What is the meaning of the prefix "masto-"?

Prepare for the HOSA Medical Terminology Test. Enhance your skills with prefixes and suffixes through flashcards and multiple choice questions. Learn with hints and explanations to boost your medical terminology knowledge for the exam.

The prefix "masto-" specifically refers to the breast or mammary gland. This term is derived from the Greek word "mastos," which means "breast." It is commonly used in medical terminology, particularly in fields related to health, anatomy, and diagnosis concerning breast conditions. For instance, terms like "mastitis," referring to inflammation of the breast tissue, and "mastectomy," which is the surgical removal of one or both breasts, incorporate this prefix to indicate their connection to breast health.

In contrast, the other prefixes listed have distinct meanings: the prefix for "ovary" relates specifically to female reproductive organs, "skin" pertains to the integumentary system, and "testis" denotes male reproductive organs. Each of these prefixes is specialized for their respective anatomical structures, thus highlighting the unique meaning of "masto-" as specifically pertaining to the breasts.

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