Medical Terminology: Exam #1 (Chapters 1-5)

Medical Terminology Fundamentals

• -logist: Specialist or one who studies a particular field.
• -logy: Signifies the study or science of a certain subject.
• -er, -ist: Denotes an individual associated with a profession or activity.
• -iatrician: Refers to a practitioner in the medical field.
• -iatrics, iatry: Indicates the medical profession or treatment related to a field.

Medical Prefixes and Suffixes

• -ac, -al, -ic: Describes something as pertaining to a certain subject.
• -logic, -logical: Related to the study of a specific field.

Body System and Reference Terms

• Cardi(o): Pertains to the heart.
• Crin(o): Refers to secretion; "endo-" implies inside.
• Dermat(o): Focuses on the skin.
• Gastr(o): Related to the stomach.
• Enter(o): Concerns the intestines.
• Esthesi(o): Involves sensation, with "an-" indicating negation.

Specializations in Medicine

• Gynec(o): Relates to female health.
• Obstetr(o): Associated with childbirth and midwifery.
• Immun(o): Pertains to the immune system.
• Neur(o): Refers to nerves and nervous system.

Age and Growth Terminology

• Ger(a), Ger(o), Geront(o): Indicates elderly or aging.
• Ne(o): Signifies something new.
• Nat(o): Relates to birth.

Common Terms in Medicine

• Onc(o): Pertains to tumors or cancer.
• Ophthalm(o): Related to the eye.
• Orth(o): Indicates straightening, often in relation to bones or posture.
• Ped(o): Refers to children or feet.
• Ot(o): Associated with the ear.

Diagnostic and Procedural Terms

• Hx: Abbreviated for health history; includes relevant patient information.
• PE: Represents physical examination.
• DOB: Denotes date of birth.
• Dx: Abbreviation for diagnosis.
• Tx: Refers to treatment.

Pain and Condition Terminology

• -algia: Indicates pain.
• -edema: Refers to swelling.
• -emesis: Signifies vomiting.
• -malacia: Describes softening of tissues.
• -megaly: Indicates enlargement of an organ.

Surgical Terms

• -ectomy: Refers to the surgical removal of a body part.
• -plasty: Indicates surgical repair.
• -rrhaphy: Refers to suturing a wound.
• -tom: Instrument used for cutting (e.g., scalpel).

Examination Techniques

• Inspection: Visual examination of the body.
• Auscultation: Listening to the sounds of the body, typically with a stethoscope.
• Percussion: Tapping on a body part to assess its condition.
• Palpation: Physical examination through touching or pressing on the body.

Other Medical Terminology

• -therapy: General term for treatment.
• Tox(o): Indicates poison or toxins.

Advanced Procedures

• -centesis: Surgical puncture, often for fluid extraction.
• -lysis: Process of breaking down or destroying.
• -stomy: Creation of a surgical opening.

This compilation of terminology provides essential insights into medical vocabulary relevant to various specializations and procedures. Understanding these terms is fundamental for effective communication in the medical field.

Test your knowledge of fundamental medical vocabulary with this quiz covering Chapters 1-5. Each question focuses on prefixes, suffixes, and essential terms crucial for understanding medical terminology. Perfect for students preparing for their first medical exam.