Medical Terminology - The Basics - Lesson 1

Summary

In this lesson on medical terminology, JJ explains how breaking down medical terms can make them easier to understand. He discusses the three main parts of a word: prefixes, roots, and suffixes, explaining their meanings and examples. Common prefixes like 'macro', 'micro', 'hyper', and 'hypo' are introduced, as well as terms related to size, speed, location, and movement. JJ also touches on color-related terms, body parts, and organs. Finally, he covers suffixes such as '-ology', '-philia', and '-pnea', providing insight into how they relate to medical concepts. The video aims to simplify learning medical terminology through clear explanations and examples.

Takeaways

• 😀 Medical terminology is like learning a new language, and breaking down words into their parts makes it easier to understand.
• 😀 Every medical term has three main parts: the prefix (beginning), root (middle), and suffix (end).
• 😀 The prefix often describes the size, location, or condition of something (e.g., 'macro' means large, 'micro' means small).
• 😀 Numerical prefixes are important in medical terms, such as 'mono' for one, 'di' for two, 'poly' for many.
• 😀 Speed-related prefixes include 'tachy' for fast (e.g., tachycardia) and 'brady' for slow (e.g., bradycardia).
• 😀 The suffix '-ology' means the study of a subject (e.g., biology, nephrology), while '-philia' means love of and '-phobia' means fear of.
• 😀 'Eu-' and 'normo-' mean normal, like euthermic for normal body temperature.
• 😀 Some prefixes describe movement, such as 'ab-' meaning away (e.g., abduction) and 'ad-' meaning towards (e.g., adduction).
• 😀 'Leuko' means white (e.g., leukocyte), 'erythro' means red (e.g., erythrocyte), and 'cyano' means blue (e.g., cyanosis).
• 😀 Medical terms for body parts and organs include 'cardio' for the heart, 'gastro' for the stomach, 'hepato' for the liver, and 'nephro' for the kidney.

Q & A

What are the three main parts of a medical term?

The three main parts of a medical term are the prefix, the root, and the suffix. The prefix typically describes aspects like size, number, or location. The root refers to the subject, often related to a body part. The suffix describes the condition, process, or action.

What does the prefix 'macro' mean, and can you give an example?

'Macro' means large, and it's often used in contexts where something is visible to the naked eye. For example, 'macroscopic' refers to things that can be seen without a microscope.

How does the prefix 'micro' differ from 'macro'?

'Micro' means small or not visible to the naked eye, whereas 'macro' means large or visible to the naked eye. For example, 'microscopic' refers to things that can only be seen with a microscope.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'hyper'?

'Hyper' means high, above normal, or elevated. An example is 'hypertension,' which refers to high blood pressure.

What is the opposite of 'hyper,' and what does it mean?

The opposite of 'hyper' is 'hypo,' which means low, below normal, or decreased. For example, 'hypoglycemia' refers to low blood sugar levels.

What does the prefix 'pan' or 'omni' mean, and can you provide an example?

'Pan' and 'omni' both mean 'all.' For example, 'panorama' means a complete view, and 'omnipotent' means all-powerful.

What is the difference between 'intra' and 'inter'?

'Intra' means inside or within, as in 'intracellular,' meaning within a cell. 'Inter' means between, such as 'intercellular,' meaning between cells.

What does the prefix 'tachy' mean, and in what context is it commonly used?

'Tachy' means rapid or fast. It is often used in terms like 'tachycardia,' which refers to a rapid heart rate.

What does the suffix '-ology' mean, and can you provide an example?

The suffix '-ology' means 'the study of.' For example, 'biology' is the study of life, and 'gastroenterology' is the study of the gastrointestinal system.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'chromo' or 'chromato'?

'Chromo' or 'chromato' refers to color. For example, 'chromosome' is a structure that carries genetic information, and 'chromatography' is a method used for separating mixtures based on color.