Course Outline for Health 51A
Medical Terminology & the Human Body

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 10/29/2019

Catalog Description:

HLTH 51A - Medical Terminology & the Human Body

4.00 Units

(Same as APHC 9701A )
Terminology and human body structure and function typically used in the medical profession. Explanation of the history of terminology, prefixes, suffixes, and root words with emphasis on spelling, definitions, pronunciation, and an understanding of their meanings. Includes basic understanding of the basic structure and function of the human body as well as medical abbreviations, anatomical, disease, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and additional terms as they relate to each body system. May not receive credit if APHC 9701A has been completed successfully.
CB03: TOP Code 1208.00 - Medical Assisting*
Course Grading: Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 4.00 72.00 144.00 216.00
Activity 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Laboratory 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Clinical 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Work Exp (Non-Paid) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Work Exp (Paid) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 4.00 72.00 144.00 216.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. describe the components of medical terms;
  2. build medical terms using word parts;
  3. define a medical term, by dividing it into its elements;
  4. spell and pronounce medical terms;
  5. apply medical terms and abbreviations appropriately;
  6. identify word roots, suffixes, prefixes, anatomical, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and additional terms as they relate to each body system;
  7. identify structure of the human body;
  8. discuss function of the systems of the human body.

Course Content:

  1. Introduction to word parts
  2. Introduction to structure and function of the human body
  3. Directional terms, anatomical planes and regions
  4. Structure, function, word roots, suffixes, prefixes, anatomical, diagnostic, surgical, medical and additional terms as they relate to the:
    1. integumentary system
    2. respiratory system
    3. urinary system
    4. male reproductive system
    5. female reproductive system
    6. obstetrics and neonatology
    7. cardiovascular system
    8. immune, lymphatic system and blood
    9. digestive system
    10. senses: eye and ear
    11. musculoskeletal system
    12. nervous system
    13. endocrine system
  5. Application and interpretation of medical terms and abbreviations as they relate to components of the medical record and selected disease processes.
  6. Spelling of medical terms.
  7. Pronunciation of medical terms

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Audio-visual aids
  2. Lecture/Discussion
  3. Class and group discussions
  4. Verbal explanation and demonstration.
  5. Distance Education
  6. Video

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Classroom group work-Discuss body system function and structure as it relates to the body as a whole.
  2. Medical terminology workbook exercises
  3. Complete worksheet on nervous system. Review in class for understanding.
  4. Memorize word roots, suffixes and prefixes and utilize them to build and define medical terminology.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Final Examination
  3. Class Work
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Pronounce and define medical terminology.
  2. Define a medical term, by dividing it into its elements.
  3. Identify word roots, suffixes, prefixes, anatomical, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and additional terms as they relate to each body system.
  4. Spell and define medical terminology.
  5. Identify the structure of each body system.
  6. Describe the function of each body system.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Chabner, Davi-Ellen (2017). The Language of Medicine (11th ). Elsevier.

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Introduction to medical terminology and the basic structure and function of the human body. This course provides a basic foundation for any healthcare program and/or course, anatomy and/or physiology course or to understand the language used in the healthcare field. May not receive credit if APHC 9701A has been completed successfully. May not receive credit if APHC 9701A has been completed successfully.