BackMedical Terminology I: Course Chapters and Exam Structure
Study Guide - Smart Notes
Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.
Course Overview
This syllabus outlines the structure and content of a Medical Terminology I course, organized by chapters and corresponding exams. The course covers foundational concepts in medical terminology, including word roots, prefixes, suffixes, and terminology related to major body systems.
Exam and Chapter Breakdown
Exam | Chapters Covered | Main Topics |
|---|---|---|
Exam 1 | Chapters 1–2 | Learning Terminology, Word Roots, Combining Forms, Prefixes |
Exam 2 | Chapters 3–5 | Suffixes, Human Body Orientation, Integumentary System |
Exam 3 | Chapters 6–8 | Musculoskeletal System, Nervous System, Sensory System |
Exam 4 | Chapters 9–11 | Endocrine System, Blood System, Cardiovascular System |
Exam 5 | Chapters 12–14 | Respiratory System, Lymphatic System & Body Defense, Digestive System & Metabolism |
Exam 6 | Chapters 15–17 | Urinary System, Male Reproductive System, Female Reproductive System |
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Learning Terminology, Word Roots, and Combining Forms
This chapter introduces the basic structure of medical terms, focusing on word roots and combining forms. Understanding these elements is essential for interpreting and constructing medical vocabulary.
Word Root: The core part of a medical term, often indicating a body part or system.
Combining Form: A word root with a vowel (usually 'o') added, used to connect with suffixes or other roots.
Example: Cardi/o (heart), Gastr/o (stomach)
Chapter 2: Prefixes
This chapter covers prefixes, which are added to the beginning of medical terms to modify their meaning.
Prefix: A syllable or group of syllables placed at the start of a word to alter its meaning.
Example: Hyper- (excessive), Hypo- (below normal)
Chapter 3: Suffixes
Suffixes are added to the end of medical terms to indicate procedures, conditions, or diseases.
Suffix: A syllable or group of syllables placed at the end of a word to modify its meaning.
Example: -itis (inflammation), -ectomy (removal)
Chapter 4: The Human Body: An Orientation
This chapter provides an overview of the organization of the human body, including anatomical terms and body planes.
Anatomical Position: Standard reference position for the body.
Body Planes: Sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes.
Chapter 5: The Integumentary System
Focuses on terminology related to the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.
Key Terms: Derm/o (skin), trich/o (hair), onych/o (nail)
Example: Dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
Chapter 6: The Musculoskeletal System
Covers terminology for bones, muscles, and joints.
Key Terms: Oste/o (bone), my/o (muscle), arthr/o (joint)
Example: Osteoporosis (bone thinning)
Chapter 7: The Nervous System
Introduces terms related to the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Key Terms: Neur/o (nerve), encephal/o (brain)
Example: Neurology (study of nerves)
Chapter 8: The Sensory System
Focuses on terminology for the senses, including vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.
Key Terms: Ophthalm/o (eye), ot/o (ear)
Example: Ophthalmology (study of the eye)
Chapter 9: The Endocrine System
Covers terminology for glands and hormones.
Key Terms: Aden/o (gland), hormon/o (hormone)
Example: Endocrinology (study of endocrine glands)
Chapter 10: The Blood System
Introduces terms related to blood and its components.
Key Terms: Hem/o (blood), hemat/o (blood)
Example: Hemolysis (destruction of blood cells)
Chapter 11: The Cardiovascular System
Focuses on terminology for the heart and blood vessels.
Key Terms: Cardi/o (heart), angi/o (vessel)
Example: Cardiology (study of the heart)
Chapter 12: The Respiratory System
Covers terms related to breathing and the lungs.
Key Terms: Pulmon/o (lung), pneum/o (air, lung)
Example: Pneumonia (lung infection)
Chapter 13: The Lymphatic System and Body Defense
Introduces terminology for lymph, immunity, and defense mechanisms.
Key Terms: Lymph/o (lymph), immun/o (immune)
Example: Immunology (study of immunity)
Chapter 14: The Digestive System and Body Metabolism
Focuses on terms for the digestive organs and metabolic processes.
Key Terms: Gastr/o (stomach), enter/o (intestine)
Example: Gastroenterology (study of stomach and intestines)
Chapter 15: The Urinary System
Covers terminology for kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract.
Key Terms: Nephr/o (kidney), cyst/o (bladder)
Example: Nephrology (study of kidneys)
Chapter 16: The Male Reproductive System
Introduces terms related to male reproductive organs and functions.
Key Terms: Orch/o (testis), prostat/o (prostate)
Example: Orchitis (inflammation of the testis)
Chapter 17: The Female Reproductive System
Focuses on terminology for female reproductive organs and processes.
Key Terms: Gynec/o (woman), uter/o (uterus)
Example: Gynecology (study of female reproductive system)
Exam Preparation Tips
Review key terms, their roots, prefixes, and suffixes for each body system.
Practice constructing and deconstructing medical terms using combining forms.
Understand the basic anatomy and physiology associated with each system to contextualize terminology.
