Final answer:
The suffix -penial in medical terminology means decrease or deficiency. It is commonly used to describe conditions related to a decrease or deficiency in a particular substance or cell type within the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The suffix -penial in medical terminology means decrease or deficiency. It is commonly used to describe conditions related to a decrease or deficiency in a particular substance or cell type within the body.
For example, leukopenia refers to a decrease in white blood cells, thrombocytopenia refers to a decrease in platelets, and osteopenia refers to a decrease in bone density. These terms are often used to diagnose and classify various medical conditions.