Giving students the strongest possible baseline in medical terminology, along with the how and why it is used in documentation and basic coding, this is a vital text for all students taking courses in the area. It allows readers to use their knowledge immediately in any medical setting (including being a patient), in their workplaces, and in the journey to future careers.

Using a body systems approach to medical terminology, this textbook supports students to:

• Recognize words by constructing medical terms based on root words, prefixes, linking forms, and suffixes.
• Define, spell, pronounce, and use medical terms, acronyms, and abbreviations in the context of patient care with appropriate documentation and coding examples.
• Identify anatomical directions, fundamental anatomical terminology, basic physiologic functions, and common pathology of all major organ systems with related medical investigation tools, procedures, and pharmaceuticals.
• Relate the use of medical language and medical record-keeping to the SOAP format, common medical reports, and coding tools, along with their impact on patient care.

Accompanied by plentiful color illustrations and activities, as well as a companion website with resources for both instructors and students, this is a fresh and readable textbook.