What does the prefix 'hypo-' generally indicate in a medical term?

The prefix 'hypo-' is derived from the Greek word meaning "under" or "below." In medical terminology, it is commonly used to indicate a condition that is below normal levels or insufficient in some way. For instance, 'hypoglycemia' refers to abnormally low levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood, and 'hypotension' indicates low blood pressure.

Understanding this prefix is crucial in medical contexts, as it helps clarify various conditions by specifying that they involve deficiency rather than excess. In contrast, other prefixes like 'hyper-' would signify above-normal conditions, highlighting the importance of recognizing these terms to accurately interpret medical language.