COVID-19 Hits Home
When my husband tested positive for COVID-19, the pandemic went from something “out there” into our home. It seemed a good time to revisit the coronavirus and take a look at two terms we hear often: omicron and monoclonal antibodies.
Preview: Omicron, COVID-19, Monoclonal Antibodies
Medical Terminology Crossword: Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology means the study of the eye. We know a lot about our eyes. Most of us use them every day. But how much do we really know? What terms describe diseases and conditions, anatomical structures, treatments, and diagnostic procedures? What is the correct spelling of these terms? Solve the crossword and check […]
Medical Terminology Cartoon Word Jumble: Hearing Loss
Rearrange the letters to find a term for hearing loss. Use the clues and cartoon to help you find the answer.
Preview: Cartoon Word Jumble
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COVID-19 and the Flu
Flu season is here! COVID-19 is still with us.
Read the comparison chart of these two infectious respiratory diseases and be prepared!
Medical Terminology Quiz: Dermatology
Do you know what size area the skin covers? Is the skin the largest or smallest organ of the body?
Find out the answers to these questions plus test your knowledge of medical terms related to dermatology.
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A 3rd-Party Review of Basic Medical Language
A 3rd-party reviewer rated our textbook, Basic Medical Language, the first on the list. Read all about it!
Medical Terminology Crossword for Kids: Bones of the Human Body
We are featuring our second kids crossword puzzle created by kids, my granddaughters Siena and Sophia Brooks Hand. It can be printed. Let us know how you like it.
Preview: Kids Crossword
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Exploring Medical Language 11th Edition
Long-term learning is enhanced by using this unique learning system.
Medical Terminology Cartoon Word Jumble: Cardiovascular Term
Rearrange the letters to form a cardiovascular term. Use the cartoon and clues to help you find the answer.
Preview: Solve the word cartoon.
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Endoscopic Surgery and Diagnostic Endoscopy
Which of the following is NOT endoscopic surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery
Keyhole surgery
Video-assisted surgery
Open surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
Read the blog to find the answer, plus learn about the procedures, their history, and hear the terms pronounced.
Preview: Endoscopic Surgery and Diagnostic Endoscopy
Medical Terminology Quiz: Urinary System
How well do you know the medical terms for the urinary system? Take the quiz and find out.
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Lyme Disease – A Reminder
Approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme Disease are reported each year. Most Lyme disease occurs in June, July, and August, but now is the time to pay attention to it.
Read the post for reminders on how the disease is transmitted and on the disease itself, with emphasis on the medical terms used to describe it.
New! Exploring Medical Language, 11th Edition
During its 36 years in print, nearly 2,000,000 students have turned the pages Exploring Medical Language to prepare for entry into health professions.
Medical Terminology Game: Clinical Sign
Jump into our little bit of March Madness.
Solve the Medical Terminology Word Jumble game for a clinical sign.
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Exploring Medical Language
Why this Textbook Stood the Test of Time 32 Years and Counting! The Possibilities Imagine that you find yourself with a contract to write a textbook for Mosby Inc. a reputable publishing company. There is some competition, but still, it is an emerging discipline. It is an opportunity to create a standard. You have a […]
Medical Terminology Quiz: The Common Cold
Medical Terms for The Common Cold Colds are minor viral infections of the nose and throat and are highly contagious. Although Sir William Osler famously said, “The only way to treat the common cold is with contempt,” most of us seek ways to relieve its symptoms. Take the quiz and see how many […]
Sepsis, Septicemia, and Bacteremia, What’s the Difference?
Sepsis, Septicemia, and Bacteremia are words used to describe this life-threatening infection, but which one is a medical emergency?
Read the post to find out.
Medical Terminology Crossword: Medical Prefixes
Prefixes are used to modify the meaning of a medical term and are commonly used to build medical terms made up of word parts.
Solve the Medical Prefixes Crossword, and be reminded of what prefixes mean and how they are used in the language of medicine.
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Terminology for COVID-19 Tests
COVID-19 test information is swirling about us. It’s on TV, in newspapers, on social media, and in conversation. Did you have a test? Which one was it? Do I need to get one? Why? Where?
To help you sort through all the confusion and complexity of COVID-19 testing, read the blog post. Learn the types of tests, when they are used, and the medical terms that surround them.
Medical Terminology Quiz: Endocrine System
Most of us can use diabetes or thyroid in our everyday communication. But how about other terms related to the endocrine system such as hyponatremia or adenopathy?
Take the quiz and check your knowledge of terms associated with the endocrine system.
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Medical Terminology Crossword for Kids: Respiratory System
During this COVID-19 summer, I spent time on FaceTime with my two granddaughters, ages 8 and 13, solving crossword puzzles. We moved from solving them to creating them. Here is our first medical terminology crossword puzzle for kids. It can be printed too! We hope you have fun with it.
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Medical Terminology Cartoon Word Jumble: Digestive System
Missing summer’s favorite pastime? For a quick reminder of an easier time, as well as reviewing a medical term, have fun solving this word jumble.
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5 Ways to Use Blog Posts with Your Medical Terminology Class
Are you currently working with your medical terminology course materials to prepare for your next class? Or, are you looking for ideas on how to liven up your class, or make it more interactive? If your answer is yes, then this blog is for you. Learn how to use medical terminology blog posts to add games, activities, assignments, and more to your class. They are free and waiting to be used.
Medical Terminology Crossword: Female Reproductive System
Challenge your knowledge of the female reproductive system terms that contain rrh in the suffix.
Medical Terminology Quiz: Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
According to the American Heart Association, at least 2.7 million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation (AFib). Take the quiz and challenge your knowledge of terms used surrounding this most common type of arrhythmia.
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Medical Terminology Crossword: Coronavirus, COVID-19
Our medical language is evolving as the COVID-19 pandemic plays out. For that reason, we are issuing the 5th consecutive blog on this topic.
Use the crossword to challenge your knowledge on terms related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the spread of the disease.
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Medical Terminology Cartoon Word Jumble: Public Health Term
Solve this Cartoon Word Jumble to find a public health term in common use during this current pandemic. A link is provided to learn more about this term.
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COVID-19 Videos
Watch one or both of these featured COVID-19 videos. One is short and covers basic information. The other is longer and is an in-depth scientific presentation. Both videos allow one to see COVID-19 medical terms in use. Cause, symptoms, spread, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are covered.
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Coronavirus Medical Vocabulary Quiz
Check your knowledge of coronavirus medical terms one hears on the news many times each day – pandemic – contagious – COVID-19.
And, stay safe and stay well!
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Coronavirus, COVID-19, & SARS-CoV-2
Coronavirus COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2
Today, you can hardly go an hour without hearing one of these terms.
Two were added to our medical terminology vocabulary in February 2020.
What do they mean?
How they differ?
How they are connected?
What is their proper use?.
Coronavirus COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2
Today, you can hardly go an hour without hearing one of these terms.
Two were added to our medical terminology vocabulary in February 2020.
What do they mean?
How they differ?
How they are connected?
What is their proper use?.
A New Instructor Discovers Games for Teaching Medical Terminology
Use games to connect concepts with medical terms.
Medical Terminology Cartoon Word Jumble: Consequence
Use the cartoon and clues to find the answer. It is a fun, fast way to review the term for unintended consequences of taking a medication.
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The Human Microbiome
Why is the human microbiome a hot topic? Why is it at the frontier of personalized medicine? Does it change while you are on vacation? The answers are in this concise, easy-to-understand blog post.
Medical Terminology Crossword: Medical Acronyms
Acronyms are commonly used in medical and everyday language. Often, we use an acronym without knowing where it comes from or how it is formed. What is an acronym? Is it the same as an abbreviation? Read the post to find the answers and have fun solving the crossword.
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Medical Terminology Quiz: Blood Clots
Are phlebitis and thrombophlebitis synonymous? How does a thrombus differ from an embolus? Test your knowledge of these terms and others related to blood clots.
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Medical Terminology Cartoon Word Jumble: Respiratory Sound
Use the cartoon and clues to find the answer. It is a quick and fun way to review a term for a body sound.
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Medical Terminology Crossword: Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and in women in the US. Test your awareness of CRC terms. Have fun solving the crossword.
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Colorectal Cancer Screening – Medical Terms to Help You Understand the Tests
Are you confused by the number of colorectal cancer screening tests? Read the post and become more informed about the expanding options for screening.
Medical Terminology Quiz: Abbreviations
The healthcare field is rich with medical abbreviations. While useful for saving time, errors can occur as a result of misinterpretation. Check your knowledge of ten commonly used abbreviations.
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Medical Terminology Cartoon Word Jumble: Endocrine System
Use the cartoon and clues to find the answer, plus take a look at its connection to diabetes.
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Medical Terminology Syllabus
Constructing a syllabus can be complicated and time-consuming. For convenience, we have created a sample syllabus for your use. Use the syllabus as is, or modify it in any way to adapt it to your course and/or your teaching style.
Medical Terminology Crossword: Endoscopy
Most are familiar with the term colonoscopy. It is a type of endoscopy. Many endoscopic terms are in use today, but interestingly, the term dates back to the time of Hippocrates (460-375 BC). Use the crossword to review endoscopic terms and see what they have in common.
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Medical Terminology Quiz: Myocardial Infarction
Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack. Check your knowledge of six medical terms associated with the cause and symptoms of myocardial infarction (heart attack).
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Medical Terminology Cartoon Word Jumble: Digestive System Term
Rearrange the letters to find an anatomical term for the digestive system. It relates to nutrition and has something in common with Dear Watson.
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A Career Teaching Medical Terminology
Myrna LaFleur Brooks has had a 49-year relationship with medical terminology. Teaching and writing about it became a life-long passion. After having two popular medical terminology textbooks published and creating a medical terminology blog, she takes a look back.
Video: Anatomical Directional Terms
Watch this 4-minute video on Anatomical Directional Terms to connect the terms visually with their relationship of one part of the body to another. An excellent video for beginning medical terminology students.
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Medical Terminology Crossword: Nervous System
Have a few minutes? Solve this crossword and check your knowledge of common terms for the nervous system.
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Medical Terminology Quiz: Misspelled Medical Terms
Misspelling medical terms may be a habit. Therefore, hard to break. Becoming aware of commonly misspelled medical terms may help.
Take the quiz and become aware of ten commonly misspelled medical terms and find hints on how to remember to spell them correctly.
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Cholelithiasis or Choledocholithiasis, What is the Difference?
Help students remember the terms cholelithiasis (gallstones) and choledocholithiasis by sorting out the difference through the meaning of their word parts.
Medical Terminology Cartoon Word Jumble: Nosebleed
Rearrange the letters to find the medical term for nosebleed which is built from two Greek word parts. It is a tricky one to spell – see how you do!
Medical Terminology Crossword: Respiratory System
Solve the Respiratory System Crossword. It is a fun way to check your knowledge of 20 common medical terms related to the respiratory system.
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Medical Terminology Quiz: Brand and Generic Drugs
What is the difference between brand and generic drugs? Is ibuprofen the same as Advil? Take the quiz and check your knowledge of ten commonly used drugs.
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Teaching Medical Terminology? Avoid Death by PowerPoint!
PowerPoint is a powerful tool to enhance learning. Used carelessly, it can result in death by PowerPoint. Use these five tips to evaluate if your slide presentation helps or hinders student learning.
Medical Terminology Cartoon Word Jumble: Cardiology Term
Try rearranging the letters to find this tricky-to-spell cardiology term. Use the cartoon and clues to help you.
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Medical Terminology Crossword: Word Roots
Short on time? Check your knowledge of a few common medical word roots by solving this fun mini crossword.
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Medical Terminology Quiz: Medical Suffixes
What’s the difference between arthritis and arthralgia? The answer is in the suffix. Knowing even a few suffixes can unlock the meaning of many terms.
Medical Terminology Crossword: Directional Terms
If you are employed in healthcare or read your own medical records, you have encountered many directional terms.
How many do you know? Test your knowledge with our crossword.
Medical Terminology Crossword: Medical Eponyms
Medical eponyms are diseases named after a person or place such as Ebola virus, named after a river in Zaire where an outbreak of Ebola occurred in 1976.
Find out how many eponyms are already in your vocabulary and perhaps learn a couple more.
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Chalazion, Stye, and Sty – What’s the Difference?
A Featured Term post on when to use stye, chalazion, or sty to describe a condition of the eyelid that presents as a bump.
Medical Terminology Quizzes
Here are some fun quizzes to test your knowledge and to help you learn medical terminology.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Has a New Name – Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease
Our understanding of a disease is formed by the language used to identify it. That is why Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is being replaced with a new name. Check out the blog to learn about the new term.
Medical Terminology Featured Term: Nosocomial Infections
In 2002, an estimated 1.7 million nosocomial infections occurred in the United States resulting in 99,000 deaths. What are they? Maybe you have had one! What terms might you use instead? Read the article to find out.
Medical Terminology Quick Question
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Find out how to use word parts to help you spell and define esophagogastroduodenoscopy correctly each time you use it. You can apply this technique to learn other medical terms built from word parts.
Medical Terminology Quick Question
Are you limited on time, but looking for a fun challenge? Solve our latest Medical Prefixes Mini Crossword, and you will be reminded of what prefixes are and how they work?
Rhabdomyolysis
Are you taking statins? Has a patient you are caring for experienced extreme body trauma? Are aggressive workouts part of your patient’s life? Check out why you might be hearing “rhabdo” at the gym or “rhabdomyolysis” in your medical field.
Medical Terminology Quick Question
Incidentaloma is NOT a form of cancer. According to the Exploring Medical Language textbook: Incidentaloma refers to a mass lesion involving an organ that is discovered unexpectedly [incidentally] by the use of ultrasound, computed tomography [CT] scan, or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and has nothing to do with the patient’s symptoms or […]
Video: Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
Fecal transfusion, stool transplant, human probiotic, fecal enema – why have these terms been replaced by fecal microbiota transplantation to describe this now standard procedure to treat recurrent Clostridium difficile, or C. diff. infection? Watch this short Mayo Clinic video to learn more.
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Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome
Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) is replacing the medical term persistent vegetative state. “Let’s look at WHY?” 0
Medical Terminology Flashcards – Paper Rules
How often have you seen students overwhelmed by the number of word parts they need to memorize in a short period of time?
Read this article on how you can help them effectively use the ‘old fashioned’ paper flashcard method to learn word parts and save time doing it.
How to Easily Navigate Our Medical Terminology Blog
Are you interested in using the crosswords in your classroom? Or do you want to assign quizzes for extra credit? How can you find out which blog post relates to the chapter(s) you are teaching. Use this post to learn easy navigation of the blog
Homonyms in Medical Language
Homonyms – terms that sound alike but have a different meaning, for example, ileum and ilium. Misuse may cause harm and at the very least be embarrassing. Take care in their use. Check out the post for guidelines.
A New Term for Obesity!
Obesity, overweight, excessive fat – is there a stigma attached to these terms? Yes, there is! A physician group is working toward transitioning to a new term, one that broadens the definition and removes the attached stigma. Learn more – read this article.
Precision Medicine and Pharmacogenomics – An Update
Read about the new preferred term for “Personalized Medicine” and the reason for the recommended change.
Teach Anatomic Planes with Playdough
Do you find teaching anatomic planes challenging? Watch this short video; it’s a great tutorial for using play dough to teach anatomic planes in the classroom.
Video: Understanding MRI
Is there radiation exposure during an MRI? How does an MRI differ from a CT scan? Watch this short video to find the answers.
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The New Language of Addiction
Do you use these terms when talking about addiction: substance abuse, addict, alcoholic, drug addiction? Read the post and learn the changing language of addiction.
Exploring the “Who” in Combining Forms Related to Childbirth
Does the combining form in medical terms relating to childbirth describe the mother or the newborn? Read the article to find out an easy way to remember.
Arrhythmia, Dysrhythmia: What’s The Difference?
If you had to spell arrhythmia and dysrhythmia, would you know which word has two Rs? Read the article and it will help you remember.
Video: Macular Degeneration
Do you know someone with macular degeneration? Are you covering it in class? Find out why age-related macular degeneration could reach epidemic proportions.
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Pressure Ulcer Now Pressure Injury
Do you know the new term for pressure ulcers? You may know it as bedsore or decubitus ulcer as well. Whether you are a healthcare employee or a patient, keep current with the latest terminology by clicking on the post below.
Video: Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)
Are benign prostatic hypertrophy and benign prostatic hyperplasia the same? What is an enlarged prostate gland? Watch the video to find the answers.
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Zika Virus Disease
Have you seen Zika in the headlines lately? Check out the terms you need to know, and more, to help understand this emerging infectious disease. Click the link below.
Engage Students with Chapter Pretests
Are your students’ minds elsewhere when you begin class? Cell phones? Instagram? Student loans? Try using chapter pretests to bring your students into the present. Click below to learn more.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Have you noticed the medical term Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE used in the news recently? Learn more about the disease that affects some retired football players. Click the link below.
Video: What is Bradycardia?
You have probably heard of tachycardia, but how about bradycardia?
Unravel the word parts to find its meaning, and watch a two minute video to learn more.
Intellectual Disability to Replace Mental Retardation
In 2010, President Obama signed legislation requiring the Federal Government to replace the term mental retardation with intellectual disability. Learn why!
Interviewing as a Medical Terminology Class Assignment
Students practice using medical terms in a real-world healthcare setting.
End-of-Life Doulas Help the Dying
When you hear the word doula you are apt to think of someone helping with childbirth. Now doulas are being trained to help with the dying.
Video: Word Parts
Learn how to approach medical terms built from word parts by breaking them up into prefix, word root, suffix.
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Homonyms in Medical Language
Homonyms -terms that sound alike but have a different meaning, for example, two, too and to, or in medical language, ileum and ilium. They can be confusing. Misuse may cause harm and at the very least be embarrassing. Be safe in their use. Read this post on the proper use of medical homonyms.
Video: Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
Watch this short video on myasthenia gravis.
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Video: How the Body Reacts to Tuberculosis
Watch this video on tuberculosis (TB), one of the most common cases of death worldwide from infectious disease.
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