Clinical Medical Assisting Chapter 3: Introduction to Medical Terminology

Objectives Identify word parts and their roles in the formation of medical terms. Identify prefixes, suffixes, word roots, and combining forms Define the process used to identify and locate medical terms in a dictionary Define basic anatomy and physiology and know how to use anatomic reference systems

Objectives (con’t) Identify the abdominal cavity and peritoneum and how to recognize, define, spell, and pronounce related terms Recognize the structure and function of the human body and recognize, define, spell, and pronounce related terms Discuss body systems, the organs that make up these systems, and their functions Discuss diseases and modes of transmission and recognize, define, spell, and pronounce related terms

Chapter Overview This chapter covers the basics of medical terminology. A description of the segments of medical terms along with terms associated with anatomy, physiology, body systems, and diseases are covered.

Medical Terminology Is a universal language that all medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical assistants, and other medical personnel can understand.

Prefixes Modifies the word root, and often indicates location, presence or absence, size, frequency, quantity, or position.

Suffixes Are located at the end of the medical term and completes the word root. It often indicates a procedure, disease, condition, or disorder.

Word Roots Is the foundation of the word to which the suffix or prefix is added and identifies a structure or anatomy of the word.

Combining Forms Is a word root that has a vowel added to the end to help connecting suffixes or other word roots and combining forms.

Breaking a Medical Term Apart Dissecting a term into its word parts is a good way to learn about its meaning.

Building a Medical Term The same rules that apply to breaking a medical term apart, apply to building a medical term.

Singular and Plural Terms In the English language, adding “s” or “es” to the singular term makes it plural.

Anatomy The study of the structures of the human body and its organs.

Physiology The study of the function and physical and chemical processes that take place in cells, tissues, and organs.

Homeostasis Is the state of the body when it functions properly.

Pathophysiology The study of the processes or mechanisms by which an illness or disease occurs, the body’s response to this state, and the effects of these processes on normal bodily function.

Anatomic Directional Terms Certain directional terms for describing body structure are used universally by healthcare professionals.

Body Planes The body can be divided into four planes by drawing an imaginary line through the side of the body from the top of the head to the feet and by drawing a horizontal line across the body.

Coronal Plane The vertical plane running from side to side that divides the body or any of its parts into anterior and posterior portions.

Sagittal Plane The vertical plane running from front to back that divides the body or any of its parts into right and left sides.

Axial Plane The horizontal plane that divides the body or any of its parts into upper and lower parts.

Median Plane The sagittal plane through the midline of the body that divides the body or any of its parts into right and left halves.

Body Cavities The body is divided into cavities or spaces that contain the internal organs or viscera.

Body Systems The most complex components of the human body.

Body Systems (con’t) Body systems include the integumentary system, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, renal system, nervous system, endocrine system, reproductive system, immune system, and sensory system.