CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

What is the meaning of the prefix "ex-" in a medical term?

1. Inside

2. To remove

3. Out, away from

4. To add

The correct answer is: Out, away from

The prefix "ex-" in medical terminology signifies "out" or "away from." This prefix is commonly used to indicate movement or a direction that is external or away from a particular structure or area of the body. For example, in the term "excision," the prefix denotes the act of removing or cutting out tissue from the body. The other options refer to different meanings. For example, the prefix that suggests "inside" is typically "intra-," which indicates something occurring within a structure. The idea of "to remove" aligns more closely with terms like "resection" or "excise," which may involve various prefixes or context rather than strictly "ex-." Similarly, "to add" would be associated with the prefix "in-" or terms like "addition," which do not relate to the prefix "ex-." Understanding these prefixes helps in deciphering the meanings of medical terms accurately.