Which prefix means 'under, below, deficient'?

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

Which prefix means 'under, below, deficient'?

Explanation:
The prefix hypo- signals under, below, or deficient. It comes from Greek hypo, meaning under. In medical terms you’ll see hypodermic (under the skin), hypotension (low blood pressure), and hypoglycemia (deficient blood glucose). The opposite prefix is hyper-, meaning above or excessive. The endings -itis and -osis are suffixes that indicate inflammation and a condition, not position or deficiency, so they don’t fit the meaning in this question.

The prefix hypo- signals under, below, or deficient. It comes from Greek hypo, meaning under. In medical terms you’ll see hypodermic (under the skin), hypotension (low blood pressure), and hypoglycemia (deficient blood glucose). The opposite prefix is hyper-, meaning above or excessive. The endings -itis and -osis are suffixes that indicate inflammation and a condition, not position or deficiency, so they don’t fit the meaning in this question.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy