Final answer:
The medical combining form atel/o means incomplete or imperfect, generally used in the context of respiratory issues such as atelectasis, where lung expansion is insufficient or the lungs collapse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The combining form atel/o in medical terminology stands for 5) incomplete; imperfect. This term is often used in the context of lung conditions, specifically a condition known as atelectasis, where there is an incomplete expansion of the lungs or lung collapse. This can inhibit normal gas exchange, which is facilitated by various respiratory structures such as the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli. Important associated features include the pleural cavity, which is the space between the parietal and visceral layers of the pleura, and the pleural fluid that prevents friction between these two layers. Lastly, in relation to atel/o, the diaphragm plays a crucial role in breathing, with its contractions and relaxations causing changes in thoracic cavity volume that enable air flow into and out of the lungs.
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