Colp(o)- represents which of the following meanings?

• A. Hollow
• B. Vagina
• C. Hollow, Vagina
• D. Tube

Answer: (C)

Colp(o)- points to the vagina, coming from the Greek kolpos, which means a hollow or cavity and, by extension, the vagina itself as a hollow canal. In medical terms this combining form is used to name structures and procedures involving the vagina, such as colposcopy (looking at the vagina and cervix) or colpotomy (an incision into the vagina). Since the vagina is a hollow, tubular structure, the sense of hollow is also tied to its origin. That makes the option that includes both hollow and vagina the best match, as it captures both the structural idea and the actual organ involved.