Which term describes a cell in medical terminology?

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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 term "cyte" is derived from the Greek word "kytos," meaning "cell." In medical terminology, it is used to refer specifically to a cell, often as a suffix in various compound words that denote different types of cells. For example, "erythrocyte" refers to a red blood cell, and "leukocyte" refers to a white blood cell. This differentiation is essential in the fields of biology and medicine, as understanding the various types of cells is crucial for diagnosing and treating health conditions.

In contrast, the other choices refer to larger biological structures or concepts. "Tissue" refers to a group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function. "Structure" is a broad term that can apply to any physical arrangement in anatomy, while "organ" refers to a collection of tissues that work together to perform complex functions within an organism. These terms encompass more than just a single cell, making "cyte" the correct choice for describing an individual cell in medical terminology.

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