Which term refers to the ear area?

• A. Patent
• B. Pathology
• C. Otic
• D. Potential

Answer: (C)

Understanding body-area terminology helps you match terms to what they describe. The ear area is denoted by the combining form ot-/oto-, and the adjective otic means relating to the ear. That’s why the term describing the ear region is otic—it directly names the anatomical area. For reference, otology is the medical specialty dealing with the ear, and otitis is an infection of the ear. The other terms don’t indicate a body region: patent means open or unobstructed, pathology is the study of disease, and potential refers to capability or possibility.