What does the prefix 'para-' mean in a medical context?

In a medical context, the prefix 'para-' signifies 'alongside' or 'abnormal.' This prefix is derived from Greek, where it means 'beside' or 'beyond.' In medicine, it is often used to describe conditions or phenomena that occur alongside a certain process or structure. For instance, 'parathyroid' refers to the glands that are located beside the thyroid gland. Similarly, in the term 'paraplegia,' it describes an abnormal condition where there is paralysis affecting the lower half of the body, which occurs alongside the normal functioning of the upper body. This nuance helps in understanding various medical terms related to conditions that are adjacent or in contrast to standard anatomical or physiological states.