Medical Terminology 2:

Terminology of Major Systems

Cardiovascular SystemThe heart, the blood and the blood vessels are the cardiovascular system.

Blood brings oxygen and food to the body’s cells through this system.

The cardiovascular system is critical for survival

Common cardiovascular terminology:

Cardiology the study of the cardiovascular system

Angiogram an image or record of a blood vessel

Cardiomegaly enlargement of the heart

Cardiomyopathy disease of the heart muscle

Respiratory SystemThe respiratory system supplies oxygen to body cells and removes carbon

dioxide from the body.

It includes the lungs and airways

Common Respiratory System Terminology:

Bronchitis inflammation of the bronchi

Laryngitis inflammation of the voice box

Rhinitis inflammation of the nasal cavities

Nervous System

This system is responsible for voluntary and involuntary actions and includes the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves

Common Nervous System Terminology :

Cerebrum largest part of the brain

Myelogram X-ray of the spinal cord

Neuralgia nerve pain

Digestive System

This system includes the mouth, tongue, teeth, stomach, intestines

and all other organs responsible for food intake, break down, digestion

and the excretion of waste

Common Digestive System Terminology:

Appendicitis inflammation of the appendix

Colitis inflammation of the colon

Pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas

Muscular System

All muscles are used to move parts of the skeleton, vessels or internal organs.

Muscles also generate heat for the body

Common Muscular System Terms:

Atrophy decrease in muscle size

Dyskinesia difficulty of movement

Myositis inflammation of a muscle

Skeletal System

The bones used to support and protect the body.

Common Skeletal System Terms:

Arthrogram X-ray of a joint

Craniotomy surgical cutting of the skull

Osteoporosis decrease in bone density

Sensory System

The sensory system is used to detect stimuli from the external and internal environment.

Common Sensory System Terms:

Conjunctivitis inflammation of the eye known as ‘Pink Eye’

Intraocular within the eye

Otoscopy visual examination of the ear