Which term means flowing through?

Which term means flowing through?

• A. Diuresis
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Diathermy
• D. Distal

Answer: (B)

This question tests understanding of Greek roots in medical terms. The prefix dia- means through or across, and the ending -rrhea (from rheo, to flow) describes flowing. Put together, diarrhea literally means a flow through—the stool flowing through the digestive tract, i.e., watery stools. The other terms don’t match this sense: diuresis is urine flow, diathermy is heat applied through tissue, and distal refers to being farther from the point of origin. So diarrhea is the best fit for “flowing through.”

This question tests understanding of Greek roots in medical terms. The prefix dia- means through or across, and the ending -rrhea (from rheo, to flow) describes flowing. Put together, diarrhea literally means a flow through—the stool flowing through the digestive tract, i.e., watery stools. The other terms don’t match this sense: diuresis is urine flow, diathermy is heat applied through tissue, and distal refers to being farther from the point of origin. So diarrhea is the best fit for “flowing through.”