Which prefix meaning 'slow' is used in medical terminology?

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Multiple Choice

Which prefix meaning 'slow' is used in medical terminology?

Medical terms use prefixes to convey rate or speed. The prefix that means slow is brady-, derived from Greek bradys meaning slow. It’s used to describe slower-than-normal states, such as bradycardia (a slower-than-normal heart rate), bradypnea (slower breathing), and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). This contrasts with tachy- for fast or rapid (tachycardia, tachypnea). Hyper- and hypo- describe above-normal or below-normal levels, respectively, rather than speed, so they don’t specifically indicate a slowed rate. Remembering brady- helps you recognize terms that point to slowed physiological processes.

Medical terms use prefixes to convey rate or speed. The prefix that means slow is brady-, derived from Greek bradys meaning slow. It’s used to describe slower-than-normal states, such as bradycardia (a slower-than-normal heart rate), bradypnea (slower breathing), and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). This contrasts with tachy- for fast or rapid (tachycardia, tachypnea). Hyper- and hypo- describe above-normal or below-normal levels, respectively, rather than speed, so they don’t specifically indicate a slowed rate. Remembering brady- helps you recognize terms that point to slowed physiological processes.

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