Medical Terminology: Modules 9-13 Comprehensive Study Notes

Respiratory System

Anatomy and Function

The respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the body and the environment. It includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

• Ventilation: The process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

• Respiration: The exchange of gases at the alveolar and cellular level.

• Diaphragm: The primary muscle of inhalation; contracts to allow lung expansion.

• Accessory muscles: Include intercostal muscles, sternocleidomastoid, and scalene muscles, which assist in deep or labored breathing.

Common Respiratory Conditions

• Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder causing thick, sticky mucus buildup in the lungs and digestive tract.

• Dusty lung (Pneumoconiosis): Lung disease caused by inhaling dust, often in occupational settings.

• Cheyne-Stokes Respiration: Abnormal breathing pattern with periods of apnea followed by deep, rapid breathing.

• Asphyxia: Condition caused by insufficient oxygen intake.

• Anoxia: Absence of oxygen supply to tissues.

• Hypoxemia: Low oxygen levels in the blood.

• Hypoxia: Low oxygen levels in the tissues.

• Rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal mucosa.

• Cyanosis: Bluish discoloration of the skin due to low oxygen.

• Pnea vs. phonia: -pnea refers to breathing (e.g., apnea), -phonia refers to voice (e.g., dysphonia).

Medications

• Proventil (Albuterol): Bronchodilator used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions.

• Nitroglycerin: Used for vasodilation in angina (chest pain).

• Advil (Ibuprofen): Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain relief.

Digestive System

Anatomy and Function

The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients for absorption and eliminates waste. Major organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

• Chemical breakdown: Enzymatic digestion of food (e.g., by saliva, gastric juices).

• Mechanical breakdown: Physical breakdown of food (e.g., chewing, churning in stomach).

• Peristalsis: Involuntary, wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

• Microbiome/flora: Beneficial microorganisms in the intestines aiding digestion and immunity.

Key Organs and Functions

• Pancreas: Produces digestive enzymes and insulin.

• Liver: Processes nutrients, detoxifies substances, produces bile.

• Intestines: Absorb nutrients and water; small intestine for absorption, large intestine for water reabsorption and feces formation.

Common Digestive Disorders

• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Acid reflux from stomach into esophagus.

• Jaundice: Yellowing of skin/eyes due to high bilirubin, often from liver dysfunction.

• Cleft lip/palate: Congenital split in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth.

• Gastrodynia: Stomach pain.

• Nausea: Sensation of urge to vomit.

• Diarrhea: Frequent, watery bowel movements.

• Flatulence: Gas in the digestive tract.

• Dysentery: Inflammation of intestines causing severe diarrhea with blood.

• Crohn’s Disease/Enteritis: Chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract.

• Diverticulosis: Formation of pouches in the colon wall.

• Celiac disease: Immune reaction to gluten damaging the small intestine.

• Colonoscopy: Endoscopic examination of the colon.

• Lower GI series (barium enema): Radiographic examination of the colon using barium contrast.

• Enlarged abdomen: May indicate liver dysfunction (e.g., ascites).

• Vitamin B deficiency: May present as glossitis, anemia, or neurological symptoms.

Urinary System

Key Terms and Disorders

• Urinalysis: Laboratory analysis of urine for diagnostic purposes.

• Bacteriuria: Presence of bacteria in urine.

• Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder.

• Enuresis: Involuntary urination, especially at night (bedwetting).

• Diuresis: Increased urine production.

• Polyuria: Excessive urination.

• Dysuria: Painful or difficult urination.

Nervous System and Mental Health

Key Terms and Disorders

• Cephalalgia: Headache.

• Hyperalgesia: Increased sensitivity to pain.

• Paresthesia: Abnormal sensation (tingling, numbness).

• Syncope: Temporary loss of consciousness (fainting).

Cardiovascular System

Key Terms and Disorders

• Orthostatic Hypotension: Drop in blood pressure upon standing, causing dizziness or fainting.

• Edema: Swelling due to fluid accumulation.

• Pallor: Paleness of the skin, often due to anemia or poor circulation.

Endocrine System

Anatomy and Function

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

• Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

• Hyposecretion: Insufficient hormone production.

• Hypersecretion: Excessive hormone production.

Major Glands and Disorders

• Adrenal disorders:

  • Cushing syndrome: Excess cortisol production.

  • Addison disease: Insufficient cortisol production.

• Pancreatic disorders:

  • Diabetes Mellitus (DM): High blood sugar due to insulin issues.

  • Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar.

  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.

• Thyroid disorders:

  • Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid.

  • Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid.

• Parathyroid disorders:

  • Hypoparathyroidism: Low parathyroid hormone.

  • Hyperparathyroidism: High parathyroid hormone.

• Pituitary disorders:

  • Diabetes Insipidus (DI): Deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

  • Pituitary dwarfism: Growth hormone deficiency.

  • Hypogonadism: Reduced function of the gonads.

Medical Terminology: Word Parts

Prefixes, Suffixes, and Combining Forms

• Prefixes:

  • ex-: out, away from (e.g., excise)

  • poly-: many (e.g., polyuria)

  • para-: beside, abnormal (e.g., parathyroid)

  • endo-: within (e.g., endoscope)

• Suffixes:

  • -uria: urine condition (e.g., hematuria)

  • -megaly: enlargement (e.g., hepatomegaly)

  • -penia: deficiency (e.g., leukopenia)

  • -ectomy: surgical removal (e.g., appendectomy)

  • -oma: tumor (e.g., carcinoma)

  • -stomy: creation of an opening (e.g., colostomy)

• Combining forms: Refer to Module 13, Slide 4 for less common forms (not specified in the notes).

Clinical Documentation

SOAP Notes

SOAP notes are a standardized method for documenting patient encounters.

• Subjective: Patient's reported symptoms and history.

• Objective: Clinician's observations, physical exam, and test results.

• Assessment: Diagnosis or clinical impression.

• Plan: Treatment and follow-up plan.

Documentation timeline: Refers to the chronological order and timing of clinical documentation.

Interview Skills

• Open-ended questions: Encourage detailed patient responses.

• Diagnosis bias: The tendency to focus on a specific diagnosis prematurely.

Abbreviations

Common and Less Common Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Meaning
MI	Myocardial Infarction
TIA	Transient Ischemic Attack
PMH	Past Medical History
HPI	History of Present Illness
TKR	Total Knee Replacement
Htn	Hypertension
CHF	Congestive Heart Failure
Stat	Immediately
r/o	Rule out
UTI	Urinary Tract Infection
CA	Cancer
DM	Diabetes Mellitus
DI	Diabetes Insipidus
PUPD	Polyuria, Polydipsia
FOBT	Fecal Occult Blood Test
DTR	Deep Tendon Reflex

Diagnostic Procedures

• Endoscopy: Visual examination of internal organs using an endoscope.

• Colonoscopy: Endoscopic examination of the colon.

• Lower GI series (barium enema): Radiographic imaging of the colon after barium administration.

Comparison Table: Key Suffixes and Prefixes

Word Part	Meaning	Example
-uria	Urine condition	Bacteriuria
-megaly	Enlargement	Hepatomegaly
-penia	Deficiency	Leukopenia
-ectomy	Surgical removal	Colectomy
-stomy	Creation of an opening	Colostomy
-oma	Tumor	Carcinoma
poly-	Many	Polyuria
para-	Beside, abnormal	Parathyroid
endo-	Within	Endoscope
ex-	Out, away from	Excision

Additional Info

• Some less common combining forms and abbreviations are referenced but not specified in the notes. Students should refer to course slides for these details.

• Students are encouraged to review all PowerPoint slides and module prep assignments for comprehensive exam preparation.