Medical Terminology Course Structure and Study Guide

Course Overview

This study guide outlines the structure and key topics of the ALHS1090 Medical Terminology course at Central Georgia Technical College. The course is designed to introduce students to the foundational elements of medical language, including word parts, body systems, and terminology relevant to health and disease.

Course Modules and Chapters

Module 1: Foundations of Medical Terminology

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Word Parts and Word Construction Explores the basic building blocks of medical terms, including roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Students learn how to deconstruct and construct medical terms for accurate communication.

• Chapter 2: Understanding Suffixes Focuses on the role of suffixes in modifying the meaning of medical terms, particularly in relation to procedures, conditions, and diseases.

• Chapter 3: Understanding Prefixes Examines how prefixes alter the meaning of root words, providing context such as location, number, or time.

Module 2: The Human Body and Major Systems

• Chapter 4: The Human Body in Health and Disease Introduces terminology related to anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Students learn to describe the body in both healthy and diseased states.

• Chapter 5: The Integumentary System Covers terms related to skin, hair, nails, and associated diseases.

• Chapter 6: The Skeletal and Muscular Systems Focuses on terminology for bones, muscles, joints, and movement disorders.

Module 3: Nervous System and Special Senses

• Chapter 13: The Nervous System and Mental Health Explains terms related to the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and mental health conditions.

• Chapter 14: The Special Senses of Sight and Hearing Describes terminology for the eyes, ears, and related sensory disorders.

Module 4: Endocrine and Immune Systems

• Chapter 15: The Endocrine System Introduces terms for glands, hormones, and endocrine disorders.

• Chapter 7: Blood, the Lymphatic System, and Immunology Covers terminology for blood components, lymphatic organs, and immune responses.

Module 5: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

• Chapter 8: The Cardiovascular System Focuses on terms for the heart, blood vessels, and circulatory diseases.

• Chapter 9: The Respiratory System Describes terminology for lungs, airways, and respiratory disorders.

Module 6: Digestive and Urinary Systems

• Chapter 10: The Digestive System Explains terms for organs involved in digestion, absorption, and related diseases.

• Chapter 11: The Urinary System Covers terminology for kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract disorders.

Module 7: Reproductive System and Obstetrics

• Chapter 12: Reproductive System and Obstetrics Introduces terms for male and female reproductive organs, pregnancy, and childbirth.

Assignments and Exams

• Orientation and Introductory Assignments: Complete orientation exercises and introductory questionnaire to remain in the course.

• Learning Assignments: Each module includes two learning assignments, due weekly, covering the relevant chapters.

• Exams: Each module concludes with an exam testing knowledge of the covered chapters.

• Work Ethics Discussions: Participate in discussions on professional conduct and ethics in healthcare.

• Final Exam and Study Guide: Comprehensive assessment covering all course material.

Course Schedule Highlights

• Modules are organized by week, with assignments and exams due on Thursdays and Sundays respectively.

• Spring Break occurs March 30-April 3; no assignments due during this period.

• Make-up exams are allowed for missed exams, but not for learning assignments.

Key Study Strategies

• Master Word Parts: Focus on learning roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode unfamiliar medical terms.

• System-Based Learning: Study terminology by body system for better retention and clinical application.

• Practice with Assignments: Complete all learning assignments to reinforce understanding and prepare for exams.

• Utilize Study Guides: Review provided study guides before exams for comprehensive coverage.