Health & Body Vocabulary with Pictures - Learn 20 Essential Medical Words

Pain in your head

“I have a terrible headache. My head really hurts.”

💡 Common causes: stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, or eye strain.

Body temperature higher than normal

“I think I have a fever. I feel hot and weak.”

💡 Normal body temperature is about 37°C (98.6°F). Above 38°C is a fever.

Person who treats sick people

“I need to see a doctor because I've been feeling sick for a week.”

💡 In the UK, you see a GP (General Practitioner) first. In the US, a primary care physician.

Medical professional who cares for patients

“The nurse gave me some medicine and told me to rest.”

💡 Nurses do many tasks: taking blood, giving injections, monitoring patients.

Passage in your neck for food and air

“I have a sore throat. It hurts when I swallow.”

💡 A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold or flu.

When blood comes out of your body

“I cut my finger and now it's bleeding. I need a bandage.”

💡 Apply pressure to stop bleeding. Clean the wound and use a bandage.

Something you take to treat illness

“Take this medicine three times a day after meals.”

💡 Always follow dosage instructions. Ask the pharmacist if unsure.

Common illness with sneezing and runny nose

“I've had a cold all day. I keep sneezing and coughing.”

💡 A cold usually lasts 7-10 days. Rest and drink lots of fluids.

The rear part of your body

“My back hurts from sitting at the computer all day.”

💡 Good posture and regular stretching help prevent back pain.

Mark from an insect

“I have a bite on my arm. I think it's from a mosquito.”

💡 Apply anti-itch cream. Avoid scratching to prevent infection.

Written order for medicine from a doctor

“The doctor wrote me a prescription for antibiotics.”

💡 Some medicines require a prescription; others are "over the counter" (OTC).

Shop where you buy medicine

“I need to go to the pharmacy to get my prescription filled.”

💡 UK: chemist. US: pharmacy or drugstore. Pharmacists can give health advice.

Building where doctors treat serious illnesses

“She was taken to the hospital after the car accident.”

💡 For emergencies, go to A&E (UK) or ER/Emergency Room (US).

Bad reaction to certain foods or things

“I have an allergy to peanuts. I can't eat them.”

💡 Common allergies: nuts, dairy, gluten, pollen, dust, pets.

Picture of bones inside your body

“The X-ray showed that I had broken my arm.”

💡 X-rays use radiation to see bones. CT scans and MRIs show more detail.

Scheduled time to see the doctor

“I have a doctor's appointment at 3 PM tomorrow.”

💡 Book appointments in advance. Many clinics have online booking now.

Medicine that stops pain

“The pain is getting worse. I need to take a painkiller.”

💡 Common painkillers: paracetamol (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin.

The force of blood in your body

“The doctor checked my blood pressure and said it was a bit high.”

💡 Normal blood pressure is around 120/80. High blood pressure needs monitoring.

Injection to prevent disease

“I need to get a vaccination before travelling to Africa.”

💡 Called "jab" in British English. Check travel vaccines before trips abroad.

Doctor who focuses on one type of medicine

“The specialist said I need to lose weight and exercise more.”

💡 Examples: cardiologist (heart), dermatologist (skin), pediatrician (children).