Final answer:
Surgical and procedural suffixes are added to the base word of a medical term to provide additional information about the procedure or location being described. Some commonly used suffixes include -centesis, -cise, -clasis, -desis, -ectomy, -gram, -graph, -graphy, -ion, -lepsy, and -lysis.
-centesis refers to the process of removing fluid from a closed space in the body using a needle and syringe. For example, thoracentesis is the removal of fluid from the chest cavity.
-cise refers to the cutting or excision of a specific structure or tissue. For instance, cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder.
-clasis refers to the application of a bandage or dressing to a wound. Cranial clais is the binding of the head after surgery to promote healing.
-desis refers to the fixation or immobilization of a joint or structure. Arthrodesis is the surgical fusion of two bones in a joint.
-ectomy refers to the removal of a specific structure or organ. Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney.
-gram refers to a test that involves taking a sample for analysis. For example, a urine gram stain is used to identify bacteria in urine.
Explanation :
-graph refers to a written record or description. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a graph that records electrical activity in the heart.
-graphy refers to the process of making a record or description. Radiography is the process of creating an image using X-rays.
-ion refers to a surgical procedure that involves making an incision or cut into a structure. For instance, laparotomy is an incision into the abdomen for surgical purposes.
-lepsy refers to a condition characterized by seizures or convulsions. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures.
-lysis refers to the breaking down or dissolution of a substance. Lysine is an amino acid that promotes lysis (breaking down) of bacterial cell walls during antibiotic therapy.
The use of suffixes in medical terminology allows for greater specificity and clarity in communication between healthcare providers and patients. By adding these suffixes to base words, healthcare professionals can accurately describe procedures, conditions, and structures in a way that is easily understood by others in their field. For example, thoracentesis allows healthcare providers to accurately describe the process of removing fluid from the chest cavity using a needle and syringe, while cholecystectomy provides clarity regarding the specific organ being removed during surgery. These suffixes also help patients better understand their medical conditions and procedures, allowing them to make informed decisions about their care and participate more actively in their own health management.
In addition, these suffixes can be used in combination with other prefixes and roots to create more complex medical terms that accurately describe specific conditions or procedures. For instance, arthroscopy combines arthro (meaning joint) with -scopy (meaning examination) to describe the use of an instrument called an arthroscope to examine joints during surgery. Overall, these suffixes play an important role in medical terminology by providing greater specificity and clarity in communication between healthcare providers and patients, as well as allowing for more complex medical terms to be created through combination with other prefixes and roots.