Which morpheme means 'self'?

Master the Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology Test. Engage with flashcards and quizzes, detailed explanations provided. Enhance your medical vocabulary for exam success.

Multiple Choice

Which morpheme means 'self'?

Explanation:
Auto- is a prefix meaning self, used in many medical terms to show something related to the self or automatic action. For example, autoimmune describes a reaction of the body's immune system against itself; autograph is writing done by oneself. The other morphemes have different meanings: hydro- means water (hydrotherapy), -ptosis indicates drooping or prolapse (blepharoptosis is drooping eyelid), and mast- refers to the breast (mastitis, mastectomy). Since auto- directly conveys the idea of "self," it is the correct morpheme.

Auto- is a prefix meaning self, used in many medical terms to show something related to the self or automatic action. For example, autoimmune describes a reaction of the body's immune system against itself; autograph is writing done by oneself. The other morphemes have different meanings: hydro- means water (hydrotherapy), -ptosis indicates drooping or prolapse (blepharoptosis is drooping eyelid), and mast- refers to the breast (mastitis, mastectomy). Since auto- directly conveys the idea of "self," it is the correct morpheme.

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