The root/combining form in the term cerebrovascular that means brain is:
a. cerebr/o
b. vascul
c. vascul/a
d. ar
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: a. cerebr/o
Explanation
The term “cerebrovascular” is a medical term that relates to the blood vessels (vascular system) of the brain (cerebrum). Understanding this term involves breaking it down into its component parts, also known as roots or combining forms.
- “cerebr/o” is a combining form that means “brain.”
- “vascul” is a root word meaning “vessel.”
- The suffix “-ar” means “pertaining to.”
So, “cerebrovascular” literally means “pertaining to the blood vessels of the brain.”
Why “cerebr/o” is Correct:
The combining form “cerebr/o” specifically refers to the brain, particularly the cerebrum, which is the largest part of the brain responsible for higher brain functions such as thought and action. This form is commonly used in medical terms that involve the brain, such as:
- Cerebrospinal – pertaining to the brain and spinal cord.
- Cerebral – pertaining to the cerebrum or brain.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
- b. vascul: This root refers to vessels, not the brain. It is part of the word but does not convey the meaning of “brain.”
- c. vascul/a: This is an incorrect combination. While “vascul” means vessels, “vascul/a” is not a standard combining form in medical terminology.
Summary:
The correct root or combining form in “cerebrovascular” that means “brain” is “cerebr/o.” This form appears in many medical terms relating to brain structures and functions. In this term, it combines with “vascul” (vessel) and “-ar” (pertaining to) to describe conditions or systems involving the brain’s blood vessels, such as cerebrovascular disease or stroke.
