Medical terminology is the study of medical terms that make up the universal language of medicine and healthcare. Medical terms describe anatomical structures, medical procedures, conditions, processes, and other aspects of disease and treatment.
Why Use Medical Language Instead of English Language?
Medical language allows for clear, concise, and consistent communication locally, nationally, and internationally. Also, fewer words are used when using medical language. The medical term osteoarthritis is one word, whereas, in the English language, it requires six.
When said using medical language, osteoarthritis
When said in English: inflammation of the bone and joint
The benefits of using medical language include:
The meaning of the medical term does not change, regardless of the national Language.
It enables everyone involved in medicine and health care to perform more accurately and efficiently.
It ensures a consistent understanding of language across the continuum of care.
Why Learn Medical Language
Medical language is necessary for those employed in healthcare. It can help you advance your career or prepare for further education in the medical field. Or, if you are seeking to improve communication with your healthcare provider or interpretation of your medical records or healthcare coverage, knowing medical terms can be helpful.
The History of Medical Language
Medical language began with the ancient Greeks over 2,000 years ago. Hippocrates and Aristotle were among the first to study and write about medicine. The Romans continued the practice, adopting elements of the Greek language to use alongside Latin.
Most terms used today are formed from Greek and Latin word roots, prefixes, and suffixes, such as oste/o/arthr/itis.
Medical Terminology and Word Parts
Medical terminology continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of medicine and healthcare. Included in today’s language, besides terms built from Greek and Latin word parts, are terms that are:
Eponyms – derived from a name or place. (Alzheimer disease)
Acronyms – formed from the first letter of a phrase. (laser-light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation)
Modern Language English Terms – descriptive of technology and procedures. (nuclear medicine scanner)
Memorizing long and seemingly complex medical terms can seem overwhelming. In our textbooks Exploring Medical Language,11th Edition, and Basic Medical Language, 7th Edition, Elsevier, we simplified learning by separating the terms into two groups with specialized exercises for each.
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Online Basic Medical Terminology Course
