With 14 streamlined chapters covering  essential A&P topics, this mid-sized book is the perfect fit for a one-semester course in medical terminology. It also serves as a useful reference for practicing professionals.

Build a strong foundation of medical terminology, step by step

Medical Terminology: A Living Language uses a carefully constructed learning system to help readers gain a successful grasp of medical language within a real-world context. Its step-by-step approach introduces the anatomy and physiology of body systems and their corresponding medical terms, as well as the rules of using word parts to form medical terms. New exercises and tips give readers the hands-on practice they need to achieve mastery. Rather than simply memorizing terms, students will gain the understanding to work with all terminology, regardless of its etymology or origins, so they can interpret unfamiliar terms they will encounter in the future.

Also available with MyMedicalTerminologyLab™

This title is also available with MyMedicalTerminologyLab–an online homework, tutorial, and assessment program designed to work with this text to engage students and improve results. Within its structured environment, students practice what they learn, test their understanding, and pursue a personalized study plan that helps them better absorb course material and understand difficult concepts. No matter their learning style, students will build a solid foundation of medical language through MyMedicalTerminologyLab’s interactive games, Dynamic Study Modules, and narrated lectures.

Bonnie F. Fremgen is a former associate dean of the Allied Health Program at Robert Morris College. She has taught medical law and ethics courses as well as clinical and administrative topics. In addition, she has served as an advisor for students’ career planning. She has broad interests and experiences in the health care field, including hospitals, nursing homes, and physicians’ offices.

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Dr. Fremgen holds a nursing degree as well as a master’s in health care administration. She received her PhD from the College of Education at the University of Illinois. She has performed postdoctoral studies in Medical Law at Loyola University Law School in Chicago. She has authored five textbooks with Pearson.

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Suzanne S. Frucht is an Associate Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Physiology at Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU). She holds baccalaureate degrees in biological sciences and physical therapy from Indiana University, an MS in biological sciences at NWMSU, and a PhD in molecular biology and biochemistry from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

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For 14 years she worked full-time as a physical therapist in various health care settings, including acute care hospitals, extended care facilities, and home health. Based on her educational and clinical experience she was invited to teach medical terminology part-time in 1988 and became a full-time faculty member three years later as she discovered her love for the challenge of teaching. She taught a variety of courses including medical terminology, human anatomy, human physiology, and animal anatomy and physiology. She received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2003. After retiring from teaching in 2008, she continues to be active in student learning through teaching medical terminology as an online course and writing medical terminology texts and anatomy and physiology laboratory manuals.

1. Introduction to Medical Terminology

Learning Objectives

Medical Terminology at a Glance

Building Medical Terms from Word Parts

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Roots

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Combining Vowel/Forms

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Prefixes

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Suffixes

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Building

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Interpreting Medical Terms

Singular and Plural Endings

Abbreviations

The Medical Record

Healthcare Settings

Confidentiality

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

2. Body Organization

Learning Objectives

Body Organization at a Glance

Body Organization Illustrated

Levels of Body Organization

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Cells

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Tissues

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Organs and Systems

Body

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Body Planes

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Body Regions

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Body Cavities

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Directional and Positional Terms

Terminology

Anatomical Terms

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Labeling Exercises

3. Integumentary System

Learning Objectives

Integumentary System at a Glance

Integumentary System Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Integumentary System

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ The Skin

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Accessory Organs

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Integumentary System Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Real-World Applications

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Labeling Exercise

4. Musculoskeletal System

Learning Objectives

SECTION I: Skeletal System at a Glance

Skeletal System Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Skeletal System

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Bones

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Skeleton

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Joints

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Skeletal System Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

SECTION II: Muscular System at a Glance

Muscular System Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Muscular System

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Types of Muscles

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Skeletal Muscle

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Naming Skeletal Muscles

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Skeletal Muscle Actions

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Muscular System Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Real-World Applications

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Labeling Exercise

5. Cardiovascular System

Learning Objectives

Cardiovascular System at a Glance

Cardiovascular System Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Heart

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Blood Vessels

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Cardiovascular System Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

Real-World Applications

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Labeling Exercise

6. Blood and the Lymphatic and Immune Systems

Learning Objectives

SECTION I: Blood at a Glance

Blood Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of Blood

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Plasma

Erythrocytes

Leukocytes

Platelets

Blood Typing

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Blood Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

SECTION II: The Lymphatic and Immune Systems at a Glance

The Lymphatic and Immune Systems Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Lymphatic and Immune Systems

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Lymphatic Vessels

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Lymph Nodes

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Tonsils

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Spleen

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Thymus Gland

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Immunity

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Lymphatic and Immune System Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Real-World Applications

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Labeling Exercise

7. Respiratory System

Learning Objectives

Respiratory System at a Glance

Respiratory System Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Nasal Cavity

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Pharynx

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Larynx

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Trachea

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Bronchial Tubes

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Lungs

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Lung Volume and Capacities

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Respiratory Muscles

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Respiratory Rate

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Respiratory System Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Real-World Applications

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Labeling Exercise

8. Digestive System

Learning Objectives

Digestive System at a Glance

Digestive System Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive System

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Oral Cavity

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Pharynx

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Esophagus

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Stomach

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Small Intestine

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Colon

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Accessory Organs of the Digestive System

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Digestive System Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Real-World Applications

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Labeling Exercise

9. Urinary System

Learning Objectives

Urinary System at a Glance

Urinary System Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Urinary System

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Kidneys

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Ureters

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Urinary Bladder

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Urethra

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Role of Kidneys in Homeostasis

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Stages of Urine Production

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Urine

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Urinary System Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Real-World Applications

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Labeling Exercise

10. Reproductive System

Learning Objectives

Section I: Female Reproductive System at a Glance

Female Reproductive System Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive System

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Internal Genitalia

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Vulva

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Breast

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Pregnancy

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Female Reproductive System Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pregnancy Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

Section II: Male Reproductive System at a Glance

Male Reproductive System Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Male Reproductive System

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ External Organs of Reproduction

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Internal Organs of Reproduction

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Male Reproductive System Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Real-World Applications

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Labeling Exercise

11. Endocrine System

Learning Objectives

Endocrine System at a Glance

Endocrine System Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Endocrine System

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Adrenal Glands

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Ovaries

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Pancreas

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Parathyroid Glands

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Pineal Glands

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Pituitary Gland

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Testes

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Thymus Gland

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Thyroid Gland

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Words Used to Build Endocrine System Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Real-World Applications

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Labeling Exercise

12. Nervous System

Learning Objectives

Nervous System at a Glance

Nervous System Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Nervous Tissue

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Central Nervous System

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Peripheral Nervous System

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Words Used to Build Nervous System Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Real-World Applications

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Labeling Exercise

13. Special Senses: The Eye and Ear

Learning Objectives

SECTION I: The Eye at a Glance

The Eye Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ The Eyeball

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Muscles of the Eye

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ The Eyelids

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Conjunctiva

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Lacrimal Apparatus

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ How We See

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Eye Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

SECTION II: The Ear at a Glance

The Ear Illustrated

Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ External Ear

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Middle Ear

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Inner Ear

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ How We Hear

Terminology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Word Parts Used to Build Ear Terms

Anatomical Terms

Pathology

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Pharmacology

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Real-World Applications

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Labeling Exercise

14. Special Topics

Learning Objectives

Introduction

SECTION I: Pharmacology at a Glance

Pharmacology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Drug Names

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Legal Classification of Drugs

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ How to Read a Prescription

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Routes and Methods of Drug Administration

Pharmacology Terms

Abbreviations

SECTION II: Mental Health at a Glance

Mental Health Disciplines

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Psychology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Psychiatry

Pathology

Therapeutic Procedures

Abbreviations

SECTION III: Diagnostic Imaging at a Glance

Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic Imaging Terms

Diagnostic Imaging Procedures

Abbreviations

SECTION IV: Rehabilitation Services at a Glance

Rehabilitation Services

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Physical Therapy

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Occupational Therapy

Rehabilitation Services Terms

Therapeutic Procedures

Abbreviations

SECTION V: Surgery

Surgery

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Anesthesia

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Surgical Instruments

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Surgical Positions

Surgery Terms

Abbreviations

SECTION VI: Oncology at a Glance

Oncology

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Staging Tumors

Oncology Terms

Diagnostic Procedures

Therapeutic Procedures

Abbreviations

Chapter Review

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Real-World Applications

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Practice Exercises

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Appendices

Appendix I: Word Parts Arranged Alphabetically and Defined

Appendix II: Word Parts Arranged Alphabetically by Definition

Appendix III: Abbreviations

Chapter Review Answers

Glossary/Index

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