CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

In medical terminology, what does the prefix 'epi-' mean?

1. Above

2. Below

3. Behind

4. Far from

The correct answer is: Above

The prefix 'epi-' originates from Greek and is commonly used in medical terminology to denote a position that is above or upon something. For example, in the term 'epidermis,' 'epi-' refers to the outer layer of skin that is situated on top of the underlying layers. This understanding is critical when interpreting medical terms, as the prefix sets the stage for the meaning of the word that follows. In contrast, the other options imply different positional relationships: 'below' relates to something beneath, 'behind' indicates a position to the rear, and 'far from' denotes distance, none of which align with the definition provided by 'epi-.' Thus, recognizing 'epi-' as meaning 'above' is essential for accurately interpreting and using medical vocabulary.