BSBMED301B
Interpret and Apply
Medical Terminology
Appropriately
Medical Administration
Training
Written by Jennifer Atkins
www.mediweb.com.au
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 1
Copyright
Copyright © Jennifer Atkins 2013.2
© 2009 Version 1
This training manual is copyright under the Copyright Act 1968.
Any third party copyright material included in this publication is attributed.
Jennifer Atkins asserts her ownership of the Intellectual Property contained in this
training manual. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, utilised,
distributed, or translated into any other language in whole or in part, in any form or
by any means, by any other party whether it be electronic, manual, photocopying,
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Copying without authorisation is illegal.
Disclaimer
Every attempt has been made to ensure this workbook is free from errors or
omissions. However, as an educational resource, all effort should be made to
ensure you seek professional advice before relying on any statement or fact
contained herein. Material in this workbook is current at the time of writing.
Jennifer Atkins Medical Administration Training
www.mediweb.com.au
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 2
Table of Contents
RESOURCES: HELPFUL WEBSITES ............................................................................ 7
BSBMED301B: INTERPRET AND APPLY MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY APPROPRIATELY... 9
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 11
WHAT IS MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY?
12
HOW IS MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY COMMUNICATED?
13
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
14
SPECIALIST AREAS OF MEDICINE
19
CHECKLISTS
21
LEARNING MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ..................................................................... 25
ROOT WORD
26
COMBINING VOWEL
27
COMBINING FORM
27
PREFIX
28
SUFFIX
28
RULES WHEN JOINING MEDICAL TERMS TOGETHER
30
LITERAL MEANING OF MEDICAL TERMS
38
SEEK CLARIFICATION
39
DICTIONARY MEANING VERSUS LITERAL MEANING
40
AUSTRALIAN VERSUS AMERICAN SPELLING
42
SINGULAR AND PLURAL WORDS
44
PRONUNCIATION
46
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ACTIVITIES
48
MEDICAL ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................... 55
MEDICAL ABBREVIATIONS WRITTEN ON SCRIPTS
56
LIST OF COMMON MEDICAL ABBREVIATIONS
60
SYMBOLS
62
SYSTEMS OF THE BODY ........................................................................................ 69
ELEVEN MAIN SYSTEMS OF THE HUMAN BODY
69
ANATOMICAL PLANES AND POSITIONS ................................................................ 77
PLANES OF THE BODY
78
BODY CAVITIES
79
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
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DIRECTION AND LOCATION
80
LIST OF TERMS FOR POSITION AND DIRECTION
82
MOVEMENT OF JOINTS
83
ABDOMINOPELVIC QUADRANTS AND REGIONS
85
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ACTIVITIES
88
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM ................................................................................... 93
INTERESTING FACTS ON THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
94
THE LAYERS OF THE SKIN
95
FUNCTIONS OF THE SKIN
95
SKIN COLOUR
96
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ACTIVITIES
103
GLOSSARY OF INTEGUMENTARY TERMS
114
SKELETAL SYSTEM .............................................................................................. 117
INTERESTING FACTS ON THE SKELETAL SYSTEM
118
FUNCTIONS OF THE SKELETON
119
TYPES OF FRACTURES
120
THE FIVE SECTIONS OF THE SPINE
123
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ACTIVITIES
126
NAMES OF SKELETAL BONES
139
GLOSSARY OF SKELETAL TERMS
141
MUSCULAR SYSTEM ........................................................................................... 143
INTERESTING FACTS ON THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM
144
HOW MUSCLES ARE NAMED
145
MAJOR MUSCLES OF THE BODY
145
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ACTIVITIES
149
GLOSSARY OF MUSCULAR TERMS
161
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM............................................................................................. 163
INTERESTING FACTS ON THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
164
FUNCTIONS OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS
166
PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET
169
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ACTIVITIES
176
GLOSSARY OF DIGESTIVE TERMS
186
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
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CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM ................................................................................ 189
INTERESTING FACTS ON THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
190
FUNCTIONS OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR ORGANS
191
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG)
194
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
197
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ACTIVITIES
202
GLOSSARY OF CARDIOVASCULAR TERMS
212
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM ....................................................................................... 215
INTERESTING FACTS ON THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
216
FUNCTIONS OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION
217
ASTHMA
220
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ACTIVITIES
225
GLOSSARY OF RESPIRATORY TERMS
235
NERVOUS SYSTEM ............................................................................................. 237
INTERESTING FACTS ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
238
THE BRAIN AND THE SENSES
240
FUNCTIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
241
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM .......................................................................................... 243
INTERESTING FACTS ON THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
244
FUNCTIONS OF THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS
245
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM........................................................................................... 249
INTERESTING FACTS ON THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
250
THE ROLE OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
251
FUNCTIONS OF THE LYMPHATIC ORGANS AND TISSUES
252
URINARY SYSTEM .............................................................................................. 255
INTERESTING FACTS ON THE URINARY SYSTEM
256
HOW DOES YOUR BODY REMOVE WASTE?
257
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
257
FUNCTIONS OF THE URINARY ORGANS
259
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
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REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM ..................................................................................... 261
INTERESTING FACTS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
262
FUNCTIONS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
263
RADIOLOGY ....................................................................................................... 267
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT RADIOLOGY
267
X-RAY
268
CT SCAN (COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY):
268
ULTRASOUND
269
MRI (MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING)
270
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ACTIVITIES
274
GLOSSARY OF RADIOLOGY TERMS
284
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT PATHOLOGY
289
PATHOLOGY....................................................................................................... 289
NINE DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES OF PATHOLOGY:
290
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ACTIVITIES
295
GLOSSARY OF PATHOLOGY TERMS
303
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA....................................................................................... 305
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
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RESOURCES: HELPFUL WEBSITES
Professional Associations and Medical Standards

AGPAL Australian General Practice Accreditation Ltd www.qip.com.au

Australian Association of Practice Managers www.aapm.org.au

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency http://www.ahpra.gov.au/

Australian Medical Association (AMA) www.ama.com.au

General Practice Computer Standards http://www.racgp.org.au/yourpractice/e-health/cis/ciss/

General Practice Registrars Australia www.gpra.org.au

Health Services Commission http://www.health.vic.gov.au./hsc/

Medical Practice Act 1992
www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/mpa1992128/s167.html

NSW Rural Doctors Network www.nswrdn.com.au

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) www.racgp.org.au

State and Territory Doctors Health Advisory www.doctorshealth.org.au
Medical and Health Reference sites

National vaccine storage guidelines http://www.immunise.health.gov.au

Alcohol Awareness Site
http://www.drinkingnightmare.gov.au/internet/DrinkingNightmare/publishing.nsf

Australian Doctor Online Newspaper http://www.australiandoctor.com.au

Cancer Screening Government Site http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/

Department of Health and Aged Care www.health.gov.au

Department of Health, Victoria http://www.health.vic.gov.au

Doctors Reference Site www.drsref.com.au

Government Website About Health Issues www.healthinsite.gov.au

How Do You Measure Up
http://www.measureup.gov.au/internet/abhi/publishing.nsf
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
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
Infection Control Guidelines For a Health Setting
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/node/30290

National Skin Cancer Awareness www.skincancer.gov.au

Quit Smoking www.quitnow.info.au

Royal District Nursing Service www.rdns.com.au

Seniors Reference Site www.seniors.gov.au
Online Medical Dictionaries

Medical Dictionary and Abbreviations http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Medical Dictionary http://www.medilexicon.com/medicaldictionary.php

Medical Dictionary www.medterms.com

Medical Dictionary www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/medical_dictionary.asp

Medical Dictionary http://www.mydr.com.au/medical-dictionary

Spell Check www.spellex.com/speller.htm
Medical Abbreviations

Abbreviations http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalabbreviations.php

Acronyms www.drsref.com.au/acronyms

Health Thesaurus
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/healththesaurus.htm
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
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BSBMED301B: Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology Appropriately
About this unit
This unit provides participants with advanced medical terminology skills for general
practice, specialist rooms, hospitals and allied health environments.
Topics:
o Learn the structure of medical words
o Prefix/Root/Suffix
o Basic and advanced terminology
o Systems of the body
o Abbreviations and symbols
o Pronunciation of medical terms.
This unit will teach you the skills and knowledge to be able to:

Respond appropriately to instructions which contain medical terminology

Carry out routine tasks

Use appropriate advanced medical terminology in oral and written
communication.
About this book
This book is suitable for participants in a range of situations, from classroom based
learning to distance education learning.
The book is developed as a step-by-step learning guide. You are to complete each
chapter before moving onto the next section. Activities are provided for you to work
through, and once the relevant skills are developed then you can move on to the
next part of the book.
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
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As this is a nationally recognised unit, the activities throughout the book will require
you to draw upon your experiences in life, and your mock experiences in a medical
environment. These exercises form the basis of your learning so you will develop the
skills necessary to meet the required competency for the unit. Competency in the
unit will be demonstrated through the completion of the various activities and
assessments as determined by your assessor.
Nationally Accredited Qualification: This unit is nationally recognised under the
Australian Qualifications Framework. Upon completion of this unit you will be
awarded competency in BSBMED301B: Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Appropriately.
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 10
Introduction
Effective communication with staff and patients is important in any environment;
however it is critical in a medical environment as it underpins patient welfare. While
doctors talk to their patients in non-medical or layman’s terms, they use medical
terminology in records, reports and correspondence. Often a doctor will pass on
verbal instructions to employees, assuming there is an understanding of what these
instructions mean. For this reason it is an integral part of the medical office worker’s
training to be able to recognise and understand medical terminology. The time spent
learning this new language ensures you will confidently communicate with patients
and other medical workers.
A medical environment is among the busiest of all work environments. A medical
office worker is responsible for a wide range of daily tasks which includes scheduling
patient appointments, filing, handling payments, typing reports and letters,
recording information and maintaining an organised and safe working environment.
Medical terminology is embedded in each of these duties.
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
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What is Medical Terminology?
Medical terminology is used in many forms of communication and may include:
o
Abbreviations for medical and pharmacological terms
o
Causes to changes in the systems of the body
o
Common medical conditions including illnesses, injuries and diseases
o
Departments/sections in a hospital
o
Health insurance terminology
o
Interrelated functions of the body, locations and diseases (e.g. functions of
the skeletal system, locations of skeletal injuries, skeletal diseases)
o
Knowledge of medical specialties and the names and titles of doctors working
in specialist fields
o
Medical conditions
o
Medical equipment and instruments
o
Medical investigations and procedures
o
Medicare terminology
o
Medications
o
Referrals
o
Terms to describe onset and/or nature of disease.
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 12
Specialist Areas of Medicine
What types of specialists do patients see?
Patients will see a variety of specialists, all of whom require a referral. There are
many different types of specialists. Below is a list of some of the more common
specialists and the area they specialise in.
Specialist Area
Study of…
Cardiology
The heart
Dermatology
The skin
Endocrinology
The glands and their secretions
Gastroenterology
The stomach and intestines
Gynaecology and
The
Obstetrics
pregnancy and childbirth (Obstetrics)
Haematology
The blood
Immunology
The immune system
Neurology
The nervous system
Oncology
Cancer
Ophthalmology
The eyes
Orthopaedics
The skeleton
Paediatrics
Children
Psychiatry
The mind
Rheumatology
The rheumatic system, including joints, muscles, connective
female
reproductive
system
(Gynaecology)
and
tissues, and soft tissues around the joints and bones
Urology
© Jennifer Atkins
The urinary system
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 19
Which specialist department do you think patients would be referred to for the
following conditions?
Physical condition
Specialist area required
Chronic intestinal pain
Chronic Back injury
Pregnancy
Stomach ulcer
Fibromyalgia
Chronic eye infections
Scarring caused by acne
Schizophrenia
Persistent urinary tract infections
Low iron stores
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
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Learning Medical Terminology
Introduction
Learning Medical Terminology is similar to learning a new language. In fact medical
terms are based on Latin and Greek words. It is common to feel overwhelmed by the
number of new words and terms that are part of a medical environment. However
you will be pleased that even the longest medical word can be broken down into
components and learnt. The terms you will learn in this book describe common
conditions, diseases, and their diagnosis and treatment.
There are five basic parts to a medical word:

Root word

Combining vowel

Combining form

Prefix

Suffix
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 25
Try to read the following terms and determine their meaning:
Periarthritis [peri (around) arthr (joint) itis (inflammation)]
Epigastric [Epi (above) gastr (stomach) ic (pertaining to)]
Tachycardia [Tachy (fast) card (heart) ia (pertaining to)]
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 32
Rule 3 – Joining a combining form word to a suffix
When combining certain root words to a suffix the combining vowel is removed. This
is because the suffix starts with a, e, i, o, or u.
For example the word oste means bone.
If the suffixes pathy and itis are added to the root word oste the following happens.
Oste/o + pathy = Osteopathy (disease of the bone)
Oste/o + itis = Osteitis (inflammation of the bone)
Notice that in osteitis the combining vowel has been removed, because -itis starts
with a vowel. Note that when a root word is joined with a suffix, the combining
vowel remains in place as long as the suffix does not begin with a vowel.
Combine the following words with a suffix: Will you keep or remove the combining
vowel?
Gastr/o + pathy _______________________________________________________
Gastr/o + tomy ________________________________________________________
Gastr/o + stomy _______________________________________________________
Gastr/o + scope ________________________________________________________
Gastr/o + ectomy ______________________________________________________
Gastr/o + itis __________________________________________________________
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
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Complete the following table to add the prefix to the joining word to make medical
terms. Use the table on the following page to assist. The first word has been
completed for you.
Prefix
Meaning
Joining word
Medical term
Meaning of medical word
Epi
Above
Gastric
Epigastric
Pertaining to above the
stomach
Micro
Small
Scope
Dys
Painful
Pnoea
Hypo
Below/Low
Tension
Complete the following table to add the suffix to the joining word. Use the table on
the following page to assist. The first word has been completed for you.
Suffix
Meaning
Joining word
Medical term
Meaning of medical word
Logist
Specialist
Cardio
Cardiologist
Specialist who studies the
who studies
heart
Tomy
Incision
Gastro
Ectomy
Removal of
Mast
Logy
Study of
Bio
Pathy
Disease
Gastro
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 34
Body Parts with Multiple Root Words
Because medical terminology is based on Latin and Greek words, it is possible that a
body part will have terms which are derived from both languages. One such example
is the nose. The Latin derived word for nose is nas/o and the Greek derived word is
rhin/o. Although both these root words mean nose they are not always
interchangeable, which means some medical words will use nas/o and others will
use rhin/o. For example:

Nasogastric tube - is a tube inserted into the stomach through the nose
The root word cannot be changed to rhin/o, as the accepted term uses the root word
nas/o. Therefore nasogastric is correct and rhinogastric is not correct.

Rhinoplasty - is a surgical repair of the nose
The root word cannot be changed to nas/o, as the accepted term uses the root word
rhin/o. Therefore rhinoplasty is correct and nasoplasty is not correct.
If you are unsure which root word to use, check your dictionary as it will display the
correct choice of term.
Which root word will you use for the following words?
(Use your dictionary to assist you)
Meaning
Possible terms (circle the
Correct root word
correct one)
Relating to the nose
(Nasal, Rhinal)
Visual examination of the nose (Nasoscopy, Rhinoscopy)
Study of the nose
© Jennifer Atkins
(Nasology, Rhinology)
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 36
Literal Meaning of Medical Terms
The literal meaning of medical terminology may sometimes prove to be misleading,
as the original meaning of terms is not always accurate. When the literal meaning
makes no sense it will be necessary to seek clarification from a medical dictionary.
For example:
Medical term
Literal meaning
Accepted meaning
Anaemia
No blood; without blood
Low haemoglobin in the
An means without; aemia means
red blood cells.
condition of blood.
Ambidextrous
Both right
Able to use either hand
Ambi means both; dextro means
equally well.
right.
Hysterical
Pertaining to the womb.
Uncontrollably emotional.
Hyster/o means womb, which was
once believed to be the source of
uncontrollable emotions; ical
means pertaining to.
Orthopaedic
Straightening children.
Specialty dealing with the
Orth/o means straight; Paed/o
correction of skeletal
means child. Historically
conditions.
orthopaedics straightened
children’s bones and deformities.
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 38
Dictionary Meaning Versus Literal Meaning
The word hypertension can be split into hyper which means high and tension which
means stretch or pressure. But this does not describe the true meaning of the word.
Hypertension comes from pressure made by your blood against your arteries, and is
correctly defined as high blood pressure. You would need to look in your dictionary
to find its correct meaning.
Below is part of the entry for the word “hypertension” in the Oxford Mini-dictionary
for Nurses
Hypertension (hy-per-ten-shŏn) n. High blood pressure,
i.e. elevation of the arterial blood pressure above the
normal range expected in a particular age group.
Compare the literal meaning and the dictionary definition for the following words.
Medical term
Literal meaning
Dictionary definition
Epidermis
Osteophyte
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 40
Australian Versus American Spelling
For many words there are two ways of spelling them. It is important to be aware that
some spell checks will recognise the American spelling and not the Australian or
English spelling. American spelling of medical words do not acknowledge any silent
vowels, which means an ‘o’ or an ‘a’ that is not pronounced is not spelt. The other
major difference is with the spelling of words where the ‘c’ is pronounced as a ‘k.’
American spelling will spell it with a ‘k’ whereas Australian spelling is with a ‘c’.
Common examples are:
Australian / English
American
Oedema
Edema
Haematology
Hematology
Colour
Color
Anaesthesia
Anesthesia
Foetal
Fetal
Paediatrician
Pediatrician
Diarrhoea
Diarrhea
Haemorrhoid
Hemorrhoid
Leucocyte
Leukocyte
Oesophagus
Esophagus
Sulphate
Sulfate
Vaporise
Vaporize
Underline the part of each Australian/English medical word which is omitted or
altered in the American spelling.
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 42
The following words have been spelt incorrectly. To spell them correctly refer to
the previous table or look up each word in a medical dictionary.
American spelling
Australian / English spelling
Esophagitis
Edema
Tumor
Orthopedic
Hemostasis
Anesthesia
Hemoglobin
Leukopenia
Diarrhea
Behavior
Dyspnea
Hematologist
Anemia
Fiber
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 43
Systems of the Body
Eleven Main Systems of the Human Body
There are many systems in the body. However, the main systems of the body are:
1. Integumentary
2. Skeletal
3. Muscular
4. Digestive
5. Cardiovascular
6. Respiratory
7. Nervous
8. Endocrine
9. Lymphatic
10. Urinary
11. Reproductive
1. Integumentary system
The integumentary system consists of the skin, its glands, hair
and nails. The skin is considered the largest organ of the body.
This is because the surface area of the skin on an average adult
is 2 m2 and represents 16 percent of the body’s total weight.
The skin functions as a protective covering for the underlying
tissues, and regulates body temperature among other functions.
It consists of two main layers, the dermis and epidermis. The
epidermis is the outer most layer of the skin. The dermis is the
second layer of the skin. Its main purpose is to sustain and
support the epidermis.
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 69
2. Skeletal system
The skeletal system includes the bones and joints of the body. The
bones are the framework that the body is constructed around. It
protects and supports the body, and assists the muscles with
movement of the body. The skeleton consists of 208 bones in
adults, and includes the axial skeleton (bones of the head and
torso) and the appendicular skeleton (bones of the arms and legs).
3. Muscular system
The muscular system includes all the muscles of the body. The
muscles make up between 40 to 50 percent of the body’s
weight.
It’s function is to provide movement for the body.
There are three types of muscles; skeletal muscles, cardiac
muscles and smooth muscles.
4. Digestive system
The digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal tract
(GIT) or the alimentary system, is a system of tubes which
receives food and liquids at the mouth, and expels solid
material at the anus. The digestion system has three main
functions: Digestion, Absorption, and Elimination. The digestive
tract consists of the following organs: Mouth, Oesophagus,
Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Rectum, and Anus.
The following organs help with digestion but are not part of the
digestive tract: Tongue, Salivary glands, Pancreas, Liver, and
Gallbladder.
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 70
5. Cardiovascular system
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood,
arteries, veins and capillaries which carry oxygenated blood
from the heart to the cells in the body as well as the systemic
capillaries and veins which carry deoxygenated blood from the
body back to the heart. Oxygen rich blood travels from the left
side of the heart via the aorta to various parts of the body.
Once all the oxygen in the blood is used up, it travels to the
right side of the heart, which pushes it to the lungs via the
pulmonary artery. In the lungs the blood becomes oxygenated
again, and finally returns to the left side of the heart where
the process begins again.
6. Respiratory system
The respiratory system includes the organs required for
respiration. It is also referred to as the pulmonary system. The
various parts of the respiratory system are required for the
process of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing
out). The respiratory system consists of the following organs:
Nose, Nasal Passages, Pharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchi,
Lungs, Pleura, Alveoli and Diaphragm.
7. Nervous system
The nervous system is a complex system of the brain, spinal
cord and nerves. It consists of a central nervous system (brain
and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system (cranial and
spinal nerves). The nervous system utilises electrical and
chemical pathways to send and receive messages and reacts
to changes outside and inside the body. It informs the body of
changes to its internal and external environment. The result of
these messages affects the way we learn, move, think and
behave.
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 71
8. Endocrine system
The endocrine system is made up of organs which produce
essential hormones, such as the thyroid and pituitary
glands.
They
regulate
growth,
metabolism
and
reproduction. It is fundamental in regulating growth and
repair, development and homeostasis (constant internal
balance), mood and metabolism, sexual function and
reproduction. It is in control of body processes which occur
over a slow period, such as cell growth.
9. Lymphatic system
The lymphatic system consists of the spleen, tonsils,
thymus, ducts, lymph nodes and blood vessels which
transport lymph around the body. These organs transport
lymphocytes which protect the body from infection,
transport lipids (fats) from the small intestine into the
bloodstream, and drain excess fluid from body tissues.
10. Urinary system
The urinary system is also referred to as the excretory
system. If consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and
urethra. It filters toxins and waste products which the
blood has collected from the cells.
11. Reproductive system
The male and female reproductive systems are designed for
multiplication of life. New life develops when the sperm
(which is made in the male’s testes) fertilises the ova (which
is made in the female’s ovaries).The reproductive system
consists of the organs required for reproduction. These
organs include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and
vagina for a female; and the testes, vas deferens, prostrate
and penis for a male.
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 72
Activity:
Can you match the following body parts with their correct system?
 Integumentary system -- Skeletal system -- Muscular system -- Digestive system
-- Cardiovascular system -- Respiratory system -- Nervous system -- Endocrine
system -- Urinary system -- Reproductive system -- Lymphatic system
_____________________________________________________________________
Body Part
System
Stomach
Heart
Arm muscles
Tonsils
Spine
Skin
Mouth
Nose
Lungs
Nerves
Kidneys
Brain
Thyroid gland
Bladder
Fingers
Blood vessels
Uterus
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 73
Activity:
Using your dictionary as a guide, label the following organs with their correct
names (i.e. heart = cardi/o) and state the system they are part of.
_____________________________________________________________________
Organ
© Jennifer Atkins
Name
System
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 74
joints
11.
bones
protect organs
nails
includes
12.
functions to
assist muscles
protect tissues
functions to
10.
includes
2.
Muscular
Reproductive
kidney
movement
Integumentary
includes
testes
functions in
1.
functions in
elimination
includes
s
Urinary
functions to
Digestive
Body Systems
includes
9.
mouth
8.
Cardiovascular
from
includes
3.
Endocrine
Respiratory
blood
includes
tonsils
Nervous
functions to
7.
functions to
oxygenate
blood
4.
includes
regulate growth
functions to
includes
5.
6.
Body Systems Mind Map
© Jennifer Atkins
aorta
includes
lungs
brain
pituitary
gland
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
spinal cord
Page | 75
nose
Insert the following words into
the blank boxes: Lymphatic, hair,
ovaries, heart, stomach, spleen,
regulate temperature, skeletal,
digestion, thyroid gland, filter
toxins, respirate.
Skeletal System
Introduction
The skeletal system consists of the bones and joints of your body.
The bones are the framework that your body is constructed around. It protects and
supports your body, and assists the muscles with movement for your body.
The joints are where bones meet together.
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 117
Interesting facts on the Skeletal System
 When you were born you had over 300 bones. As you grew up, some of these
bones fused together and now you have 206 bones in your body.
 14 bones are in your face.
 8 bones are in each wrist.
 27 bones are in each hand.
 23 bones are in each foot including the ankle.
 You have over 230 moveable and semi-moveable joints in your body.
 The smallest bone in your body is the stirrup bone in the ear, which measures
1/10 of an inch.
 The longest bone in your body is the femur (thigh bone), which is about 1/4
of your height.
 Humans and giraffes have the same number of bones in their neck. The neck
bones of a giraffe are just bigger.
 Your bones consist of 50% water and 50% solid matter.
 Scientists can tell the age, sex, general health, and often how a person died
by looking at their skeleton.
 Your bones are constantly being replaced. Although you may be an adult,
most of your skeleton is only 10 years old.
 Bones are not solid; they are made up of three major sections: the compact
bone, the soft bone marrow, and the sponge bone.
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 118
Medical Terminology Activities
A. Using your dictionary as a guide, spell the following words correctly
1. Sturnem
__________________________________________________
2. Vertabra
__________________________________________________
3. Femar
__________________________________________________
4. Spondeloses
__________________________________________________
5. Scolioses
__________________________________________________
6. Coxxyx
__________________________________________________
B. Give the meaning of the following combining forms
1. Arthr/o
__________________________________________________
2. Chondr/o
__________________________________________________
3. Myel/o
__________________________________________________
4. Oste/o
_________________________________________________
5. Rheumat/o
__________________________________________________
6. Spondyl/o
__________________________________________________
C. Give the meaning of the following suffixes
1. –algia
________________________________________________
2. –ectomy
________________________________________________
3. –gram
________________________________________________
4. –graphy
________________________________________________
5. –malacia
________________________________________________
6. –oma
________________________________________________
7. –osis
________________________________________________
8. –physis
________________________________________________
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 126
D. Give the meaning of the following prefixes
1. Dys-
___________________________________________________
2. Endo-
___________________________________________________
3. Inter-
___________________________________________________
4. Meta-
___________________________________________________
5. Poly-
___________________________________________________
6. Sub-
___________________________________________________
7. Supra-
___________________________________________________
E. Using slashes divide the following terms into parts and give the meaning of the
whole word
1. Spondylosis
_______________________________________________
2. Scoliosis
_______________________________________________
3. Spondylolisthesis
_______________________________________________
4. Osteitis
_______________________________________________
F. Complete the medical term based on its meaning
1.
Slipping (dislocation of vertebrae): ________________________listhesis
2.
Condition of softening of cartilage: ________________________malacia
3.
A plant like growth of bone (bony overgrowth at joint surface):
______________________ phyte
4.
A cell that forms bone:
5.
A cell that produces melanin:
© Jennifer Atkins
________________________ blast
________________________cyte
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 127
G. Match the term in Column 2 with its correct meaning in Column 1
Column 1
Column 2
1. Bone
_______________________
Physis
2. Fusing
_______________________
Burso
3. Joint
_______________________
Rheumato
4. Crooked/twisted
_______________________
Osteo
5. Growth
_______________________
Arthro
6. Sac of fluid
_______________________
Synovio
7. Vertebra
_______________________
Cranio
8. Synovial fluid
_______________________
Scolio
9. Skull
_______________________
Ankylo
10. Rheumatism
_______________________
Spondylo
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 128
H. Choose one of the following medical words to complete the sentences below.
Note there are more words than sentences
Spondylolisthesis
Strain
Osteitis
Compound fracture
Spondyloma
Spondylitis
Sprain
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Metatarsalgia
Scoliosis
Spondylosis
Osteomalacia
1.
John has a curvature of the spine, called ______________
2.
Dr Erwin has been treating his patient, Julian, with symptoms of recurrent pain,
in the feet, called ____________________
3.
Julia has recently suffered from acute swelling of her left shoulder, with
associated pain, diagnosed as _____________________
4.
Karen has broken her leg, and the bone has protruded through the skin, which
is called _______________________________
5.
Brett has an abnormal condition of his spine, called a ____________________
6.
Damien has been diagnosed with ________________________________
which is a condition of slipping of the vertebra.
7.
Matthew injured his ligament when he overstretched his leg during warm-up
for a sporting event, this is called a __________________
8.
Joel’s leg muscle has swelled up due to overstretching before a distance run,
which the doctor called a ________________________________
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 129
J. Unlabeled diagram of the Skeleton
Label the diagram of the skeleton by completing the table on the following page. Use
the following terms: cranium (skull), mandible, clavicle, sternum, humerus, ribs,
cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, pelvis, radius, ulna, carpals,
metacarpals, phalanges (found twice), femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals,
metatarsals.
1
12
2
13
14
3
15
16
4
17
18
19
20
21
22
5
6
7
8
9
© Jennifer Atkins
10
11
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 131
Additional Skeletal Activities
1. Look up the following bones in the dictionary, and write the non-medical
(layman’s) term for each bone in the skeleton. For example, cranium = skull.
Bone
Layman’s term
Bone
Cranium
Scapula
Femur
Carpals
Mandible
Phalanges
Coccyx
Metacarpals
Vertebrae
Tarsals
Layman’s term
2. Write out the following passages in layman’s terms
1. Julie 46 y.o. ♀ 22/40
# SOH Tx POP
2. Jessica 63 y.o. ♀ OA Rx NSAID
3. John 75 y.o. ♂ # NOF Tx 2/7 THR
Julie - ______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Jessica - ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
John - ______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 135
3. Skeletal bone search - Find and label as many bones as you can from the
following x-rays.
4. Match the correct details from Column B with its answer from Column A (use a
dictionary or the internet if necessary).
Column A
Column B
Phalanges
Number of bones in human body
Mandible
Where bones meet together
Vertebrae
Finger and toe bones
Skull
Number of bones in face
206
Back bones
14
Jaw bone
Joints
Bones protecting the lungs
Femur
Bones protecting the brain
27
Tail bone
Ribs
Longest bone
Coccyx
Number of bones in each hand
© Jennifer Atkins
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
Page | 136
5. Skeletal word search
Find the skeleton vocabulary in the puzzle below by looking forwards, backwards,
and diagonally.
B
A
R
T
Y
V
N
M
O
A
X
I
U
L
M
O
P
L
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P
APPENDICULAR
MANDIBLE
SACRUM
AXIAL
MAXILLA
SKELETAL
CARPUS
METACARPUS
SKELETON
CLAVICLE
METATARSUS
STERNUM
COCCYX
OCCIPITAL
TARSALS
CRANIUM
PARIETAL
TEMPORAL
FEMUR
PATELLA
TIBIA
FIBULA
PHALANGES
ULNA
FIBULA
RADIUS
VERTEBRAE
HUMERUS
RIBS
ZYGOMATIC
E
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© Jennifer Atkins
O
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A
BSBMED301B Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology
C
A
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Page | 137
C
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