In the term 'lymphopenia', what does the suffix '-penia' mean?

• A. Increase or excess of
• B. Deficiency or lack of
• C. Destruction of
• D. Formation of

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the suffix in the term 'lymphopenia', which is '-penia'.
2. Understand that in medical terminology, suffixes often describe a condition or state related to the root word.
3. Recall that '-penia' is a suffix used to indicate a deficiency or lack of something, especially in medical terms related to blood cells or other components.
4. Analyze the root word 'lympho-', which refers to lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
5. Combine the meanings: 'lymphopenia' refers to a condition characterized by a deficiency or lack of lymphocytes.