Which term means paralysis?

Which term means paralysis?

• A. Pnea
• B. Pneum(o)-
• C. Plegia
• D. Poiesis

Answer: (C)

Paralysis is conveyed by the root plegia, which denotes loss of muscle function. In medical terms, -plegia appears in words like paraplegia, hemiplegia, and quadriplegia, all referring to different patterns of paralysis. Pnea means trouble with breathing (as in apnea or dyspnea), pneum(o)- relates to air or the lungs (as in pneumonia or pneumothorax), and poiesis means making or producing (as in hematopoiesis). None of these indicate paralysis, which is why plegia is the correct term.

Paralysis is conveyed by the root plegia, which denotes loss of muscle function. In medical terms, -plegia appears in words like paraplegia, hemiplegia, and quadriplegia, all referring to different patterns of paralysis.

Pnea means trouble with breathing (as in apnea or dyspnea), pneum(o)- relates to air or the lungs (as in pneumonia or pneumothorax), and poiesis means making or producing (as in hematopoiesis). None of these indicate paralysis, which is why plegia is the correct term.