Question

The suffix "-pathy" when attached to an organ would be defined as

a) Disease of the organ
b) Surgical removal of the organ
c) Enlargement of the organ
d) Repair of the organ

Answer 1

The suffix '-pathy' indicates a disease or disorder of an organ; for example, 'neuropathy' means a nerve disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The suffix "-pathy" when attached to the name of an organ in medical terminology typically implies a disease or disorder of that organ. This suffix is derived from the Greek word 'pathos' meaning 'suffering' or 'disease'. It is commonly used in medical terms to describe various health conditions.

For instance, 'neuropathy' refers to a disease affecting the nerves, and 'myopathy' refers to muscle disease. Therefore, when we apply the suffix '-pathy' to an organ, it suggests that there is some form of disease or dysfunction associated with that organ.

For example, when we talk about cardiomyopathy, the root word "cardio" refers to the heart, and the suffix "-pathy" means a disease or disorder. Therefore, cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart.