Generic
Medical Terminology
BSBMED301 Interpret and apply medical terminology
appropriately
Clinical Education
Medical Terminology Study Guide
Health Training Package HLT
The learning material provided in this Study Guide has been developed to meet the
requirements of the Business Services Training Package. Training packages are a
key feature of vocational education and training in Australia. They are developed
nationally by industry, for industry. Qualifications are recognised nationally.
The Medical Terminology Study Guide relates to the following national competency:
BSBMED301 Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
The Medical Terminology Study Guide relates to the following National Safety and
Quality Health Service Standards:
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occurred accidentally the authors and publishers tender their apologies.
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means without prior written permission. All enquiries should be made to the publisher at the address below.
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SA Ambulance Service
GPO Box 3
Adelaide SA 5001
Published by SA Ambulance Service
RTO Code: 0264
Clinical Education
Version: 1.0 160713
© SA Ambulance Service - July 2016
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Contents
Introduction
5
Origins of Medical Words
6
Five types of medical terms
7
Using Medical Terminology
9
Components of Medical Words
12
Building Medical Words
18
Organisation of the Human Body
19
Anatomical Position, Directions and Movements
26
Areas of Medicine and Medical Personnel
29
Pharmacology and Pharmaceuticals
31
Diagnostic Procedures
33
Additional Resources
34
Glossary - Common Abbreviations
35
Glossary - Medical Terms
37
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Introduction
Different professions have different ‘languages’. Medical terminology is used in
all aspects of health care. As an EMDSO, you need to have an understanding of
the terminology used in the medical field. This understanding is important in order
to interpret documents and to converse with colleagues and other health care
professionals.
Medical terminology is a specialised vocabulary used by health care professionals
to assist with communication. It creates a universal (or world wide) medical
communication system.
Like every other language, medical terminology has changed over time. The basis for
medical terminology however, remains the same. The majority of medical terms find
their basis in Latin or Greek.
Information within this guide will provide you with an introduction to basic terminology
in common use throughout SAAS, including understanding and responding to
instructions, carrying out routine tasks and communicating with a range of internal/
external clients and colleagues to support the delivery of safe and effective
emergency pre-hospital care.
The following colour coding has been used throughout this study guide to indicate the
different components of medical terms.
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Origins of Medical Words
An understanding of the structure of medical terms and an ability to break down a
medical term into its parts, helps to make understanding medical terminology less
challenging.
Most medical terms derive from Greek or Latin origins, although some are derived
from modern languages, particularly German, French and English. In general,
medical terms dealing with diagnosis and surgery have Greek origins, whereas
anatomical terms have Latin origins.
Major influences include:
•
Ancient Greece - Hippocrates, the ‘Father of Modern Medicine’ (5th Century BC)
•
Ancient Rome - the rise and fall of the Roman Empire (after 300 BC)
•
Mythology and culture
•
Natural world - plants, animals, shapes, astronomy, tools and household items
•
The French influence - the Norman Conquest (1066)
•
The English Renaissance (16th century) - Andreas Vesalius (1540).
In contrast to ancient Greece, ancient Romans did not have a well developed concept
of medicine.
Many early medical terms were based on the names of characters in mythology and
ordinary words that reflected the world about them. The work of Andreas Vesalius
introduced many more Latin anatomical terms.
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Five types of medical terms
There are five basic types of medical terms.
Direct borrowings
These are foreign words that have been adapted with little or no change. This is
particularly common with French or Latin words.
For example:
Cancer - Latin for ‘crab’
Tampon - French for ‘plug’
Skin and skull - old Norse
Screen and scan - Danish
Eponyms
An eponym is a name of a drug, structure or disease which is based on, or derived
from a name of a person, place or thing.
NAME
EPONYM
Adam (first man in the bible)
Adam’s apple
Achilles (legendary Greek warrior)
Achilles’ tendon
Hygieia (Greek goddess of health)
Hygiene, hygienic
Melanie (Greek earth goddess)
Melanoma
Narcissus (Greek youth)
Narcotic, narcissism
Psyche (Greek princess)
Psychology, psychiatry, psychosis
Thanatos (Greek god of death)
Euthanasia
Morpheus (Roman god of dreams)
Morphine
Phobos (son of the Roman god of war)
Phobia
Somnos or Somnus (Roman god of sleep)
Insomnia
Gabriele Fallopio (Italian anatomist)
Fallopian tubes
George Papanicolaou (American physician Pap smear
of Greek ancestry)
Ross River, Queensland
Ross River virus/fever
Rhesis monkeys
Rh or rhesus factor
The American Legion convention held in Legionnaires disease
Philadelphia in 1976
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Abbreviations and symbols
Medical terminology utilises many abbreviations and symbols, they boost efficiency as
long as they are used correctly.
The advantages of abbreviations and symbols should be weighed up against the
possibilities of making communication harder for others to understand and having
more than one possible interpretation.
When using medical abbreviations and symbols, make sure that other people will
understand what they mean. If abbreviations are misinterpreted or misunderstood, a
patient/client could receive the wrong treatment and be harmed.
A list of common abbreviations can be found on page 36.
Administrative terminology
Administrative terminology is used within the medical environment but is rarely
found in a medical dictionary. This is because it does not relate to concepts such as
medical conditions and procedures but rather to work related duties, such as: filling in
forms, storing drugs and using various computer programs.
Artificially constructed words
Word parts are created from Greek and Latin words, these word parts are used as
‘building blocks’ to make new words.
Most medical terms fall into this category and this is the main focus of learning
medical terminology as the language of medicine.
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Using Medical Terminology
Spelling
North American-English spelling is different from Australian-English spelling in
medical terminology. The American version of English does not include the addition
of vowels. This spelling difference can make if difficult to find a word in a dictionary
and can make using a spell check on a computer difficult. Across SA Health
Australian-English is used in medical terminology.
Pronunciation
There is often more than one way to pronounce a medical term and in many cases,
it does not matter which pronunciation you use. For example: the medical condition
encephalitis (meaning inflammation or infection of the brain) can be pronounced with
a hard or a soft ‘c’. Some people pronounce it ‘en-kef-a-lite-iss’ and others ‘en-sef-alite-iss’. Like spelling, pronunciation varies between the Australian and the American
versions of the English language.
Word parts may change in pronunciation when they are combined in different ways.
Pronunciations may vary from country to country, even different regions of the same
country.
Letter(s)
Pronunciation
Example
Silent letters and unusual pronunciation
ch
k
Chemical
dys
dis
Dystrophy
eu
e
Euphoria
gn
n
Gnathic
ph
f
Pharmacy
pn
n
Pneumonia
ps
s
Pseudo-
pt
t
Ptosis
rh
r
Rheumatic
x
z
Xiphoid
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Some useful guidelines to help with pronunciation are listed below:
•
‘ch’ is sometimes pronounced like ‘k’, the ‘h’ is silent (e.g. chemical, chronic)
•
‘ae’ is pronounced ‘ee’, the ‘a’ is silent (e.g. faeces, leukaemia)
•
‘oe’ is pronounced ‘ee’, the ‘o’ is silent (e.g. diarrhoea, oesophagus)
•
‘i’ at the end of a word to and from a plural is pronounced ‘eye’ (e.g. bronchi, fungi)
•
‘c’ has a soft sound like ‘s’ when it is before ‘e’, ‘i’ and ‘y’ (e.g centre, circle, cycle)
•
‘g’ has a soft sound like ‘j’ when it is before ‘e’ and ‘i’ (and sometimes ‘y’) (e.g.
gene, giant, gypsy)
•
‘c’ and ‘g’ have a hard sound before other letters (e.g. cardiac, gastric)
•
‘e’ and ‘es’ when forming the final letter or letters of a word, are often pronounced
as separate syllables (e.g. syncope, testes).
Homophones
Homophones are words which sound the same or very similar but they are spelt
differently and have different meanings. Some of the words start with the following
prefixes:
•
Ante- and anti-
•
Dis- and dys-
•
Hyper- and hypo-
•
Other examples of homophones are:
•
Ileum (lowest part of the small intestine) and ilium (bone which is part of the pelvis)
•
Elicit (provoke/prompt a response) and illicit (illegal or unlawful).
Definitions
Medical terms will often have a literal definition and a dictionary definition. The
literal meaning will be quite brief, a translation of the component parts of the term.
The dictionary definition however, will usually be more detailed and contain extra
information.
See the example:
Medical term
Oste/o
-arthr-
-itis
Definition
Bone(s)
Joint(s)
Inflammation or infection
Literal translation: inflammation or infection of the bones and joints.
Dictionary definition: degenerative disease of the bones and joints resulting from
deterioration of the articular cartilage.
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Seeking Help
If unsure about any terminology always seek clarification, either from the person
communicating with you (verbal) or a supervisor or experienced work colleague.
Checklists may also assist.
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Components of Medical Words
Generally, medical words and terms can be broken down into parts, each of which
has a specific meaning. While appearing complicated at first, by looking at the word,
dividing it into its various parts and then working out the meaning of each part, the
terms and their meaning will soon become clear.
The parts into which the terms can be divided are as follows and any given medical
term may contain one, some, or all parts of these:
•
Root: the foundation of the word; it can be combined with a prefix or suffix
•
Prefix: placed before the root to modify its meaning
•
Suffix: placed after the root to modify and give essential meaning to the root;
forms a noun, verb or adjective
•
Linking or combining vowels: used to connect word parts in order to help with
pronunciation; -o is the most common combining vowel.
See below for some examples of how medical terms can be constructed using the
above components:
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Roots
Root words form the basis of most medical words. As most root words are derived
from Greek or Latin, there is often more than one root which has the same meaning.
In most medical terms the root word indicates the area of the body the term relates to.
Below are some examples of root words, for a more comprehensive list see page 48.
Root
Definition
Example
-aden-
Gland
Adenoma (benign glandular tumour)
-blephar-
Eyelid
Blepharoplasty (surgical repair of the eyelid
-cardi-
Heart
Cardiography (recording heart beat)
-derm(at)-
Skin
Dermatitis (infection/inflammation of the skin)
-gastr-
Stomach
Gastrostomy (surgical opening in the stomach)
-grav-
Heavy
Multigravida (woman who has been pregnant
more than once)
-lingu-
Tongue
Sublingual (under the tongue)
-phob-
Fear
Agoraphobia (fear of open space)
-spirat-
Breathe
Inspiratory (pertaining to the act of breathing in /
inhaling)
-thorac-
Chest
Thoracoplasty (surgical repair of the chest)
Linking or combining vowels
When constructing words, some of the root word letters are slightly changed and a
vowel or consonant may be added or omitted. Combining vowels have no meaning
themselves but are used to make the medical term easier to pronounce.
Every root has a particular combining vowel associated with it.
combining vowel makes up a combining form.
A root plus its
A more extensive list of combining forms can be found on page 48.
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Combining forms
Meaning
Examples
Angi/o
Vessel
Angiogram (x-ray of a vessel)
Vas/o
Vasovagal (fainting attack (vagus nerve
causing the aorta)
Vascul/o
Arteri/o
Artery
Arteriosclerosis
arteries)
Athr/o/i
Joint
Arthritis (infection or inflammation of the
joints)
Cardi/o
Heart
Cardiology (study of the heart)
Coron/o
Cephal/o
(hardening
of
the
Coronary - pertaining to the heart
Head
Cephalometry (measurement
human head my imaging)
of
the
Encephalopathy (disease of the brain)
Cerebr/o
Brain
Encephala/o
Cerebrovascular (dysfunctions related to
disease of the blood vessels)
Encephalopathy (disease of the brain)
Chem/o
Drug
Pharmac/o
Opthalm/o
Chemotherapy (treatment with drugs)
Pharmacology (study of drugs)
Eye
Opt/o
Optometrist (eye doctor)
Oculomotor (movement of the eye)
Ocul/o
Oste/o
Bone
Osteoporosis (loss of bone tissue
resulting in brittle bones and increased
risk of fracture)
Ot/o
Ear
Otorhinolaryngology (treatment of ear,
nose and throat)
Aur/i
Auricle (the outer ear flap on the side of
the head)
Path/o
Disease
Pathogen
(a
micro-organism
substance that causes disease)
Pelv/i
Pelvis
Pelvic (pertaining to the pelvis)
Pneum/o
Lung
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
or
Pneumon/o
Pulmon/o
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Prefixes
A prefix is a short word part added before a word or word root to modify its meaning.
The below tables list common prefixes used in medical terminology. They can be
used to indicate: quantity (including specific numbers and metric measurement);
negatives and opposites and comparisons (e.g. size, time, position, speed etc.).
The meanings of many of these prefixes will be familiar to you from words that are
already in your vocabulary.
Some examples of common prefixes can be found below, a more comprehensive list
can be found on page 47.
Prefix
a-, an-
Meaning
Without; lacking
Examples
Aphasia (without speech)
abad-
Away from
Toward; near
Anaemia (lack of blood)
Abductor (leading away from)
Adductor (leading toward)
anti- / contra-
Against
Adrenal (near the kidney)
Anticoagulant (prevent blood clotting)
Contraception (prevent conception
ect-, ecto-, exoend-, endo, ent-
Outer; outside
Within; inner
or impregnation)
Ectoderm (outer skin)
Endocranial (within the cranium)
Endodontium (dental pulp within the
hyper-
hyp-, hypoinfrainterintraneoperipolysub-
Above, beyond,
excessive
tooth)
Hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose
level)
Under, deficient
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Hypothermia (low body temperature)
Beneath; below
Between
Within
New
Around
Hypothyroidism (thyroid deficiency)
Infraorbital (beneath the eye)
Intercostal (between the ribs)
Intravenous (within a vein)
Neonate (newly born)
Periodontal (around the tooth)
Many, excessive
Periosteum (around bone)
Polycystic (many cysts)
Under
Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
Subcutaneous (under the skin)
Sublingual (beneath the tongue)
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Suffixes
Suffixes are used at the end of all medical terms. Sometimes the suffix itself can be
used as the whole medical word.
The suffix also determines whether a word is a noun, verb, adjective or other part of
speech.
In general suffixes cover the following areas:
•
Medical conditions and symptoms
•
Procedures (diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical)
•
Instruments
•
People
•
Areas of study.
Noun suffixes are added to a root or combining form to modify its meaning to name a
person, place, thing or event.
Adjective suffixes are added to root words to create a descriptive term to indicate the
part of the body which is being described.
Below is a list of some of the most common suffixes, a more comprehensive list can
be found on page 51.
Suffix
Meaning
-algia, -dynia Pain
-centesis
Surgical procedure
remove fluid
-ectomy
Cut out, excision
-aemia
Blood condition
-osis, -ia
-gram,
-graphy
-ites, -itis
-oma
-plasty
-stomy
State or condition
Examples
Neuralgia (pain in nerves)
to Amniocentesis (removal of amniotic fluid)
Appendectomy (removal of the appendix)
Anaemia (low red blood cells)
Leukaemia (malignant blood disease)
Anaesthesia (loss of sensation)
Scoliosis (spine curvature)
Recording, written
Mammogram (x-ray of breast)
Cardiography (recording of physical or
functional aspect of the heart)
Inflammation or infection Carditis (inflammation / infection of the
heart)
Tumour
Lymphoma (tumour of lymph tissue)
Surgical
shaping
or Rhinoplasty (surgical shaping or repair of
repair of
the nose)
Surgical opening
Colostomy (surgical opening into the
colon)
Tracheostomy (Surgical opening into the
trachea)
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Plurals
Many medical words have special plural forms based on the ending of the word.
Examples of each type are shown in the table below.
Word Ending
a
Plural Ending
ae
Singular Example
Plural Example
Gingiva
Gingivae
Pleura
Plurae
ax
ces
Thorax
Thoraces
en
ina
Foramen
Foramina
Lumen
lumina
Appendix
Appendices
Cortex
cortices
Prosthesis
Prostheses
Diagnosis
Diagnoses
Stenosis
Stenoses
Stigma
Stigmata
Carcinoma
carcinomata
Phalanx
Phalanges
Larynx
larynges
ex, ix, yx
is
ma
nx (anx, inx, ynx)
ices
es
mata
nges
on
a
Ganglion
ganglia
um
A
Ovum
Ova
Bacterium
Bacteria
Ilium
Ilea
Embolus
Emboli
Bronchus
Bronchi
Radius
radii
Deformity
deformities
us
y
i
ies
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Building Medical Words
There are four rules which apply when combining word parts to form a medical term.
1. When linking a root to a suffix, a combining vowel is not used if the suffix begins
with a vowel.
2. When linking a root to a suffix, a combining vowel must be used if the suffix
begins with a consonant.
3. A combining vowel is not needed to link a prefix with any other work part
4. A combining vowel is always used to link one root to another root in words which
have two or more roots.
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Organisation of the Human Body
Cells
Cells are constructed from various chemical combinations. They are the individual,
living building block which, when combined together, form body structures. The body
structures perform required and specific functions. Cells are specialised in their
function. Nearly all have the ability to replicate themselves and divide to form new
cells of the same type.
Tissues
These are formed by groups of cells which are similar in appearance and which are
held together by connective or supportive tissue. Each tissue has a specific function
and the cells which form the particular tissue may each have a specific function. For
example, some cells of a body tissue may produce mucous, others hormones or
enzymes and others may produce phagocytes which have the ability to ingest and
destroy other substances, for example bacteria.
Organs
These consist of structures with a recognised shape which are made up of at least
two types of tissue.
Body systems
Groups of organs and tissues function together to form body systems and manage
particular body activities.
The body systems are briefly described on the following pages.
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Integumentary System
The main organs of the integumentary system are:
•
Skin
•
Accessory structures
−− Hair
−− Nails
−− Sweat and oil glands.
Medical terms relating to the integumentary system include: contusion, cutaneous,
dermal, dermatitis, epidermis, epithelium, exudate, hypodermic, keratin, laceration,
necrosis, oedema, serous, subcutaneous, turgor.
Listed below are some conditions that relate to the integumentary system:
•
Blister
•
Burns
•
Pruritis.
Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system consists of:
•
Muscles
•
Joints
•
Bones
•
Ligaments.
Listed below are some conditions that
relate to the musculoskeletal system:
•
Fracture
•
Amputation
•
Dislocation.
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Endocrine System
The main organs of the endocrine system are glands.
Listed below are some conditions that relate to the endocrine system:
•
Hyperglycaemia
•
Hypoglycaemia
•
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Type I (IDDM)
•
Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus - Type II (NIDDM)
•
Pancreatitis.
Nervous System
The nervous system consists of:
•
Brain and spinal cord
•
Nerves.
Listed below are some conditions that relate to the nervous system:
•
Dyslexia
•
Dysphagia
•
Dysphasia
•
Meningitis
•
Neuropathy
•
Paraplegia
•
Quadriplegia
•
Syncope.
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Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system consists of:
•
The heart
•
Blood vessels
•
Blood.
Medical terms relating to the cardiovascular system include: pericardium,
myocardium, endocardium, blood pressure, systolic, diastolic, carotid, vasodilation,
vasoconstriction, arterioles, venules, valves, haemorrhage, ischaemia, plasma,
serum, coagulation and haemoglobin.
Listed below are some conditions that relate to the cardiovascular system:
•
Arteriosclerosis
•
Atrial fibrillation (AF)
•
Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)
•
Congestive Cardiac Failure (CCF)
•
Coronary occlusion
•
Embolism
•
Hypertension
•
Hypovolaemic shock
•
Myocardial infarction (MI)
•
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
•
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
•
Septicaemia.
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system consists of:
•
Lymph nodes and vessels
•
Spleen
•
Thymus.
Medical terms relating to the lymphatic system include: lymphocytes, leucocytes,
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active immunity, immune response, immunity, immunoglobulin, antibiotic, infection,
infectious disease, passive immunity, tissue rejection, natural immunity, inflammation,
sepsis.
Listed below are some conditions and medical procedures that relate to the lymphatic
system:
•
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
•
Allergies
•
Anaphylactic shock
•
Human immune-deficiency virus (HIV)
•
Lymphoedema.
Respiratory System
The respiratory system can be divided into two parts:
•
The upper respiratory system - the nostrils
(nares), nasal cavity, oral cavity, pharynx
and larynx
•
The lower respiratory system - the trachea,
right and left main bronchi, bronchioles and
alveoli, and the right and left lung.
Medical terms relating to the respiratory system
include: apnoea, dyspnoea, hyperventilation,
hypoventilation,
inhalation,
exhalation,
aspiration, cyanosis, hypoxia.
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Listed below are some conditions and medical procedures that relate to the
respiratory system:
•
Asphyxia
•
Asthma
•
Carbon monoxide poisoning
•
Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease (COAD)
•
Emphysema
•
Epiglottitis
•
Laryngitis
•
Laryngospasm
•
Pneumonia.
Digestive System
The digestive system consists of the following:
•
The gastrointestinal tract - mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large
intestine
•
Accessory organs - liver, gall bladder and pancreas.
Listed below are some conditions and medical procedures that relate to the digestive
system:
•
Anorexia
•
Appendicitis
•
Constipation
•
Enteritis
•
Gastritis
•
Gastroenteritis
•
Haematemesis
•
Malaena
•
Peritonitis.
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Urinary system
The urinary system consists of the following organs:
•
Kidneys
•
Ureters
•
Bladder
•
Urethra.
Listed below are some conditions and
medical procedures that relate to the urinary
system:
•
Cystitis
•
Pyelonephritis.
Reproductive System
The reproductive system consists of the
following organs:
•
Female: ovaries, uterus, vagina, mammary
glands
•
Male: testes, prostate and penis.
Listed below are some conditions and medical procedures that relate to the
reproductive system:
•
Amniocentesis
•
Hysterectomy
•
Mastectomy
•
Menopause
•
Prostatectomy
•
Testicular torsion
•
Vasectomy.
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Anatomical Position, Directions and Movements
This is the position which enables one health professional to visualise areas of the
body in the same context as another.
In this position the patient is pictured as standing facing the health professional, the
arms placed at the sides, the hands open and the palms facing forward.
Beginning from this position, it is then possible to describe one part of the body in
relationship to another. When visualising the patient in the anatomical position and
using directional terms, the position of the thumbs on each hand could be described
as follows:
The thumb is on the lateral side of the hand. The hand is inferior to the arm and the
shoulder is superior to the arm.
Anatomical directions, positions and movements include:
•
Anterior: nearer to or at the front of the body
•
Posterior: nearer to or at the back of the body
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•
Superior: towards the head or upper part of a structure
•
Inferior: away from the head or towards the lower part of a structure
•
Lateral: further from the midline of the body or a structure
•
Medial: nearer to the midline of the body or structure
•
Proximal: nearer to the attachment of a limb to the trunk
•
Distal: further from the attachment of a limb to the trunk
•
Superficial: towards the surface of the body
•
Deep: away from the surface of the body
•
Cervical: pertaining to the neck or neck region of a structure (eg. neck of a tooth
or cervix of the uterus
•
Cranial: the bony skull that holds the brain
•
Axillary: pertaining to the armpit
•
Thoracic: pertaining to the thorax/chest
•
Abdominal: pertaining to the abdomen
•
Pelvic: pertaining to the pelvis
•
Antecubital: at the front/the bend of the elbow
•
Vertebral: pertaining to one or more vertebrae
•
Abdominal quadrants: four areas of the abdomen, upper and lover left
quadrants (LUQ and LLQ) and upper and lower right quadrants (RUQ and RLQ)
•
Supine: lying horizontally on the back
•
Prone: lying horizontally with face down
•
Semi-recumbent: in a reclining position
•
Trendelenburg: position in which the head is low and the body and legs are on
an incline
•
Flexion: decreasing the angle between two adjoining bones
•
Extension: increasing the angle between two adjoining bones
•
Eversion: turning outward
•
Inversion: turning inward
•
Abduction: movement of a limb away from the midline of the body
•
Adduction: movement of a limb towards the mid-line of the body
•
Supination: rotation allowing the palm of the hand to turn up
•
Pronation: rotation allowing the palm of the hand to turn down.
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Anatomical position can be used to describe body cavities and their positional
relationship to each other.
At the top is the cranial cavity or the cranium (skull).
Below the cranium (inferior) - the thoracic cavity or the thorax (chest).
Inferior to the thorax is the abdominal cavity or the abdomen. The abdominal cavity is
often referred to as the stomach but the stomach is only one of the organs contained
within the abdomen.
Inferior to the abdomen is the pelvic cavity surrounded by the bones of the pelvis.
The abdomen has been divided into four descriptive regions:
•
Right upper quadrant (RUQ)
•
Left upper quadrant (LUQ)
•
Right lower quadrant (RLQ)
•
Left lower quadrant (LLQ).
This quadrant method is used by medical professionals when describing the position
of injuries, lumps and pain occurring in patients.
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Areas of Medicine and Medical Personnel
Sometimes one word can conjure up different meanings depending on how it is used.
For example, the word medicine which comes from the Latin word medicina can be
used to mean ‘taking a dose of medicine’ or ‘having medical treatment’ or ‘the practice
of medicine’.
Health from the Anglo-Saxon word health, means wholeness as does the word heal.
Health can be used in a variety of ways, e.g. maintaining health, being healthy, eating
a healthy diet.
Doctor from the Latin word docere means to teach. The term doctor does not
belong only to health professionals, in fact the first people called doctors were the
philosophers in the universities. Today they are still the only ones who have earned
the right to use the title, however, it has now become both traditional and common
practice to call medical practitioners, dentists and veterinarians by the title doctor.
When interpreting medical terminology, it is important to understand the areas
of medicine that is being discussed, the medical term which relates to it and the
specialist that works within the area. Below is a table which outlines these main
areas.
Area of Medicine
Medical Term
Medical Specialist
Cells
cytology
Cytologist
Drugs and medicines
pharmacology
Pharmacologist
Poisons
toxicology
Toxicologist
Mental disorders
psychiatry
Psychiatrist
Brain, spinal cord, nerves
neurology
Neurologist / neurosurgeon
Pain management
anaesthetics
Anaesthetist
Skin, hair, nails
dermatology
Dermatologist
Tumours and cancer
oncology
Oncologist
Skeleton, bones, joints
orthopaedics
Orthopaedic surgeon,
orthopod, orthopaedist
Muscles and joints
rheumatology
Rheumatologist
Heart
cardiology
Cardiologist or
cardiovascular surgeon
Major blood vessels
vascular surgery
Vascular surgeon
Blood, blood-forming tissues haematology
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Haematologist
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Area of Medicine
Medical Term
Medical Specialist
Female reproductive organs gynaecology
Gynaecologist
Pregnancy and childbirth
obstetrics
Obstetrician
Male reproductive organs
andrology
Andrologist
Children
paediatrics
Paediatrician
The elderly
gerontology / geriatrics
Gerontologist / geriatrician
Ear, nose and throat
otorhinolaryngology
Otohinolaryngologist
The eye
opthalmology
Opthamologist
Digestive system
gastroenterology
Gastroenterologist
Ductless glands, hormones
endocrinology
Endocrinologist
Urinary system, kidneys
urology / renal medicine
Urologist / renal physician
Immunity to disease
immunology
Immunologist
Evidence/effects of disease
pathology
Pathologist
Interpretation of x-rays
radiology
Radiologist
Breathing
respiratory medicine
Respirologist
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Pharmacology and Pharmaceuticals
Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the study of the interactions that occur between a living organism
and chemicals that alter normal biochemical function.
Pharmaceutical Naming
If substances have medicinal properties, they are considered pharmaceuticals.
Drug names can be very confusing because any given drug can have many different
names.
Drug names fall into four categories:
•
Chemical name
•
Generic name
•
Brand name
•
Therapeutic class name.
Chemical name
Each drug has just ONE chemical name, this is usually long and complicated as
it reflects the structure of the drug. It can be abbreviated to the chemical formula.
Chemists and pharmacologists are the only people who use the chemical name.
Generic name
Each drug has just ONE generic name, this is the legal or official name of the drug.
This is the name by which the drug is universally recognised and identifies the
drug as being a specific substance. The generic name is not ‘owned’ so any drug
manufacturer may use it.
Brand names
Brand names are the registered trade names and belong to the specific drug
manufacturer. Brand names are protected under law. Each drug may have any
number of brand names and are recognisable because of advertising.
Therapeutic class name
The therapeutic class name is given to groups of drugs, which usually indicates the
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effect the drug has on the body. If a particular drug has more than one effect it can
belong to more than one therapeutic class. Examples of class names include:
analgesics, laxatives, hormones, sedatives and antibiotics. See the example below:
Drug terminology
Other terms that relate to pharmaceuticals are:
•
Indication - condition for which you are taking the drug
•
Contraindication - condition that would prevent you taking the drug
•
Precautions - things to look out for when taking the drug, including:
−− Side effects - effects other than the therapeutic effect of the drug
−− Adverse reactions - potentially harmful side effect
−− Monograph - information on a single drug
SA Health/SAAS Procedures
‘Spell it Out’
SA Health staff are to follow the directive ‘Spell it Out’ when using medical
terminology. This directive provides standardised terminology, abbreviations and
symbols to be used when communicating about medicines.
Refer to the SA Health ‘Spell it Out’ for more information on the approved
abbreviations and symbols to be used when communicating about medicine.
> Clinical Communication - Spell it Out
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Diagnostic Procedures
Diagnostic procedures are performed to gather information to help doctors make or
confirm a diagnosis.
Important suffixes
-opsy
process of
medical examination or inspection
-scopy
process of
viewing, examining using an instrument
-metryprocess ofmeasuring
-graphy
process of
recording in the form of drawing, writing, presenting, tracing, describing
Diagnostic Procedure
Definition
Arthroscopy
Looking into the joints
Audiometry
Measurement of hearing
Autopsy
Examination of a dead body
Biopsy
Examination of small pieces of living tissue under a
microscope
Colonoscopy
Visual examination of the large bowel (colon)
Electrocardiography
Recording the electrical activity of the heart tissue
Electroencephalography
Recording the electrical activity of the brain
Electromyography
Recording the electrical activity of the muscles
Laparoscopy
Surgical inspection of the abdominal cavity using a scope
Mammography
X-ray screening examination of the breast
Ophthalmoscopy
Visual inspection of the eye
Otoscopy
Examination of the ear
Pelvimetry
Measurement of the pelvis
Radiography
Examination of the internal structures of the body
Ultrasonography
Process of recording via sound waves
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Additional Resources
The following websites will be useful in order to research and increase your
own knowledge of medical terminology:
myDr online medical dictionary
GlobalRPh medical terminology A thru Z
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Glossary - Common Abbreviations
Acronym /
Abbreviation
Meaning
#
Fracture
@
At
♀
Female
♂
Male
AAA
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
AED
Automated External Defibrillator
AF
Atrial Fibrillation
ALS
Advanced Life Support
AMI
Acute Myocardial Infarction
APO
Acute Pulmonary Oedema
Approx.
Approximately
ASAP
As Soon As Possible
BGL
Blood Glucose Level
BP
Blood Pressure
C Spine
Cervical Spine
c/o
Complaining of
CCF
Congestive Heart Failure
CNS
Central Nervous System
CO
Carbon Monoxide
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
COAD
Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease
CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
DNR
Do Not Resuscitate
Dx
Diagnosis
ECG
Electrocardiogram
ETA
Estimated Time of Arrival
GCS
Glasgow Coma Score
GSW
Gun Shot Wound
HR
Heart Rate
Hx
History
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Acronym /
Abbreviation
Meaning
IDDM
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
IHD
Ischaemic Heart Disease
IM
Intramuscular
IO
Intraosseus
IV
Intravenous
LOC
Loss Of Consciousness
Meds
Medications
Mg
Milligrams
MI
Myocardial Infarction
MRE
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MVA
Motor Vehicle Accident
NIDDM
Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
O/E
On Examination
O2
Oxygen
OD
Overdose
PEARL
Pupils Equal and Reacting to Light
Phx
Past History
PO
Per Oral
PRN
As required (Pro Re Nata)
Pt
Patient
ROM
Range of Movement
RR
Respiratory Rate
Rx
Treatment
SC
Subcutaneous
SL
Sublingual
SOB
Short of Breath
Sx
Symptoms
TIA
Trans Ischaemic Attack
VF
Ventricular Fibrillation
VT
Ventricular Tachycardia
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Glossary - Medical Terms
Term
Abdominal Aortic
Aneurysm (AAA)
Achilles’ tendon
Acquired Immune
Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS)
Active immunity
Adam’s Apple
Adrenal glands
Allergies
Alveoli
Amniocentesis
Amputation
Anaemia
Anaesthetics
Anaphylactic shock
Definition
Balloon-like swelling in the wall of the aorta within the
abdomen, this swelling weakens the aorta’s wall and because
of the volume of blood flowing under pressure in the aorta it
can rupture
The large tendon connecting the heel bone to the calf muscle
of the leg
A disease of the immune system characterised by increased
susceptibility to opportunistic infections, to certain cancers
and to neurological disorders, caused by the retrovirus HIV
Immunity resulting from the development of antibodies
in response to the presence of an antigen either from
vaccination or exposure to an infectious disease
The slight projection at the front of the throat formed by the
largest cartilage of the larynx, usually more prominent in men
than women
Endocrine glands that sit at the top of the kidneys and secrete
several hormones
High sensitivity to certain substances. Common indications of
allergy may include sneezing, itching and skin rashes
Tiny thin-walled capillary rich sac in the lungs where the
exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place
Puncture of the amniotic sac and withdrawal of fluid
Surgical removal of a limb or body part, it is performed to
remove diseased tissue or relieve pain
A condition in which there is a deficiency of red blood cells or
of haemoglobin in the blood
The science, study and practise of anaesthesia and its
application
Severe hypersensitivity reaction resulting in collapse and
sometimes death
Andrology
The branch of physiology and medicine which deals with
diseases and conditions specific to men
Angiogram
Series of x-rays of blood vessels using radio opaque dye
Anorexia
A disorder characterised by fear of becoming fat and refusal
of food, leading to disability or even death
Antibiotic
A chemical substance produced by a microorganism which
has the capacity to inhibit the growth of or to kill other
microorganisms, used in the treatment of infectious diseases
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Term
Definition
Apnoea
Temporary absence or cessation of breathing
Appendectomy
Surgical removal of the appendix
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix
Arteries
Any of the tubular thick-walled muscular vessels that convey
oxygenated blood from the heart to various parts of the body
Arterioles
Small blood vessels that carry arterial (oxygenated) blood
Arteriosclerosis
Chronic condition characterised by thickening and hardening
of the arteries and the build-up of plaque on the arterial walls
Asphyxia
Lack of oxygen in the blood due to restricted respiration
Aspiration
The removal of a gas or fluid by suction
Asthma
A respiratory disorder, often of allergic origin, characterised by
difficulty in breathing, wheezing and a sense of constriction in
the chest
Atrial Fibrillation
(AF)
Normal rhythmical contractions of the heart atria are replaced
by irregular twitching of the muscular wall which cause the
ventricles to respond irregularly
Automated External
Defibrillator (AED)
A portable device that checks the heart rhythm, if needed,
it can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a
normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest
Hollow muscular organ which acts as a storage area for urine
and is situated in the pelvic cavity
A local swelling of the skin that contains watery fluid and is
caused by burning, infection or irritation
The red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins carrying
oxygen and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body
The pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the
blood vessels, especially the arteries during different phases
of the contraction of the heart
Any channel through which the blood normally circulates
(artery, vein, capillary)
The epicentre of the Central Nervous System located within
the cranium and divided into the right and left hemispheres, it
is the primary receiver, organiser and distributor of information
for the body
Either of the two branches of the trachea that extend into the
lungs
Any of the fine, thin-walled tubular extensions of a bronchi
Bladder
Blister
Blood
Blood pressure
Blood vessels
Brain
Bronchi
Bronchioles
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Term
Burns
Capillaries
Cardiology
Carotid
Cerebral Vascular
Accident (CVA)
Cervical spine
Chronic Obstructive
Airway Disease
(COAD)
Definition
Injuries to tissue caused by heat, friction, radiation or
chemicals
Delicate thin-walled blood vessels that form an
interconnecting network between the arterioles and the
venules
Medical specialty dealing with disorders of the heart
Pertaining to the carotid artery, the principle artery of the neck
The sudden death of some brain cells due to a lack of oxygen
when the blood flow to the brain is impaired by blockage or
rupture of an artery to the brain. A CVA is also referred to as
a stroke
The portion of the spine comprising the cervical vertebrae
A chronic lung disease which is a combination of emphysema
and chronic bronchitis
Coagulation
Process in which platelets, in conjunction with clotting factors,
transform blood from a liquid into a semi-solid mass
Colostomy
The opening of part of the colon onto the surface of the
abdominal wall
Congestive
Heart A condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to
Failure (CCF)
supply the body’s tissues with sufficient oxygen and nutrients;
backup of blood in vessels and the lungs can cause a buildup of fluid in the tissues
Constipation
Difficulty in emptying the bowel
Contusion
An injury in which the skin is not broken, often characterised
by ruptured blood vessels and discolourations (bruise)
Coronary occlusion
Blockage of a coronary vessel often leading to a myocardial
infarction
Cutaneous
Pertaining to the skin
Cyanosis
A physical sign causing bluish discolouration of the skin and
mucous membranes, caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood
Cystitis
Inflammation of the bladder
Cytology
Branch of life science, which deals with the study of cells in
terms of structure, function and chemistry
Dental
Pertaining to the teeth
Dermal
Pertaining to the skin or derma
Dermatitis
A general term used to describe inflammation of the skin
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Term
Definition
Dermatology
The branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases
Diagnosis
The process of identifying a disease, based on a person’s
signs and symptoms which may be gleaned from a simple
physical examination or require ancillary testing, lab work or
imaging studies, etc
Diastolic
The phase of blood circulation in which the heart’s pumping
chamber (ventricles) are being filled with blood
The temporary displacement of a bone from its normal
position
Dislocation
Dyslexia
A learning disorder marked by impairment of the ability to
recognise and comprehend written words
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing
Dysphasia
A partial or complete impairment of the ability to communicate
resulting from brain injury
Dyspnoea
Difficulty in breathing or in catching the breath
Dystrophy
A generative disorder caused by inadequate or defective
nutrition
Electrocardiogram
Visual record in graph form of the electrical activity of the
heart
Embolism
An obstruction in a blood vessel due to a blood clot or other
foreign matter that gets stuck while travelling through the
blood stream
Chronic irreversible disease of the lungs characterised by an
abnormal increase in the size of the air spaces, resulting in
laboured breathing and an increased susceptibility to infection
The membrane that lines the cavities of the heart and forms
part of the valves
The branch of physiology and medicine concerned with
endocrine glands and hormones
Emphysema
Endocardium
Endocrinology
Enteritis
Inflammation of the intestine (mucous membranes)
Epidermis
The outermost layer of the skin that covers and protects the
underlying dermis
Flap at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into
the trachea
An inflammation of the epiglottis
Epiglottis
Epiglottitis
Epithelium
The cellular covering of internal and external body surfaces
including the lining of vessels and small cavities
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Term
Definition
Euphoria
An exaggerated feeling of physical and mental well-being,
especially when not justified by external realist
The act or practise of ending the life of an individual suffering
from a terminal illness or an incurable condition as by lethal
injection or the suspension of extraordinary medical treatment
The act or an instance of breathing out (also called
expirations)
A fluid that has exuded out of a tissue or its capillaries due to
injury or inflammation
The narrow ducts leading from a woman’s ovaries to the
uterus
Euthanasia
Exhalation
Exudate
Fallopian tubes
Foetus
Gastritis
The developing baby from the beginning of the fourth month
until delivery
A break, rupture or crack especially in bone or cartilage
Pear-shaped muscular sac attached to the under surface
of the right lobe of the liver in which bile is stored and
concentrated
Inflammation of the stomach
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the stomach and intestine
Gastroenterology
The branch of medicine concerned with diseases of the
stomach and intestines
Scientific study of ageing and the problems associated with
older people
A scale for measuring a patient’s level of consciousness
Fracture
Gall bladder
Gerontology
Glasgow Coma
Score
Gynaecology
The branch of medicine concerned with diseases in women
Haematemesis
Vomiting of blood
Haematology
Haemoglobin
The branch of medical science concerned with diseases of
the blood and blood forming tissues
The oxygen carrying substance in red blood cells
Haemorrhage
Abnormal internal or external blood loss
Heart
The chambered muscle organ that pumps blood received
from the veins into the arteries, maintaining the flow of blood
through the entire circulatory system
A variable retrovirus that invades and inactivates helper T
cells of the immune system and is the cause of AIDS
Human Immune
Deficiency Virus
(HIV)
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Term
Definition
Hyperglycaemia
Abnormally high blood sugar usually associated with diabetes
Hypersensitivity
A state of altered reactivity in which the body reacts with an
exaggerated immune response to what is perceived as a
foreign substance
High blood pressure
Hypertension
Hyperventilation
Abnormally fast or deep respirations which result in excessive
oxygen levels in the blood often with accompanying dizziness,
chest pain and tingling in extremities
Hypodermic
Under or inserted under the skin
Hypoglycaemia
Abnormally low blood sugar usually resulting from excessive
insulin or a poor diet
Hypoventilation
Abnormally slow and shallow respiration, resulting in an
increased level of carbon dioxide in the blood
Hypovolaemic shock Type of shock due to insufficient blood volume, either from
haemorrhage or other loss of fluid
Hypoxia
Insufficient levels of oxygen in the blood or tissue
Hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus
Immune response
A bodily response to an antigen when it is identified as
foreign and that induces the production of antibodies and
lymphocytes capable of destroying the antigen or making it
harmless
Immunity
The protection against infectious disease conferred either by
the immune response generated by immunisation or previous
infection
Immunoglobulin
Any of a class of proteins present in the serum and cells of
the immune system which function as antibodies
Immunology
The branch of medicine and biology concerned with immunity
Infection
A disease caused by the invasion of the body by pathogenic
microorganisms
Infectious disease
Disorders caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses,
fungi or parasites. Refer to the Infection Prevention and
Control study guide for more information
Inflammation
Redness, swelling and fever in a local area of the body, often
with pain and disturbed function, in reaction to an infection or
to a physical or chemical injury
Inhalation
The act or an instance of inhaling
Insomnia
Chronic inability to fall asleep or to enjoy an uninterrupted
sleep
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Term
Definition
Insulin Dependent
Diabetes Mellitus
(IDDM)
Condition characterised by high blood glucose levels caused
by a total lack of insulin
Intraosseus
The process of injecting directly into the barrow of a bone
Intravenous
Within or administered into a vein
Ischaemia
An inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body,
especially the heart muscles
Keratin
A tough protein in hair and nails
Kidneys
Bean shaped organs which are found either side of the
vertebral column, they are made up of nephrons which filter
the blood
Laceration
A wound or irregular tear of the flesh
Large intestine
Portion of the intestine that extends from the ileum to the
anus, forming an arch around the convolutions of the small
intestine
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx
Laryngospasm
Spasmodic closure of the larynx
Larynx
Muscular and cartilaginous structure at the upper part of the
trachea where the vocal cords are located
Legionnaire’s
disease
A type of acute pneumonia caused by Legionella
pneumophilia bacteria and characterised by fever, chest pain,
cough and muscle aches
Leukaemia
Type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterised by
an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells
Leukocytes
White blood cells that protect the body from disease
causing viruses, bacteria, toxins, parasites and tumour cells
Lingual
Pertaining to the tongue
Liver
Large glandular organ located in the upper right side of the
abdominal cavity, functioning in the secretion of bile and
various metabolic processes
Lung
Each of the pair of organs situated within the ribcage,
consisting of elastic sacs with branching passages into which
air is drawn so that oxygen can pass into the blood and
carbon dioxide be removed
Small masses of tissue scattered along the lymphatic system
that act as filters and immune monitors, removing fluids,
bacteria or cancer cells that travel through the lymph system
Lymph nodes
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Term
Lymphocytes
Definition
A type of white blood cell formed in lymphoid tissue important
in the production of antibodies
Lymphoedema
Condition of localised fluid retention and tissue swelling
caused by a compromised lymphatic system
Radio waves and magnets to monitor the electrical activity of
Magnetic
Resonance Imaging cells and record it
(MRI)
Malaena
Blood in the faeces
Mammary glands
Milk producing glands in females
Mastectomy
Surgical removal of all or part of the breast
Melanoma
A dark pigmented, usually malignant, tumor occurring
especially in the skin
Meningitis
Inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain or
spinal cord, caused by infection
Menopause
Permanent cessation of menstruation, usually occurring
between the ages of 45 and 55
Morphine
A highly addictive drug derived from opium and used to treat
intractable pain
Myocardial infarction Any sudden insufficiency of oxygen supply to the heart that
(MI)
results in heart muscle damage, also called a heart attack
Myocardium
The muscular tissue of the heart
Narcissism
Excessive love or admiration of oneself
Narcotic
A drug that produces numbness or stupor, often taken
for pleasure or to reduce pain; extensive use can lead to
addiction
Natural immunity
Immunity with which an individual is born, which has a genetic
basis
Necrosis
Death of cells or tissues through injury of disease, especially
in a localised area of the body
Neurology
The science of the nerves and the nervous system, especially
of the diseases affecting them
Neuropathy
A disease or abnormality of the nervous system
Characterised by high blood glucose levels caused by either a
Non-Insulin
Dependent Diabetes lack of insulin or the body’s inability to use insulin efficiently
Mellitus (NIDDM)
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Term
Definition
Obstetrics
The branch of medicine that deals with the care of women
during pregnancy, childbirth and the recuperative period
following delivery
Oedema
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissues
Oesophagus
Muscular passage connecting the mouth or pharynx with the
stomach
Oestrogen
A group of hormones, secreted mainly by the ovaries, that
influence the female reproductive system including preparing
the body for ovulation
Oncology
The branch of medicine concerned with the study,
classification and treatment of tumours
Ophthalmology
The branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy,
functions, pathology and treatment of the eye
Orthopaedics
The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention or
correction of injuries or disorders of the skeletal system and
associated muscles, joints and ligaments
Osteoporosis
A disease in which the bones become extremely porous,
brittle and subject to fracture due to a loss of calcium and
other mineral components
Otorhinolaryngology The study and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose and
throat
Ovaries
Overdose
Paediatrics
Pancreas
Pancreatitis
Pap smear
Either of the two female reproductive organs, which produce
ova and secrete oestrogen hormones
An excessive dose, especially of a narcotic
The branch of medicine concerned with children and their
diseases
Large elongated glandular organ, situated behind the stomach
that secretes insulin and pancreatic juice
Inflammation of the pancreas
A screening test, especially for cervical cancer
Paraplegia
Complete paralysis of the lower half of the body including both
legs, usually caused by damage to the spinal cord
Passive immunity
Form of acquired immunity resulting from antibodies that are
transmitted naturally through the placenta to a foetus
Pathology
The scientific study of the nature of disease and its causes,
processes, development and consequences
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Term
Definition
Penis
The male organ of copulation and of urinary excretion in
males
Pericardium
The membranous sac enclosing the heart
Peripheral Vascular
Disease (PVD)
Reduced circulation of blood to a body part other than the
brain or heart, it is caused by a narrowed or blocked blood
vessel
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum
Pharmacology
The science dealing with the preparation, uses and especially
the effects of drugs
Pharmacy
The act of preparing and dispensing drugs; a place where
drugs are sold
Pharynx
Section of the alimentary canal between the mouth and the
oesophagus
Phobia
A persistent, abnormal and irrational fear of a specific thing or
situation that compels one to avoid it, despite the awareness
and reassurance that it is not dangerous
Plasma
The clear, yellowish fluid portion of blood, lymph or
intramuscular fluid in which cells are suspended. It differs
from serum in that it contains fibrin and other soluble clotting
elements
Platelet
An irregularly shaped cell-like particle in the blood that is an
important part of blood clotting
Pneumonia
An acute disease of the lungs characterised by fever, cough
with blood-tinged phlegm and difficulty breathing
Prostate
A gland surrounding the neck of the bladder
Prostatectomy
Surgical removal of prostate
Pruritis
Severe itching of the skin
Psychiatry
The practice or science of diagnosing and treating mental
disorders
Psychosis
A severe mental disorder, characterised by derangement
of personality and loss of contact with reality and causing
deterioration of normal social functioning
Ptosis
Drooping of the upper eyelid due to paralysis or disease or as
a congenital condition
Pulmonary
Embolism (PE)
The blockage of the pulmonary artery by foreign matter or by
a blood clot
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Term
Definition
Pulmonary oedema
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lungs often caused by
congestive heart failure
Pyelonephritis
Inflammation of the kidney
Quadriplegia
Complete paralysis of the body from the neck down
Radiology
The branch of medicine that deals with the use of radioactive
substances in diagnosis and treatment of disease
Rhesus factor
An antigen present on the red blood cells of many people
(85%) capable of inducing intense antigenic reactions
Rheumatic
Pertaining to or affected with rheumatism
Rheumatology
The medical science that deals with the study and treatment
of rheumatic diseases
Ross River Fever
A mosquito born infectious disease
Sepsis
The presence of pathogenic organisms or their toxins in the
blood or tissues
Blood poisoning caused by pathogenic microorganisms and
their toxic products in the blood stream
Like serum (fluid that moistens surface of serous membranes)
The fluid component of blood from which the coagulation
factors have been removed
Narrow winding upper part of the intestine where digestion is
completed and nutrients are absorbed by the blood
Septicaemia
Serous
Serum
Small intestine
Spinal cord
Thick cord of nerve tissue within the spinal canal which
branches to form the nerves that convey motor and sensory
impulses to and from the tissues of the body
Spleen
An organ located at the left side of the stomach that acts as a
reservoir for blood cells and produces lymphocytes and other
products involved in fighting infection
Stomach
Internal organ in which the major part of the digestion of food
occurs
Beneath the skin
Situated under the tongue
Subcutaneous
Sublingual
Symptoms
Any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced
by a patient and is associated with a particular disease
Syncope
A brief loss of consciousness caused by a temporary
deficiency of oxygen in the brain
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Term
Definition
Systolic
The phase of blood circulation in which the heart’s pumping
chambers (ventricles) are actively pumping blood
Testes
Either of two oval male reproductive glands located in the
scrotum
Testicular torsion
Twisting of the spermatic cord
Thymus
An organ near the base of the neck that produces cells that
fight infection
Tissue rejection
Reaction when a person’s immune system attacks donor
tissue
Toxicology
The science dealing with the effects, antidotes, detection etc.
of poisons
Toxin
A poisonous substance that is produced by living cells or
organisms and is capable of causing disease when introduced
into the body
Trachea
Thin walled cartilaginous tube descending from the larynx
to the bronchi and carrying air to the lungs, also called the
windpipe
Tracheostomy
The construction of an artificial opening through the neck into
the trachea, usually for the relief of difficulty in breathing
Turgor
Ureters
Normal tension usually related to the skin
Hollow muscular tubes which convey urine from the kidney to
the bladder
Hollow tube which passes from the bladder to the exterior of
the body
Urethra
Urology
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and
treatment of diseases of the urinary tract and urogenital
system
Uterus
Hollow organ in which the fertilised egg develops during
pregnancy, also called a womb
Vagina
Passage leading from the opening of the vulva to the cervix of
the uterus
Valves
Tissue in the passageways between the heart’s upper and
lower chambers that controls the passage of blood and
prevents regurgitation
Vascular surgery
A speciality of surgery in which diseases of the vascular
system or arteries and veins are managed
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Term
Definition
Vasectomy
Surgical removal of all or part of the vas deferens, usually as
a means of sterilisation
Vasoconstriction
Constriction of a blood vessel
Vasodilation
Dilation of a blood vessel
Ventricular
Fibrillation (VF)
Condition in which there is an uncoordinated contraction of
the cardiac muscle of the ventricles in the heart making them
quiver rather than contract properly
Ventricular
Tachycardia (VT)
Abnormally rapid beating of the heart, especially over 100
beats per minute
Venules
Small blood vessels that merge with the veins and return
blood from other tissues to the heart
Vertebrae
Any bones or cartilaginous segments forming the spinal
column
Xiphoid
Shaped like a sword
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Glossary - Common Prefixes
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
A-, an-
No, not, without, absent
Eu-
Good, normal, easy, well
Ab-
Away from
Ex-
Out, away from
Ad-
Towards
Extra-
Outside, beyond
Ambi-
Around, about, both
Hemi-
Half
Ambly-
Dull, dim
Hetero-
Different, other
Ana-
Up, backward
Homo-
Same
Ante-
before
Hyper-
Above, excessive
Anti-
Against
Hypo-
Below, under, deficient
Audi-
Hearing
In-
Not, into, inward
Auto-
Self
Infra-
Below
Baro-
Weight / heaviness
Inter-
Between
Bi-, bin-
Two, double, twice
Intra-
Within
Brachy-
Short
Iso-
Same
Brady-
Slow
Macro-
Large
Circum-
Around
Mal-
Bad
Co-
Together with
Mega-
Big
Con-
With
Meta-
Change, beyond, near
Contra-
Against
Micro-
Small
Cryo-
Cold
Multi-
Many
Crypto-
Hidden
Neo-
New
De-
Down, away from
Nocto-
Night
Dia-
Complete, through
Normo-
Normal
Diplo-
Double
Nulli-
None
Dis-
Separation, away from
Olig-
Few, deficient
Dys-
Difficult, painful, bad
Oxy-
Sharp, acid, rapid
Ec-, ect-
Outside
Pan-
All, whole
Electro-
Electrical
Par-, para-
Near, beside, abnormal,
pair
En- endo-
Inside, within
Per-
Through
Epi-
Above, upon
Peri-
Around, about
Equi-
Equal
Poly-
Many, excessive
© SA Ambulance Service - July 2016
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Prefixes continued...
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
Post-
After, behind
Sub-
Under, beneath
Pre-
Before
Super-, supr-
Above, beyond
Primi-
First
Sym-, syn-
Together, joined
Pro-
For, in front of
Tachy-
Fast
Pseudo-
False
Tel-
End
Re-
Back, again
Tele-
Distant
Retro-
Behind, backward
Trans-
Across, over
Semi-
Half
Ultra-
Beyond
Steno-
Narrow
Zoo-
Animal
Common Root Words with their Combining Vowels
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
Abdomen/o
Abdomen
Arthr/o, arthr/o
Joint
Acr/o
Extremity
Atel/o
Incomplete
Acu/o
Sharp
Ather/o
Fatty plaques
Aden/o
Gland
Audi/o
Hear
Adip/o
Fat
Aur/i, aur/o
Ear
Adren/o, adrenal/o
Adrenal glands
Bacteri/o
Bacteria
Aer/o
Air
Bil/i
Bile
Aesthesi/o
Sensation, feeling
Blephar/o
Eyelid
Aeti/o
Cause
Brachi/o
Arm
Alb/o
White
Bronch/o, bronchi/o
Bronchial tube
Algesi/o
Pain
Bucc/o
Cheek
Alve/o
Channel, cavity
Carcin/o
Cancer
An/o
Anus
Cardi/o
Heart
Andr/o
Male
Cauter/o
Heat, burn
Angi/o
Vessel
Cephal/o
Head
Anter/o
Front
Cerebell/o
Cerebellum
Append/o,
appendic/o
Appendix
Cerebr/o
Brain, cerebrum
Aque/o
Water
Cervic/o
Neck
Arachn/o
Spider
Chem/o
Drug, chemical
Arteri/o
Artery
Chir/o
Hand
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Root Words with their Combining Vowels continued...
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
Chlor/o
Green
Gloss/o
Tongue
Chol/e
Gall, bile
Gluc/o, glyc/o
Sugar
Chondr/o
Cartilage
Gnath/o
Jew
Chrom/o
Colour
Gynaec/o
Woman
Chron/o
Time
Haem/o, haemat/o
Blood
Cine/o
Movement
Hepat/o
Liver
Cirrh/o
Orange-yellow
Hidr/o
Sweat
Cis/o
Cut
Hist/o
Tissue
Col/o, colon/o
Colon, large
intestine
Home/o
Same, constant
Coron/o
Heart
Hydr.o
Water
Cost/o
Rib
Hypn/o
Sleep
Carni/o
Skull
Hyster/o
Womb
Cutane/o
Skin
Iatr/o
Treatment
Cyan/o
Blue
Idi/o
Self, individual
Cyst/o
Cyst, sac of fluid
Immune/o
Safe, protect
Cyt/o
Cell
Kinesi/o
Movement
Dactyl/o
Fingers, toes
Lacrim/o
Tears, tear duct
Dem/o
People
Leuc/o, leuk/o
White
Dent/i
Tooth
Lex/i
Word, phrase
Derm/o, dermat/o
Skin
Ling/o
Tongue
Dextr/o
Right
Lymph/o
Lymph
Ech/o
Sound
Man/o
Pressure
Encephala/o
Brain
Melan/o
Black
Enter/o
Intestine (small)
Ment/o
Mind
Erg/o
Work
Morph/o
Shape, form
Erythr/o
Red
Mort/o
Death
Femor/o
Femur
Muc/o
Mucus
Fluoro
Luminous
Muscul/o
Muscle
Gastr/o
Stomach
Mut/a
Genetic change
Gen/o
Producing,
beginning
My/o
Muscle
© SA Ambulance Service - July 2016
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Root Words with their Combining Vowels continued...
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
Gingiv/o
Gums
Narc/o
Stupor, sleep
Glauc/o
Grey, silver
Nas/o
Nose
Nat/i
Birth
Psych/o
Mind
Necr/o
Death
Pulmon/o
Lund
Nephr/o
Kidney
Py/o
Pus
Neur/o
Nerve
Pyel/o
Renal, pelvis
Noct/i
Night
Pyr/o
Fever
Occul/o
Eye
Ren/o
Kidney
Odont/o
Tooth
Reticul/o
Network
Oesophag/o
Gullet, food pipe
Rheumat/o
Watery flow
Onc/o
Mass, tumour
Rhin/o
Nose
Oo/o
Egg
Schizo
Split
Oophor/o
Ovary
Scoli/o
Crooked, bent
Opthalm/o
Eye
Seps/o
Infection
Opt/o
Eye
Sinister/o
Left
Or/o
Mouth
Sinus/o
Hollow, cavity
Orch/o, orchi/o
Testis
Skelet/o
Skeleton
Orth/o
Straight, correct
Somat/o
Body
Oste/o
Bone
Somn/o
Sleep
Ot/o
Ear
Son/o
Sound
Ov/o, ov/I, ovul/o
Egg
Sphygm/o
Pulse
Pachy/o
Thick, heavy
Spir/o
Breathe
Paed/o
Child
Sten/o
Narrow, short
Path/o
Disease
Steth/o
Chest
Ped/o
Foot
Syring/o
Tube
Pharmacy/o
Drug, chemical
Therm/o
Heat
Phas/o
Speech
Thorac/o
Chest
Phon/o
Voice
Thromb/o
Clot
Phot/o
Light
Tox/o, toxic/ o
Poison
Physi/o
Nature
Trache/ o
Trachea, windpipe
Pneum/o
Lung, gas, air
Trich/ o
Hair
Pod/o
Foot
Tympan/ o
Ear drum
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Root Words with their Combining Vowels continued...
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
Poli/o
Grey
Ur/ o, urin/ o
Urine
Proct/o
Rectum, anus
Uter/ o
Womb
Valv/ o, valvul/ o
Valve
Vit/ a
Life
Vas/ o, vascul/ o
Vessel
Vitre/ o
Glassy
Ven/ o
Vein
Xanth/ o
Yellow
Vertebr/ o
Vertebra
Xen/ o
Stranger
Vir/ o
Virus, poison
Xer/ o
Dry
Viscer/ o
Internal organs
Glossary - Common Suffixes
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
- ac
Pertaining to
- ectasis
Stretching, dilation
- aemia
Condition of the
blood
- ectomy
Removal of
- al
Pertaining to
- emesis
Vomiting
- algia
Pain
- er
One who
- ar
Pertaining to
- form
Like, resembling
- arche
Beginning, origin
- gen, - genic
Producing, forming
- ary
Pertaining to
- genesis
Formation
- asthesia
Feeling
- globulin
Protein
- blast
Embryonic state, a
cell that produces
something
- gram
Record of, e-ray
- cele
Hernia, swelling,
prolapse
- graph
Instrument to
record
- centesis
Puncture to remove - graphy
fluid
Process or act of
recording
- chezia
Defecation
Pregnant
- cide
Something that kills - ia
Condition of
- clast
A cell which breaks - iasis
Abnormal condition
- coccus
Berry-shaped
- ic, - ical
Pertaining to
- crine
Secrete
- icle
Small, little, minute
- cusis
Hearing
- is
Structure tissue
- cyesis
Pregnancy
- ism
Process of, state of
being
© SA Ambulance Service - July 2016
- gravida
54
Medical Terminology Study Guide
Suffixes continued ...
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
- cyte
Cell
- ist
One who
- desis
Surgical repair by
fusion or binding
- itis
Inflammation or
infection
- dynia
Condition of pain
- lepsy
Seizure
- lith
Stone
- phasia
Speech
- logy
Study of
- philia
Love attract
- lysis
Breakdown,
separation
- phobia
Fear of
- malacia
Softening
- phoria
Bearing, feeling
- mania
Madness,
excessive
excitement
- plasia
Condition of growth
or formation
- megaly
Enlargement
- plasm
Growth, formation
- meter
Instrument to
measure
- plasty
Surgical repair
- metry
Process of
measuring
- plegia
Paralysis, palsy
- mnesia
Condition of
memory
- pnoea
Breathing
- natal
Birth
- porosis
Passages,
porousness
- oid
Like, resembling
- praxia
Action, voluntary
movement
- ole
Small, little, minute
- ptosis
Prolapse, dropping,
falling down
- oma
Swelling, mass,
tumour
- ptysis
Spitting
- opia
Vision
- rrhage
Bleeding
- opsy
View, looking
- rrhagia
Condition of
excessive bleeding
- orexia
Appetite
- rrhaphy
Surgical repair by
suturing
- ory
Pertaining to
- rrhexis
Rupture
- ose
Sugar
- rrhoea
Discharge
© SA Ambulance Service - July 2016
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
Term
Suffixes continued...
Meaning
Term
Meaning
- osis
Abnormal condition - sclerosis
Hardening
- ous
Pertaining to,
composed of,
producing
- scope
Instrument to view
- para
To bear, bring forth
- scopy
Process of viewing
- paresis
Slight paralysis
- spadia
Condition of
drawing out
- pathy
Disease
- spasm
Involuntary
contraction
- pause
Stopping
- sphyxia
Pulse
- penia
Lack of
- stasis
Controlling,
stopping
- pepsia
Digestion
- stomy
New opening
- pexy
Surgical repair by
fixation
- taxia
Order, coordination
- phagia
Swallowing, eating
- therapy
Treatment
- tome
- tomy
- tonia, - tony
- tripsy
- trophy
- trophic
Instrument to cut
Cutting into
Tone
Crushing
Development
Responding to
stimuli
- um
- uresis
- uria
- version
-y
Structure, tissue
Excrete in urine
Condition of urine
To turn
Condition of
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Medical Terminology Study Guide
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