What does the prefix "hyper-" indicate?

The prefix "hyper-" denotes an excessive or above normal condition. In medical terminology, it is commonly used to describe situations where there is an increased level of something. For example, in the term "hypertension," "hyper-" signifies elevated blood pressure, which is a condition where blood pressure is higher than what is considered normal or healthy. This prefix serves to modify the word it precedes, informing healthcare professionals and patients that the condition involves an excess, requiring different considerations in diagnosis, treatment, and management.

In contrast, the other prefixes relate to other meanings: "deficient" indicates a lack or reduction, "surrounding" relates to something encircling, and "below" is used to denote something that is lower or underneath. Therefore, understanding the specific meaning of "hyper-" is critical for accurately interpreting medical terminology.