Introduction to Terminology and Body Organization Study Guide

1. Introduction

Nowadays, with our world rapidly changing and new discoveries being made every day, science can no longer be just for scientists. It is important for everyone to have an understanding and appreciation of this vital way of thinking. Scientists do not simply accept any observation; they question, analyze and test it. This is done to ensure mistakes are not made and that new information can be trusted. These are some of the valuable skills, which are not just useful in scientific investigation, but are also skills for life! So for this great process for learning and investigation begins with asking why, and there is no such thing as a final answer! By starting to develop an understanding of the terminology used in the world of science, and learning about the way the human body is organized, we can start to apply scientific thinking in our everyday lives. Terminology is what we call the words that are specific to each field of study. For example, in a computer science program, you would probably have to learn terms like RAM and ROM, but these words would not mean to most people what they mean to a computer scientist. It is the same with medical terminology. This is because the human body is broken down into many different systems so that it is easier to study and understand the way in which the body works. Scientists use a kind of shorthand-terminology, which is specialized language that people use to communicate with each other efficiently. The body consists of different levels of organizations. At the highest level is the atomic level, where individual atoms make up molecules and macromolecules. These in turn combine to form cells, the basic level of life which can perform all the processes associated with life. But different cells are designed to carry out specialized tasks, such as muscle or nerve cells. We call this arrangement of different cells into groups with common goals “organization”. And the final product of this organization is what we call emergent properties, which are new functions seen at the levels above. For example, a nerve cell cannot coordinate the rapid movement of a leg muscle by itself, but when combined with other nerve cells and muscle cells, a nerve cell can help to make this movement happen.

1.1. Purpose of the Study Guide

The study guide is tailored to meet the learning needs of those with little or no background in anatomy and physiology. Reinforcing the concepts contained in the guide through standard reading and reviewing those concepts and providing tools for “transfer learning” which will enhance your overall retention of the material. Finally and most importantly, all of the above becomes more relevant and valuable as you progress through your healthcare quality curriculum because it has the potential, if used properly and consistently from the onset, for building an essential skill in healthcare quality and that is “critical analysis”. Critical analysis is really the foundation for dissecting the root causes of quality failures and negative outcomes in healthcare delivery. This guide and each of its components all help to build and reinforce that skill. By doing so, it is not a stretch to say that this guide can be utilized as an “Answer Key” to critical analysis because by following and routinely using all that is outlined, you will find that you learn over time to systematically break down the various interactions, investigational methods and contributing factors in the cause-and-effect continuum associated with quality deficiencies and less than ideal patient outcomes. The interpretations that you develop and the interventions that you might suggest will become second nature and that, folks, is what effective quality improvement is all about. It just doesn’t get any better than routinely striving to solve problems and improve the outcomes for those in our care. Well all I can say is “let’s get to study”.

1.2. Scope of the Study Guide

The study guide has been compiled to introduce the students to the terminology used in the medical world. The acquisition of medical terminologies requires a systematic process. The learning trajectory begins from simple subjects and advances to more complex ones. In this study guide, there are a number of key areas in the field of medical terminology that have been given priority. This is in line with the major areas of human body systems which, at the end, help the student to have a comprehensive understanding of the entire human body in relation to medical terminologies. The focus of the study begins with an introduction to the various terminologies and term analysis. This becomes foundational as the student gains skills in prefix, suffix, and root word analysis. The study guide further captures a broad overview of the human body organization, the various levels of the body from cells to tissues, and the importance of maintaining a constant body environment. It moves on to cover the major body systems such as the skeletal system, the muscular system, and the nervous system. Within each system, a detailed explanation of the system and common terminologies used in result to malfunctions or diseases that affect that system has been provided. The guide is structured in a systematic manner, highlighting one each system by itself. This makes the work easier as students do not become overwhelmed by the amount of information given. Rather, they are able to appreciate how the various systems are interrelated. Towards the end of the guide, students will find a summarization of the key points of each system. I firmly believe that this study guide will be a useful companion for the students who intend to pursue studies in medical-related courses and those who are already in the medical field. In fact, further reading materials and exercises should be encouraged so that the students can constantly engage themselves and reinforce their understanding of the terminologies. I hope the students will enjoy the study and benefit from it richly.

1.3. Target Audience

This guide is designed for several different groups of individuals. First, this guide will be useful to any student studying some field of medical movement science, such as exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training. In particular, this guide was designed for students in the Kinesiology program at San Francisco State University who are taking Human Kinesiology (KIN 355) and Medical Terminology (KIN 356). This guide is also written for students who are working toward a degree in physical education and seek a stronger understanding of the human body; for them, the study of the terminology and body organization in this field may provide both interest and challenge. Secondly, this guide may be useful to any faculty member who is teaching such a course. As part of its development in the Fall of 2011, the initial draft of this guide was submitted to the San Francisco State University-Academic Senate-Curriculum Review and Approval Committee for the establishment of Medical Terminology (KIN 356) as a General Education-Lifelong Learning and Self-Development course. It was fully approved with the guide through the completion of the cycle of review. This guide will be useful to explain to the Senate and students why a class about medical terminology could be categorized as a General Education self development in areas such as health and well-being. It also will help to give a clearer idea of the level of knowledge development, its application and the scope of the class. Last but not least, it is a useful reference for any student seeking to apply for the course waiver by demonstrating the successful completion of comparable class at another institution. However, in the effort to standardize the practice, the petition to consider such waiver in San Francisco State University must be approved by the faculty adviser in writing. One thing needs to be mentioned that, all current and future students of KIN 355 and KIN 356 at San Francisco State University are obliged to adhere to the published university policies and curriculum established by the faculty of the Department of Kinesiology. It is in the best interest of students who are enrolled in such classes to work with us in order to achieve the goal of enhancing the understanding learning experience for medical terminology and body organization. Also, the authors and contributors of this guide welcome any kind of criticism, for the purpose of improving the quality and usefulness of the book. All readers can send comments and suggestions. The contact information can be found on the last section of this guide. We hope that all students will not only find this guide useful, but also have a great time exploring the study of human movement and enjoying the lab work, which brings the words and knowledge learned to life!

2. Terminology

2.1. Definition of Terminology

2.2. Importance of Understanding Terminology

2.3. Common Medical Terminology

3. Body Organization

3.1. Overview of Body Organization

3.2. Levels of Body Organization

3.2.1. Cellular Level

3.2.2. Tissue Level

3.2.3. Organ Level

3.2.4. Organ System Level

3.2.5. Organism Level

4. Body Systems

4.1. Skeletal System

4.1.1. Bones

4.1.2. Joints

4.1.3. Functions of the Skeletal System

4.2. Muscular System

4.2.1. Types of Muscles

4.2.2. Functions of the Muscular System

4.3. Nervous System

4.3.1. Central Nervous System

4.3.2. Peripheral Nervous System

4.3.3. Functions of the Nervous System

5. Common Terminology in Body Systems

5.1. Cardiovascular System

5.1.1. Heart

5.1.2. Blood Vessels

5.1.3. Functions of the Cardiovascular System

5.2. Respiratory System

5.2.1. Lungs

5.2.2. Airways

5.2.3. Functions of the Respiratory System

5.3. Digestive System

5.3.1. Stomach

5.3.2. Intestines

5.3.3. Functions of the Digestive System

6. Conclusion

6.1. Summary of Key Points

6.2. Importance of Terminology and Body Organization