What does the prefix "Megal-" denote in medical terminology?

Prepare for the HOSA Medical Terminology Test. Utilize interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to master prefixes and suffixes essential for HOSA certification. Gear up for success!

The prefix "Megal-" in medical terminology denotes something that is enlarged or abnormally large. This prefix originates from the Greek word "megas," which means "great" or "large." It is often used in terms that describe an organ or a body part that has expanded beyond its normal size. For example, "megacolon" refers to an abnormally large colon, and "megaly" is a suffix that indicates enlargement of an organ (as seen in "hepatomegaly" for liver enlargement). This understanding of prefixes is crucial in medical terminology as it helps healthcare professionals convey specific information about conditions or bodily structures accurately.

The other options refer to characteristics that do not align with the meaning of "megal-." "Small" implies a reduction in size, "normal" indicates a standard or typical condition, and "multiple" refers to a quantity rather than size.

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