Which root means 'gums'?

Which root means 'gums'?

• A. Gingiv
• B. Derm
• C. Gyn
• D. Hem

Answer: (A)

The key idea is matching combining forms to the body part they describe. The term for gums is the gingiva, so the combining form that points to gums is gingiv-. That root shows up in words like gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), gingivectomy (removal of gum tissue), and gingivoplasty (reshaping of the gums). The other roots refer to different parts: derm- means skin, gyn- relates to the female reproductive system, and hem- refers to blood. So gingiv- is the one that means gums.

The key idea is matching combining forms to the body part they describe. The term for gums is the gingiva, so the combining form that points to gums is gingiv-. That root shows up in words like gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), gingivectomy (removal of gum tissue), and gingivoplasty (reshaping of the gums). The other roots refer to different parts: derm- means skin, gyn- relates to the female reproductive system, and hem- refers to blood. So gingiv- is the one that means gums.