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EDITION 9
EXPLORING
MEDICAL
LANGUAGE
A STUDENT-DIRECTED APPROACH
MYRNA LAFLEUR BROOKS, RN, BEd
Founding President
National Association of Health Unit Coordinators
Faculty Emeritus
Maricopa County Community College District
Phoenix, Arizona
Study Leader
Institute for Lifelong Education at Dartmouth (ILEAD)
Hanover, New Hampshire
DANIELLE LAFLEUR BROOKS, MEd, MATLA
Faculty, Allied Health and Medical Assisting
Community College of Vermont
Montpelier, Vermont
3251 Riverport Lane
St. Louis, Missouri 63043
EXPLORING MEDICAL LANGUAGE, A STUDENT-DIRECTED ISBN: 978-0-323-22466-6
APPROACH, 9TH EDITION
Copyright © 2014, 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1998, 1994, 1989, 1985 by Mosby, Inc.,
an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system,
without permission in writing from the publisher. Details on how to seek permission, further
information about the Publisher’s permissions policies and our arrangements with organizations such as
the Copyright Clearance Center and the Copyright Licensing Agency, can be found at our website:
www.elsevier.com/permissions.
This book and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by the
Publisher (other than as may be noted herein).
Notices
Knowledge and best practice in this field are constantly changing. As new research and experience
broaden our understanding, changes in research methods, professional practices, or medical
treatment may become necessary.
Practitioners and researchers must always rely on their own experience and knowledge in
evaluating and using any information, methods, compounds, or experiments described herein. In
using such information or methods they should be mindful of their own safety and the safety of
others, including parties for whom they have a professional responsibility.
With respect to any drug or pharmaceutical products identified, readers are advised to check the
most current information provided (i) on procedures featured or (ii) by the manufacturer of each
product to be administered, to verify the recommended dose or formula, the method and duration of
administration, and contraindications. It is the responsibility of practitioners, relying on their own
experience and knowledge of their patients, to make diagnoses, to determine dosages and the best
treatment for each individual patient, and to take all appropriate safety precautions.
To the fullest extent of the law, neither the Publisher nor the authors, contributors, or editors,
assume any liability for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products
liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products,
instructions, or ideas contained in the material herein.
ISBN: 978-0-323-22466-6
Content Strategist: Linda Woodard
Senior Content Development Specialist: Luke Held
Publishing Services Manager: Julie Eddy
Senior Project Manager: Andrea Campbell
Medical Illustrator: Jeanne Robertson
Design Direction: Jessica Williams
Printed in Canada
Last digit is the print number: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
What advice would you give to students just starting to learn medical terminology?
I remember, as a young medical student, having a reaction to some of these big words . . . feeling that
some of the medical language was just too fancy, highbrow, or unnecessary at times. However, as I
progressed I came to realize I was learning a language—a very precise language that I needed to
understand so that I could properly communicate my intentions. For example, “diaphoresis” . . . why
not just say “sweating?” Well, diaphoresis means sweating without exertion—from vagal stimulation
maybe. Very different from sweating from normal exercise. If you fall outside of this you [may] become
discredited and cannot communicate [effectively] with others in the field. So, if you can accept that this
is a highly precise language . . . learn it . . . break it down . . . you’ll find it an immense tool.
From an interview with Peter Goth, MD, FACEP, conducted by Michaella Warren,
student, as part of a medical terminology class assignment.
CONTENTS
PREFACE
Welcome, vi
Dear Student, vii
Features, viii
Organization of the Textbook, xii
How Will I Learn Medical Terms?, xiii
Dear Instructor, xv
Online Teaching Resources, xv
Also Available, xvi
PART 1 Introduction to Word Parts and Human Body Structure
1 Introduction to Medical Language and Online Learning, 1
2 Body Structure, Color, and Oncology, 18
3 Directional Terms, Planes, Positions, Regions, and
Quadrants, 63
PART 2 Body Systems
4 Integumentary System, 92
5 Respiratory System and Introduction to Diagnostic Procedures
and Tests, 138
6 Urinary System, 207
7 Male Reproductive System, 256
8 Female Reproductive System, 293
9 Obstetrics and Neonatology, 344
10 Cardiovascular, Immune, Lymphatic Systems and Blood, 384
11 Digestive System, 455
12 Eye, 516
13 Ear, 554
14 Musculoskeletal System, 579
15 Nervous System and Behavioral Health, 646
16 Endocrine System, 700
APPENDICES
A Combining Forms, Prefixes, and Suffixes Alphabetized
According to Word Part, 735
B Combining Forms, Prefixes, and Suffixes Alphabetized
According to Definition, 742
C Abbreviations, 749
D Pharmacology Terms, 761
A complete list of the tables found throughout the text is located on the
very last page of the book.
iv
ANATOMY OF A CHAPTER
It can be difficult to determine, at a glance, all that is included in a chapter, so let’s take a
closer look at a typical body system chapter, Chapter 5, Respiratory System and Introduction
to Diagnostic Procedures and Tests, pp. 138-206.
OUTLINE, p. 138
OBJECTIVES, p. 138
ANATOMY • Function, p. 139
• Organs of the Respiratory System, p. 139
WORD PARTS • Combining Forms of the Respiratory System, p. 143
• Combining Forms Commonly Used with the
Respiratory System Terms, p. 146
• Prefixes, p. 147
• Suffixes, p. 148
MEDICAL TERMS • Disease and Disorder Terms
Built from Word Parts, p. 150
Not Built from Word Parts, p. 157
• Surgical Terms
Built from Word Parts, p. 163
• Diagnostic Terms
Built from Word Parts, p. 173
Not Built from Word Parts, p. 177
• Complementary Terms
Built from Word Parts, p. 182
Not Built from Word Parts, p. 187
• Abbreviations, p. 191
PRACTICAL APPLICATION • Interact with Medical Documents and Electronic
Health Records, p. 194
• Interpret Medical Terms, p. 196
• Read Medical Terms, p. 197
• Comprehend Medical Terms, p. 197
CHAPTER REVIEW • Review of Evolve, p. 198
• Review of Word Parts, p. 198
• Review of Medical Terms, p. 199
• Answers, p. 201
v
PREFACE
WELCOME TO THE NINTH EDITION OF EXPLORING MEDICAL LANGUAGE
Medical terminology, like any living language, changes over time. The content of the ninth edition has been updated
to reflect current use, ensuring the textbook remains an effective tool for those entering medical professions as well as
those in related fields including software development, computer applications and support, insurance, law, equipment
supply, pharmaceutical sales, and medical writing.
NEW CONTENT
• An expanded section on diagnostic procedures and tests in Chapter 5.
• Two new appendices introducing Health Information Technology Terms and Dental Terms.
• New and updated diagrams, tables, and sidebar boxes.
GROUNDBREAKING ADDITIONS
• Integration of the Evolve online program with chapter content, offering a hybrid of print and electronic materi-
als. Callouts are threaded throughout the text for easy transition from textbook learning to online learning.
Students may complete the Spelling and Pronunciation Exercises online; supplement their learning by playing Games
or viewing Animations online; and review and assess their progress by completing Activities and Quick Quizzes
online.
• Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have been added to keep up
with the digital world in the healthcare setting. Practice with EHRs
while learning medical terminology allows the student to gain
familiarity with format and function, easing the transition between
the educational and working environments.
NEW ELECTRONIC FEATURES
• Ability of the student to e-mail results of Multiple Choice and
Spelling Quick Quizzes and Assessment Activities to the
instructor.
• QR codes (quick response codes) for Weblinks.
CORNERSTONE FEATURES
These continue to set our text apart from others, remain the core of
our learning system, specifically:
• Term lists categorized by terms built from word parts and those
not built from word parts
• Subcategories of terms grouped by topic: disease and disorder
terms, surgical terms, diagnostic terms and complementary terms
• Application of terms at the end of the chapters in medical state-
ments and documents
• A variety of learning tools to maximize effectiveness of student
learning styles
In the 9th edition of Exploring Medical Language, the new content, groundbreaking additions of electronic materials,
and cornerstone features create an optimal balance of hands on and virtual learning tools to best support the student’s
acquisition of medical language.
vi
Preface vii
DEAR STUDENT
If you are reading this, you are probably already enrolled in a medical terminology course and preparing for your journey
of learning medical language using this textbook. As you flip through the pages of Exploring Medical Language you may
be thinking, “There is so much to learn. How will I do it?” or “Why are there so many exercises?” Let us assure you
that you will be able to acquire the language in a quick and easy manner by doing all the exercises in the text. The
exercises approach the terms from all angles: writing, spelling, pronunciation, and application. Chapter content flows
from one chapter to the next in a repetitive manner, making the best use of one’s time. You can acquire the language
of medicine by using the textbook alone; however, it is totally integrated with the Evolve online supplemental learning
review and assessment program to use as you wish.
On Evolve you can:
• hear terms pronounced
• practice spelling ELSEVIER EXPLORING MEDICAL LANGUAGEEd9ition A STUDENT-DIRECTED APPROACH LaFleur Tooltip Help
• play games
CHAPTER
• interact with electronic SELECTION DS
R
health records CA
H
• assess your preparedness 1 2 LAS
F
for taking exams
Quick Quizzes Pronunciation and
• watch animations 3 4 Spelling Exercises
• use electronic flash cards
5 6
We wish you the best as
Chapter 1: Introduction to Medical
you embark on this journey. C
7 8 LO Language and Online Learning
You will join a select group SE
of students who have used 9 10 Games Review and Assessment
Activities
Exploring Medical Language
11 12
as a textbook for over 28
years.
13 14
We would like to hear of ANT
RE
your experience with Explor- 15 16 EXTONT
C
ing Medical Language. What Animations Electronic Health
exercises were most useful, Records
suggestions for improve-
ment, and so forth.
Reach us by e-mail at the following addresses:
[email protected] (Danielle)
[email protected] (Myrna)
Sincerely,
Myrna and Danielle
viii Preface
FEATURES
1
Employs a learning system utilizing Greek and Latin word
parts to analyze, define, and build medical terms.
1 WORD PARTS
Combining Forms of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems Suffixes
and Blood
SUFFIX DEFINITION
COMBINING FORM DEFINITION -ac pertaining to
angi/o vessel (usually refers to blood -apheresis removal
vessel)
-penia abnormal reduction in number
aort/o aorta
arteri/o artery
atri/o atrium
cardi/o heart
2 MEDICAL TERMS
Complementary Terms
TERM DEFINITION
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
atrioventricular (AV) pertaining to the atrium and ventricle
(ā-trē-ō-ven-TRIK-ū-ler)
cardiac pertaining to the heart
(KAR-dē-ak)
3 EXERCISES: ANALYZING, DEFINING, WORD-BUILDING
EXERCISE 38 EXERCISE 39
Analyze and define the following complementary terms. Build the complementary terms for the following definitions by using the word parts you have
learned.
1. hypothermia
2. hematopoiesis 1. study of the heart
WR S Pertaining to the heart WR CV S
7. cardiac
8. hematology 2. formation of blood (cells)
WR CV S
cardi ac
7. pertaining to the heart
WR S
8. physician who studies and treats
diseases of the heart
WR CV S
2
Divides terms into categories based on
learning methods.
Medical Terms
Built from Word Parts Not Built from Word Parts
1) Analyzing/Defining 1) Matching
2) Word Building 2) Recall
3) Pronunciation 3) Pronunciation
4) Spelling 4) Spelling
