Which combining form is associated with the color blue?

Study for the Medical Terminology for Health Professions Test with our comprehensive quiz. Featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions, each accompanied by hints and in-depth explanations. Prepare effectively and boost your chances of success!

The combining form associated with the color blue is "cyan/o." This term originates from the Greek word "kyanos," which means dark blue or blue-green. In medical terminology, "cyanosis" refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood, clearly linking the combining form "cyan/o" to the concept of the color blue in a health context.

The other combining forms have different meanings: "leuk/o" pertains to the color white, commonly used in terms like "leukocyte," which refers to white blood cells. "melan/o" relates to the color black or dark and is found in terms such as "melanoma," a type of skin cancer characterized by dark pigmentation. Lastly, "poli/o" is associated with the color gray, often used in terms like "poliomyelitis," which refers to a viral infection affecting gray matter in the spinal cord. Each of these terms serves a specific purpose in medical terminology, but "cyan/o" is distinctively the one that represents the color blue.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy