Final answer:
The suffix -penia used in medical terms indicates a deficiency, and is not indicative of inflammation, swelling, or infection. It denotes a lower than normal count of substances or cells in the body, like platelets or white blood cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a condition has the suffix -penia, it means there is a deficiency of something within the body. For instance, thrombocytopenia involves a deficiency in the number of platelets in the blood, leukopenia refers to a deficiency of white blood cells, and so forth. This suffix is commonly used in medical terminology to denote a lower than normal count, which can be critical in diagnosing various health conditions. The suffix -penia is not associated with inflammation, swelling, or infection but specifically indicates a lack of sufficient numbers of cells or essential substances. It's worth noting that a deficiency in certain components of the blood, such as leukocytes or erythrocytes, can leave the body more susceptible to infections or cause other health issues, as the immune system or oxygen transportation within the body could be compromised.