Overview
This lecture introduces the foundational concepts of medical terminology, including how medical terms are formed, common word parts, important abbreviations, and directional/anatomic terms for effective communication in healthcare.
Anatomy of a Medical Term
- Medical terms are composed of a word root, prefix, suffix, and (sometimes) a combining vowel.
- Word root is the foundation and often indicates a body part, organ, or system.
- Prefix appears before the word root and modifies its meaning, often describing location or intensity.
- Suffix appears after the word root and indicates a procedure, condition, disease, or part of speech.
- Combining vowel (usually “o,” sometimes “i” or “e”) connects word parts for easier pronunciation.
Building and Deciphering Medical Terms
- Accurate spelling is critical since similar sounding terms may have very different meanings.
- Prefixes, suffixes, and word roots can be mixed to form new terms with distinct meanings.
- Use the meaning of each part (suffix, prefix, then root) to define unfamiliar terms.
- Combining form = word root + combining vowel (e.g., cardi/o = heart).
- Basic rules: prefix always at beginning, suffix at end; use combining vowel between roots or before suffix starting with a consonant.
Plural Endings and Special Parts
- Singular to plural changes often follow certain rules (e.g., -a to -ae, -is to -es, -us to -i).
- Prefixes can indicate numbers, colors, positions, or directions.
Directional, Movement, and Anatomic Terms
- Right/left refer to the patient's sides.
- Superior = nearer head; inferior = nearer feet.
- Lateral = farther from midline; medial = closer to midline.
- Proximal = closer to trunk; distal = farther from trunk.
- Superficial = closer to skin; deep = further inside.
- Ventral = belly/front; dorsal = back/spinal side.
- Palmer = palm of hand; plantar = sole of foot.
- Apex = tip of a structure (e.g., apex of heart).
- Flexion = decreasing joint angle; extension = increasing joint angle.
- Adduction = toward midline; abduction = away from midline.
- Bilateral = both sides; unilateral = one side.
- Abdomen is divided into right/left upper/lower quadrants.
- Prone = lying face down; supine = lying face up; Fowler’s = semi-reclined/sitting.
Abbreviations and Symbols
- Use abbreviations and symbols for concise communication, but only standard, accepted ones.
- Abbreviations include initialisms (e.g., EMT) and acronyms (e.g., SAMPLE).
- Agencies may restrict abbreviation use to prevent errors.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Word Root — main part of a medical term indicating system or organ.
- Prefix — word part at the beginning modifying meaning.
- Suffix — word part at the end indicating procedure, condition, or disease.
- Combining Vowel — vowel (usually “o”) that aids pronunciation between word parts.
- Combining Form — word root plus combining vowel (e.g., cardi/o).
- Abbreviation — shortened form of a word or phrase.
- Acronym — abbreviation pronounced as a word.
- Directional Terms — words describing location/position on the body.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Tables 5-1 through 5-12 for common roots, prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, abbreviations, and directional terms.
- Learn and practice spelling and interpreting new medical terms.
- Complete assigned readings and any homework related to this chapter.