What does the prefix 'Ab-' indicate?

The prefix 'Ab-' originates from Latin and is commonly used in various terms within medical and scientific contexts to signify direction or relationship. Specifically, it indicates a movement or positioning "away from." This is evident in multiple terms such as "abduct," which means to draw away from the midline of the body, and "abnormal," which refers to conditions that deviate away from the normal state. Recognizing this prefix aids in understanding many concepts in the fields that involve anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as it provides clarity on the direction or relationship of structures or conditions.