Question

In the term hyperkalemia, the root kal means?

1) high
2) low
3) normal
4) abnormal

Answer 1

The root 'kal' in the term hyperkalemia refers to potassium, not to any of the conditions high, low, normal, or abnormal; the combination with 'hyper-' indicates a high level of potassium in the blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the term hyperkalemia, the root kal refers to potassium. The prefix hyper- indicates a higher level, so hyperkalemia means an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. Therefore, the root kal does not mean high, low, normal, or abnormal in itself; rather, it signifies potassium, and the prefix hyper- denotes the high level. In medical terminology, roots or combining forms are used to convey specific meanings, and in this case, "kal" helps identify the involvement of potassium in the context of high levels, reflecting an abnormal concentration of this electrolyte in the blood. Understanding such roots aids in the interpretation and comprehension of medical terms related to specific elements or conditions.