PTCB - Chapter 4 - Terminology - Key Concepts

Terminology

• Much of medical science terminology is made up of a combination of root words that originated from either Greek or Latin words, suffixes, and prefixes
• A prefix is added to the beginning of a root word and a suffix is added to the end of a root word to clarify the meaning
• Combining vowels are used to connect the prefix, root word, or suffix parts of the term

Organ System Terminology

• The cardiovascular system circulates blood throughout the body in blood vessels called arteries, capillaries, and veins
• The endocrine system consists of the glands that secrete hormones (chemicals that assist in regulating body function)
• The GI tract contains the organs that are involved in the digestion of foods and the absorption of nutrients
• The integumentary system (ie, the body's covering) is the first line of defense against disease and physical hazards
• The lymph and blood systems are the center of the body's immune system
• The body contains more than 600 muscles that give it shape and produce movement
• The nervous system is the body's system of communication. The neuron (nerve cell) is its basic functional unit
• The skeletal system protects soft organs and provides structure and support for the body's organ systems
• The female reproductive system produces hormones (estrogen, progesterone), controls menstruation, and provides for childbearing
• The male reproductive system produces sperm and secretes the hormone testosterone
• The respiratory system brings oxygen into the body through inhalation and expels CO2 gas through exhalation
• The primary organ of the urinary tract is the kidney; each kidney has millions of nephrons that help remove waste materials and drugs from the blood
• The ear provides the sense of hearing maintains the body's equilibrium
• The eye is the sensitive organ involved in sight. Several body functions are involved in protecting this organ (eg, tear production, blinking)

Drug Classifications / Medical Abbreviations

• The same system used in medical science terminology can be applied to the names given to various drug classes
• There are an estimated 10,000 abbreviations used in medical science. Many abbreviations are specific to an institution or area of the country