What does "olig" mean in medical terminology?

In medical terminology, the prefix "olig" is derived from the Greek word "oligos," which means "few" or "scanty." It is commonly used in medical terms to indicate a deficiency or a reduced number of something. For example, "oliguria" refers to a decreased production of urine, while "oligodendrocytes" are cells in the nervous system that are fewer in number compared to other types of glial cells.

Understanding this root helps in deciphering various medical terms that involve a reduction or scarcity of a particular quantity or element, reinforcing the concept of being scanty or few. The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not align with the specific meaning of "olig" as they suggest abundance, normalcy, or fullness, which contrasts with the indication of scarcity that "olig" embodies.