples: Radiology (X-ray), Sonography (ultrasound), Endoscopy (internal examination).

Therapeutic Terms

• Describe medical treatments and interventions.
• Examples: Chemotherapy (cancer treatment), Physical therapy (rehabilitation), Vaccination (immunization).

Pathological Terms

• Describe diseases and conditions.
• Examples: Hypertension (high blood pressure), Diabetes (high blood sugar), Cancer (malignant tumor).

Tips for Learning Medical Terminology

• Learn word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode unfamiliar terms.
• Break down complex words into their component parts.
• Practice using flashcards or online resources to reinforce learning.
• Focus on common terms and concepts used in your field of study or profession.