Medical Terminology Health Article

Viewpoints

One of the keys to medical terminology is learning a list of common prefixes, root words, and suffixes. Once that task is accomplished, constructing and understanding previously unseen words becomes possible. The system does not eliminate a medical dictionary but it does facilitate learning and communication.

In many respects, medical terms form a language that must be memorized and mastered. A second key to acquiring proficiency in medical terminology is practice with applications. This task is not fundamentally different than developing skill in a sport or learning to play a musical instrument.

Early anatomists and modern surgeons both share a need for precision in description. The system of medical terminology currently in use provides such details. Taken together, the system of prefixes and suffixes provides great precision and specificity.

Professional implications

A working knowledge of medical terminology is an absolute necessity for success in any of the medical sciences. It is highly useful for individuals who interact with medical professionals. Although knowledge of classical Latin or Greek is no longer the prerequisite for medical training as it was 50 years ago, knowledge of Latin eases the burden of learning much modern medical terminology.

KEY TERMS

Ab-—Prefix meaning away from.

Ad-—Prefix meaning to or toward.

Caudal—Toward the tail or rump.

Cranial—Toward the head.

Distal—Toward the periphery of the body.

-itis—Suffix meaning inflammation of.

Myo-—Root word meaning muscle.

Ophthalmo-—A root meaning eye.

-osis—Suffix meaning an increase when referring to a pathogenic condition.

Proximal—Toward the center of the body.

BOOKS

Anderson, Kenneth N. Mosby's Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary. 6th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Yearbook, 2001.

Austrin, Miriam G., and Harvey R. Austrin. Learning Medical Terminology. St. Louis: Mosby-Yearbook, 2000.

Birmingham, J. J. Medical Terminology: A Self-Learning Text. St. Louis: Mosby-Yearbook, 2000.

Brooks, Myrna L. Exploring Medical Language. 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 2001.

Chabner, Davi-Ellen. Medical Terminology. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2000.

Ehrlich, Ann, and Carol L. Schroeder. Medical Terminology for Health Professions. 4th ed. Albany, NY: Delmar, 2000.

Miosio, Marie A. Medical Terminology: A Student-Centered Approach. Albany, NY: Delmar, 2001.

Venes, Donald, Clayton L. Thomas, and Clarence Wilbur Taber. Tabers Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 19th ed. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Co, 2001.