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Code: MT 101
First Semester-Prelims
F.Y. 2022-2023

Glaiza P. Salvador, RN, MSN

Clinical Instructor
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This is your references

Other References:
1.Cohen (2017). Medical Terminology: an illustrated guide 8th ed.
2.Bickley (2017). Bates pocket guide to physical examination and history taking.
3.Kluner (2017). Nursing drug 2017 Handbook
4.VanPutte, C., Seeley R., (2019). Seeley’s Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology 10th Edition.
5.Wingerd (2019). Medical Terminology Complete 4th Edition.

Journals:
1. American Journal of Nursing
2. Journal on Critical Care Nursing
3. Nursing care management

Website References
www.e-rehab.com
www.finditonline.ws
www.aquaticnet.com
www.yahoo.com
www.google.com
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Table of contents
I. Preliminaries
Chapter 1: Introduction to Medical Terminology
1. Concepts of Medical Terminology
2. Suffixes
3. Prefixes
Chapter 2: Body Structures
1. Body Cavities
2. Abdominal Regions
3. Positions
4. Word parts pertaining to body structures
Chapter 3: Integumentary System
1. Normal Structure and Function
2. Roots Pertaining to the Integumentary system
3. Clinical symptoms and disorders of Integumentary System
4. Types of Lesions
5. Other medical terminologies and abbreviations related to the Integumentary

Medical Glossary present terms related to the basic structure and function of the human body. This
subject enhances and reinforces an understanding of the different terms used in the clinical and
classroom setting. Additionally, it includes an introduction to the basic nomenclature and general
organization of the human body as detailed study of the different systems, its components structures,
and functions.
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Course Outcomes:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1.Know the basic terminologies essential in understanding human structure and function.
2.Know the different levels of structural organization of the human body from cell to the
different organ systems, their characteristics, components, and their relationship from each
other.
3.Enhance student’s skills in identifying the different terms of the human body as well as their
functions and relate it to the various pathologic conditions.

Chapter 1
Introduction to medical terminology
This chapter comprises of the basic concepts and terms that will be widely used in the
succeeding chapters and lessons. It will enable the learners to better understand the subject
matter.
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Intended Learning Outcomes:

1.Explain the purpose of medical terminology
2.Name the languages from which most medical word parts are derived
3.Explain what combining forms are, why they are used
4.Determination of medical terms using roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
5.Medical terms and word part dissection

Key Terms:
Roots
Suffixes
Prefixes
Elements
Compound Words

Let’s Begin!

Medical terminologies

⮚ Professional language of those who are directly or indirectly engaged in the art of healing

⮚ Difficulties gradually disappear as students assimilate a working knowledge of the elements of

medical terms, which in turn, enables them to analyze words etymologically and according to
their meaning.
⮚ Memorization – steppingstone to better understanding

⮚ Primary Goal: to help develop the ability to read and understand the language of medicine

⮚ Promoting knowledge on elements of medical terms, understanding standard abbreviations,

being able to spell medical terms and appreciating the logical method found in analyzing
medical terms

A. Basic concepts
⮚ Majority of medical terms came from Greek and Latin ancestry; some from modern language
like German and French
⮚ Study of medical terminology can enrich one’s understanding of history, language, and medicine

⮚ Pronunciation of medical terms have no rigid rules flexibility different languages used
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⮚ Many medical terminologies are combinations of components from these ancient languages

⮚ As vocabulary grows notice patterns increased knowledge recall and recognize easily and
quickly
⮚ Word building misleading: take the word apart/break the word to better understand the word

⮚ Not learned overnight

Every industry has its fair share of jargon. While most of us don’t need to understand
discipline-specific terminology outside of our own profession, medical vocabulary is a notable
exception. Understanding and knowing the medical terminologies is one of the basic foundations of
any health care profession. At the same time medical terminology helps us understand what is going
on with our health.

B. Key Concepts
1.root or base word
⮚ Refers to the main body of the word

⮚ May be accompanied by a prefix or suffix

Example: adenoma
Aden- (base/root) = gland
-Oma (suffix) = tumor
Adenoma = gland tumor

2. Prefix
⮚ One or two syllables or word parts placed before a word to modify or alter its meaning
Example: hemigastrectomy
Hemi (prefix) = half
Gastr (base/root) = stomach
-ectomy = removal or excision
Hemigastrectomy = removal of the half of the stomach

3. Suffix
⮚ One or two syllables or word parts attached at the end of a word to modify or alter its
meaning
Example: hysterectomy
Hyster-(base/root) = uterus
-ectomy = removal or excision
Hysterectomy = removal of uterus
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⮚ Suffix meaning one who – selected suffixes meaning one who include –er and –ist
Example: Pathologist
Path (root/base) – disease or morbid condition
O (combining-form element, vowel)
-logy (suffix) = science or study of
-ist (suffix) = one who
Pathologist = one who studies disease or morbid conditions
⮚ Suffix meaning pertaining to – selected suffixes include -ac, -ic, -al, -eal, -ary, and –ous
Example: hemic
Hem- (base/root) = blood
-ic (suffix) = pertaining to
Hemic = pertaining to blood

4. Combining-form element
⮚ Results when a vowel, usually a, e, i, o, is added to a word root or base. The vowels used
most commonly as combining-form elements are a, i, or o.
⮚ The vowel is usually deleted from a combining-form when the next letter that follows is
also a vowel
Example: proctitis
Procto- (combining form) = denoting relationship to the rectum
-itis (suffix) = inflammation of
Proctitis = correct combination
Proctoitis = incorrect combination (o should be dropped)
Proctitis = inflammation of the rectum

5. Compound words
⮚ Result when two or more root or base-word elements are used to form a word

⮚ Usually, adjectives or nouns are added to a root word to form compound words

⮚ Compound words may include a combining form, a root or base word element, and a
suffix or word ending
Example: myocardiopathy
Myo- (combining form element) = relationship to muscle
Cardio- (combining-form element) = relationship to heart
-pathy (suffix) = disease or morbid condition
Myocardiopathy = disease of the heart muscle
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*Caution and flexibility are required in breaking down terms

Example: anemia
-emia (suffix) = blood
An- (prefix) = without, not
Anemia = without blood

*In the strict sense, the term “anemia” may seem to mean no blood (absence or total lack of
blood) rather than the attenuated quality of blood.

When breaking down terms, it is more helpful to start the process by:
⮚ Beginning with the suffix

⮚ Proceed to the root or root and prefix

Root words

Component Meaning Example Meaning

Blast Germ/ immature cell Blastoma Cancer made of immature cell
Carcin Cancer Carcinogenic Cancer causing

Cardio Heart Cardiotoxicity Toxicity to the heart

Cyto Cell Cytotoxic Toxic to the cell

Derma Skin Dermatitis Inflammation of the skin

Histio Tissue Histology Study of tissue

Hepati Liver Hepatoblastoma Liver cancer

Malign Bad/harmful Malignant Growing or spreading

Nephron Kidney Nephrotoxic Harmful to the kidney

Toxo Poison Toxicology Study of poison
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Suffixes

Component Meaning Example Meaning

aemia Condition of blood Leukaemia Cancer of the blood cell
ectomy Excision or Nephrectomy Excision of the kidney
removal
itis Inflammation Hepatitis Inflammation of the liver
logy Study/science of Cytology Study of cell
oma Tumor Retinoblastoma Tumor of the eye
pathy Disease Nephropathy Diseases of the kidney
osis Disease condition Necrosis Dying cells

Prefix Meaning Example Meaning

An/A Without/absence or lack of lack of urine output
anuria
AB Away from abnormal a structure or process that
is not normal
AD Near/toward glands situated one upon
the upper end of each
kidney
Bi Two or both ambidextrous using both hands
Dys Difficulty/painful Dyspnoea difficulty in breathing
Ecto Outside Ectopic Pregnancy outside the
uterine cavity
Endo Inside Endoscope Instrument use to look
inside the body cavities
Epi Upon Epidermis Outer layer of the skin
Hyper Excessive or above Hyperglycemia Increase blood sugar
Hypo Beneath or below Hypodermis Below the skin
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Inter Between Intercostal Between the ribs

Intra Within/ inside Intravenous Into the vein
Para Beside/about/near Parathyroid Beside thyroid gland
Peri Around Pericardium Membrane around the
heart
Pre Before Prenatal Before birth
Post After Post-surgical Stage after surgery
state
Sub Below/under Submucosa Tissue below mucosa
membrane
Syn Together Syndrome Group of symptoms
occurring together
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CHAPTER 2

Body structures
This chapter comprises of the basic concepts of structural organization of the body which includes
anatomical positions, body planes and positions, body cavities and abdominal regions.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the purpose of medical terminology
2. Name the languages from which most medical word parts are derived
3. Explain what combining forms are, why they are used
4. Determination of medical terms using roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
5. Medical terms and word part dissection

Key Terms:
Anatomical position
Body planes
Body positions
Body cavities
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Let’s Begin!

Anatomical position of the body

⮚ Body is erect

⮚ Eyes look straight to the front

⮚ Upper limbs hang at the sides with palms facing forward

⮚ Lower limbs are parallel with the toes pointing forward

⮚ Whether the body lies face upward or downward, or in any other positions, the relationships of
structure are always described as if the body were in the anatomic position
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Figure 1 Anatomical Position of the body

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Planes of the body

1.Frontal or coronal – vertical plane parallel to coronal suture of the skull; divides body or structure
into anterior and posterior portions
2.Horizontal – plane parallel to the horizon
3.Longitudinal – plane parallel to the long axis of the structure
4.Median – lengthwise plane that divides the body or structure into right and left halves
5.Sagittal – any vertical plane parallel to the sagittal suture of the skull and the median plane

Figure 2 Planes of the body

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_______________________________________________________________________________________

Positions and direction terms

Afferent – conducting toward a structure

Efferent – conducting away from a structure

Anterior or ventral – toward the belly

Posterior or dorsal – toward the back
Caudal – Toward the back, toward the tail

Lateral – toward the side

Intermediate – between medial and lateral
Medial – toward the median plane/ middle/midline

Superficial – near the surface

Deep – away from the surface

Distal or peripheral – away from the beginning of a structure; away from the center
Proximal – toward the beginning of a structure

Inferior or caudal – away from the head; situated below another structure
Superior or cephalic – toward the head; situated above the another structure
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Median – in the middle of the structure

Central – toward the center

Supine: When lying face upward

Prone: When lying face downward

Bilateral: Involving both sides of the body

Unilateral: Involving one side of the body

Ipsilateral: On the same side of the body

Contralateral: On opposite sides of the body

Parietal: Relating to a body cavity wall

Visceral: Relating to organs within body cavities
_________________________________________________________________________________

Position and directional terms of the body can affect the description of the body parts
relative to each other. Thus, it is very vital that terms are defined and understood properly to better
correlate it to different body parts. For an instance, in anatomical position, the elbow is above the
hand, but in supine or prone position the elbow and hand are at the same level.

Body Cavities

⮚ Human’s internal organs are called visceral organs; located within specific cavities

Two main cavities

1. Dorsal Cavity
● Cranial cavity –holds the brain

● Spinal cavity – spinal cord and is protected by secretions of the vertebrae

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2. Ventral Cavity
● Thoracic cavity – lungs, heart, esophagus, trachea, and thymus gland

● Abdominopelvic cavity
–Abdominal cavity –stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder, most of the large and
small intestines
– Pelvic cavity – remaining portions of the large and small intestines, rectum,
urinary bladder, internal reproductive organs
● Oral cavity – teeth and tongue

● Nasal cavity – divided into left and right by the nasal septum

● Orbital cavity – contain the eyes and related muscles and nerves

● Middle ear cavities – middle ear bones

Abdomen
Figure 3 - Regions and Quadrants of the Abdomen
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Anatomic divisions of the abdomen

⮚ Hypochondriac region (upper lateral regions beneath the ribs)

⮚ Epigastric region (region of the pit of the stomach)

⮚ Lumbar region (middle lateral regions)

⮚ Umbilical region (region of the navel)

⮚ Inguinal region (lower lateral regions)

⮚ Hypogastric region (region below the umbilicus)

Clinical division of the abdomen

⮚ Upper right quadrant – URQ

⮚ Upper left quadrant – ULQ

⮚ Lower right quadrant – LRQ

⮚ Lower left quadrant – LLQ

BACK
Figure 4
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Chapter 3
Integumentary system
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⮚ The integumentary system consists of the skin and accessory structures such as hair, nails, and
glands. This chapter will also include general functions and different terminologies related to
the integumentary system

Intended Learning Outcomes:

1.Identify the general functions of integumentary system
2.Identify the different terminologies related to the anatomy of integumentary system
3.Give the terminologies needed for physical examination of the integumentary system
4.Recognize tests that help diagnose integumentary system disorder
5.Identify and define clinical symptoms and disorders of the Integumentary system and their
treatments.

Key Terms:
Integumentary System
Skin
Hair
Nails
Glands

Let’s Begin!
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A. Functions of the integumentary system

1.Protection
⮚ Against abrasion and UV light

⮚ Prevents entry of microorganisms

⮚ Prevents dehydration

2. Sensation
⮚ Sensory receptors that can detect heat, cold, touch, pressure, and pain

⮚ Temperature regulation by controlling

⮚ Blood flow through the skin

⮚ Sweat gland activity

3. Vitamin D production

4.Excretion of small amounts of waste products

B. Normal structure and function

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CUTANEOUS Pertaining to the skin (from Latin cutis, meaning “skin”)

DERMA Skin (from Greek)

DERMIS the layer of the skin between the epidermis and the subcutaneous
tissue; the true skin or corium

EPIDERMIS The outermost layer of the skin (from epi-, meaning “upon or over”
and derm, meaning “skin”

HAIR A thread-like keratinized outgrowth from the skin (root: trich/o)

HAIR FOLLICLE The sheath in which a hair develops

INTEGUMENTAR the skin and its associated glands, hair, and nails
Y SYSTEM

KERATIN A protein that thickens and roughens the skin and makes up hair and
nails (root: kerat/o)
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MELANIN A dark pigment that gives color to the hair and skin and protects the
skin against the sun’s radiation (root: melano/o)

NAIL A plate-like keratinized outgrowth of the skin that covers the dorsal
surface of the terminal phalanges (root: onych/o)

SEBACEOUS A gland that produces sebum; usually associated with a hair follicle
GLANDS (root: seb/o)

SEBUM A fatty secretion of the sebaceous glands that lubricates the hair and
the skin (root: seb/o)

SKIN The tissue that covers the body; the integument (roots: derm/o,
dermat/o)

SUBCUTANEOUS The layer of the tissue beneath the skin; also called hypodermis
TISSUE

SUDORIFEROUS A sweat gland (root: hidr/o)

GLAND

C. Roots pertaining to the skin, hair, and nail

ROOT MEANING EXAMPLE DEFINITION OF EXAMPLE

derm/o, skin dermabrasion surgical procedure use to resurface

dermat/o the skin and remove imperfections

kerat/o keratin, horny keratinous containing keratin, horny

layer of the skin

melan/o dark, black, melanosomes a small cellular body that produces

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melanin melanin

hidr/o sweat, anhidrosis absence of sweating

perspiration

seb/o sebum, seborrhea excess flow of sebum (adjective:

sebaceous gland seborrheic)

trich/o hair trichomycosis fungal infection of the hair

onych/o nail onychia inflammation of the nail sand nail

bed (not an –it is ending)

D. Clinical signs and symptoms and disorders

ACNE An inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles

usually associated with excess sebum secretion; acne vulgaris

actinic Pertaining to the effects of radiant energy, such as sunlight,

ultraviolet light, and x-ray

Albinism A hereditary lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes

Alopecia Absence or loss of hair; baldness

Beau lines White lines across the fingernails; usually a sign of systemic disease
or injury

bromhidrosis Sweat that has a foul odor because of bacterial decomposition; also
called staphylococcus, also spelled bromidrosis (bro-mi-DRO-sis)

carbuncle A localized infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, usually

caused by staphylococus,and associated with pain and discharge of
pus

comedo A plug od sebum, often containing bacteria, in a hair follicle; a

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blackhead (plural:comedones)

Dermatophytosis Fungal infection of the skin, especially between the toes; athlete’s
foot (roor: phyt/o means “plant”)

diaphoresis Profuse sweating

dysketoresis Any abnormality in keratin formation in epithelial cells

Ecchymosis A collection of blood under the skin caused by leakage from small
vessels

Erysipelas An acute infectious skin disease with localized redness and swelling
and systematic symptoms

Erythema Inflammation of subcutaneous tissue resulting in tender,

nodosum erythematous nodules; may be an abnormal immune response to a
systemic disease, an infection, or a drug

Exanthema Any cutaneous eruption that accompanies a disease, such as

measles; a rash

Excoriation Lesion caused by scratching or abrasion

Folliculitis Inflammation of a hair follicle

Furuncle A painful skin nodule caused by staphylococci that enter through a

hair follicle; a boil

hemangioma A benign tumor of blood vessels; in the skin, called birthmarks or

port wine stain

Herpes simplex A group of acute infections caused by herpes simplex virus. Type I
herpes simplex virus produces fluid-filled vesicle, usually on the lips,
after fever sun exposure, injury, or stress: cold sore, fever blister.
Type II infections usually involve the genital organs
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Hirsutism Excessive growth of hair

Itchyosis A dry, scaly condition of the skin (from the root: ichthy/o, meaning
“fish”

Impetigo A bacterial skin infection with pustules that rupture and form crusts;
most seen in children, usually on the face

Keratosis Any skin condition marked by thickened or horny growth. Seborrheic

keratosis is a benign tumor, yellow or light brown color that appears
in the elderly. actinic keratosis is caused by exposure to sunlight and
may lead to squamous cell carcinoma

lichenification Thickened marks caused by chronic rubbing, as seen in atopic

dermatitis (a lichen is a flat, branching type of plant that grows on
rocks and bark)

Mycosis fungoides A rare malignant disease that originates in the skin and involves the
internal organs and lymph nodes. There are large, painful ulcerating
tumors

Nevus A defined discoloration of the skin; congenital vascular skin tumor; a

mole, birthmark

Paronychia Infection around the nails. Caused by bacteria and fungi and may
affect multiple nails

Pediculosis Infestation with lice

Petechiae Flat, pinpoint, purplish-red spots caused by bleeding within the skin
or mucous membrane (singular: petechia)
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Photosensitization Sensitization of the skin to light, usually from the action of drugs,
plant products, or other substances

Purpura A condition characterized by hemorrhages into the skin and other

tissues

Rosacea A condition of unknown cause involving redness of the skin, pustules,

and overactivity of sebaceous glands, mainly on the face

Scabies A highly contagious skin disease caused by a mite

Senile lentigines Brown macule that appears on sun-exposed skin in adults; liver spots

Shingles An acute eruption of vesicle along the path of a nerve; herpes zoster;
caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox

Tinea A fungal skin infection; ringworm

Tinea versicolor Superficial chronic fungal infection that causes varied skin
pigmentation

Urticarial A skin reaction marked by temporary, smooth raised areas (wheals)

associated with itching; hives

Venous stasis Ulcer caused by venous insufficiency and stasis of venous blood;
ulcer usually forms near the ankle

Verruca En epidermal tumor; a wart

Vitiligo Patchy disappearance of pigment of the skin; leukoderma

Xeroderma A fatal hereditary disease that begins in childhood with skin

pigmentosum discolorations and ulcers and muscle atrophy. There is increased
sensitivity to the sun and increased susceptibility to cancer

Diagnosis and treatment

ALOE A gel from leaves of the plant Aloe vera that is used in treatment of
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burns and minor skin irritations

Antipruritic Agent that prevents or relieves itching

Cautery Destruction of tissue by physical or chemical means; cauterization;

also, the instrument or chemical used for this purpose

Dermabrasion A plastic surgical procedure for removing scar or birthmarks by

chemical or mechanical destruction of epidermal tissue

dermatoplasty Transplantation of human skin; skin grafting

Diascopy examination of skin lesion

Fulguration Destruction of tissue by high-frequency electric sparks

Skin turgor Resistance of the skin to deformation. Evidenced by the ability of the
skin to return to position when pinched. Skin turgor is to measure of
the skin’s elasticity and state of hydration. It typically declines with
the age and when decreased may also be a sign of poor nutrition

Wood lamp An ultraviolet light used to diagnose fungal infection

E. Types of Skin Lesions

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Lesion Dercription

bulla raised, fluid-filled lesion larger than a vesicle (plural: bullae)

fissure crack or break in the skin

macule flat, colored spot

nodule solid, raised lesion larger than a papule; often indicative of systemic
disease

papule small, circular, raised lesion at the surface of the skin

plaque superficial, flat, or slightly raised differentiated patch more than 1 cm in

diameter

pustule raised lesion containing pus; often hair follicle or sweat pore

ulcer lesion resulting from destruction of the skin and perhaps subcutaneous
tissue

vesicle small, fluid-filled, raised lesion; a blister or bleb

wheal smooth, rounded, slightly raised area often associated with itching; seen in
urticaria (hives), such as that resulting from allergy
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F. Other terminology-key terms

Atopic dermatitis Hereditary, allergic, chronic skin inflammation with pruritus (itching);
eczema

Basal cell An epithelial tumor that rarely metastasizes and has a high cure rate
carcinoma with surgical removal

cicatrization The process of scar formation; a scar is a cicatrix

debridement Removal of dead or damaged tissue, as from a wound

dehiscence Splitting or bursting, as when the layers of a wound separate

dermatitis Inflammation of the skin, often associated with redness and itching;
may be caused by allergy, irritants (contact dermatitis), or a variety of
diseases

dermatology Study of the skin and diseases of the skin

dermatome Instrument for cutting thin skin sections for grafting

eczema A general term for skin inflammation with redness, lesion, and itching;
atopic dermatitis

erythema Diffused redness of the skin

escharotomy Removal of scab tissue resulting from burns or other skin injuries; a
scab or crust is an eschar (ES-kar)

evisceration Protrusion of internal organs (viscera) through an opening, as through

a wound
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exudate Material, which may include fluid, cells, pus, or blood, that escapes
from damage tissue

Kaposi sarcoma Cancerous lesion of the skin and other tissues seen most often in
patients with AIDS

Keloid A raised, thickened scar caused by tissue overgrowth during scar

formation

Lupus A chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease of connective tissue that

erythematosus often involves the skin; types include the more widespread systemic
(LE) lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a discoid form (DLE) that involves only
the skin

Malignant A metastasizing pigmented skin tumor

melanoma

pemphigus An autoimmune disease of the skin characterized by sudden,

intermittent formation of bullae (blisters); may be fetal if untreated

Pressure ulcer An ulcer caused by pressure to an area of the body, as from a bed or
chair; decubitus ulcer, bedsore, pressure sore

pruritus Severe itching

psoriasis A chronic hereditary dermatitis with red lesions covered by silvery

scales

Rule of nines A method for estimating the extent of body surface area involved in a
burn by assigning percentages in multiples of nine to various body
regions

scleroderma A chronic disease that is characterized by thickening and tightening of

the skin and that often involves internal organs in a form called
progressive systematic sclerosis (PSS)
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Squamous cell An epidermal cancer that may invade deeper tissues but tends not to
carcinoma metastasize

Integumentary literally means covering and is familiar to most people because it covers the
outside of the body and is easily observed. The appearance of integumentary system can indicate some
physiological imbalances in the body. Also, disorders of other parts of the body can be reflected in the
integumentary system and thus are useful for diagnosis.

This is the end of the Prelims coverage