Which combining form is used to refer to teeth?

Which combining form is used to refer to teeth?

• A. derm/o
• B. dent/o
• C. enter/o
• D. fet/o

Answer: (B)

The combining form "dent/o" is specifically used to refer to teeth, deriving from the Latin word "dens," meaning tooth. This combining form is prominent in various medical terms related to dentistry and oral health, such as "dentist" (a specialist in the care of teeth) and "dentistry" (the branch of health care that focuses on the teeth, gums, and overall oral health). In the context of medical terminology, understanding combining forms is essential, as they serve as building blocks for creating terms related to specific body parts or systems. In contrast, the other options relate to different anatomical areas: "derm/o" pertains to the skin, "enter/o" refers to the intestines, and "fet/o" relates to the fetus. Each of these combining forms indicates a different sector of health care and anatomy, underscoring the importance of accurate terminology in medical billing and coding.

The combining form "dent/o" is specifically used to refer to teeth, deriving from the Latin word "dens," meaning tooth. This combining form is prominent in various medical terms related to dentistry and oral health, such as "dentist" (a specialist in the care of teeth) and "dentistry" (the branch of health care that focuses on the teeth, gums, and overall oral health).

In the context of medical terminology, understanding combining forms is essential, as they serve as building blocks for creating terms related to specific body parts or systems. In contrast, the other options relate to different anatomical areas: "derm/o" pertains to the skin, "enter/o" refers to the intestines, and "fet/o" relates to the fetus. Each of these combining forms indicates a different sector of health care and anatomy, underscoring the importance of accurate terminology in medical billing and coding.