a-: Absence of, without Example: Atrophy – Wasting away or reduction in muscle size due to lack of use, often resulting from prolonged immobility, nerve damage, or muscle disease.

ab-: Away from Example: Abduction – Movement of a limb away from the midline of the body, such as raising the arm or leg to the side, common in physical therapy and exercise routines.

ad-: Toward Example: Adduction – Movement of a limb toward the midline of the body, such as bringing the arm or leg back to its resting position after abduction.

brady-: Slow Example: Bradykinesia – Slowness of movement, often a symptom of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, affecting motor function and coordination.

dys-: Painful, difficult, abnormal, labored Example: Dystonia – A condition characterized by abnormal muscle tone or involuntary muscle contractions, which can lead to repetitive movements, abnormal postures, and impaired function.

hyper-: Above, excessive Example: Hypertonia – Excessive muscle tone, resulting in stiffness or rigidity, commonly seen in conditions like cerebral palsy or stroke.

inter-: Between Example: Intervertebral disc – A fibrocartilaginous structure located between the vertebrae of the spine, providing cushioning and flexibility.

intra-: Within, in Example: Intramuscular injection – An injection administered directly into a muscle, commonly used for vaccines or medication delivery.

poly-: Many, much Example: Polydactyly – A congenital condition characterized by having more than the normal number of fingers or toes, which may require surgical correction for functional or cosmetic reasons.

sub-: Below, under Example: Subscapularis muscle – A muscle located below the scapula (shoulder blade), playing a key role in shoulder rotation and stabilization.

supra-: Above Example: Suprapatellar – Refers to the area above the patella (kneecap), commonly associated with the suprapatellar bursa, which reduces friction and allows smooth movement of the quadriceps tendon over the femur.

sym-: Together, joined Example: Symphysis pubis – A cartilaginous joint where the two pubic bones meet in the pelvis, allowing slight movement for childbirth and pelvic flexibility.

syn-: Together, joined Example: Synarthrosis – A type of immovable joint where bones are joined together, such as in the skull, providing stability and protection to vital organs.