What does the prefix "hyper-" signify in medical terminology?

The prefix "hyper-" in medical terminology signifies an increase or an excess of something. It is commonly used to describe conditions that involve a higher than normal level. For example, in "hypertension," it refers to high blood pressure, indicating that the blood pressure level is above the normal range. This prefix is essential for understanding various medical conditions and indicates an abnormal increase, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The other options refer to different prefixes: "hypo-" suggests below normal, "normo-" indicates a normal level, and other terms express conditions that are less than normal. However, "hyper-" distinctly conveys the idea of exceeding the normal threshold.