Systems of the body
Specific bodily functions and systems will be discussed when working in a hospital. Being aware of these systems, knowing how to ask questions, and the ability to discuss and share information is important.
Objectives:
- Familiarize yourself with 3 systems of the body: the gastrointestinal, the heart and circulation, and the respiratory system.
- Obtain and share information with medical team members
Preparation activity
What do you know about this topic in English?
Classify the following terms based on the system they belong to. Click on and then slide the terms into the correct column. Verify your answers before moving on.
Gastrointestinal system
- Abdomen
- Distention
- Tenderness
- Fluid
- Masses
- Bowl movements
- Feces
- Hemorrhoids
Heart and circulation
- Shortness of breath
- Exertion
- Heart rhythm
- Heartbeat
- Fibrillation
- Palpitations
- Episodes
- Heart failure
- Cardiac
- Heart rate
- Chest pain
- Swelling
- Murmurs
- Pulse
- Valves
Respiratory system
- Lungs
- Breathing
- Productive
- Non-productive
- Cough
- Phlegm
- Get your breath back
- Take deep breaths
- Wheezing
- Asthma
Let’s Listen: Podcast 1 - The Gastrointestinal system
In this podcast a nurse is asking a patient about his abdominal pain after a patient walks in clutching his stomach and moaning.
Let’s Listen: Podcast 2 - The heart and circulation
In the following dialogue, a 52-year old male reports to the emergency department with chest pains. The man is on a stretcher. He is rubbing his chest with his hand. He is pale and looks anxious.
Let’s Listen: Podcast 3 - The respiratory system
In this podcast you will first hear a nurse and a respiratory therapist discussing a patient followed by the respiratory therapist speaking to a patient.