Medical English vocabulary for the OET and for clinical practice. Learn the anatomical and clinical terms used in case notes, referral letters and consultations, with clear definitions, collocations, pronunciation and example sentences. The Word of the Day series works through the body from head to toe, pairing each medical term with the everyday word patients use.
The jugular notch, also called the sternal or suprasternal notch, is the dip at the top of the breastbone between the two collarbones. 👁 What Does “Jugular Notch” Mean? The jugular notch refers to the visible and palpable dip at the top of the sternum, located between your left and right clavicles. The term comes […]
The areola is the circular area of darker, pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple on the breast. 👁 What Does “Areola” Mean? The areola is the circular, pigmented area of skin that surrounds the nipple. The term comes from the Latin word areola, meaning “small open space” or “little area.” In medicine, it refers specifically […]
The nipple (medical term: mammary papilla) is the small raised structure in the center of the breast where the milk ducts open. 👁 What Does “Nipple” Mean? The nipple is the small raised structure on the surface of the breast where milk ducts open. The word comes from modern English, though its roots trace back […]
The chest (medical term: thorax) is the front part of the upper body between the neck and the abdomen, containing the heart and lungs. 👁 What Does “Chest” Mean? The word chest refers to the front part of the upper torso, covering the heart, lungs, ribs, and surrounding soft tissues. It comes from Old English […]
Understanding head and neck anatomy terms is essential for OET Speaking, Listening, and real clinical communication. Below is a quick, simple reference you can study anytime. Start with the short video, then review the list of key terms with OET-style example sentences. Head & Neck Vocabulary List (with OET Examples) Back & Side of the […]
The axilla is the medical term for the armpit: the hollow under the shoulder where the arm joins the body. 👁 What Does “Axilla” Mean? The word axilla literally means the hollow under the arm, commonly known as the armpit. It comes from Latin, where axilla referred to the small space beneath the upper arm. […]
The acromion is the bony tip of the shoulder blade that forms the highest point of the shoulder and joins the collarbone. 👁 What Does “Acromion” Mean? The acromion is the bony projection at the top of the scapula, forming the highest point of the shoulder.The term comes from the Greek akron (meaning “tip” or […]
The trunk, or torso, is the central part of the body excluding the head, neck, arms and legs: the chest, abdomen, back and pelvis. 👁 What Does “Trunk” Mean? The trunk refers to the central part of the human body, excluding the head and limbs. It includes the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis — essentially everything […]
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is the long muscle on each side of the neck that runs from the breastbone and collarbone to behind the ear. 👁 What Does “Sternocleidomastoid” Mean? The term sternocleidomastoid literally describes its attachments: the sternum (sterno-), the clavicle (cleido-), and the mastoid process behind the ear. The word comes from a combination […]
The laryngeal prominence is the medical term for the Adam’s apple: the visible bump of thyroid cartilage on the front of the neck. 👁 What Does “Laryngeal Prominence” Mean? The term laryngeal prominence refers to the visible bump on the front of the neck, commonly known as the Adam’s apple. It comes from laryngeal (meaning […]