Final answer:
Suffixes such as -itis, -ectomy, -ology, and -osis are crucial in medical terminology, indicating inflammation, surgical removal, the study of something, and a condition or disease, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Knowledge of suffixes is vital in understanding medical terminology. Each suffix has a specific meaning and helps to provide context to the medical term.
- a. Suffix: -itis: This suffix indicates inflammation. For example, appendicitis refers to inflammation of the appendix.
- b. Suffix: -ectomy: This indicates a surgical removal. Cholecystectomy refers to the removal of the gallbladder.
- c. Suffix: -ology: This denotes the study of a subject. Cardiology is the study of the heart.
- d. Suffix: -osis: This typically denotes a condition or disease, often one that is chronic or abnormal. Osteoporosis refers to a condition characterized by weakening of the bones.
Anatomical terms combine with these suffixes to describe various medical conditions and procedures.