Which statement defines the prefix phren/o?

Which statement defines the prefix phren/o?

• A. Nervous system
• B. Heart
• C. Diaphragm; mind
• D. Lung

Answer: (C)

phren/o carries two related meanings: diaphragm, the muscle that powers breathing, and mind, from historical usage in phrenology. In medical terms, it most often appears to refer to the diaphragm (as in phrenic nerve, which innervates the diaphragm). That dual sense makes the statement “diaphragm; mind” the best match for the prefix phren/o. The other options point to different body systems and don’t fit this root.

phren/o carries two related meanings: diaphragm, the muscle that powers breathing, and mind, from historical usage in phrenology. In medical terms, it most often appears to refer to the diaphragm (as in phrenic nerve, which innervates the diaphragm). That dual sense makes the statement “diaphragm; mind” the best match for the prefix phren/o. The other options point to different body systems and don’t fit this root.