Medical Terminology for Beginners

Introduction

• Welcome Message: Introduction to the live lesson on medical terminology for beginners, targeted at individuals new to the medical field.
• Video Setup: Addressing feedback on replays being distracting; questions will be answered at the end to avoid distractions.
• Purpose of Lesson: To introduce the foundational elements of medical terminology as an entry point into the medical field.
• Language Roots: Medical terms are mainly derived from Greek and Latin.

Word Parts

• Root Word:
  • The central part of a word, usually indicating a body part.
• Prefix:
  • Appears before the root word and usually describes location or size.
• Suffix:
  • Comes at the end of the word, often indicating a procedure or condition.
  • Most medical terms are read from the suffix to the beginning.

Combining Vowels

• Combining Vowel (usually "O"):
  • Joins root words to suffixes or two root words.
  • Rules for vowel usage:
    • Drop the combining vowel if the suffix starts with a vowel.
    • Keep the combining vowel if the suffix starts with a consonant.
    • Always keep the combining vowel between two root words.

Examples of Medical Terms

• Gastro (Stomach) + Itis (Inflammation): Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
• Gastro + Logy (Study of): Gastrology (study of the stomach)
• Gastro + Logist (Specialist): Gastrologist (stomach specialist)
• Entero (Intestine) + Logy: Enterology (study of the intestine)
• Combining Two Roots: Gastro + Entero + Logist: Gastroenterologist (specialist in stomach and intestines)

Vocabulary Related to the Body

• Hepato: Liver
• Cholecysto: Gallbladder
• Spleno: Spleen
• Pancreato: Pancreas
• Adreno: Adrenal gland
• Nephro/Reno: Kidney
• Pulmo/Pneumo: Lungs
• Colo: Colon
• Cysto: Bladder

Common Suffixes

• Itis: Inflammation
• Oma: Tumor or mass
• Pathy: Disease
• Osis: Condition
• Penia: Decrease or lack
• Algia: Pain
• Philia: Love of
• Phobia: Fear of
• Ectomy: Surgical removal
• Otomy: Cutting into
• Ostomy: Creating an opening
• Scopy: To view
• Plasty: Surgical repair
• Rrhexis: Rupture

Sample Medical Terms

• Carditis: Inflammation of the heart
• Nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas
• Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder
• Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint
• Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle

Tips for Learning Medical Terminology

• Create Flashcards: Use Quizlet or physical cards to help memorize terms.
• Regular Practice: Consistently create terms from word parts.
• Read Medical Articles: Helps retain and apply knowledge.
• Patience: Understand you are learning a new language; give yourself time and space to learn.

Conclusion

• Q&A Session: Any questions to be addressed at the end to facilitate learning.