What suffix means creation of an opening?

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 suffix means creation of an opening?

Explanation:
Creating an opening is described by the suffix -ostomy. It signals that a surgical procedure results in forming an opening (a stoma) that connects an internal organ to the outside of the body. For example, a colostomy creates an opening in the colon for waste to exit. By contrast, -ectomy indicates removal (like appendectomy), -scopy means visually examining with a scope (like endoscopy), and -graphy refers to recording or imaging (like radiography). So -ostomy is the suffix that denotes creation of an opening.

Creating an opening is described by the suffix -ostomy. It signals that a surgical procedure results in forming an opening (a stoma) that connects an internal organ to the outside of the body. For example, a colostomy creates an opening in the colon for waste to exit. By contrast, -ectomy indicates removal (like appendectomy), -scopy means visually examining with a scope (like endoscopy), and -graphy refers to recording or imaging (like radiography). So -ostomy is the suffix that denotes creation of an opening.

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