What is the medical terminology combining form meaning out of?

Answer 1

In medical terminology, the prefixes ec-, ecto-, ex-, exo-, and extra- refer to out or outside. One example is extracranial, which means pertaining to the outside of the skull. Another example is exocrine glands that secrete substances to the outside of the body, such as sweat glands. Ectopic pregnancy is another, meaning a pregnancy with the fetus outside the womb, such as in a Fallopian tube.

If referring to the state of being low in supply or out of something in quantity, the medical term is oligo- . Examples are oligouria (not enough urine production) oligoamniosis, which means low or no amniotic fluid during pregnancy.

If using the term to mean without or none, then the term used would be a- or an-. Examples are analgesia (substance that removes, relieves, or takes you out of pain), asystole (flatline or without a heartbeat).

If using the term to mean reduced, removed, or taken off, then the term used would often include the prefix de-. Examples are decapitated, decelerated.