The prefix Dendr- means which concept?

• A. Tree, Branching
• B. Nerve
• C. Vessel
• D. Bone

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is the meaning of the prefix dendr- in medical terminology: it denotes tree-like branching. Dendr- comes from the Greek dendron, meaning tree, and is seen in terms like dendrite, where the nerve cell extends branch-like projections. This makes “Tree, Branching” the best fit for what dendr- conveys. The other roots describe different ideas: nerve is neur- or neuro-, vessel is vas- or angi-, and bone is osteo-, none of which match the branching tree sense of dendr-.