The prefix "epi-" means what?

The prefix "epi-" originates from Greek, meaning "upon," "over," or "above." It is commonly used in medical terminology to denote something that is situated on or upon a surface. For instance, in the term "epidermis," "epi-" indicates that this layer of skin is the outermost layer, lying over the underlying layers. Understanding the meaning of "epi-" helps clarify the context in which it's used in various medical terms, enhancing comprehension of anatomy and physiology. The other prefixes mentioned do not align with this definition, as they have distinct meanings relating to positions or locations that do not convey the same sense of being "over" or "upon."