What does "trans" mean in medical terms?

In medical terminology, the prefix "trans" means "through" or "across." This is an important concept as it often denotes processes or movements that occur between different areas or structures in the body. For example, when referring to "transdermal," it indicates a route of administration that occurs through the skin, allowing for medications to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Understanding this prefix helps medical interpreters communicate effectively the nature of medical procedures, conditions, or studies involving movement or passage through different bodily systems.

In contrast, the meanings of the other terms do not align with the specific context of "trans." The term that means "small" refers to a different prefix, "micro." The word for "between" is typically represented by "inter," while "within" is represented by "intra." Recognizing the accurate meanings of these prefixes is crucial for precise medical interpretation and communication.