Understanding medical terminology can seem daunting, but breaking it down into components like prefixes, roots, and suffixes can help. Here's a rundown of common terms and concepts:
Prefixes and Suffixes
- *A- or an-*: Lacking or without
- *Ab-*: Away from
- *-algia*: Indicates pain or a painful condition
- *Cardio-*: Related to the heart
- *Ecto- or exo-*: Outside of
- *Hyper-*: Above, beyond, or in excess
- *-itis*: Inflammation
- *-mortem*: Relating to death
- *-plasty*: Repair through surgery
- *Post-*: After or behind
- *-rrhea*: Discharge or flow
- *-somnia*: Related to sleep
- *Trans-*: Across or through
- *-trophic*: Relating to nutrition
Medical Terms
- *Acute*: Severe or intense, often starting and ending quickly
- *Benign*: Non-cancerous or non-malignant
- *Chronic*: Persistent or recurring over a long period
- *Edema*: Swelling caused by excess fluid
- *Embolism*: Blockage of a blood vessel by a clot or air bubble
- *Enzyme*: Protein that accelerates chemical reactions
- *Epidermis*: Outermost layer of skin
- *Hypertension*: High blood pressure
- *Hypotension*: Low blood pressure
- *Intravenous (IV)*: Medication or fluid administered through a vein
- *Malignant*: Cancerous or harmful
- *Remission*: Disease symptoms decreasing or disappearing
- *Sepsis*: Life-threatening condition caused by an infection
- *Thrombosis*: Blood clot forming inside a blood vessel
Medical Procedures and Tests
- *Biopsy*: Removing tissue for examination
- *CAT scan*: Imaging test using X-rays and computer technology
- *Dialysis*: Filtering blood for patients with kidney failure
- *Fluoroscope*: X-ray machine for real-time imaging
- *Intubation*: Inserting a tube to assist breathing
- *Laparotomy*: Surgical incision into the abdominal cavity
- *MRI*: Imaging test using magnetic fields and radio waves
- *Ultrasound*: Imaging test using high-frequency sound waves
- *Venipuncture*: Drawing blood from a vein
Common Medical Abbreviations
- *ADR*: Adverse drug reaction
- *BP*: Blood pressure
- *DNR*: Do not resuscitate
- *NICU*: Neonatal intensive care unit
- *NSAID*: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- *OR*: Operating room
- *PT*: Physical therapy
- *Rx*: Prescription
- *UTI*: Urinary tract infection ¹ ²
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