What does the prefix "arthro-" refer to?

The prefix "arthro-" is derived from the Greek word "arthron," meaning joint. It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to conditions, diseases, or procedures related specifically to joints. For example, "arthritis" pertains to inflammation of the joints, and "arthroscopy" refers to a minimally invasive procedure used to visualize and treat joint issues.

In this context, understanding the meaning of "arthro-" is crucial for interpreting various medical terms associated with joint health and treatment. The other options do not align with this meaning, as they refer to entirely different concepts: veins pertain to blood vessels, "fast" does not relate to joints, and "decreased" is a descriptor for reduction rather than a specific anatomical structure. Thus, recognizing "arthro-" as indicative of joints helps reinforce the importance of prefixes in understanding medical language.