What does the suffix -rrhexis indicate?

Study for the Introduction to Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What does the suffix -rrhexis indicate?

Explanation:
This suffix signals rupture or tearing of an organ or vessel. It comes from the Greek rhēxis, so terms ending in -rrhexis describe a break rather than a color or discharge. For example, cystorrhexis would mean rupture of the bladder, and angiorrhexis would mean rupture of a vessel. This is different from -rrhea, which means discharge, or from color-related roots like cyan- (blue) or leuk- (white). So the intended meaning here is rupture.

This suffix signals rupture or tearing of an organ or vessel. It comes from the Greek rhēxis, so terms ending in -rrhexis describe a break rather than a color or discharge. For example, cystorrhexis would mean rupture of the bladder, and angiorrhexis would mean rupture of a vessel. This is different from -rrhea, which means discharge, or from color-related roots like cyan- (blue) or leuk- (white). So the intended meaning here is rupture.

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