The combining form episi/o relates to which external genital structure?

• A. Vagina
• B. Uterus
• C. Cervix
• D. Vulva

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is recognizing which external female genital structure the combining form episi/o denotes. Episi/o comes from a term meaning vulva, the external part of the female genitalia (including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening). That’s why it’s used in terms describing the vulvar region, such as episiotomy, which involves the perineum near the vulva during childbirth. The other structures listed are internal: the vagina is described with colp/o, the uterus with hyster/o or metri/o, and the cervix with cervic/o. So the combining form episi/o clearly points to the vulva.