Which root means dura mater; hard?

• A. Dura Mater; Hard
• B. Skin
• C. Intestine
• D. Fascia

Answer: (A)

This question tests recognizing Latin roots used in anatomy and what they describe. The root dura- comes from Latin durus, meaning hard or tough. Dura mater is the tough outer membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, with mater meaning mother, so the full name translates to the “tough outer mother.” Because of this, the root that best matches the meaning of this structure is the one that pairs with “hard.” The option that reflects this is the one labeled Dura Mater; Hard.

The other options point to different body parts or roots: skin is derm- or cutis-related, intestine is enter- or intestin-, and fascia is the fascia itself; none of these convey the meaning of hard as in dura.