Which prefix means Cavity?

Which prefix means Cavity?

• A. Pneum-
• B. Iris-
• C. Phage-
• D. Antr-

Answer: (D)

The concept being tested is how prefixes hint at a structure’s meaning. Antr- comes from the Latin antrum, meaning a hollow cavity or chamber. In anatomy this prefix shows up in terms like the gastric antrum, the lower portion of the stomach, which is literally a cavity within the organ. That direct link to a hollow space is why antr- is the correct prefix for “cavity.” The other options don’t denote a cavity: pneum- refers to air or breath, iris- relates to the eye’s iris, and phage- means to eat or consume.

The concept being tested is how prefixes hint at a structure’s meaning. Antr- comes from the Latin antrum, meaning a hollow cavity or chamber. In anatomy this prefix shows up in terms like the gastric antrum, the lower portion of the stomach, which is literally a cavity within the organ. That direct link to a hollow space is why antr- is the correct prefix for “cavity.”

The other options don’t denote a cavity: pneum- refers to air or breath, iris- relates to the eye’s iris, and phage- means to eat or consume.