What is the medical terminology breakdown of word superficial?

The word "superficial" has the following medical terminology breakdown:

- Root: super- (above, on the surface)

- Combining Form: -ficial (pertaining to)

Superficial means "situated on or near the surface of a body or organ". It is used to describe structures or conditions that are located close to the skin or the outermost layer of an organ. For example, "the superficial muscles of the face" refers to the muscles that are located just below the skin of the face.

Superficial is also used to describe conditions or symptoms that are not severe or deep-seated. For example, a "superficial wound" refers to a wound that does not involve deep tissues or organs.

Rare Diseases - Related Articles