Which combining form means glowing? a. son/o b. pyret/o c. fluor/o d. albumin/o
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: c. fluor/o
Explanation (300 words):
The combining form “fluor/o” means glowing, luminous, or fluorescence. It is derived from the Latin word “fluere”, meaning “to flow,” but in medical terminology, it commonly refers to the emission of light or fluorescence.
In clinical and diagnostic contexts, fluor/o is often seen in terms like fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the interior of the body. In this process, a fluorescent screen and image intensifier are used to produce glowing or illuminated images that allow doctors to observe bodily functions like blood flow or organ movement in real time.
This term is linked to fluorescence — the phenomenon where certain substances emit visible light when exposed to electromagnetic radiation, such as X-rays or ultraviolet light. This glowing emission makes internal structures easier to see and study, especially during diagnostic or interventional procedures.
Let’s briefly examine the other options for clarity:
- a. son/o – This combining form refers to sound. It is used in terms such as sonogram or sonography, which are based on ultrasound technology.
- b. pyret/o – This means fever. It appears in terms like pyretic (relating to fever) or antipyretic (fever-reducing).
- d. albumin/o – This refers to albumin, a type of protein found in blood plasma. It is commonly used in medical terms like albuminuria (presence of albumin in the urine), which can indicate kidney issues.
In conclusion, fluor/o is the only combining form in this list that means glowing, making option c the correct answer.