Which term means 'present but not active'?

• A. Laceration
• B. Latent
• C. Lateral
• D. Occluded

Answer: (B)

Latent describes something that exists but is not active or visible. In medical terms, a latent infection is present in the body but not causing symptoms right now; it can reactivate later. That fits the idea of “present but not active.” For contrast, a laceration is a tear in tissue, lateral means toward the side, and occluded means blocked or closed, none of which capture the sense of existing without current activity. A common example is latent TB infection, where the bacteria are present but dormant.