Book excerpt: Essential Medical Terminology, Fourth Edition is updated with a new full-color design as well as new and revised terms and definitions. The Fourth Edition includes more than 200 full-color photos, illustrations, and tables to enhance key points and aid comprehension This best-selling introduction to medical terminology is based on the body-systems method and is flexible enough to be used in traditional or self-instructional course formats. Suited for students of all levels in the health professions, this accessible text provides the appropriate amount of detail needed to learn the basics of medical terminology. After learning the fundamentals of pronunciation, students can study the chapters in any order the instructor deems appropriate..