Question

22 multiple choice 1 point

condition of absence of a brain
microcephaly
hypocephaly
anencephaly
hemicephaly

Explanation:

Analyze the medical word components

Using the Medical Word Analysis and Medical Prefixes knowledge points, we break down the medical terms to find the one meaning "absence of a brain."

• The prefix a- or an- means "without" or "absence of."
• The combining form encephal/o refers to the "brain."
• The suffix -y denotes a "condition."

Combining these parts, an- + encephal/o + -y translates directly to the "condition of absence of a brain."

Evaluate the other options

Using Nervous System Terminology, we analyze the remaining choices:

• microcephaly: micro- (small) + cephal/o (head) + -y (condition), meaning an abnormally small head/brain.
• hypocephaly: hypo- (under, deficient) + cephal/o (head) + -y (condition), referring to a deficient head size.
• hemicephaly: hemi- (half) + cephal/o (head) + -y (condition), meaning congenital absence of one half of the cerebrum.

Answer:

• microcephaly
• hypocephaly
• anencephaly (Correct answer)
• hemicephaly