Which suffix indicates a procedure involving cutting?

Which suffix indicates a procedure involving cutting?

• A. -tome
• B. -stasis
• C. -pathy
• D. -ectomy

Answer: (A)

The suffix that indicates a procedure involving cutting is “-tome.” This suffix originates from the Greek word “tomē,” which means "a cutting" or "to cut." In the medical context, terms like “gastrotome” refer to a cutting instrument for the stomach, illustrating how this suffix is used to denote procedures that involve incision or cutting into tissues. Other suffixes listed serve different purposes: “-stasis” refers to stopping or controlling, often in a physiological context; “-pathy” denotes disease or disorder; and “-ectomy” means surgical removal of a specific body part. While “-ectomy” also relates to cutting, it describes the complete removal of a part, whereas “-tome” more generally pertains to the act of cutting itself. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the specific meaning behind each medical term.

The suffix that indicates a procedure involving cutting is “-tome.” This suffix originates from the Greek word “tomē,” which means "a cutting" or "to cut." In the medical context, terms like “gastrotome” refer to a cutting instrument for the stomach, illustrating how this suffix is used to denote procedures that involve incision or cutting into tissues.

Other suffixes listed serve different purposes: “-stasis” refers to stopping or controlling, often in a physiological context; “-pathy” denotes disease or disorder; and “-ectomy” means surgical removal of a specific body part. While “-ectomy” also relates to cutting, it describes the complete removal of a part, whereas “-tome” more generally pertains to the act of cutting itself. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the specific meaning behind each medical term.