📘

Medical Terminology and Abbreviations

Jun 11, 2024

View transcript

Medical Terminology and Abbreviations

Overview

  • Subject: Medical Terminology and Abbreviations
  • Purpose: Recognize medical prefixes, roots, and suffixes to understand medical terms and common abbreviations.
  • Focus: Practice and review textbook pages for better understanding.

Medical Terminology

Word Parts

  • Word Root: Base meaning of the word
  • Suffix: Comes at the end, alters the meaning
  • Prefix: Comes at the beginning, alters the meaning
  • Combining Vowel: Used between word root and suffix to ease pronunciation (usually an 'o')
  • **Examples: **
    • Cardiologist: Cardi (heart) + o (combining vowel) + logist (specialist in knowledge of)
    • Tachycardia: Tachy (rapid) + cardi (heart) + ia (condition of)
    • Mastectomy: Mast (breast) + ectomy (removal of)
    • Neurectomy: Neur (nerve) + ectomy (removal of)

Medical Abbreviations

  • Usage: For efficiency in medical record documentation and communication
  • Importance: Recognize common abbreviations and symbols, especially related to specimens and lab tests
  • Note: Some abbreviations are prohibited due to misinterpretation risk (review facility's approved list)
  • Tip: When in doubt, spell it out
  • Review: Table 4-3 on page 75 of the textbook

Anatomy and Physiology

Definitions

  • Anatomy: Study of body structure
  • Physiology: Study of body function
  • Pathophysiology: Study of disordered function (important for understanding procedures)
  • Body Organization: Atoms → Molecules → Organelles → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Systems → Organism

Types of Tissues

  • Epithelial: Linings and coverings (e.g., skin, mouth linings)
  • Connective: Binds tissues (e.g., bone, blood)
  • Nervous: Carries messages (nerve cells)
  • Muscle: Voluntary (striated) and involuntary (smooth muscles, cardiac)

Systems and Homeostasis

  • Integration of Organs: Various organs combine to form systems
    • Examples: Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, reproductive, urinary systems

Electrolytes

  • Role: Critical for balance and physiological states
  • Key Electrolytes: Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Water
  • Functions: Fluid balance, muscle contraction/relaxation, nerve impulse conduction

Genetics

  • DNA and RNA: Molecules controlling cell differentiation, growth, development
  • DNA: Holds genetic code, necessary for body processes
  • RNA: Assists in translating DNA messages
  • Genetic Disorders: Caused by altered genes (examples: hemophilia, Down syndrome)
  • Genetic Discrimination: Exclusion based on genetic likelihood; protected against by the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA) of 2008

Anatomical Terms

Positional Terms

  • Superior: Above or close to head
  • Inferior: Below or close to feet
  • Anterior: Front of body
  • Posterior: Back
  • Medial: Closer to midline
  • Lateral: Further from midline
  • Proximal: Closer to trunk
  • Distal: Further from trunk
  • Superficial: Close to surface
  • Deep: More internal
  • Review: Table 4-5 on page 81

Body Sections

  • Sagittal Plane: Left and right
  • Mid-Sagittal Plane: Equal left and right halves
  • Transverse Plane: Superior and inferior portions
  • Frontal Plane: Anterior and posterior portions
  • Review: Table 4-6 on page 82

Body Cavities

  • Major Cavities: Dorsal (cranial and spinal), Ventral (thoracic and abdominopelvic)
  • Diaphragm: Separates thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities
  • Abdominal Regions: Nine regions or four quadrants
  • Review: Figures 4-7 and 4-8 on pages 83 and 84

Conclusion

  • Practice and Review: Key to mastering medical terminology and abbreviations.
  • Textbook Reference: Required tables and figures should be reviewed for detailed understanding.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Full transcript