What is the meaning of the prefix "crin/o"?

The prefix "crin/o" specifically denotes the action of secretion. This term originates from the Greek word "krinein," which means "to separate" or "to distinguish," and in the context of medical terminology, it refers to the process by which glands produce and release substances such as hormones or other fluids necessary for bodily functions. Understanding this prefix is crucial in various fields of medicine, particularly in endocrinology, where the focus is on glands and the hormones they secrete.

The other choices represent different physiological processes that do not align with the definition of "crin/o." For example, to absorb relates to the uptake of substances, to divide pertains to splitting or partitioning, and to filter is concerned with the removal of impurities or unwanted substances. However, none of these terms encompass the specific action of secretion denoted by "crin/o."