CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

Which term means 'to measure' in medical terminology?

1. -metry

2. -graph

3. -logy

4. -gram

The correct answer is: -metry

The term that means "to measure" in medical terminology is derived from the suffix "-metry." This suffix indicates the process of measuring or the field of measuring. It is commonly used in various medical terms, such as "anthropometry" (the measurement of human body dimensions) or "goniometry" (the measurement of angles, especially in joints). This suffix is integral to various disciplines within healthcare, as precise measurements are crucial for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring patient progress. In contrast, "-graph" refers to an instrument that records measurements or the act of recording; for instance, a "radiograph" is an image produced by X-rays. Similarly, "-logy" signifies the study of a subject, such as in "biology" (the study of life) or "cardiology" (the study of the heart), rather than the act of measuring itself. Lastly, "-gram" denotes a record or image produced, such as in "electrocardiogram," which is the actual representation of heart activity, but does not relate directly to the process of measuring.