What does the combining form "morph/o" indicate?

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Prepare for the Rutgers Medical Terminology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your examination!

The combining form "morph/o" is derived from the Greek word "morphe," which means shape or form. In medical terminology, it is often used to refer to the structure or appearance of cells, tissues, or organs. For instance, when discussing morphology, one is typically analyzing the form of various biological entities. This concept is crucial in fields such as histology, pathology, and anatomy, where understanding the shape of a structure can provide insight into its function or abnormal conditions.

The other choices, while related to important medical concepts, do not align with the meaning of "morph/o." Death is commonly denoted by the term "necro-," to change is sometimes indicated by "metamor-" or similar roots, and mucus is referred to with terms like "muc/o." Thus, the correct interpretation for "morph/o" clearly points to shape, making the identification of it as relating to shape correct and essential for grasping medical language.

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