Which morpheme means 'falling'?

Master medical terminology with the Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions for comprehensive learning. Enhance your understanding and prep for success!

Multiple Choice

Which morpheme means 'falling'?

Explanation:
The idea being tested is how medical terms signal a falling or drooping condition. The morpheme that means falling is -ptosis. It comes from Greek and is used in terms like blepharoptosis (drooping eyelid) or nephroptosis (dropping kidney). That suffix specifically conveys a sagging or prolapse of a part. The other morphemes don’t carry that meaning: Supra- means above, -desis means binding or fusion, and Auto- means self. So the suffix that denotes falling or drooping is -ptosis.

The idea being tested is how medical terms signal a falling or drooping condition. The morpheme that means falling is -ptosis. It comes from Greek and is used in terms like blepharoptosis (drooping eyelid) or nephroptosis (dropping kidney). That suffix specifically conveys a sagging or prolapse of a part. The other morphemes don’t carry that meaning: Supra- means above, -desis means binding or fusion, and Auto- means self. So the suffix that denotes falling or drooping is -ptosis.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy