What suffix means surgical removal?

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 surgical removal?

Explanation:
The key idea here is what the suffix tells you about what happens to the body part. -ectomy denotes surgical removal or excision, so terms ending with it mean something is being removed, as in appendectomy (removal of the appendix) or gastrectomy (removal of part or all of the stomach). In contrast, -plasty refers to repair or reshaping, -otomy means making an incision into something, and -algia indicates pain. So the suffix that means surgical removal is -ectomy.

The key idea here is what the suffix tells you about what happens to the body part. -ectomy denotes surgical removal or excision, so terms ending with it mean something is being removed, as in appendectomy (removal of the appendix) or gastrectomy (removal of part or all of the stomach). In contrast, -plasty refers to repair or reshaping, -otomy means making an incision into something, and -algia indicates pain. So the suffix that means surgical removal is -ectomy.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy