Chapter 5, Problem 1CYU

What is the meaning of the word roots epi-, sub: cutaneous, and derm?

Summary Introduction

To review:

The meaning of word roots epi-, sub-, cutaneous, and derm.

Introduction:

Words are generally comprised of two or more than two terms. The parts of a word that can be added with a prefix or suffix to form a new word are termed as word roots. The meaning of a word can be described by the meaning of the words that constitute it. Meaning of the word root is helpful in biology to understand the complex biological terms.

Explanation of Solution

Complex terms in biology are comprised of various basic words. The knowledge of the meaning of these words is helpful in determining the meaning as well as the definition of complex terms that are formed by them. The meaning of various word root terms is listed below:

1. Epi: The root meaning of “epi� is upon or over the skin. It is used in the word epidermis. The word root epi- in epidermis symbolizes above the skin.

2. Sub: The root meaning of “sub� is below or beneath. The word sub in sublingual refers to below the lingual/tongue.

3. Cutaneous: The root meaning of “cutaneous� is related to skin. The word root meaning of subcutaneous is below the skin.

4. Derm: The root meaning of “derm� is the skin. The word root meaning of “epiderm� is upon or above the skin.