Medical Terminology Basics

Study Notes

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.

Description

Learn the fundamentals of medical terminology, including word structure, root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Understand how healthcare professionals use medical terms to describe the human body and medical procedures.