What is the history of medical terminology?

Answer 1

Medical terms generally arise from one of three sources:

1. The Latin word or words for the term.

2. Tradition. (i.e. blood pressure is measured in millimeters of Mercury due to the original system by which blood pressure was measured by how many millimeters it would raise a column of mercury.)

3. The name of the individual who first discovered, classified, or described the illness, structure, or condition.

Answer 2

Medical terminology has evolved over centuries, drawing from Latin, Greek, and Arabic roots to create a standardized system for describing the human body, diseases, and treatments. The first known medical glossary was written by Galen in the 2nd century AD, and further development continued through the Renaissance and beyond. Today, medical terminology continues to expand and adapt to new scientific discoveries and advancements in healthcare.