Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Recognize and use medical prefixes, roots, and suffixes
Decode unfamiliar medical terms using word parts
Write clearly using the active voice
Condense complex medical information into simple explanations
Create organized lists for clarity
Define key medical terms accurately
Structure basic patient report statements
Use transitional phrases in medical writing
1. What Is Medical Terminology?
Imagine stepping into a busy hospital where nurses and doctors speak quickly using unfamiliar terms. This “language” is medical terminology—a precise and universal way to describe the body, illnesses, procedures, and treatments.
Even though medical terms may sound complicated, they follow predictable patterns. Most are built from three main parts:
Prefix – comes at the beginning;
tells you location, direction, amount, or type
Root – the main meaning; usually a body part or system
Suffix – comes at the end; tells you a condition, disease, test, or procedure
Once you understand these building blocks, you can interpret—and even create—many medical terms.
Most medical terminology comes from Greek and Latin, but today English is the universal language of medicine used worldwide in journals, hospitals, and research.
2. Structure of Medical Terms
Think of medical terms like puzzles. Each piece provides information:
Prefix + Root + Suffix = Meaningful Term
For example:
Cardi-o-logy
cardi = heart
-logy = study of
cardiology = the study of the heart
Not all terms have all three parts.
Some begin with a root only;
some have a root and suffix;
some have multiple roots.
Examples: Gastr-itis (inflamed stomach)
Tachy-cardia (fast heart rate)
Neuro-path-ology (study of nerve diseases)
Understanding each part helps you decode any new term.
3. Writing Clearly in Medical Contexts
Clear communication is essential in healthcare. This lesson helps you strengthen your writing by focusing on:
Active Voice
Active voice is direct and easier to understand.
Active: The nurse administered the medication.
Passive: The medication was administered by the nurse. Active writing prevents confusion in patient care.
4. Condensing Complex Medical Information
Medical information can be long or technical. To simplify:
Identify the main idea
Remove unnecessary words
Use familiar terms when possible
For example:
Original: The patient is experiencing cephalalgia due to dehydration.
Simplified: The patient has a headache caused by dehydration.
5. Creating Organized Lists
Lists help make information easier to read, especially in medical notes. Example: Symptoms include: nausea dizziness blurred vision Lists improve accuracy and speed.
6. Defining Key Medical Terms
When defining medical terms:
1. Break the term into parts
2. Define each part
3. Combine meanings into a complete definition
Example:
Hemoglobin
hemo = blood
globin = protein
Hemoglobin = a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen
7. Structuring Basic Patient Reports
A simple structure for patient documentation:
Subjective: What the patient reports
Objective: What you observe or measure
Assessment: What you think is happening
Plan: What will be done next
Example:
S: Patient reports chest pressure.
O: Heart rate 110 bpm.
A: Possible tachycardia.
P: Order ECG.
8. Using Transitional Phrases in Medical Writing
Transitions create clear, professional writing.
Examples include:
Additionally, However, In contrast ,Therefore ,As a result
These help your writing flow smoothly.
Conclusion
This lesson gives you the foundation of medical terminology and essential writing skills. By understanding prefixes, roots, and suffixes—and practicing clear communication—you can confidently read, interpret, and create medical terms and clinical notes.
