What does poli/o mean?

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

What does poli/o mean?

Explanation:
poli/o denotes gray. This combining form comes from the Greek word polios meaning gray and is used in medical terms to refer to gray matter, such as in poliomyelitis, which is inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord (and brain). That connection to gray matter is why gray is the correct meaning. The other options correspond to different roots: melano- for black, enter/o for the small intestine, and tonsill/o for the tonsils.

poli/o denotes gray. This combining form comes from the Greek word polios meaning gray and is used in medical terms to refer to gray matter, such as in poliomyelitis, which is inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord (and brain). That connection to gray matter is why gray is the correct meaning. The other options correspond to different roots: melano- for black, enter/o for the small intestine, and tonsill/o for the tonsils.

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