In the term dextrocardia, what does the prefix dextr/o indicate?

Study for the Introduction to Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In the term dextrocardia, what does the prefix dextr/o indicate?

Explanation:
Dextr/o signals the right side. This prefix comes from Latin dexter, meaning right-hand. So in dextrocardia, the heart is located on the right side of the chest, which is exactly what the prefix describes. The opposite idea would use a prefix for left (lev/o or sinistr/o), and front or back would use different roots like anter/o or dors/o, not dextr/o.

Dextr/o signals the right side. This prefix comes from Latin dexter, meaning right-hand. So in dextrocardia, the heart is located on the right side of the chest, which is exactly what the prefix describes. The opposite idea would use a prefix for left (lev/o or sinistr/o), and front or back would use different roots like anter/o or dors/o, not dextr/o.

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