Introduction to Medical Terminology

Medical terminology is a specialized language used in healthcare to describe the human body, its conditions, processes, and treatments. It is essential for healthcare professionals to understand medical terminology in order to communicate effectively, provide accurate care, and maintain clear documentation. Medical terms are often derived from Latin or Greek, and they are structured using a combination of root words, prefixes, and suffixes.

In this lecture, we will focus on the three main components of medical terminology:

• Root words
• Prefixes
• Suffixes

Understanding these components allows healthcare professionals to decode complex medical terms and improve their accuracy in both oral and written communication.

1. Root Words

Root words are the core foundation of a medical term and convey the essential meaning of that term. Root words often refer to a body part, organ, or system, but can also describe functions or conditions.

Examples of Common Root Words:

• Cardi: Refers to the heart.
  • Example: Cardiology (the study of the heart).
• Derm: Refers to the skin.
  • Example: Dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).
• Gastr: Refers to the stomach.
  • Example: Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining).
• Neur: Refers to nerves or the nervous system.
  • Example: Neurology (the study of the nervous system).
• Oste: Refers to bones.
  • Example: Osteoporosis (a condition of weakened bones).

Root Word Structure:

• A root word by itself can stand alone in many cases, or it may require additional prefixes and suffixes to form a complete medical term.
• Example:
  • Cardi (root word) + itis (suffix) = Carditis (inflammation of the heart).

2. Prefixes

A prefix is placed before a root word to modify its meaning. Prefixes often describe location, time, number, or status. They help narrow down the focus of a medical term, giving more context to the condition or procedure described.

Common Prefixes and Their Meanings:

• Hyper-: Above, excessive, or too much.
  • Example: Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Hypo-: Below, deficient, or too little.
  • Example: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Sub-: Below or under.
  • Example: Subcutaneous (under the skin).
• Inter-: Between or among.
  • Example: Intercostal (between the ribs).
• Brady-: Slow.
  • Example: Bradycardia (slow heart rate).
• Tachy-: Fast.
  • Example: Tachycardia (fast heart rate).

Examples of Prefixes in Use:

• Hypo- + thermia (root word) = Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature).
• Hyper- + glycemia (root word) = Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
• Sub- + dermal (root word) = Subdermal (beneath the skin).

3. Suffixes

A suffix is placed at the end of a root word to modify or change its meaning. Suffixes often describe a condition, disease, or procedure.

Common Suffixes and Their Meanings:

• -itis: Inflammation or infection.
  • Example: Arthritis (inflammation of the joints).
• -ectomy: Surgical removal.
  • Example: Appendectomy (removal of the appendix).
• -osis: Condition, usually abnormal or diseased.
  • Example: Cirrhosis (a liver condition, often due to damage).
• -pathy: Disease or disorder.
  • Example: Neuropathy (disease of the nerves).
• -logy: Study or science of.
  • Example: Biology (study of life).
• -algia: Pain.
  • Example: Neuralgia (nerve pain).
• -plasty: Surgical repair.
  • Example: Rhinoplasty (nose surgery).

Examples of Suffixes in Use:

• -itis + tonsil (root word) = Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils).
• -ectomy + gallbladder (root word) = Cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder).
• -osis + sclerosis (root word) = Multiple sclerosis (a disease that affects the nervous system).

4. Combining Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Words

Many medical terms are created by combining prefixes, root words, and suffixes. Understanding how to break down and analyze these components allows medical professionals to interpret even complex terms.

Examples of Combined Terms:

• Neuro- (nerve) + -pathy (disease) = Neuropathy (nerve disease).
• Arthro- (joint) + -itis (inflammation) = Arthritis (joint inflammation).
• Cardio- (heart) + -logy (study) = Cardiology (study of the heart).
• Gastro- (stomach) + -ectomy (removal) = Gastroectomy (removal of part of the stomach).

Practical Exercises

Exercise 1: Break Down Medical Terms

Objective: Break down the following medical terms by identifying their root words, prefixes, and suffixes.

1. Hypertension
2. Subcutaneous
3. Neurosurgery
4. Arthritis
5. Gastritis

Answer and Rationale:

1. Hypertension: Hyper (excessive) + tension (pressure) = High blood pressure.
2. Subcutaneous: Sub (under) + cutaneous (skin) = Under the skin.
3. Neurosurgery: Neuro (nerves) + surgery (operation) = Surgery on the nerves.
4. Arthritis: Arthro (joint) + itis (inflammation) = Inflammation of the joints.
5. Gastritis: Gastr (stomach) + itis (inflammation) = Inflammation of the stomach lining.

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

1. What is the meaning of the prefix "hypo-"?
a) Excessive
b) Under or deficient
c) Fast
d) Between

2. Which suffix indicates a surgical procedure?
a) -itis
b) -ectomy
c) -pathy
d) -logy

3. The root word "cardi" refers to what?
a) Nerves
b) Skin
c) Heart
d) Stomach

Answers:

1. b) Under or deficient.
2. b) -ectomy.
3. c) Heart.

Curated Online Resources

1. Medical Terminology Resources

   • https://www.medicalterminology.com

2. Online Medical Terminology Course

   • https://www.coursera.org (Search for Medical Terminology courses)

3. Medical Terminology Flashcards

   • https://quizlet.com (Search for medical terminology flashcards)

4. Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary

   • https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical