Chapter 5: Medical Terminology

Introduction

• Importance for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs):
  • Essential for effective communication and documentation.
  • Helps in understanding and breaking down medical terms.
  • Facilitates better communication within healthcare and public safety systems.

Anatomy of a Medical Term

• Components of Medical Terms:
  • Word Root: Foundation of the word.
  • Prefix: Appears before the word root; modifies meaning.
  • Suffix: Appears after the word root; modifies meaning.
  • Combining Vowel: Connects word roots to other components; usually "o".
• Spelling: Crucial due to similar sounding terms with different meanings.
  • Example: "Fascia" (speaking) vs. "Phagia" (eating/swallowing).
• Example Terms:
  • "Dysphasia" (difficulty speaking) vs. "Dysphagia" (difficulty eating).
  • "Ilium" (pelvis bone) vs. "Ileum" (part of the intestine).

Word Roots

• Definition: Main part or stem of a word indicating essential meaning.
• Examples:
  • "Cardio" (heart)
  • "Pulmon" (lungs)
• Role: Basis for creating terms with prefixes and suffixes.

Prefixes

• Definition: Part at the beginning of a term that modifies the word root.
• Examples:
  • "A-" (without)
  • "Brady-" (slow)
  • "Tachy-" (rapid)
• Function: Describes location, intensity, or modifies meaning.

Suffixes

• Definition: Placed at the end of words; indicate procedures, conditions, or diseases.
• Examples:
  • "-itis" (inflammation)
  • "-pathy" (disease)

Combining Vowels

• Function: Connects word roots to suffixes or other word roots.
• Common Vowels: "o", "i", "e"
• Example: "Gastroenterology" (study of stomach and intestine diseases)

Word Building Rules

1. Prefix at the beginning; not always present.
2. Suffix at the end.
3. Combining vowel used when suffix starts with a consonant.
4. Combine vowels between word roots.

Plural Endings

• Rules:
  • "-a" to "-ae" (vertebra -> vertebrae)
  • "-is" to "-es" (diagnosis -> diagnoses)
  • "-ex/ix" to "-ices" (apex -> apices)
  • "-on/um" to "-a" (ganglion -> ganglia)
  • "-us" to "-i" (bronchus -> bronchi)

Special Word Parts

• Numbers: Prefixes indicate numbers or parts.
• Colors: Word roots describe color.
• Position/Direction: Prefixes describe location, direction, or position.

Directional Terms

• Right/Left: Refers to the patient.
• Superior/Inferior: Nearer to head/feet.
• Lateral/Medial: Farther/Closer to midline.
• Proximal/Distal: Closer/Farther from trunk.
• Superficial/Deep: Nearer/Farther from skin.
• Ventral/Dorsal: Belly/Spinal side.
• Palmar/Plantar: Front hand/Bottom foot.
• Apex: Tip of a structure (e.g., heart).

Movement Terms

• Flexion: Decreasing joint angle.
• Extension: Increasing joint angle.
• Adduction: Motion toward midline.
• Abduction: Motion away from midline.

Anatomic Positions

• Prone/Supine: Face down/up.
• Fowler Position: Semi-reclining, head elevated.

Breaking Terms Apart

• Method: Define suffix, then prefix, then word root.
• Examples:
  • "Nephropathy" = kidney disease.
  • "Dysuria" = painful urination.

Abbreviations and Symbols

• Purpose: Fast communication, reduced misinterpretation.
• Types: Initialisms (e.g., EMT) and Acronyms (e.g., SAMPLE).
• Usage: Use standardized abbreviations to avoid confusion.

Symbols

• Used as shortcuts, ensure widespread understanding and acceptance.

Master Tables

• Reference lists for word roots, prefixes, suffixes, abbreviations included at chapter end.