CPB (Certified Professional Biller) Certification Practice Exam

The prefix "contra-" in medical terminology is used to indicate opposition or something that is against a particular condition or factor. This prefix is derived from Latin, meaning "against" or "opposite." In medical contexts, you might encounter terms such as "contraceptive," which refers to methods that are against conception, or "contralateral," which refers to something occurring on the opposite side of the body.

Understanding medical prefixes is crucial for interpreting terms accurately and communicating effectively within the healthcare field. The other options do not correlate with the meaning of "contra-": 'Condition' does not properly reflect the idea of opposition, 'Neck, cervix' pertains to anatomical terms without an opposing context, and 'Heart' relates to a specific organ rather than suggesting something that counters or opposes. Thus, recognizing "contra-" as meaning "against, opposite" helps in deciphering various medical terminologies that involve a sense of negation or opposition.