Introduction to Medical Terminology provides the tools to analyze medical terms and to learn the meaning, spelling, and pronunciation of terms. The first lesson of the course introduces students to word structures and teaches them how to break down long medical terms into their various components. It also introduces students to body systems, planes, directions, and positions. This information, together with the word structure tools, provides the groundwork for the remainder of their studies.
The second and subsequent lessons present anatomical, pathological, and clinical terms and procedures relating to the various body systems.
In the final lesson, students expand on and review some of the diagnostic and surgical terminologies they have encountered throughout the course. This lesson also introduces students to pharmacological (drug) terminology and expands their knowledge of oncology (the study and treatment of cancer).
Each lesson covers three or more body systems. As they work through each lesson, students are presented with simple diagrams to help them relate medical terms to the structure and function of the human body. They are given the opportunity to practice the pronunciation and spelling of various medical terminology relating to the body system.
