Question

Aislinn is compiling a research paper on common abnormalities that occur during tooth

development. She specifically wants to discuss anodontia, microdontia, and macrodontia, but
she finds it easy to confuse those terms. Using your knowledge of medical terminology, explain
how Aislinn can use the prefix of each word to connect it with the condition. Then describe how
Aislinn might explain each condition.

Answer 1

To help Aislinn understand dental abnormalities, she can analyze the prefixes used to form the medical terms. Anodontia means the absence of teeth, microdontia refers to abnormally small teeth, and macrodontia denotes unusually large teeth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prefixes in Dental Abnormalities

To connect each dental abnormality with its corresponding condition, Aislinn can analyze the prefixes used in the medical terms. Anodontia is derived from the prefix 'an-', which means 'without', and the root word 'odont-', which means 'tooth'. Therefore, anodontia refers to the complete absence of teeth. Microdontia, on the other hand, is formed with the prefix 'micro-', meaning 'small', and the root word 'odont-' again. So microdontia denotes having abnormally small teeth. Lastly, macrodontia is constructed with the prefix 'macro-', meaning 'large', and the root word 'odont-'. Thus, macrodontia refers to the condition of having unusually large teeth.

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