Which prefix means "above" in medical terminology?

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Study for the Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question with explanations and hints. Ace your exam!

The prefix that means "above" in medical terminology is "supra-." This prefix is derived from Latin, where it directly translates to "above" or "over." It is commonly used in medical terms to indicate a position that is higher or elevated in relation to something else. For example, in the term "suprarenal," which refers to the adrenal glands located above the kidneys, the prefix clearly signifies their anatomical position.

The other prefixes listed do not convey the same meaning. "Sub-" means "under" or "below," indicating a lower position. "Post-" translates to "after" or "behind," used to describe something that occurs later in time or is situated behind another structure. "Super-" often means "above" or "greater," but it can also imply superiority in context rather than strictly positional elevation as "supra-" does. Thus, in the context of anatomy and medical terminology, "supra-" is the most accurate choice to represent the meaning of "above."

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