Medical Prefixes and Suffixes Quiz

What does the prefix "sub-" mean?

• above

• within; in

• below

• change; beyond

Answer explanation

The prefix 'sub-' means 'below' or 'under.' It is used in words like 'submarine' (under the sea) and 'substandard' (below the standard). Therefore, the correct answer is 'below.'

What does the prefix "meta-" mean?

• above

• change; beyond

• inflammation

• pain

Answer explanation

The prefix 'meta-' means 'change; beyond', indicating a concept that transcends or goes beyond the usual. This distinguishes it from other options like 'inflammation' or 'pain', which have different meanings.

What does the suffix "-algia" mean?

• pain

• softening

• deficiency

• pertaining to

Answer explanation

The suffix "-algia" is derived from Greek, meaning "pain." It is commonly used in medical terminology to denote various types of pain, such as in "neuralgia" (nerve pain). Therefore, the correct answer is "pain."

What does the prefix "inter-" mean?

• above

• between

• around

• below

Answer explanation

The prefix 'inter-' means 'between', indicating a relationship or connection among things. For example, 'international' refers to relationships between nations.

What does the suffix "-itis" mean?

• inflammation

• softening

• abnormal condition

• process of cutting; incision

Answer explanation

The suffix "-itis" is commonly used in medical terminology to denote inflammation. Therefore, the correct answer is "inflammation," as it specifically refers to the body's response to injury or infection.

What does the prefix "supra-" mean?

• above

• below

• within; in

• around

Answer explanation

The prefix 'supra-' means 'above' in Latin. It is used in various terms to indicate a position that is higher or superior, making 'above' the correct choice among the options provided.

What does the suffix "-al" mean?

• pertaining to

• deficiency

• pain

• abnormal condition

Answer explanation

The suffix "-al" means "pertaining to" and is commonly used in English to form adjectives that describe a relationship or connection to a noun, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

What does the prefix "intra-" mean?

• within; in

• between

• around

• below

Answer explanation

The prefix 'intra-' means 'within' or 'in'. It is used to indicate something that occurs inside a particular area or group, distinguishing it from 'inter-', which means 'between'. Therefore, the correct choice is 'within; in'.

What does the suffix "-tomy" mean?

• process of cutting; incision

• softening

• inflammation

• abnormal condition

Answer explanation

The suffix "-tomy" comes from Greek, meaning "process of cutting" or "incision." This makes the first answer choice correct, as it directly defines the term, while the other options refer to different medical concepts.

What does the prefix "peri-" mean?

• around

• above

• below

• within; in

Answer explanation

The prefix "peri-" means "around." It is used in various terms to indicate something that surrounds or encircles another object, making "around" the correct choice among the options provided.