Learning Medical Terms
- Posted on: Jan 10 2019
If you’ve ever been to a physical therapy clinic, you may have heard terminologies that sounded familiar when you were at the doctor’s office or the hospital if you’ve had surgery. They are using medical terms that has equivalent common terms we use and know. If you want to be in the know, then this is a quick reference for you. Rest assured that your PT will be impressed and will probably think you took Anatomy and Physiology 101 on your next visit.
Medical Terms Common Terms
Cervical Neck
Cervical flexion Look down
Cervical extension Look up
Cervical Rotation Look over Right or Left shoulder
Cervical Lateral Flexion Bend neck to the right or left side
Scapula Shoulder blades
Clavicle Collar bone
Humerus Shoulder bone
Radius and Ulna Forearm bones
Shoulder flexion Arm forward and up
Shoulder abduction Arm to side/ Snow angel
Supination Palm up
Pronation Palm down
Thoracic Mid back
Lumbar Lower back
Lumbar flexion Reach for toes
Lumbar extension Bend back
Lumbar Rotation Twist to the right or the left
Lumbar Lateral Flexion Reach for the side of the right or left leg
Pelvis Hip
Hip Flexion Pretend to sit down or squat
Hip extension Kick the leg back
Hip Internal Rotation Turn leg in
Hip External Rotation Turn leg out
Hip Abduction Bring leg out to the side
Patella Knee cap
Knee extension Straigthen the knee
Knee flexion Bend the knee
Gastroc Calf muscles
Plantar Flexion Heel raise
Dorsiflexion Toe raise
Ankle Inversion Turn foot in
Ankle Eversion Turn foot out
Cardiac Refers to the heart
Pulmonary Refers to the lungs
Edema Swelling
Now that you’ve learned these terminologies, you can start using them for your benefit on you next doctor’s or physical therapy visit. And the next time you hear them say any of these words, you will kind of have an idea of what they may be talking about. Of course, there’s a whole lot more to learn about but these may come in handy next time. Remember, it won’t hurt to learn a few things here and there. You got this!#
Rhia Vista, PTA
Posted in: Medical Education