What is the meaning of the prefix hyper- as used in medical terms?

Prepare for the Briggs Bridging the Gap Medical Interpreter Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Ensure your success!

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of the prefix hyper- as used in medical terms?

Explanation:
Hyper- means above normal. In medical terms it signals that something is greater than its usual level or beyond the normal range, as in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypertension (high blood pressure). That’s why the best interpretation is “above normal.” The other ideas describe different relationships: below normal would use hypo-, between would be inter-, and within would use intra- (or endo- in some contexts).

Hyper- means above normal. In medical terms it signals that something is greater than its usual level or beyond the normal range, as in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypertension (high blood pressure). That’s why the best interpretation is “above normal.” The other ideas describe different relationships: below normal would use hypo-, between would be inter-, and within would use intra- (or endo- in some contexts).

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