The suffix -stenosis denotes which meaning?

• A. Narrowing
• B. Expansion
• C. Infection
• D. Puncture

Answer: (A)

The suffix -stenosis means narrowing of a passage or opening in the body. It’s used after a root that names the structure to describe a condition where that structure becomes constricted, such as aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve opening) or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). This concept is about constriction, not enlargement, infection, or puncture. Infections are described with -itis, punctures with -centesis, and expansions with terms like -dilation or -ectasis, so those options describe different processes.