Medical Terminology Basics LAB

The study of anatomy focuses on the structure of the human body.  This can include a focus on microscopic structures such as cells and tissues, or large-scale structures such as organs.  On the other hand, the study of physiology focuses on how these structures work and function.  Obtaining a solid knowledge of anatomy is crucial to understanding the physiology of each structure in the human body.  This is not as easy as it sounds!

Learning anatomy requires A LOT of memorization.  Just learning the name and location of the 600+ muscles in the human body can be overwhelming, and that is only one body system.  The ability to understand and use common terms related to anatomy will make it easier to memorize the large quantity of anatomical terminology.  The following TIPS can be utilized when studying anatomy:

1. Learn the Common Terminology

Focus on learning common prefixes, suffixes, and root words.  This will help you learn how to break down words that may not be familiar. 

2. Use Study Aids

There are a HUGE variety of useful study aids available for learning anatomy.  Anatomy flashcards, anatomy coloring books, and internet sites with interactive anatomy reviews are abundant.  USE THEM!

The following anatomy website from the University of Minnesota contains interactive reviews, quizzes, and games for all of the body systems:                                                            

http://msjensen.cehd.umn.edu/webanatomy/

3. Practice, Review, Drill, and Study

The only way to really learn anatomy is study it, and then review it again, and again, and again.  Use any and all review materials you can obtain, and don’t procrastinate!  Getting behind in learning anatomical terminology will become overwhelming, and this is not a subject you can cram!  The volume of information in anatomy is enormous, and the worst thing you can do is get behind in your review of terms. 

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Let’s Start with TIP #1 – How to Learn the Common Terminology

In order to communicate effectively in the healthcare industry, it is important to familiarize yourself with its language.  Memorizing specific medical terms can be overwhelming, which is why it is easier to learn the meaning of word components.  Being able to recognize the meaning of components will greatly reduce the amount of memorization needed.  Most medical terms contain a root word with a prefix and/or a suffix attached.  A term could also consist of two root words combined. In addition, combining forms (the vowel following a root word) usually consist of a root word + a vowel such as o or i like in cardi/o.   

          Examples                                       

Four Basic Rules of Building Medical Terms

Follow these four rules when creating and/or defining medical terms:

Materials Needed

Medical Dictionary

Procedure

 This activity will give you a head start in memorizing terms for your anatomy & physiology course.