Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What does the prefix "peri-" indicate?

1. Many

2. Around

3. Without

4. Under

The correct answer is: Around

The prefix "peri-" signifies the concept of "around" or "surrounding" something. It is derived from Greek, where it is used to indicate proximity or being located near. In medical terminology, "peri-" can be found in various terms such as "pericardium" (the fibrous sac surrounding the heart) and "peripheral" (referring to something away from the central part, often used to describe nerves or blood vessels located away from the center of the body). The other prefixes provided in the choices encapsulate different meanings: "many" would pertain to a quantity, "without" signifies the absence of something, and "under" indicates a lower position or level. Each of these prefixes conveys a distinct concept but does not align with the meaning of "peri-." Understanding these nuances helps in grasping the broader context of medical terminology and enhances communication in healthcare settings.