Which root indicates a stone in medical terminology?

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 root "lith" in medical terminology specifically refers to a stone or calcification. It originates from the Greek word "lithos," meaning stone. This root is frequently utilized in conjunction with other prefixes or suffixes to describe various conditions related to stones in the body, such as "lithiasis," which indicates the presence of stones, or "nephrolith," which refers to a kidney stone. The specificity of "lith" as a root meaning stone makes it the correct choice to represent this concept in medical terminology.

Other roots listed do not relate to stones. For instance, "rhin/o" pertains to the nose, "ather/o" refers to fatty deposits or plaques in blood vessels, and "edema" relates to swelling caused by fluid accumulation in tissues. Each of these roots serves a different purpose in medical vocabulary, reinforcing the clarity and utility of "lith" as the definitive choice for indicating a stone.

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