Essential Terms to Know
Are you looking to improve your understanding of medical terminology? Do you want to learn the top 25 essential medical terms that every individual should know? Look no further! In this comprehensive article, we will explore the most common medical terms, their meanings, and provide examples to help illustrate their usage.
Understanding Medical Terminology: Why is it Important?
Medical terminology is the language used by healthcare professionals to communicate with each other and with patients. Having a basic understanding of medical terminology can help individuals navigate the healthcare system, make informed decisions about their health, and better communicate with their healthcare providers. Essential Terms to Know
Top 25 Essential Medical Terms to Know: Essential Terms to Know
1. Benign: Not cancerous. Example: A benign tumor is a non-cancerous growth that does not invade surrounding tissue.
2. Malignant: Cancerous. Example: A malignant tumor is a cancerous growth that can invade surrounding tissue.
3. Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces swelling, pain, and soreness. Example: Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat conditions such as arthritis.
4. Body Mass Index (BMI): Body fat measurement based on height and weight. Example: A BMI of 25-29.9 is considered overweight.
5. Biopsy: A tissue sample for testing purposes. Example: A biopsy is performed to diagnose conditions such as cancer.
6. Hypotension: Low blood pressure. Example: Hypotension can cause symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness.
7. Hypertension: High blood pressure. Example: Hypertension can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
8. Lesion: Wound, sore, or cut. Example: A lesion on the skin can be caused by injury or infection.
9. Noninvasive: Doesn’t require entering the body with instruments. Example: Ultrasound and MRI scans are noninvasive medical procedures.
10. Outpatient: Check in and check out the same day. Example: Outpatient procedures include routine surgeries and tests.
11. Inpatient: Plan to stay overnight for one or more days. Example: Inpatient procedures include major surgeries and hospitalizations.
12. In Remission: Disease is not getting worse. Example: A person with cancer may be in remission if their disease is not progressing.
13. Membrane: Thin layer of pliable tissue. Example: The cell membrane is a thin layer of tissue that surrounds the cell.
14. Acute: Sudden but usually short. Example: Acute illnesses include conditions such as the flu.
15. Angina: Pain in the chest related to the heart. Example: Angina can be a symptom of coronary artery disease.
16. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Heartburn. Example: GERD is a condition characterized by acid reflux and difficulty swallowing.
17. Cellulitis: Inflamed or infected tissue beneath the skin. Example: Cellulitis can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, and warmth.
18. Epidermis: Outermost layer of skin. Example: The epidermis provides a barrier against external factors such as water and temperature.
19. Neutrophils: Most common type of white blood cell. Example: Neutrophils play a crucial role in fighting infections and inflammation.
20. Edema: Swelling. Example: Edema can be caused by injury, infection, or medication.
21. Embolism: Blood clot. Example: An embolism can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.
22. Sutures: Stitches. Example: Sutures are used to close wounds and incisions.
23. Polyp: Mass or growth of thin tissue. Example: Polyps can form in the colon and increase the risk of colon cancer.
24. Compound Fracture: Broken bone that protrudes through the skin. Example: A compound fracture requires immediate medical attention to prevent infection.
25. Comminuted Fracture: Broken bone that shatters into many pieces. Example: A comminuted fracture can be caused by severe trauma, such as a car accident.
Mastering medical terminology can seem daunting, but with this comprehensive guide, you can improve your understanding of common medical terms. By learning these top 25 essential medical terms, you can better navigate the healthcare system, make informed decisions about your health, and communicate more effectively with your healthcare providers. Essential Terms to Know