In the context of medical prefixes, what does "Exo-" refer to?

The prefix "exo-" is derived from Greek origins, meaning "outward" or "outside." In medical terminology, it is often used to denote something that is external to a structure or organ. For example, in terms like "exoskeleton," which refers to an external skeleton of some organisms, or "exogenous," which describes substances originating from outside an organism, the prefix effectively conveys the notion of being outside or away from something. This understanding of "exo-" is critical in various medical contexts, especially when discussing anatomy, physiology, or conditions that involve external factors affecting the body.