Chapter 1: Introduction to Medical Language
Origins of Medical Language Medical Terms are divided into two categories 1. Built from Word Parts Ex) arthr/itis 2. Not built from Word Parts Acronyms (ex: AIDS) Eponyms (ex: Parkinson’s Disease) Modern Language (ex: nuclear medicine scanner)
Terms from Word Parts Med terms from word parts consist of some or all of the following components: Word Root The core of the word Ex) Hepat /ic Prefix Attached to the beginning of a word root to modify its meaning Ex) Sub /hepat/ic
Terms from Word Parts Suffix Attached to the end of the word root to modify its meaning Ex) Hepat/ ic Combining Vowel Usually an o, used to ease pronunciation Oste/ o /arthr/ o /pathy Combining Form Word root with the combining vowel attached, separated by a vertical slash Ex) cyt/o, hepat/o, arthr/o, ven/o
Defining Medical Terms To define terms, apply the meaning of each word part contained in the term Word Part List Page 12
Defining Medical Terms Word Roots arthr hepat ven oste Suffixes -itis -ic -ous -pathy -megaly = Definition joint liver vein bone inflammation pertaining to disease enlargement
Defining Medical Terms Prefixes Intra- Sub- Combining Vowel oo = Definition within under
Chapter 1 Abbreviations ā c p s DX HX Rx TX = before = with = after = without = diagnosis = history = take/prescribe = treatment C F c/o CC d/c, DC H&P PE Pt or PT R/O = Celsius = Fahrenheit = complains of = chief complaint = discontinue = History & Physical = physical exam = patient = rule out (may or may not have)
Chapter 1 Abbreviations DOB y/o Yr ft h., hr. in min . = date of birth = years old = year = feet = hour = inches = minute = change