Comprehensive Study Notes: Medical Terminology and Body Systems

Word Parts and Medical Terminology

Prefixes and Suffixes

Understanding prefixes and suffixes is essential for interpreting medical terms. Prefixes are added to the beginning of words to modify their meaning, while suffixes are added to the end.

• Common Prefixes: ex- (out, away), poly- (many), para- (beside, abnormal), endo- (within)

• Common Suffixes: -uria (urine condition), -megaly (enlargement), -penia (deficiency), -ectomy (removal), -oma (tumor), -stomy (surgical opening)

Example: Colectomy means surgical removal of the colon; colostomy means creating an opening in the colon.

Abbreviations

Medical abbreviations are commonly used in documentation and communication.

• UTI: Urinary Tract Infection

• CA: Cancer

• DM: Diabetes Mellitus

• DI: Diabetes Insipidus

• FOBT: Fecal Occult Blood Test

• DTR: Deep Tendon Reflexes

• MI: Myocardial Infarction

• TIA: Transient Ischemic Attack

• CVA: Cerebrovascular Accident

• PMH: Past Medical History

• HPI: History of Present Illness

• TKR: Total Knee Replacement

• HTN: Hypertension

• CHF: Congestive Heart Failure

• r/o: Rule out

SOAP Notes and Documentation

SOAP Note Components

SOAP notes are a standardized method for documenting patient encounters.

• S: Subjective – Patient's reported symptoms and history

• O: Objective – Measurable, observed data (vital signs, exam findings)

• A: Assessment – Diagnosis or clinical impression

• P: Plan – Treatment, further tests, follow-up

Documentation Timeline: Accurate and timely documentation is essential for continuity of care and legal purposes.

The Respiratory System

Anatomy and Function

The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange, supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide.

• Main Structures: Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, diaphragm

• Diaphragm: Primary muscle of inhalation; contracts to expand the thoracic cavity

• Accessory Muscles: Intercostal muscles, sternocleidomastoid, and others assist in breathing, especially during exertion

Ventilation vs. Respiration

• Ventilation: Movement of air in and out of the lungs

• Respiration: Exchange of gases (O2 and CO2) at the alveolar and cellular level

Respiratory Disorders and Terms

• Cystic Fibrosis: Genetic disorder causing thick mucus in lungs and digestive tract

• "Dusty lung": Colloquial term for pneumoconiosis (lung disease from inhaling dust)

• Asphyxia: Lack of oxygen due to impaired breathing

• Anoxia: Absence of oxygen supply to tissues

• Hypoxemia: Low oxygen in the blood

• Hypoxia: Low oxygen in tissues

• Cheyne-Stokes Respiration: Abnormal breathing pattern with periods of apnea

Medications

• Albuterol: Bronchodilator used for asthma and COPD

• Nitroglycerin: Vasodilator for angina (chest pain)

• Advil/Motrin (Ibuprofen): Analgesic and anti-inflammatory

• Antihypertensives: Medications to lower blood pressure

The Digestive System

Overview and Function

The digestive system breaks down food for nutrient absorption and waste elimination.

• Chemical Breakdown: Enzymatic digestion (e.g., by saliva, gastric juice)

• Mechanical Breakdown: Physical processes (chewing, churning)

• Peristalsis: Involuntary muscle contractions moving food through the GI tract

Major Organs and Functions

• Pancreas: Produces digestive enzymes and insulin

• Liver: Processes nutrients, produces bile, detoxifies substances

• Intestines: Absorb nutrients and water; large intestine forms feces

Common Disorders and Terms

• GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease; acid reflux into esophagus

• Jaundice: Yellowing of skin/eyes due to high bilirubin

• Cleft Lip/Palate: Congenital split in upper lip and/or roof of mouth

• Flatulence: Gas in the digestive tract

• Dysentery: Severe diarrhea with blood, often from infection

• Gastrodynia: Stomach pain

• Nausea: Sensation of urge to vomit

• Diarrhea: Frequent, loose stools

• Diverticulosis: Pouches in colon wall

• Celiac Disease: Immune reaction to gluten damaging small intestine

• Crohn's Disease/UC: Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's can affect any GI part; UC affects colon)

Diagnostic Procedures

• Endoscopy: Visual examination of GI tract using an endoscope

• Colonoscopy: Endoscopic exam of the colon

• Lower GI Series (Barium Enema): X-ray imaging after barium contrast in colon

Microbiome/Flora

The gut microbiome consists of beneficial bacteria aiding digestion and immune function.

The Urinary System

Key Terms and Disorders

• Urinalysis: Laboratory analysis of urine for diagnostic purposes

• Bacteriuria: Bacteria in urine, often indicating infection

• Diuresis: Increased urine production

• Polyuria: Excessive urination

• Dysuria: Painful or difficult urination

The Nervous System

Key Terms

• Cephalalgia: Headache

• Hyperalgesia: Increased sensitivity to pain

• Paresthesia: Abnormal sensation (tingling, "pins and needles")

• Syncope: Fainting or loss of consciousness

The Endocrine System

Anatomy and Function

The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones to regulate body functions and maintain homeostasis.

• Major Glands: Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads

• Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal environment

Disorders

• Adrenal Disorders: Cushing syndrome (excess cortisol), Addison disease (adrenal insufficiency)

• Pancreatic Disorders: Diabetes Mellitus (high blood sugar), Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), Pancreatitis (inflammation)

• Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone), Hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone)

• Parathyroid Disorders: Hypoparathyroidism (low parathyroid hormone), Hyperparathyroidism (high parathyroid hormone)

• Pituitary Disorders: Diabetes Insipidus (ADH deficiency), Pituitary dwarfism (growth hormone deficiency), Hypogonadism (low sex hormone production)

• Hyposecretion vs. Hypersecretion: Hyposecretion is underproduction of hormones; hypersecretion is overproduction.

Table: Common Suffixes and Their Meanings

Suffix	Meaning	Example
-uria	Urine condition	Bacteriuria
-megaly	Enlargement	Cardiomegaly
-penia	Deficiency	Leukopenia
-ectomy	Removal	Appendectomy
-oma	Tumor	Carcinoma
-stomy	Surgical opening	Colostomy

Table: Common Prefixes and Their Meanings

Prefix	Meaning	Example
ex-	Out, away from	Exhale
poly-	Many	Polyuria
para-	Beside, abnormal	Parathyroid
endo-	Within	Endoscope

Table: Key Diagnostic Procedures

Procedure	Description	System
Urinalysis	Analysis of urine for disease	Urinary
Endoscopy	Visual exam of GI tract	Digestive
Colonoscopy	Endoscopic exam of colon	Digestive
Lower GI Series	Barium enema X-ray	Digestive
FOBT	Test for hidden blood in stool	Digestive

Additional info:

• Interview skills such as open-ended questions and awareness of diagnosis bias are important for effective patient communication and accurate assessment.

• "Pnea" refers to breathing (e.g., apnea = no breathing), "phonia" refers to voice or sound (e.g., dysphonia = difficulty speaking).