Chapter 5

C H A P T E R

Medical Terminology

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Introduction to MedicalTerminology

U N I T

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Basic Principles behindMedical Terminology

Most medical terminology stems fromGreek or Latin origin.

Some medical terms are associated withthe physician or scientist who discoveredthe organ or created the procedure.

(continued)

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Basic Principles behindMedical Terminology

Most medical terms have three parts:

1.Prefix

Modifier

Appears at the beginning of the term

2.Combining form or word root

Main meaning

3.Suffix

Modifier

Appears at the end of the term

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Properly Breaking Up Medical Terms toHelp Define the Meaning

First, identify the suffix to determine themeaning of the term.

Then look for any prefix at the beginningof the term.

Finally, look for the meaning of the wordroot.

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Remember the Rules

A prefix always goes to the left (in frontof the word) and is denoted with ahyphen to the right.

A suffix always goes to the right (afterthe word) and is denoted with a hyphento the left.

The word root or combining form is thepart of the word that applies to anatomy;there can be more than one of these in amedical term.

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Unit Summary

Does the prefix go on the left or on theright?

Does the suffix go on the left or on theright?

Where is the combining form placed?

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Prefixes, Suffixes,Word Roots, andCombining Forms

U N I T

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How Prefixes Alter Word Meaning

Prefixes indicate:

A location

Presence or absence of something

Quantity or lack of quantity

Size

Frequency

Position

(continued)

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How Prefixes Alter Word Meaning

Prefix

Meaning

Example

a-, an-

without

Arrhythmia is without arhythm.

bi-

two

Bilateral means pertaining totwo sides.

dys-

abnormal,painful

Dysuria is the condition ofpainful urination.

(continued)

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How Prefixes Alter Word Meaning

Exceptions

Choose the prefix based on the word root.

If the word root begins in a vowel, choose aprefix that ends in a consonant.

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How Suffixes Change Medical Terms

Suffixes always appear at the end of theword.

Suffixes identify the disorder orprocedure.

(continued)

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How Suffixes Change Medical Terms

Suffix

Meaning

Example

-cyte

cell

A leukocyte is a white bloodcell.

-itis

inflammation

Gastritis is inflammation ofthe stomach.

-logy

the study of

Cardiology is the study ofthe heart.

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The Difference betweenCombining Forms and Word Roots

Combining forms are word roots thatalready have a vowel added to the end ofthe root to make it easy to combine theword root with the suffix.

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Common Combining Formsand Word Roots

CombiningForm

Word Root

Meaning

muscul/o

muscul

muscle

cardi/o

cardi

heart

neur/o

neur

nerve

lip/o

lip

fat

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Using the Combining Vowel

Use the combining vowel whenever thesuffix begins with a consonant.

Do not use the combining vowel whenthe suffix begins with a vowel.

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Unit Summary

True or false: Prefixes indicate location,presence or absence, quantity, lack ofquantity, position, and frequency.

True or false: Suffixes serve to pluralizea medical term.

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Forming Plurals fromSingulars

U N I T

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Determine Whether a Term isSingular or Plural

In the English language, most terms thatend in “s” or “es” are plural.

To take a singular term that has anEnglish origin and make it plural, youwould simply add “s” or “es.”

Runner becomes runners.

Business becomes businesses.

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Changing Greek and Latin Terms

It is important that you learn to recognizethe proper conversion rules for Greekand Latin terms.

Once you have worked with theconversion rules, you should practicethem and, if possible, memorize them.

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Changing Singular to Plural

Singular

Plural

Example

-a

-ae

Vertebra becomes vertebrae.

-is

-es

Diagnosis becomes diagnoses.

-um

-a

Atrium changes to atria.

-us

-i

Bacillus becomes bacilli.

-ex

-ices

Apex changes to apices.

-nx

-nges

Phalanx changes to phalanges.

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Unit Summary

Are the following words singular orplural?

Appendix

Bacteria

Indices

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Understanding andBuilding Medical Termsof Body Systems

U N I T

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Anatomical Position

The universal point of reference used toidentify directional terms

The body is imagined as being upright,with arms at the sides and facingforward.

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Important Directional Terms

Anterior or ventral

Front

Posterior or dorsal

Back

(continued)

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Important Directional Terms

Inferior: below

Superior: above

Lateral: to the side

Medial: middle

Internal: inside

Superficial: on the surface

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Select and Define Combining Forms forEach Body System

Integumentary system (Table 5-7)

Made up of the skin

Musculoskeletal system (Table 5-8)

Made up of the bones and muscles that formour frame and provide support andprotection, as well as permit movement

(continued)

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Select and Define Combining Forms forEach Body System

Cardiovascular system (Table 5-9)

Made up of the heart, blood vessels, andlymphatics

Respiratory system (Table 5-10)

Made up of the nose, mouth, trachea,esophagus, bronchi, and lungs

(continued)

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Select and Define Combining Forms forEach Body System

Gastrointestinal system (Table 5-11)

Consists of the organs that allows us tobreak down food, use nutrients, andeliminate waste

Urinary system (Table 5-12)

Made up of the organs that filter the bloodand eliminate liquid waste

(continued)

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Select and Define Combining Forms forEach Body System

Nervous system (Table 5-13)

Contains the brain and spinal cord

Endocrine system (Table 5-14)

Made up of the glands that control mental,emotional, and physical development

(continued)

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Select and Define Combining Forms forEach Body System

The special senses (Table 5-15)

Organs that help us to see, hear, maintainour balance and upright stature, smell, andtaste

Reproductive system (Table 5-16)

Made up of all the specific male and femaleorgans that allow us to reproduce

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Common Medical Abbreviations

Abbreviations are frequently used tosave time when charting.

The medical community has developedmany common abbreviations.

These abbreviations must be universallyrecognized and never just made up.

(continued)

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Common Medical Abbreviations

UTI

CA, ca

EGD

GERD

GI

UGI

UA

GYN

GU

IV

CVA

ECG/EKG

EEG

MS

ASHD

MI

COPD

URI

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Unit Summary

Using the knowledge learned in thischapter, build the following medicalterms:

Surgical removal of the appendix

Abnormal enlargement of the extremities

Inflammation of the voice box

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Keys to Career Success

Medical terminology is the language ofhealth care when working with patientsand other health care professionals.

Incorrect use or spelling of medicalterminology can adversely affect patientcare.

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Hot Links to Career Success

www.medterms.com

MedTerms medical dictionary

www.medilexicon.com/medicaldictionary

Medical dictionary, medical terminology