The word root meaning menstruation
a. gynec
b. men
c. metr
d. salping
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b. men.
The word root “men” refers to menstruation or the menstrual cycle. This root comes from the Latin word mensis, which means “month,” as the menstrual cycle typically lasts about a month. The term “menstruation” itself refers to the monthly shedding of the uterine lining, a process that is a key part of the female reproductive system.
In medical terminology, “men” appears in several words related to the menstrual cycle. For example, menarche refers to the first menstruation a female experiences, typically occurring around puberty. Menorrhagia describes excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding, while dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation. The root “men” is central to these terms because they all describe various aspects of menstruation and the female reproductive cycle.
The other options are related to different aspects of the reproductive system:
- a. gynec refers to women or female-specific issues (from the Greek gynē, meaning woman).
- c. metr refers to the uterus, as seen in terms like endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) and hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus).
- d. salping refers to the fallopian tubes, as in salpingectomy (removal of a fallopian tube).
Understanding these word roots helps in comprehending medical terminology related to the female reproductive system, aiding in clear communication among healthcare providers and their patients.