CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

What does the prefix "hyper-" refer to in medical terms?

1. Normal

2. Excessive

3. Deficient

4. Unusual

The correct answer is: Excessive

The prefix "hyper-" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate an excessive or increased condition. This is derived from the Greek word "hyper," meaning "over" or "beyond." In medical contexts, it often modifies terms to describe conditions that exceed normal physiological levels. For instance, "hypertension" refers to high blood pressure, while "hyperglycemia" denotes elevated blood glucose levels. Understanding this prefix is crucial for accurate interpretation and communication in the medical field, especially in the context of diagnoses and treatments. The other prefixes do not represent the same idea of excess; they indicate normalcy, deficiency, or unusual states, which are distinct from what "hyper-" signifies.