This course introduces the major body structures through the study of medical terms. Terminology related to diagnosis and treatment is also presented. The students would learn how to define and use the entire basic structure of medical terms and be able to accurately identify the correct context (i.e., root, prefix, suffix, combinations, spelling, and definitions), Build and dissect medical terminology from roots and suffixes to understand the word element combinations and to apply medical terminology for each specialty. The use of medical abbreviations is also included

Medical terminology is language that is used to describe anatomical structures, processes, conditions, medical procedures, and treatments. At first glance, medical terms may appear intimidating, but once you understand the standard structure of medical words and the definitions of some common word elements, the meaning of thousands of medical terms is easily unlocked.

Most medical terms adhere to a fixed structure of a prefix, a root, and a suffix. These word components are assembled like building blocks to create a vast vocabulary.

The physicians of Greece are considered the founders of rational medicine, and medical terms are primarily derived from Greek and Latin. Over the centuries, the language of medicine has evolved into multiple national medical languages. Today, medical English is the primary language for international communication. It is used in most influential medical journals and has become the language of choice at international conferences.

Basic Term Structure:

Medical terms are composed of the following standard word parts:

Prefix: When included, the prefix appears at the beginning of a medical term and usually indicates a location, direction, type, quality, or quantity.

Root: The root gives a term its essential meaning. Nearly all medical terms contain at least one root. When a prefix is absent, the term begins with a root.

Suffix: The suffix appears at the end of a term and may indicate a specialty, test, procedure, function, disorder, or status. Otherwise, the suffix may simply define whether the word is a noun, verb, or adjective.

Combining vowel: A combining vowel (usually the letter “o”) may be added between word parts to aid in pronunciation.

Grading:

Student performance will be evaluated relative to knowledge, skills, and professional behavior. Exams, quizzes, and projects will provide evidence of success in meeting the course objectives.

Scale: