Medical Terminology I

Outline
I. Basic Elements of a Medical Word
Task 1. Explain the techniques of medical work building using basic word
elements.

A. Define and provide several examples of word roots, combining forms,

suffixes, and prefixes.
B. Divide medical words into their component parts.
C. Describe how medical words are formed.
D. Explain the two basic rules for building medical words.
E. Explain the three basic guidelines for defining medical words.

II. Suffixes: Surgical, Diagnostic, and Symptomatic

Task 2. Categorize major suffixes in the following groups: surgical, diagnostic,
symptomatic, and related suffixes

A. Define and provide examples of operative, diagnostic, and

symptomatic suffixes.
B. Determine the use of a combining form and word root when linking
these elements to a suffix.

III. Suffixes: Adjective, Noun, Diminutive, Singular, and Plural

Task 3. Recognize and define suffixes that denote adjective noun, singular, and
plural forms of medical words.

A. List and define diminutive suffixes.

B. List and define adjective suffixes
C. List and define noun suffixes.
D. Define the rules for changing singular words to plural words

IV. Prefixes
Task 4. Categorize major prefixes in the following groups: position, number,
measurement, negation, direction, and other prefixes.

A. Explain the use of prefixes in medical terminology

B. Explain how a prefix changes the meaning of a medical word.
C. Identify prefixes of position, number and measurement, negation, and
direction.

V. Body Structures
 Task 5. Identify and define anatomical, physiological, and pathological terms
relating to body systems.

A. List and briefly define the levels of organization in the human

body.
B. Demonstrate an understanding of the disease process by defining
medical terms associated with pathology
C. List and identify four body planes.
D. List two dorsal cavities and two ventral cavities, and identify at least
one organ within each cavity.
E. List and locate nine sections of the abdominal pelvic region and the
four quadrants of the same area.
F. Demonstrate an understanding of body imaging by defining terms
associated with radiology, computed tomography, magnetic resonance
imaging, and ultrasonography.
G. Define directional terms and be able to use them correctly.
H. Identify combining forms, suffixes, and prefixes related to body
structure.
I. Identify diagnostic, symptomatic, and therapeutic terms related to the
body structure.
J. Identify diagnostic procedures related to body structure.
K. Identify surgical and therapeutic procedures related to the body
structure.
L. Define the abbreviations related to body structure.

VI. Body Systems: Structure, Function, Diagnostic, Therapeutic and

Pharmacology
Task 6. Combine forms of medical words denoting anatomical directions,
regions of the body, anatomical structures, color, and other combining
forms relating to body structures.

A. Integumentary System
B. Gastrointestinal system
C. Respiratory System
D. Cardiovascular System
E. Blood, Lymph, and Immune System
F. Muscoloskeletal System
G. Genitourinary System
H. Endocrine System
I. Reproductive System
J. Special Senses

VII. Correct Spelling

 Task 7. Correctly spell medical terms

A. Suggested Activity
Using the HOSA Medical Spelling event guidelines conduct a
spelling contest

VIII. Prefixes, Suffixes, and Combining Forms

Task 8. Identify prefixes, suffixes and combining forms

IX. Utilize Common Medical Terms

Task 9. Communicate the utilization and application of commonly used medical
terms

A. Suggested Activity
Conduct a medical terminology contest using the HOSA Medical
Terminology event guidelines