Which prefix denotes sperm?

Which prefix denotes sperm?

• A. spermat/o
• B. sperm/o
• C. semin/i
• D. testicul/o

Answer: (B)

In medical terminology, the form that directly signals sperm is the combining form sperm/o-. This prefix shows up in words that refer to the sperm themselves or to functions affecting sperm, such as spermogram (assessment of sperm), spermicide (agent that kills sperm), and related terms describing sperm cells. Spermat/o- also relates to sperm, but it tends to appear in terms about the origin or development of sperm cells, like spermatogenesis or spermatocyte, focusing more on the process and the germ cells rather than sperm as a substance or target. The other prefixes point to different concepts: semin/i relates to semen, as in seminal and semen; and testicul/o relates to the testicle. These do not denote sperm itself, which is why the prefix that directly denotes sperm is sperm/o-.

In medical terminology, the form that directly signals sperm is the combining form sperm/o-. This prefix shows up in words that refer to the sperm themselves or to functions affecting sperm, such as spermogram (assessment of sperm), spermicide (agent that kills sperm), and related terms describing sperm cells.

Spermat/o- also relates to sperm, but it tends to appear in terms about the origin or development of sperm cells, like spermatogenesis or spermatocyte, focusing more on the process and the germ cells rather than sperm as a substance or target.

The other prefixes point to different concepts: semin/i relates to semen, as in seminal and semen; and testicul/o relates to the testicle. These do not denote sperm itself, which is why the prefix that directly denotes sperm is sperm/o-.