Which prefix means "through" in medical terminology?

The prefix that means "through" in medical terminology is "trans." It is derived from the Latin word "trans," which translates to "across" or "beyond." In medical contexts, "trans" is commonly used in terms such as "transdermal," referring to medication that passes through the skin, or "transfusion," which involves transferring blood or fluids through the vessels of the body.

The other prefixes have different meanings. "Intra" means "within" or "inside," often used to describe something that occurs within a specific structure, like "intravenous," which refers to something administered within a vein. "Macro" means "large" and is used in terms like "macrophage," which describes a large type of white blood cell. "Hypo" refers to "below normal" or "deficient," as seen in "hypoglycemia," which indicates lower-than-normal levels of glucose in the blood. Understanding these prefixes enhances clarity in medical terminology and communication within healthcare settings.